Cellulite causes dimpled skin on areas like the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. It is a big issue for many women, and even though it’s harmless, most women want to get rid of it.
Many patients wonder if liposuction can be an effective cellulite treatment. While liposuction is great for removing fat, liposuction for cellulite is not always the best solution. In some cases, it can even make it worse. Still, some patients may benefit. Below, we’ll investigate this topic further and answer some related questions about liposuction and cellulite.
Does Liposuction for Cellulite Work?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove fat from stubborn areas, but it is not specifically designed to treat cellulite. Cellulite forms when fibrous bands pull the skin down, creating lumpy skin. Since liposuction only removes fat cells and does not address these bands, it does not always improve the appearance of cellulite. In some cases, removing fat without treating the connective tissue can make cellulite more noticeable.
Some types of liposuction, such as laser-assisted liposuction, may offer better results by stimulating collagen production, but the improvement is usually minimal. Many patients looking to eliminate cellulite may need additional treatment options, such as fat grafting, laser treatments, or acoustic wave therapy.
Before considering liposuction for cellulite, it is best to consult with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cynthia Diehl to determine the most effective approach.
Liposuction for Cellulite Before and After
What Treats Cellulite?
There are many ways cellulite can be treated. Each treatment varies in effectiveness, depending on the severity of the cellulite and the individual patient. Below are just a few treatment options.
Liposuction
Liposuction is sometimes used for cellulite in thighs and other cellulite-prone areas, but it is not the best standalone option. Some patients see a slight improvement in dimpled skin, especially when fat injections or fat grafting are used to smooth out uneven areas. However, liposuction alone does not remove cellulite completely.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments use a medical device to target cellulite beneath the skin. These treatments can break apart fibrous bands and stimulate collagen to reduce cellulite. Laser-assisted cellulite removal often requires multiple sessions, but many women see improvements in the appearance of cellulite over time.
Diet and Exercise
For women with extra weight, lifestyle changes can help improve the appearance of cellulite. Losing fat through a healthy diet and exercise can reduce the severity of cellulite in some cases. However, even women at a healthy weight can still develop cellulite due to genetics and other factors.
Causes of Cellulite
Genetics
Many patients develop cellulite because of genetics. If your family members have cellulite, you are more likely to have it as well. Genetics influence fat distribution, skin elasticity, and how fibrous bands form, all of which affect the appearance of cellulite.
Aging
As people age, their skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. This makes cellulite more noticeable, even in those who have less fat. The breakdown of connective tissue over time can also worsen the dimpled appearance of cellulite.
Fat Distribution
Cellulite is not just about excess fat—it is also about how fat is stored in the body. Some areas, like the thighs and buttocks, tend to hold more fat and are more likely to develop cellulite. Even those who are at a healthy weight can have cellulite if their fat distribution makes them prone to it.
Benefits of Liposuction
Removes Unwanted Fat
One of the biggest benefits of liposuction is that it helps remove fat from stubborn areas. Many patients opt for spot liposuction over trying diet and exercise alone. Liposuction for cellulite in thighs—or specifically on the abdomen or arms—can sometimes be very effective as well. While it usually does not eliminate all cellulite, it can improve body contours.
Improves Body Proportions
Liposuction can create a more balanced figure by reducing excess fat in problem areas. For those considering a tummy tuck, liposuction is often combined with the procedure to create smoother, more natural results.
Long-Lasting Results
Fat cells removed through liposuction do not come back. However, patients must maintain a stable weight to keep their results. If weight gain occurs, new fat can develop in different areas, potentially making cellulite more noticeable.
FAQs: Cellulite and Liposuction
What happens to fat after liposuction?
So, where does fat go after liposuction? After fat is removed during a liposuction procedure, it is permanently gone. However, if a patient gains weight, their remaining fat cells can expand. This is why maintaining a healthy weight is important for long-term results.
Can liposuction remove cellulite?
Liposuction is not a cellulite treatment, but it can sometimes reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving body contours. However, in some cases, it can make cellulite worse by removing fat without addressing the underlying fibrous bands.
What are the best treatment options for cellulite?
The best cellulite treatment depends on the individual. Options like laser therapy, acoustic wave therapy, and fat grafting can help reduce cellulite. For those with excess skin or stubborn fat, a combination of treatments may be needed.
Are liposuction for cellulite before and after results noticeable?
Some patients see an improvement in cellulite after liposuction, especially if combined with fat injections or laser treatments. However, liposuction for thigh cellulite or other areas will not always lead to a dramatic difference in cellulite removal. It is important to have realistic expectations and consider other treatment options if cellulite is a main concern.
Request a Consultation with Us Today
Whether liposuction will work for you to get rid of cellulite really depends on your individual situation, what liposuction areas you are looking at, and what your ultimate goals are. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cynthia Diehl can help you find the perfect solution for you and your aims. Contact us today to book your consultation with Dr. Diehl.
