Cellulite

What is Cellulite?

As fat cells increase within the body, they put pressure against the skin, creating an uneven texture called cellulite. Cellulite often appears on your thighs, buttocks, and stomach. When cellulite forms it causes the skin to appear lumpy, dimpled, and puckered.

What Causes Cellulite and Why It’s So Common

Cellulite is the result of fat cells pushing up against the skin while fibrous connective tissue pulls down, creating the familiar orange peel or uneven texture. This occurs in the subcutaneous tissue just beneath the skin’s surface, where connective bands run vertically through fat. When fat cells accumulate and expand, they distort the overlying skin surface, causing dimpling and uneven texture. Several predisposing factors contribute to cellulite development, including:

CAUSES OF CELLULITE

• Increased body fat and weight gain
• Genetic predisposing factors
• A high-fat, high-carb, and high-salt diet with low fiber intake
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Hormonal factors like estrogen

While often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, cellulite, medically referred to as status protrusus cutis, is a real medical condition with complex physiological underpinnings. Contrary to some myths, it is not an “invented disease,” but rather a result of multiple underlying interactions between muscle, skin, and fat.

How Cellulite Affects Different Skin Types and Body Areas

Cellulite can appear on a wide range of body areas, including the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and even upper arms. In some cases, the appearance of cellulite worsens with age as the skin loses elasticity and collagen production declines. Lighter skin tones may make medium-depth depressions appear more visible, while darker skin may mask dimpling but still experience skin texture irregularities.

Some areas accumulate deep fat more readily, which can increase the rate at which patients develop cellulite, while others may be prone to skin laxity, compounding the issue. Environmental and sun damage, combined with hormonal and genetic predispositions, also influence the appearance of cellulite in different individuals and skin types.

Cellulite vs. Loose Skin

It’s common to confuse loose skin with cellulite, but these are two distinct concerns. Loose skin occurs when the skin loses elasticity due to aging, weight loss, or sun damage, creating a sagging appearance. Cellulite, in contrast, is caused by structural issues between excess fat cells and connective tissue, resulting in a puckered, uneven surface. That said, skin laxity can worsen the look of so-called cellulite, making it appear more prominent.

Treatment Options

At Haus MD we offer effective treatments to diminish cellulite’s appearance and give you the comfort you deserve in your skin.

RF Microneedling

RF microneedling tightens the skin and smooths away unwanted lines. This procedure combines RF and microneedling to provide optimal skin tightening benefits. Radiofrequency microneedling erases imperfections in the skin including cellulite providing skin rejuvenation. It is equipped with three different handpieces for customized skin and body treatments. For the best results in skin quality and cellulite, it is recommended that clients do a series of three treatments every four to six weeks.

Sofwave

Sofwave is a non-invasive treatment that uses advanced ultrasound technology to reduce the appearance of cellulite by targeting the mid-dermal layer of the skin. By stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin, Sofwave helps tighten and lift the skin, improving surface texture and reducing the visibility of dimples and unevenness caused by cellulite. Most patients see results after just one treatment, with continued improvement over 12 weeks as collagen remodeling occurs.

Best Candidates for Cellulite Reduction Treatments

The best candidates to treat cellulite are individuals who:

• Have mild to moderate cellulite on common target areas like the thighs, buttocks, or abdomen
• Are in good overall health and maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Do not smoke and are free from significant adverse effects of chronic illnesses
• Are close to their ideal weight, as weight loss alone may not resolve cellulite
• Have realistic expectations and understand that cellulite reduction improves appearance but may not eliminate every dimple

Patients with good skin elasticity tend to see better results, but even those with some skin laxity may benefit from additional treatments like acoustic wave therapy or laser treatment, which boost collagen production and improve skin surface smoothness.

What to Expect During Your RF Microneedling Treatment

At HausMD, we utilize a state-of-the-art device equipped with multiple handpieces to tailor treatments to the specific area of concern. Patients can expect the process to begin with the application of a topical anesthetic to ensure comfort. A handheld device then delivers radiofrequency energy into the subcutaneous tissue, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

Treatment typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the target area; patients may experience slight redness or swelling for 1–2 days post-treatment, but downtime is minimal. A series of three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is typically recommended for significant improvement in skin texture and a reduction in the appearance of mild cellulite.

Does RF Microneedling Permanently Reduce Cellulite?

RF microneedling can produce long-lasting improvement in the appearance of cellulite, particularly when paired with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and complementary treatments such as vacuum-assisted or laser-assisted therapies. However, it does not eliminate fat cells or completely halt the development of cellulite. To maintain optimal results, periodic maintenance treatments are recommended, typically administered once or twice a year.

Patients are also encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent weight gain and consider using supportive at-home products if advised by their healthcare provider. While no cellulite treatment offers a permanent cure, RF microneedling remains one of the most promising and evidence-based options available, delivering smoother, more even skin with minimal adverse effects.

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At Haus MD, we are proud to carry an array of dermatology-tested skin care and aesthetic products to help you look and feel your best. We only carry brands that we believe in, including our own Rothaus MD products, which have been skillfully formulated for healthy skin and long-lasting results. Visit our online store to shop.

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