Contour & Lines

What Actually Works for Cellulite?

An evidence-based look at texture, structure, and skin support

Clinical information notice

This article is provided for general education only. It does not constitute individual medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is determined through an in-clinic consultation and personalised assessment.

Cellulite is not caused by a single issue. It results from a combination of fibrous tethering, skin quality, fat distribution, and tissue behaviour. This is why no single treatment works for everyone — and why effective care is usually multi-modal and staged.

Below are The Manse’s five most effective approaches, used selectively and often in combination.

1. Structural Skin Treatments for Cellulite (with Subcision)

In many cases, cellulite is driven by fibrous bands beneath the skin pulling downward while surrounding tissue pushes upward. This creates the characteristic dimpling.

Subcision is a technique where a specialised needle is used to gently release these fibrous bands, allowing the skin to sit more evenly.

When combined with treatments that support skin quality over time, this approach may improve:

  • surface irregularity

  • visible dimpling

  • overall skin smoothness

Commonly treated areas include:

  • abdomen

  • buttocks

  • hips

  • thighs

Larger areas are usually addressed over multiple sessions, with gradual improvement over months.

2. PDO Mono Threads for Skin Support

PDO mono threads are fine, dissolvable threads placed beneath the skin to encourage internal support and collagen formation over time.

For cellulite, they are often used alongside subcision, particularly for defined or stubborn dimples.

Threads may be:

  • placed in a grid pattern for broader support

  • positioned directly into specific dimples following subcision

This approach is commonly used for:

  • knees

  • ankles

  • flanks (“muffin top”)

  • back

  • chest or breast area

Threads dissolve gradually, leaving behind supportive collagen. Some patients require more than one session depending on skin behaviour.

3. Fat-Reducing Treatments for Localised Cellulite

In some individuals, small, localised fat pockets contribute to cellulite by pushing unevenly against the skin surface.

Fat-reducing treatments may be considered for carefully selected, small areas, sometimes alongside subcision to release tethered skin.

Best suited areas include:

  • under the chin

  • folds beneath the arms

  • lower buttock folds (“banana rolls”)

This approach is not used for generalised cellulite and typically requires multiple sessions over time.

4. Skin-Supporting Treatments for Texture and Firmness (with Subcision)

Some treatments are used primarily to support skin firmness and texture rather than volume.

When reduced skin quality contributes to cellulite, these treatments may be combined with subcision to address both:

  • tethering beneath the skin

  • surface resilience and firmness

Commonly treated areas include:

  • backs of the arms

  • abdomen

  • upper thighs

Best results are usually seen as part of a treatment programme rather than a single session. Larger areas often require staged care.

5. Radiofrequency Microneedling (with LED Support)

Radiofrequency microneedling delivers controlled thermal energy into the skin to encourage collagen and elastin production.

When used on body areas, it can help improve:

  • skin texture

  • firmness

  • elasticity

It is frequently used alongside subcision and other structural approaches to support longer-term skin quality.

Common indications include:

  • cellulite

  • stretch marks

  • areas of reduced skin quality

Results typically develop over a series of sessions, with maintenance guided by individual response.

The Manse Perspective

Cellulite rarely responds to a single approach.

For this reason, subcision combined with skin-supporting and energy-based treatments often produces more reliable improvement than any standalone option.

Treatment planning is guided by:

  • skin thickness and quality

  • degree of fibrous tethering

  • fat distribution

  • anatomical location

  • individual healing response

There is no universal solution — only considered, staged care.

FAQs

What is subcision, and why is it important for cellulite?
Subcision releases fibrous bands beneath the skin that pull it downward and create dimpling. Releasing these bands allows the skin surface to appear smoother and more even.

Is subcision always required?
No. Some cellulite patterns respond well to skin-supporting or energy-based treatments alone. Others benefit significantly from subcision. This is determined during consultation.

Are cellulite treatments permanent?
Results can be long-lasting but are not permanent. Ageing, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors continue to affect skin over time, which is why maintenance may be recommended.

How many sessions are usually needed?
Most cellulite care involves a programme rather than a single session. The number of treatments depends on severity, area size, and individual response.

Can cellulite be completely removed?
There is no credible treatment that permanently removes cellulite. The goal is to improve skin texture and appearance, not eliminate cellulite entirely.

THE MANSE