Cellulite: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cellulite?
A dermatologist (a skin doctor) is the specialist who treats cellulite. Cellulite is not harmful to your health. Many people seek treatment because they are bothered by how it looks. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is fat that collects in pockets just below the surface of the skin. It causes the skin to look dimpled, a bit like the surface of an orange peel. It is seen especially on the hips, buttocks, and thighs.
Everyone has layers of fat under the skin, so even thin people can have cellulite. Collagen fibers connect fat to the skin. They can stretch, break down, or pull tight. This allows fat cells to bulge out, and the skin looks dimpled. Cellulite is not harmful to your health.
Symptoms
The main sign of cellulite is skin that looks dimpled. It is not harmful to your health. Most health care providers consider cellulite a normal condition for many women and some men.
Causes and who gets it
Cellulite is most often seen in women. Fat under the skin sits in large chambers separated by columns of collagen fibers. Hormones, pregnancy, and aging may all weaken these fibers.
Genes may play a part in who gets it, and even thin women can have it. Other factors that may play a role include your sex and race or ethnicity, how your body burns energy, hormone changes, and dehydration, which means not having enough fluid in your body. Extra weight can make cellulite more visible, though losing weight with loose skin can sometimes make it look worse.
How doctors diagnose it
Cellulite deposits cause the skin to look dimpled. If you are thinking about treatment, talk to your provider about treatment options.
Treatment
Most health care providers consider cellulite a normal condition. Many people seek treatment because they are bothered by how it looks. Research shows some treatments can make it less noticeable, at least for a while.
Options with the best research results include acoustic wave therapy (sound waves from a handheld device), laser treatment that breaks up the tough bands under the skin, subcision, in which a needle is used to cut those bands, and vacuum-assisted tissue release, which cuts the bands with a small bladed device. With other laser treatments, results can last 6 months or longer, but a bit of dimpling usually returns.
Some creams and lotions may have an effect on cellulite. Products with caffeine may make cellulite less obvious, but to keep the results you have to apply the product every day. A cream with 0.3% retinol may thicken the skin, but you may need to apply it for 6 months or more to see a change. For some people, losing weight can reduce cellulite. Replacing fat with muscle can also make it less noticeable. Cellulite differs from fat, and treatment that effectively removes fat often has no effect on cellulite.
When to see a doctor
Many people see a doctor about cellulite because they are bothered by how it looks. Talk to your provider about treatment options. Be sure you understand the risks and benefits of any treatment.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can check a skin change that worries you, tell cellulite apart from an infection, and refer you to a dermatologist if you want cosmetic treatment.
Common questions
Can cellulite be cured?
Not reliably. Research shows some treatments can make cellulite less noticeable, at least for a while. With other laser treatments, a bit of dimpling usually returns. Creams have to be applied every day to keep their results.
Why do thin people have cellulite?
Everyone has layers of fat under the skin, so even thin people can have cellulite. Genes may play a part in who gets it. Hormones, pregnancy, and aging may weaken the collagen fibers under the skin.
Is cellulite a health problem?
No. Cellulite is not harmful to your health. Most health care providers consider it a normal condition for many women and some men. Many people seek treatment because they are bothered by how it looks.
Do cellulite creams work?
Some may have an effect. Products with caffeine may make cellulite less obvious, but to keep the results you have to apply the product every day. A product with 0.3% retinol may help thicken the skin, but you may need to use it for 6 months or more. Test any new product on a small patch of skin first, because some people get a rash.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Cellulite
- AAD - Cellulite treatments: What really works?
- MedlinePlus - Cellulite (image overview)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
