Summer means shorts, swimsuits, and sundresses, and many patients with cellulite are looking for solutions that help them feel more confident in their skin. If you’re dealing with dimples, rippling, or uneven texture on your thighs, buttocks, or other areas, know this: you’re not alone, and you have options.
In this blog, we explain what causes cellulite, why no two cases are exactly alike, and the advanced treatment options for cellulite that actually work.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is one of the most common cosmetic concerns—and it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Cellulite is the result of several factors acting together beneath the surface of your skin, and can occur anywhere fat and skin interact. It can be caused by:
Genetics and Hormones
Genetics play a major role in factors that affect cellulite formation:
- How and where your body stores fat
- The strength and structure of your connective tissue
- Your skin’s thickness
Hormones, particularly estrogen, influence fat distribution and skin quality, which may explain why cellulite is far more common in women than men.
Fibrous Septa Bands
Underneath your skin are vertical bands of connective tissue called septa that tether the skin to the muscle below. When these septa become overly tight, thickened, or fibrotic, they pull the skin downward, forming dimples and pushing fat cells upward around them. This effect creates the familiar “cottage cheese” or “orange peel” appearance of cellulite.
Fat Distribution and Metabolism
People who are fit and healthy often still experience cellulite. This is because cellulite is not solely dependent on how much fat you have—it’s also about how your fat is structured and metabolized beneath the skin. Even small, localized fat deposits on thin individuals can push up against the skin while septa bands pull down to create the uneven, dimpled texture.
Skin Laxity and Aging
As we age, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep it firm and resilient). Thinner, weaker skin makes the underlying fat and connective tissue more visible, and the loss of skin elasticity also allows fat cells and fibrous bands to create more pronounced lumps and depressions.
Lifestyle Factors
Although cellulite is largely structural and biological, certain lifestyle choices can make it more noticeable. Factors such as poor circulation, inactivity, smoking, poor diet, and dehydration can weaken the skin and connective tissues and make cellulite appear worse over time.
Your cellulite may appear mild, moderate, or severe depending on which of these factors is most prominent.
Our Approach: Matching the Right Treatment to the Root Cause
You and your anatomy are unique. At Integrated Aesthetics, we assess the cause and severity of your cellulite and build a customized treatment plan using one or more of the most effective technologies available today. These include:
- Collagen-boosting injectables
- Energy-based skin tightening
- Mechanical release of fibrous bands
- Fat remodeling techniques (surgical and non-surgical)
“Thank you Integrated Aesthetics for the outstanding customer service you provided me! Talking to Dr. Cho confirmed what I read about him online. He was very knowledgeable and an expert in his profession. I found him to be kind and caring and took the time explaining the details, the pros and cons of each of the options available for my situation. I didn’t feel being rushed despite the numerous questions I had with him. He was very patient.”
Cellulite Treatment Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of how each treatment works and what it’s best suited for.
| Treatment | Technology Used | Target Benefit | Invasiveness | Best For |
| EmTone | Radiofrequency (RF) | Collagen stimulation, fat reduction, and skin firming | Non-invasive | Mild to moderate cellulite |
| BodyTite | RF + Liposuction | Fat melting & removal, skin tightening | Minimally invasive | Fat-related cellulite with skin laxity |
| Morpheus8 | Microneedling + RF | Skin rejuvenation, firming | Minimally invasive | Skin laxity with moderate cellulite |
| Sculptra or Radiesse | Injectable filler | Volume restoration, collagen production | Non-invasive | Filling dimples, collagen loss |
| Sofwave | Ultrasound energy | Skin tightening | Non-invasive | Loose skin with cellulite |
| QuantumRF | Fractionated RF | Skin tightening and remodeling | Minimally invasive | Loose skin, post-lipo improvement |
| Aveli | Mechanical Subcision | Releases the septa bands that cause dimples | Minimally invasive | Moderate to severe cellulite dimples |
| Liposuction | Surgical suction | Permanent fat reduction | Minimally invasive | Volume-related dimpling |
Why Choose Integrated Aesthetics for Cellulite Treatment?
Cellulite may be complex, but your treatment plan doesn’t have to be. Our team of expert providers uses the latest medical technologies and an artful understanding of body aesthetics to help you get the results you deserve. We specialize in tailored procedures that align with your goals and lifestyle and prioritize your safety, satisfaction, and well-being every step of the way.
Call (281) 404-5454 to book a consultation at our Woodlands or Spring, TX location, or fill out our online consultation request form and let us help you find the right path to smoother, more youthful skin—just in time for summer.
