Cellulite affects nearly 90% of women and even some men, and those extra bulges and dimples make it hard to achieve a sleek and svelte figure.  While many people turn to anti-cellulite skincare products and hit the gym to ‘melt’ away the extra fat, few realize that cellulite is an internal problem that may require a different approach.  

When you’re looking for ways to improve your appearance and achieve your ideal figure, make sure you’re not falling for these common myths about cellulite:    

1. Cellulite only affects people who are overweight or obese. It’s important to remember that cellulite is a skin condition, not a weight condition. When fatty deposits become trapped between the skin’s layers, they can be pushed up near the skin’s surface and cause a dimpled appearance. Vigorous massage and liposuction continue to be the only ways to reduce or eliminate the accumulation of trapped fat.  

2. Cellulite only forms on the thighs and hips. Excess fatty deposits that cause cellulite can be found in several areas of the body including the stomach, lower legs and even the arms. Where cellulite appears is dependent largely on genetics; fat distribution is different for each person, and cellulite can be prevalent in almost any area where there is a large concentration of fat.  

3. You develop cellulite from an unhealthy diet. While eating a healthy diet can keep your skin looking smooth and help you maintain a healthy weight, what you eat won’t cause cellulite to appear. Cellulite may be more pronounced when your skin is looking dull and dry, or if you’re dehydrated. If you are gaining weight, your fat cells will expand and push up near the skin’s surface; this can make it seem like you have more cellulite, but it’s important to remember the number of fat cells does not change, only the amount of fat inside them.  

4. Only women have cellulite. Cellulite is a problem for nearly 90% of women today, but men can also develop cellulite in some areas of the body. Cellulite is the result of genetics and how your body distributes fat. Many men can develop cellulite when fatty tissues become trapped within the skin’s layers.  

5. You can burn off cellulite with the right exercises. Cellulite is the result of fatty tissue trapped between the skin’s layers. Losing weight may help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but there are not any exercises that help to ‘target and eliminate’ cellulite.  Reducing the appearance of cellulite by increasing muscle tone and losing body fat is possible, but cellulite itself cannot disappear through a workout.    

If you have stubborn patches of cellulite that aren’t responding to changes in your diet, your intensive workout routine or even massage treatments, a cellulite reduction treatment may be your best solution. From Synergie treatments to ultrasonic liposuction, there are several ways to eliminate cellulite permanently and achieve your ideal silhouette.  

Learn more about cellulite reduction treatments in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area to find out which cellulite removal plan is the best match for your needs.