How to Get Rid of Cellulite | What Actually Reduces Dimpling

Cellulite can’t be completely eliminated, but laser, radiofrequency, and subcision treatments can reduce its appearance for months or years.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of cellulite, the honest answer is that no treatment removes it permanently. Cellulite is a cosmetic skin change where fat pushes against connective tissue, creating a dimpled look. The goal isn’t a cure — it’s reducing how noticeable the dimpling is. The good news: you have more real options than you might think, from lifestyle changes to in-office procedures with lasting results.

Why Cellulite Forms And Who Gets It

Cellulite happens when fat deposits press upward against the skin while fibrous bands pull downward, creating that uneven, cottage-cheese texture. It’s not a health problem, and it’s not caused by being out of shape. According to Mayo Clinic, it’s far more common in women than men, and it usually appears on the buttocks and thighs.

Hormones, genetics, age, and skin thickness all play a role. Even very fit people develop it. That’s why the first step is adjusting your expectations: the target is smoother-looking skin, not flawless skin.

Lifestyle Changes That Improve Appearance

Mayo Clinic’s guidance puts healthy habits first, and for good reason — they’re the only approach that addresses the underlying factors you can actually control. Weight loss, if you’re overweight, can reduce the fat pushing against your skin. Regular physical activity that builds muscle tone can make the area look firmer, which lessens the dimpled effect.

These steps won’t erase cellulite that’s already visible, but they can genuinely improve how it looks. What won’t help: dry brushing, massage, and skin wraps. Mayo Clinic lists these as ineffective, so skip them and save your time.

Do Cellulite Creams Work?

Most over-the-counter cellulite creams don’t live up to their labels. The research doesn’t back them as a cure, and some can irritate your skin or cause a rash.

The one topical with meaningful support is retinol. Mayo Clinic notes that a 0.3% retinol cream has shown improvement in cellulite’s appearance in studies, likely by thickening the skin. That’s a modest effect — it can soften the look, not remove it. If you go this route, be patient and consistent, and stop if your skin reacts poorly.

Medical Treatments With Real Results

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer procedures that target the structural cause of cellulite. Results vary, but the in-office options below are the ones with credible evidence behind them.

Laser And Radiofrequency Treatments

These noninvasive treatments heat the tissue beneath the skin to stimulate collagen and break up the fibrous bands. Mayo Clinic notes that results from laser and radiofrequency typically last no longer than about six months, so maintenance sessions are part of the deal. They’re a reasonable option if you want improvement without downtime.

Subcision For Deep Dimples

For severe cellulite dimples that are visible even when you’re lying down, subcision is the procedure dermatologists recommend. A needle is inserted under the skin to release the fibrous bands pulling it down. It’s minimally invasive and directly targets the cause, not just the surface appearance.

FDA-Cleared Devices: Cellfina And Sofwave

Two devices stand out in the literature. The Cellfina System is FDA-cleared for long-term improvement on the buttocks and thighs, with reported benefits lasting at least two years — the longest track record of any option. More recently, a 2023 report noted that Sofwave received FDA clearance to improve cellulite’s appearance, giving you another noninvasive choice.

The Injectable Option

It works by breaking down the collagen bands that create dimples. Availability has shifted since approval, so ask your dermatologist whether it’s currently offered.

The sensible order, per Mayo Clinic’s cellulite treatment guidance: start with lifestyle measures, then talk to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon about whether a procedure fits your goals and budget. Before you book anything, it’s worth checking our tested roundup of cellulite products to see if a topical approach is enough for your case.

The most common mistake is expecting permanent removal — it doesn’t exist yet. The second is spending money on creams that can’t deliver, when a consultation might point you to something that actually works. Be honest about your expectations, and you’ll pick the right option the first time.