How to get rid of cellulite?

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is not just a “cosmetic defect” of the skin on the stomach or thighs, as it is often believed to be. In fact, it’s a structural change in the subcutaneous fat tissue, which appears visually as unevenness and dimpling on the skin’s surface. Most commonly, cellulite develops on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms, but it can also occur on other parts of the body.

It’s important to know that having some degree of cellulite is normal for most women. This is due to the specific structure of female subcutaneous fat tissue and the influence of sex hormones—particularly estrogen, which affects fat distribution and the condition of connective tissue. That’s why cellulite in men is extremely rare and usually linked to hormonal imbalances, while about 80–90% of women experience some form of cellulite, regardless of age or body type.

However, there’s an important distinction — cellulite is considered normal only when:

• it’s barely visible at rest or noticeable only when the skin is pinched;
• it doesn’t cause pain, swelling, heaviness, or other unpleasant sensations;
• it doesn’t indicate impaired microcirculation, lymphatic flow, or serious health problems.

If cellulite on the legs or abdomen becomes pronounced, forming visible dimples, hardening under the skin, or causing discomfort, it signals a disruption of metabolic processes in the tissues. In such cases, a comprehensive approach is needed — from adjusting nutrition and physical activity to undergoing modern cosmetic treatments.

What does cellulite look like?

The classic appearance of cellulite is uneven skin on the legs, buttocks, or abdomen. It may only become visible when pressure is applied to the skin or, in more advanced stages, be noticeable even at rest. However, cellulite can look different depending on how the structure of the subcutaneous fat tissue changes — and this helps cosmetologists choose the most effective correction methods.

Fibrous cellulite

This is the most common and at the same time one of the most difficult types to treat. It most often appears on the legs and thighs and almost never on the abdomen. Fibrous cellulite is resistant to correction because of its particular nature: collagen fibers thicken and form kind of “scars” around fat cells. This leads to persistent hardening under the skin, which is more difficult to smooth out.

Fibrous cellulite is characterized by deep dimples and nodules that can be easily felt when touching the skin. Pressing on the area may cause pain or discomfort, and the skin becomes denser and less elastic.

Watery (edematous) cellulite

This type of cellulite develops due to chronic fluid retention. It can appear in areas that other forms usually don’t affect — for example, cellulite on the arms or lower legs.
This form is characterized by swollen skin that feels soft and “puffy” to the touch. When located on the legs, it can cause a feeling of heaviness.

Fat (soft) cellulite

This is the most common type among women with slight excess weight. Fat cellulite typically appears on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. With this form, the skin’s surface becomes soft, and small bumps form when the skin is pinched.

Fat cellulite doesn’t cause pain or discomfort (apart from aesthetic concerns) but can worsen with insufficient physical activity and lack of weight control.

After the age of 30, women may experience a mixed form of cellulite, which combines features of fat, fibrous, and watery cellulite. It usually appears on the buttocks, legs, abdomen, and sometimes the arms, where the skin loses its firmness.

How does cellulite develop by stages?

Cellulite doesn’t appear suddenly — it develops gradually, going through several stages. Understanding which stage you’re at is important, as it determines how to reduce cellulite: in the early stages, lifestyle changes may be enough, while the later stages require a comprehensive approach and cosmetic treatments.

Initial stage (hidden)

What it looks like:

• almost no visible changes;
• cellulite appears only when the skin is pinched tightly between the fingers;
• the color and texture of the skin remain normal.

What happens inside:

• microcirculation of blood slows down;
• slight thickening of the subcutaneous fat tissue occurs;
• the first toxins and fluid begin to accumulate between cells.

Early visible stage

What it looks like:

• the skin becomes less firm;
• when muscles are tensed or the skin is gently pinched, small bumps appear;
• mild swelling may occur.

What happens inside:

• lymphatic and venous drainage become impaired;
• fat cells start to increase in size;
• small blood vessels become compressed.

Intermediate stage (pronounced cellulite)

What it looks like:

• the “orange peel” texture is clearly visible even at rest;
• the skin surface appears uneven and lumpy;
• a feeling of heaviness and sometimes pain upon pressure may occur.

What happens inside:

• dense fibrous nodules form;
• collagen fibers lose elasticity;
• cellular metabolism slows, and toxins accumulate.

Advanced stage (fibrous cellulite)

What it looks like:

• the skin shows deep dimples, hard lumps, and nodules;
• bluish areas may appear due to poor blood circulation;
• pain, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness are common.

What happens inside:

• the connective tissue becomes thick and coarse;
• blood and lymph circulation are significantly impaired;
• fat cells enlarge several times over, creating persistent skin deformities.

What causes cellulite?

The development of cellulite is a multifactorial process that depends on a combination of genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and external factors.

Hormonal causes of cellulite:

• Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels affect fat distribution and the tone of connective tissue;
• Cellulite often appears during pregnancy and breastfeeding, puberty, menopause, or in cases of endocrine disorders.

Genetic predisposition:

• features such as the structure of connective tissue, metabolic rate, number of fat cells (adipocytes), and even the arrangement of capillaries can be inherited.

Unhealthy diet — one of the most common causes of cellulite:

• Excess salt, sugar, trans fats, and fast carbohydrates slow down metabolism, promote fat accumulation, and cause fluid retention;
• A lack of protein, vitamin D, and collagen reduces skin elasticity.

Sedentary lifestyle:

• insufficient physical activity leads to stagnation of lymph and blood flow, which worsens cellular nutrition.

Chronic stress and lack of sleep:

• elevated cortisol levels promote fat accumulation and impair microcirculation.

Bad habits:

• smoking, excessive alcohol, and caffeine intake reduce oxygen exchange in tissues and decrease collagen production.

Hormonal contraceptives and medications:

• some drugs that affect hormone levels can lead to fluid retention and contribute to the development of cellulite.

Why does cellulite most often appear on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks?

The abdomen, thighs, and buttocks are “problem areas” for most women due to anatomical, hormonal, and physiological characteristics of the body. Here’s why cellulite most commonly develops in these areas:

1. Fat distribution patterns. The female body is genetically predisposed to store fat mainly in the lower body — on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. This is also linked to reproductive protection: these fat reserves help maintain hormonal balance, support pregnancy, and ensure breastfeeding.
2. The influence of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates fat accumulation specifically in the pelvic region and also affects blood vessels and lymphatic flow. As a result, fluid stagnation occurs more frequently in these areas, leading to swelling and the development of cellulite.
3. Structure of connective tissue. In women, collagen fibers in the subcutaneous fat layer are arranged parallel to each other, which allows fat cells more room to expand upward, creating a bumpy skin surface. In men, the fibers are arranged in a crisscross pattern, which is why cellulite is much less common.
4. Weaker microcirculation. Blood circulation in the thighs, buttocks, and lower abdomen is naturally slower than in the upper body. This leads to lymphatic stagnation, poorer cellular nutrition, and toxin buildup in subcutaneous tissues.
5. Lower muscle activity in these areas. The muscles of the abdomen and buttocks are typically less engaged in everyday movement — especially in people with a sedentary lifestyle. This reduces tissue tone and worsens fluid drainage.

Is cellulite related to being overweight?

There’s a common belief that cellulite is a problem only for people who are overweight. In reality, that’s not entirely true. While extra weight can make cellulite more visible, it can also be found in very slim women.

Cellulite in thin women may occur due to the structure of their subcutaneous fat tissue, hormonal influences, microcirculation problems, or genetics.

The role of excess weight in the development of cellulite

Being overweight is not the main cause of cellulite, but it can:

• increase the size of fat cells, making skin unevenness more noticeable;
• impair blood and lymph circulation;
• slow down metabolism in tissues, which intensifies fibrotic changes.

Thus, cellulite is a complex process that can appear in both overweight and very thin individuals. The only difference is that with excess body weight, it tends to be more visible and often develops faster.

How to get rid of cellulite?

Effective cellulite and fat reduction requires a professional approach. In addition to changes in diet, physical activity, and daily routine, cosmetic treatments are also essential. At LeoDerm Clinic, specialists know how to eliminate cellulite on the legs, thighs, abdomen, and arms, restore skin firmness, and define body contours.

The clinic uses modern hardware techniques and comprehensive care procedures that work on deep layers of the skin and tissues, restoring their structure, improving elasticity and tone, and reducing fat deposits and swelling. Below are the most effective solutions for achieving smooth, toned skin.

Anti-cellulite massage

This is a classic yet highly effective technique that improves microcirculation, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and enhances metabolic processes in the subcutaneous fat tissue.

How it works: intensive manual techniques break down fat deposits, reduce swelling, and make the skin smoother.

Result: reduced appearance of cellulite, improved skin tone, and better overall body contour.

Anti-cellulite body wrap

Body wraps work in synergy with massage and hardware treatments, enhancing the detoxification effect.

How it works: active complexes containing seaweed, clay, caffeine, or thermoactive ingredients are applied to the skin.

Effect: they stimulate the elimination of excess fluid, improve skin elasticity, and reduce localized fat deposits on the abdomen, thighs, and legs.

ICOONE Laser — a highly effective hardware technique.

ICOONE Laser is an advanced technology that combines mechanical stimulation and laser action at the cellular level.

How it works: it simultaneously combines vacuum roller massage with laser energy that penetrates deeply into the tissues.

Effect: It stimulates collagen production, activates lymphatic drainage, and breaks down fat cells.

Results:

• significant reduction of cellulite;
• improved microcirculation;
• increased skin firmness;
• more defined body contours.

Stratosphere — next-generation body contouring technology.

Stratosphere is an innovative system based on high-frequency ultrasound.

How it works: It targets the deep layers of subcutaneous fat tissue, breaking down fat cells and activating lipolysis.

Effect:

• stimulates metabolism;
• improves skin tone;
• reduces localized fat deposits and eliminates cellulite.

Pressotherapy — deep lymphatic drainage.

This procedure is designed to actively remove excess fluid and toxins and is particularly effective for edematous cellulite.

How it works: A specialized device applies rhythmic pressure to tissues, stimulating lymphatic flow and blood circulation.

Effect:

• reduces swelling;
• accelerates metabolism;
• helps decrease the size of fat cells;
• improves tissue oxygenation.

Ultraformer MPT — for improved skin firmness

Ultraformer MPT is an advanced microfocused ultrasound technology that works at the SMAS layer and is used as part of comprehensive cellulite correction programs.

How it works: Ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the tissues, triggering active collagen production.

Effect:

• tightens the skin in problem areas;
• restores density and tone;
• enhances the results of anti-cellulite treatments.

Struggling with cellulite and not sure how to get rid of it? At LeoDerm Clinic in Lviv, we’ll help you not only eliminate the appearance of “orange peel” skin but also improve your skin’s quality — making it smooth, firm, and toned. Book a consultation today and get a personalized body correction plan tailored just for you.