Common Myths and Facts About Cellulite

It’s very common and not harmful to your health, but you’re not alone if you don’t like the look of your cellulite. Because it’s such a major beauty concern, there’s a lot of misinformation about cellulite, including what causes it and how to get rid of it.

At Associated Skin Care Specialist, our board-certified dermatologists are always looking for treatments that help you look and feel your best. When it comes to getting rid of cellulite, treatment options are limited and most only provide temporary results.

Before you invest time and money into products and services that don’t work, we want to share some of the myths and facts about cellulite.

Myth: Cellulite is excess fat

Fat is part of cellulite. But the dimpling isn’t caused by excess fat. Everyone has a layer of subcutaneous fat under their skin. This layer of fat protects and insulates your body. 

The dimpling occurs when the connective tissue that attaches the skin to your muscle stretches, breaks down, or pulls too tight. The change in the structure of the connective tissue allows the subcutaneous fat to bulge out, creating the lumps and dimples in your skin. 

Myth: I have cellulite because I’m overweight

Your weight may affect the appearance of your cellulite, but that’s not why you have it. Though researchers are still investigating what causes the dimply skin, they theorize that it occurs from a combination of factors including genetics, sex, and age.

If your skin is thin and you have more body fat, your cellulite may be more visible. But, it’s estimated that up to 90% of women have cellulite, so it affects all shapes and sizes. Only about 10% of men develop cellulite.

Myth: Diet and exercise can get rid of cellulite

The connective tissue is what causes the dimpled, puckered skin. Unfortunately, diet and exercise can’t change the structure of your skin. Losing weight and excess body fat may make your cellulite less visible, but it can’t create smoother skin or make your cellulite go away.

Myth: Lotions and liposuction can treat cellulite

There are some creams and lotions that may improve the appearance of cellulite. However, you may need to use these products daily to get and maintain results. 

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted body fat to improve shape and contours, but it’s not a recommended treatment for cellulite. In fact, liposuction may make your dimpling worse.

If you’re bothered by how cellulite affects the look of your skin, schedule an appointment with one of our cosmetic dermatologists today by calling the office nearest you. We provide comprehensive dermatology care at our offices in Blaine, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, New Brighton, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. We also offer telemedicine appointments.

Additionally, we have an office in Fridley, Minnesota, for dermatology research and lab work.