So called ‘cellulite’ or dimpling of the skin is a common problem for women. It is caused by an inherited deficiency in the lymphatic drainage of the superficial layer of the subcutaneous fat. There is no cure.
The deficiency of this superficial lymphatic drainage of the fat layer just beneath the skin causes the dimpling of the overlying skin. It can be improved temporarily by deep massage, the most efficient being devices using intermittent mechanical suction.
The sort of occasion where this temporary improvement might be of value is before say, a holiday in a warm climate when the skin is exposed to public view e.g. At the beach. Several sessions of massage prior to such an event would be necessary to produce a significant change. Cellulite is more common in those who are overweight but can also occur in slim people.
Where there is localised accumulation of fat, such as in the hips and saddlebags, some improvement is sometimes observed after liposuction. However, the degree of improvement or whether it will actually occur is quite unpredictable.
Beware of the many false claims of permanent improvement by various devices such as those utilizing laser or ultrasound.