Liposuction is performed to make changes to different areas of the body by removing fat, which can lead to questions about whether or not it can also address cellulite.
Cellulite is the term used to describe the dimpled texture that appears on areas such as the thighs, hips, and buttocks, caused by the way fat pushes up against connective tissue beneath the skin.
While liposuction can remove fat, cellulite has a different structure, and the relationship between the two is not always straightforward.
Looking at how liposuction works, what causes cellulite, and whether the two interact can give a clearer idea of what surgery can and cannot achieve in this area.
What causes cellulite?
Cellulite is not simply the presence of fat – the dimpling effect comes from fibrous bands that tether the skin to deeper tissues.
Between these bands are pockets of fat, and as the fat presses upward while the bands pull downward, the uneven surface becomes visible. Even individuals with a lower overall body fat percentage can have cellulite, since it is more about structure than quantity of fat in any area.
Hormones, genetics, and ageing can also influence how noticeable cellulite is. Oestrogen can influence fat storage and connective tissue structure, while genetics often determines how strong or flexible those connective bands are.
As skin loses elasticity over time, cellulite may appear more visible. These factors explain why simply reducing fat in an area may not fully change its appearance.\
Also, weight loss in a short time would create skin dimpling due to traction of the fibrous bands on the skin.
What can liposuction achieve?
Liposuction involves inserting a thin tube under the skin to suction out fat from localised areas. However, it does not directly target the fibrous bands that are responsible for cellulite. Since those bands remain intact, the dimpling pattern is not removed just by taking away fat.
Some methods of liposuction, such as Vaser, are designed to stimulate heat in the area before removing the targeted fat cells. It can have some skin tightening effects and may reduce cellulite, as well, but it’s still not the procedure’s primary purpose.
Vaser liposuction has limitations in skin tightening and should not be used in cases of excessive skin where surgical skin excision is the treatment of choice.
Can cellulite appear differently after liposuction?
Even though liposuction does not directly treat cellulite, changes in body fat distribution can sometimes alter how it looks.
The appearance of the skin in the area will entirely depend on individual factors. It may just slightly change the appearance, but generally, your practitioner will aim to set realistic expectations. Very often, cellulite in the area is not affected by the fat removal, as liposuction is designed to target fat cells only.
Why isn’t liposuction able to directly target cellulite?
The structural cause of cellulite lies in the fibrous septae beneath the skin, not in the fat itself.
Liposuction is designed to reduce fat cells but does not release or modify those bands. For cellulite to be treated, the approach would need to directly address the fibrous tissue – regardless of how much fat is in the area.
However, as we mentioned, approaches like Vaser liposuction can have some effects on cellulite, but it still isn’t designed to directly target it.
What is recovery like after liposuction?
After liposuction, swelling, bruising, and changes in skin texture are common as the tissues adjust. Recovery needs to be supported by following tailored instructions to help the body heal, including limiting activity levels temporarily, caring for the incision sides, and wearing a compression garment on the treated area.
In the short term, these effects can make cellulite look different, even if only temporarily. For example, some patients may notice that dimpling appears worse until swelling subsides, while others may see little change at all. It usually takes some time before the final results of surgery are visible, so early impressions about cellulite can be misleading.
When might practitioners suggest considering a different procedure for cellulite?
As liposuction is specifically designed to target fat cells and not to directly address cellulite, if a patient’s focus is cellulite, their practitioner may suggest considering alternative treatments instead.
Some of the non surgical treatments that could help to
Alternative treatments can be designed to focus on the fibrous tissue itself, typically by cutting the fibrous tissue or stimulating the tissue in the area. Both of these types of treatments (surgical and non-surgical) work in a completely different way to liposuction.
However, this does not necessarily mean that both liposuction and cellulite treatments cannot be considered together. For patients who want to focus on fat reduction and also want to address cellulite, it may be suitable to undergo both treatment options. If this is the case, it will be highly important to ensure that each procedure is performed at a suitable time and that enough time is allowed between each treatment to allow the body to heal.
New non surgical modalities have appeared in the last few years. Shock wave therapy using Z wave after liposuction for cellulite treatment. Schock wave works by reducing the swelling and induration and increasing the lymphatic drainage to the area.
Onda Coolwave is the other new treatment for cellulite with or without liposuction. Onda Coolwaves is a non-invasive body contouring technology that uses microwave energy (specifically, 2.45GHz Coolwaves®) to target and reduce localised fat cells, smooth cellulite, and tighten skin laxity simultaneously.
Why it’s important to understand what liposuction is designed to achieve
Essentially, making a clear distinction between fat removal and cellulite treatment helps to manage realistic expectations.
Overall, liposuction can permanently reduce the number of fat cells in a treated area. Cellulite, however, is about connective tissue pulling against the skin, so reducing fat alone will not typically influence cellulite to a noticeable degree.
However, approaches like Vaser liposuction may help to reduce cellulite, although your practitioner will typically not advise to rely on the method as a cellulite treatment.
Making sure that you have clear, realistic expectations as to what your procedure is designed to achieve is an essential step that should always be taken during your consultation process.
Book your consultation at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne
Before undergoing your liposuction procedure, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss what kind of results it can achieve for you, as well as whether or not it is a suitable procedure choice.
You will be able to discuss what you would like to achieve and the specific factors of the treatment area that you want to focus on. An experienced practitioner will be able to provide you with tailored advice and allow you to make an informed decision.
Dr Attalla is an experienced Cosmetic Practitioner and a fellow of the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery. He focuses on different areas of cosmetic surgery, including personalised liposuction procedures.
Please get in touch with our team at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne to schedule your consultation with Dr Attalla.
Read more about liposuction:
- What is liposuction?
- What should I know before chin liposuction?
- How long do chin lipo results last?
- What is the difference between high-definition liposuction and classic liposuction?
- Who is a candidate, and what can you expect from arm lipo in Melbourne?
- How to choose between liposuction and abdominoplasty?
- How can arm liposuction give you slimmer and more toned arms?
- Will the fat reappear after my liposuction?
- What do I need to know before liposuction?
- How to reduce your breasts with liposuction?
- Is there pain involved with an HD liposuction?
- What you need to know before having mega liposuction?
- What are the best recovery tips for fat reduction surgery (liposuction)?
- How does chin and neck liposuction work?
- Can liposuction tighten loose skin?
- Can you get lipo twice?
Medical references about liposuction surgery:
