Key takeaways
- While anti-cellulite massages are a popular treatment, scientific evidence does not support their long-term effectiveness in reducing cellulite.
- Massages may offer temporary benefits by increasing blood flow and promoting lymph drainage, which can improve the skin’s appearance.
- Other treatments, such as shock wave therapy, radiofrequency therapy, and collagenase injections, have shown more promise in reducing cellulite, though they can be costly.
Although many people dislike having cellulite, it is worth remembering that it is not a medical condition and is very common.
Read on to learn if anti-cellulite massages work, their potential benefits, and other treatment options.
According to a 2023 review, massage is one of the oldest treatments for cellulite. However, there is no strong evidence that it works long-term.
A 2024 review and meta-analysis of past research found that only a few popular cellulite therapies showed promise. Massage, or mechanical stimulation, was not among the effective treatments.
Massage might have some short-term benefits for cellulite, though. For example, massage can stimulate blood flow in a specific area, which may temporarily plump or tighten the skin.
Massage can also help with lymph drainage. Lymph is a fluid that circulates in the deeper layers of the skin and can cause puffiness if it builds up.
These effects are only temporary, though. Claims that massage breaks down fat are unproven.
If a person wants to try massage for cellulite, there are many ways of doing so. For example, they could try:
- self-massage with tools or rollers
- a lymphatic drainage massage
- specialized or patented cellulite massage treatments
When massaging the body, always ensure that there is enough oil or lubricant so that the hands or massage tool glide smoothly over the skin.
The pressure should feel comfortable and not painful. People may need to continue massaging the area regularly to keep seeing results.
While massage does not directly target cellulite, there are some treatments that do.
A 2024 review of previous research found the following three treatments were effective for reducing cellulite:
- Shock wave therapy (SWT): This treatment involves using low-energy acoustic waves to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are proteins that give skin its structure.
- Radiofrequency therapy (RF): RF uses heat to target deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin.
- Subcutaneous injectables: The researchers found that a specific type of injection also reduced cellulite. The injections contained collagenase Clostridium histolyticum-aaes, an enzyme that breaks down collagen-rich tissue.
Other treatments that may be effective include laser therapies and subcision, which is a type of minor surgery.
These options can be expensive, so it is important to consider the costs versus the benefits.
Comparison
SWT, RF, and laser treatments are noninvasive with little downtime. Some people may experience swelling, inflammation, or bruising, but this is usually temporary.
Invasive treatments such as injections or subcision may have some
It is important to note that RF therapy differs from RF microneedling, which also involves using tiny needles. The
Cellulite is a harmless skin feature that occurs due to fibrous tissue known as septa. These strands of tissue divide fat cells into pockets.
When there is tension on the skin, the septa become taut and pull the skin inward, creating cellulite’s characteristic dimples.
Scientists do not fully understand why some people develop cellulite while others do not. However, because it occurs most often in female adults after they go through puberty, researchers believe estrogen may play a role.
There are many myths about cellulite that can make people feel bad about having it. However, cellulite is common, typical, and harmless.
Around 80% to 90% of all female adults have cellulite. Though rare, cellulite can also affect male adults.
Cellulite is not the same as fat and can affect anyone, regardless of shape or size. It does not indicate a person has too much body fat.
As a result, cellulite does not require medical treatment. However, the myths about cellulite can still affect how people see themselves.
The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we have used. Unless otherwise noted, it is unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
Research suggests that psychological distress is the main reason people desire treatment for cellulite.
A 2023 study notes that previous research found over 40% of women heard embarrassing remarks about their cellulite, and 78% felt the need to seek treatment.
This dissatisfaction may make leisure activities, such as swimming or visiting the beach, stressful. The study also mentions research linking dissatisfaction with cellulite to concerning behaviors, such as:
- intentional vomiting
- compulsive eating
- using weight loss medications without seeking medical advice
Even if a person chooses to get treatment, it is essential to be aware of how messages about cellulite, weight, and appearance can influence mental health.
If a person finds themselves feeling deeply unhappy, anxious, or self-conscious about their cellulite, they may benefit from speaking with a mental health professional, especially if it is affecting their relationship with food or interfering with everyday life.
There is no evidence that anti-cellulite massages work permanently, but they may temporarily increase blood flow or lymph drainage, which could have some short-term effects on skin texture.
Research suggests that therapies such as radiofrequency therapy, shockwave therapy, and injections may have more lasting or significant effects.
However, these treatments can be expensive, and it is important to remember that cellulite is typical. People do not necessarily need to try and remove it if they do not want to.