Cellulite is a condition in which the skin appears to have areas with underlying fat deposits, giving it a dimpled, lumpy appearance. It is most noticeable on the buttocks and thighs, and occurs after puberty in most women. It is caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests as skin dimpling and nodularity. Studies show that 85%-98% of women have it, indicating that it is physiological rather than pathological.
Cellulite has many different causes, including hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors, and it is a common concern for patients. Patients often request liposuction as a way to remove it. Liposuction can remove fat, and fat pockets are one of the causes of cellulite. Liposuction improves the silhouette of the body, but does not necessarily eliminate the pre-existing subtle “puckering” of the skin that is often referred to as “cellulite.” Liposuction can reduce the appearance of cellulite to a minor degree in patients with good skin tone, but it is unlikely to produce a significant improvement or to completely eliminate cellulite.
As a matter of fact, most of the time, liposuction makes cellulite worse, particularly in those patients who have excessive skin. Liposuction only removes fat; it is not going to solve the underlying cause of cellulite or remove the excess skin. A significant number of patients with cellulite have poor elasticity of the skin or excessive skin, and when liposuction is performed, these two components will still be unresolved, which will result in your cellulite becoming worse. Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite. If this is your goal in seeking surgery, you need to discuss it with your plastic surgeon, because, ultimately, it will not improve with this procedure.