How to Get Rid of Cellulite on Thighs and Bum?

Written by an Expert Aesthetic Content Writer Lisa.
Reviewed by Expert Medical Director Dr. Raj Thethi
Published on: December 12, 2025
cellulite

Close-up of cellulite on a woman’s thigh with hand pressing the skin

To get rid of cellulite on your thighs and bum, you can opt for various professional treatments like Sculptra, Morpheus 8, Radiesse, and other skin-tightening or fat-dissolving injections. These procedures work on the deeper layers of skin and fat to smooth dimples and improve firmness.

However, natural methods such as exercise, healthy eating, massage, and dry brushing are very popular. They can help make your skin look smoother and firmer, but they cannot completely remove cellulite. 

In this blog, we’ll explain what cellulite is, why it happens, the treatments that work, and simple steps you can take to improve its appearance.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is when the skin looks bumpy or uneven, like an orange peel. Cellulite forms when subcutaneous fat protrudes through fibrous connective bands beneath the skin, creating surface dimpling. This makes small dents on the surface.

It is very common, especially on the thighs and bum. Many women have it, even if they are fit or slim. It is not harmful. It is only a skin-appearance concern.

Cellulite can look different on each person. It can be mild, with small dimples, or deeper with more obvious dips on the skin.

You cannot fully remove it, but you can make it look much smoother with the proper steps.

Why Do You Have Cellulite On Your Bum And Thighs?

Cellulite happens for a few different reasons. Usually, it’s a mix of things that makes the skin look bumpy.

Hormones

Hormones like oestrogen can make fat push through the skin. Hormonal ups & downs during pregnancy or menopause can make cellulite more visible.

Genetics

Some people are born more likely to get cellulite because of how their skin, fat, and blood flow are made.

Lifestyle

Eating too much junk food or sitting too long can cause fat to collect under the skin and make bumps show more.

Ageing

When you get older, your skin becomes thinner and looser, so the dimples from cellulite stand out more.

Poor Circulation

If blood doesn’t flow well, the skin and tissues are weaker, and fat can push through more easily.

Stress

Stress can change hormones and affect how your body stores fat, which can make cellulite worse.

Cellulite is very common, but knowing why it happens can help you take steps to make it less noticeable.

Can You Get Rid of Cellulite?

The honest answer is ‘no.’ Cellulite is a natural part of the body, and there’s no way to get rid of it naturally. Even with exercise, diet, or home remedies, the dimples under the skin may still be visible.

However, that doesn’t mean nothing can be done. Specific cosmetic treatments can help reduce the appearance of cellulite and make the skin look smoother. 

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• Advanced cellulite treatments performed by experts
• Safe, effective, evidence-based procedures
• Personalised treatment plans for real, visible results

Treatments like Sculptra, Morpheus8 (Body), and Laser Therapy work by tightening the skin, boosting collagen, or reducing small pockets of fat. These options won’t completely remove cellulite, but they can significantly improve its appearance.

The results depend on your skin type, amount of fat, and the treatment chosen. With the right approach, you can make cellulite less noticeable and feel more confident in your skin.

Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Cellulite On Thighs And Bum

Medical professional treating cellulite with targeted injectable therapy.
Medical professional treating cellulite with targeted injectable therapy.

Several professional treatments can help improve the look of cellulite. These options work in different ways; some tighten the skin, others boost collagen, and some reduce small pockets of fat.

Sculptra

Sculptra works slowly by encouraging your own body to produce collagen. As collagen builds up over a few weeks, the dimples in the skin soften, and the skin looks smoother and firmer. It is ideal for people who prefer natural-looking results that improve gradually.

Learn where is Sculptra injected and where it is not.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a filler that also stimulates collagen growth under the skin. It improves the skin’s texture and firmness, giving a subtle lift to areas affected by cellulite. The results develop over time, creating a more even and youthful appearance in the treated areas.

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotide injections repair and rejuvenate the skin by promoting collagen and tissue repair. With repeated sessions, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, which reduces the visibility of dimples and improves overall texture.

Profhilo (Body)

Profhilo provides deep hydration while also improving skin elasticity. It helps the skin stretch more easily, making cellulite less visible. Multiple sessions help to strengthen and firm the skin, leaving it smoother and more supple over time.

Forma/Forma Plus

These treatments use gentle heat to stimulate collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. The warmth helps tighten loose skin while improving circulation. With multiple sessions, it smoothens your skin and reduces the visibility of cellulite in the treated areas.

Subcision (Cellfina)

Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure where a small needle is used to gently cut the fibrous bands under the skin that cause cellulite dimples. This releases the tension, letting the skin sit more smoothly. Most people see noticeable results that can last 2-3 years.

Laser Therapy (Cellulase)

Laser therapy uses a tiny laser fiber under the skin to break the bands causing dimples, melt small pockets of fat, and stimulate collagen. This helps smooth the skin and improve its texture. Many patients see long-lasting results after just one treatment.

Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT)

Acoustic wave therapy uses sound waves to gently break up the fibrous tissue and increase blood flow. It also helps the skin produce more collagen, making it firmer and smoother. Multiple sessions are usually needed to see good results.

Injectable Treatment (Qwo/Collagenase CCH)

This treatment involves injecting a special enzyme that targets the fibrous bands causing cellulite dimples. It safely breaks down these bands and smooths the skin over time. Most people notice improvement after a few treatments.

Morpheus8 (Body)

Morpheus8 uses tiny microneedles with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production deep under the skin. This not only firms the skin but also improves its texture, helping to smooth out dimples. Over time, the skin feels tighter, and the treated area looks healthier and more toned.

6 Best Exercises to get rid of Cellulite on Thighs and Bum

Exercise cannot completely remove cellulite, but it can make your skin look firmer and smoother. Moving your muscles helps burn fat, improve circulation, and tone the areas where cellulite appears the most. Here are some of the best exercises to target the thighs and bum:

Squats

Squats strengthen your thighs and bum. By building muscle under the skin, they make dimples less noticeable. Try doing 10 to 15 squats a day to start, and increase gradually.

Lunges

Lunges work the front and back of your legs, as well as your glutes. This helps lift and firm your bum, which can smooth out the skin. Step forward with one leg, bend both knees, and push back to standing.

Glute Bridges

Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips up. This exercise activates your glutes and strengthens your thighs, making your skin tighter and firmer.

Step-Ups 

Using a low step or bench, step up and down with one leg at a time. Step-ups improve circulation, tone the thighs, and strengthen the bum muscles.

Cycling or Spinning

Riding a bike is great for burning fat in your thighs and bum. It also strengthens leg muscles, which helps smooth out skin texture.

Walking or Running

Regular walking or running improves circulation and burns fat. Even a brisk 20 to 30-minute walk a day can make your legs and bum look firmer over time.

Consistency is key. Doing these exercises 3-5 times a week will give the best results. Combining them with strength training and a healthy lifestyle helps reduce the look of cellulite more effectively.

Consultation

Ready to Smooth Your Thighs and Bum?

• Advanced cellulite treatments performed by experts
• Safe, effective, evidence-based procedures
• Personalised treatment plans for real, visible results

How to Reduce Cellulite on Thighs and Bum Naturally?

Even though cellulite cannot fully disappear on its own, some daily habits can help your skin look smoother and firmer. These methods work gently with your body and are safe to do at home.

Daily Exercising

Moving your body keeps fat under control and strengthens muscles. Cardio exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming help burn calories, while strength training tones your thighs and bum.

Strength Training 

Squatting, lunges, glute bridges, and step-ups build muscle under the skin. Firmer muscles make dimples less visible and improve the overall look of your skin.

Eating Whole Foods

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins can support healthy skin and reduce excess fat. Avoid excessive sugar, salt, and processed foods, as they can make cellulite more noticeable.

Drinking Enough Water 

Staying hydrated keeps your skin soft and elastic. Water helps flush out toxins, which can make cellulite less visible over time.

Good Skincare 

Moisturising daily keeps skin smooth and elastic. Products with caffeine or natural firming ingredients can temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite.

Light Massage or Dry Brushing 

Gentle massage or brushing can stimulate circulation in the thighs and bum. This can make your skin look slightly firmer and smoother, even if only temporarily.

These natural methods work best when done together. Regular exercise, healthy eating, hydration, and skincare combined make the biggest difference in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

How To Prevent Cellulite From Getting Severe?

While it’s normal to have cellulite, some habits can stop it from getting worse. Here’s how you can prevent it:

  1. Move more every day to keep blood flowing and muscles strong.
  2. Do strength exercises to keep your thighs and bum firm.
  3. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin soft and elastic.
  4. Eat healthy foods and avoid too much sugar, salt, and processed items.
  5. Moisturise your skin regularly to keep it smooth and nourished.

Final Words

Cellulite is an entirely normal part of the body, and nearly everyone has it to some degree. While it can’t be fully removed naturally, professional treatments like Sculptra, Radiesse, and Morpheus8 can help smooth and firm the skin for noticeable results. 

Simple lifestyle habits like exercising, eating well, staying hydrated, and keeping your skin nourished can also make a real difference in its appearance.

For expert guidance, Yorkshire Skin Centre offers trusted treatments in Leeds, performed by skilled professionals to help you feel confident in your skin.

FAQs

1. Is cellulite due to a poor diet?

A poor diet can make cellulite more noticeable. Eating lots of processed foods, sugar, and fat can cause fat to build up under the skin, which may worsen dimples.

2. Will cellulite go away if I tone my legs?

Toning your legs and buttocks can make cellulite look less visible. Strong muscles can push out against fat pockets, but cellulite won’t disappear completely.

3. What vitamin breaks down cellulite?

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, can help make skin smoother. It works by protecting collagen and reducing the small bumps that make cellulite more obvious.

4. Is dry brushing good for cellulite?

Dry brushing doesn’t remove cellulite, but it can make your skin look smoother temporarily. It works by improving blood flow and lightly plumping the skin.

5. Does drinking water help cellulite?

Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin plump and healthy. While it won’t remove cellulite, staying hydrated helps improve skin elasticity and can make dimples less noticeable.

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About Dr. Raj Thethi - Medical Reviewer

Dr. Raj Thethi

Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC-registered medical clinic. It is led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetics. Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty.

View all posts by Dr. Raj Thethi

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