Two of the most common cosmetic issues that patients come to see us for are excess fat and cellulite. Excess fat can happen anywhere on the body, and the main way that we treat this issue is with liposuction. Cellulite, the dimpling and bumps that occur most frequently on the thighs and buttocks, also has its own set of treatments available.

However, a common question we often receive is, “Will liposuction for cellulite work?”

Basically, patients want to know if a treatment most often associated with fat removal will also work to reduce cellulite. In this article, we will address this issue and try to help the reader better understand the difference between these two areas of plastic surgery.

Is Liposuction Good for Cellulite?

The short answer is: Not usually.

Let’s break it down, starting with what the liposuction procedure actually entails.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, as you know, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove excess fat around connective tissue. The procedure works by suctioning out the unwanted fat through a thin metal tube called a cannula. The necessary incisions are very small, and when they are carefully closed by a skilled surgeon, they are hardly noticeable after healing.

Liposuction can be performed nearly anywhere on the body. This includes on the thighs and buttocks — where cellulite most frequently occurs in women. It’s possible to have cellulite on other places of the body, and men can sometimes have it also, but these are less common occurrences.

Lipo can be combined with various surgeries for comprehensive liposuction results, including a tummy tuck, fat transfer breast augmentation, chin facelifts, and body contouring procedures like Brazilian butt lifts.

Patients seeking liposuction to remove unwanted fat will frequently inquire about whether their liposuction can also help with cellulite in the same area. Sometimes, it will. In order to explain further, we must first define what cellulite is.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a harmless condition of the skin that occurs most prevalently in women. Not all women have cellulite, however, because not all women are prone to it. Whether or not a woman is prone to cellulite tends to be linked to whether she has a genetic predisposition. That is, if her mother, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, etc. have cellulite, she’s more likely to have it too.

What cellulite actually is on a cellular level is fibrous cords, located just beneath the skin, which are tying the skin to the muscle below, through the uppermost layer of subcutaneous fat cells. Cellulite forms when these cords pull the skin down in spots. This causes the notorious skin dimpling.

How Liposuction Can Sometimes Eliminate Cellulite

During a liposuction surgical procedure to remove stubborn fat deposits, if the surgeon is able to loosen or sever the fibrous bands pulling down on the skin, this can often improve the appearance of cellulite. You will notice, for example, that in some lipo for cellulite before and after pictures, there is far less cellulite in the after pictures.

However, traditional liposuction techniques target fat — not fibrous bands. So, unless you’ve premade arrangements for your surgeon to specifically try to reduce the appearance of cellulite during your body contouring procedure, it is unlikely that you’ll end up with a cellulite reduction following surgery.

When Liposuction Actually Makes Cellulite Worse

It is worth noting that in some rare cases, traditional liposuction methods can actually end up making cellulite worse. This usually occurs when the liposuction fat removal takes away the “tautness” of the skin.

The loose skin was formerly stretched out due to the extra fat or weight gain, and especially if the patient has poor skin laxity, the skin may stay a bit stretched even after there is less fat for it to hold. This, combined with the cellulite that was already present, can cause even more cellulite and uneven skin texture.

Is There Any Other Way to Get Rid of Cellulite?

There are many effective cellulite treatments available to treat your cellulite today. Often, patients have the best outcomes when the fibrous bands are cut or loosened with a specific surgical procedure that uniquely targets cellulite. This is going to be a better approach overall, as opposed to trying at reducing cellulite as a side effect of using liposuction techniques.

FAQ: Liposuction and Cellulite

Is there a way to permanently get rid of cellulite?

While there are certainly several promising cellulite reduction treatments on the market today, there is not a one-size-fits-all, permanent solution for everyone who has cellulite.

Many treatments can improve cellulite significantly. However, cellulite can often come back, evolve and change over time due to the effects of aging, or worsen due to weight fluctuations. If you are interested in improving your liposuction, it’s a good idea to speak directly with an experienced plastic surgeon to find the best treatment for you.

Can liposuction remove cellulite from my thighs?

Sometimes liposuction on the thighs can treat cellulite in the same area, but not always. You need to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon so that they can examine you to know for sure what treatments will provide optimal results.

Where on the body can you get liposuction?

Various body parts for liposuction can be targeted, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, back, neck, and chin. It’s important to consult with a board-certified surgeon to determine the best approach for your specific goals and needs.

Contact Us to Arrange for a Consultation

Cosmetic surgery has a range of options to help with both excess fat and cellulite treatment. VASER liposuction techniques, traditional liposuction, laser energy (cellulite reduction laser treatments), HD lipo, and many other treatments can help with both of these very common aesthetic concerns.

But to know what will work for you, you first need to book a consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Ashley Steinberg is a board certified plastic surgeon serving patients at her Houston practice. To learn more about cellulite reduction and liposuction treatments, please call our office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Steinberg.