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Cellulite

Also called: Orange peel skin, cottage cheese skin, gynoid lipodystrophy

Dimpled, lumpy-looking skin, most often on the thighs, hips, and buttocks. It's very common, especially in women, and isn't harmful.

TypeA normal skin and fat pattern
Who gets itUp to 9 in 10 women after puberty
Harmful?No

Overview

Cellulite happens when fat under the skin pushes up against bands of tissue that pull down, creating a dimpled look.

It's not a sign of being unhealthy. People of every size have it.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Dimpled or lumpy skin on the thighs, hips, or buttocks

Less common

  • Cellulite that shows more when you pinch the skin

When to get medical care

Call 911Cellulite is never an emergency. Call 911 for any trouble breathing or chest pain.
Get care todayRed, hot, swollen, painful skin with fever. That's cellulitis, a skin infection, not cellulite.
See a doctor soonYou want to learn about cosmetic treatment options.

Causes

Fat under the skin, the way skin is attached to tissue below, hormones, genes, and aging skin.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Being female
  • Family history
  • Aging
  • Weight gain

Possible complications

Diagnosis

No tests are needed.

Questions you may be asked

  • When you noticed it

The exam

A look at the skin is enough.

Treatment

Cellulite doesn't need treatment. Some options can make it look smoother for a while.

Self-care

  • Stay active: exercise firms muscles under the skin
  • Keep a steady weight

Treatments from a dermatologist, like lasers or subcision, can help for months to years. Creams have little proof.

Prevention

You can't fully prevent it, but you can:

  • Stay active
  • Eat a healthy diet

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Cellulite is harmless and very common.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • What treatments are safe for me?
  • How long do results last?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cellulite

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.