What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite occurs when fat deposits push against connective tissue bands beneath the skin, creating a dimpled or uneven appearance. It most commonly appears on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and hips.
Several factors contribute to cellulite development, including:
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Age-related loss of skin elasticity
- Poor circulation
- Weight fluctuations
Because cellulite is primarily a structural issue involving connective tissue and skin, not just fat, treatments that focus solely on fat reduction often have limited effects on improving its appearance.
How Coolsculpting Works
Coolsculpting uses controlled cooling technology, known as cryolipolysis, to target and freeze fat cells beneath the skin. These fat cells are then naturally processed and eliminated by the body over time, resulting in permanent fat reduction.
The treatment is ideal for reducing stubborn fat pockets in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and under the chin. At Treat Medspa, Dr. Lindsay Malachowski tailors each Coolsculpting treatment plan to the patient’s unique goals, body shape, and lifestyle for the most natural-looking results.
However, for patients with reduced skin elasticity often due to aging, significant weight loss, or genetics, the skin may not retract as much. In these cases, Coolsculpting can reduce fat volume but may leave behind mild to moderate skin laxity.
Does Coolsculpting Reduce Cellulite?
Coolsculpting primarily targets fat cells, not the fibrous tissue bands responsible for cellulite. While some patients notice mild smoothing of the skin after treatment due to fat reduction, Coolsculpting is not a dedicated cellulite treatment.
By reducing the volume of fat in an area, the dimpling caused by cellulite can appear slightly less noticeable, but it does not remove or tighten the connective tissue bands beneath the skin that create the “orange peel” texture.
If cellulite is your primary concern, combining Coolsculpting with other treatments that specifically address skin texture and firmness can deliver better overall results.
Best Treatments for Cellulite
While Coolsculpting can complement a cellulite-reduction plan, other treatments target the root cause more directly. At Treat Medspa, patients often combine Coolsculpting with one or more of the following options for smoother, firmer-looking skin:
- Sofwave: Uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen and elastin production, tightening and lifting the skin.
- Radiofrequency therapy: Firms the skin by heating deep layers, improving circulation and smoothing cellulite dimples.
- Microneedling with radiofrequency: Boosts collagen remodeling to improve both skin texture and tone.
Dr. Lindsay Malachowski may recommend combining these treatments based on the severity of your cellulite, your skin quality, and your body contouring goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Coolsculpting?
Coolsculpting is ideal for individuals close to their goal weight who have localized fat bulges resistant to diet and exercise. You may also benefit if you want to enhance your contours and reduce fat in areas that contribute to the uneven appearance of cellulite.
However, if your primary concern is skin texture or deep dimpling, your provider may suggest pairing Coolsculpting with a targeted cellulite treatment to achieve smoother results.
Combining Treatments for the Best Results
When used in combination, Coolsculpting and skin-tightening procedures complement each other beautifully. Coolsculpting eliminates fat beneath the surface, while treatments like Sofwave improve firmness and elasticity above it. The result is a smoother, tighter, and more toned appearance overall.
Patients at Treat Medspa appreciate this multi-layered approach because it allows for complete, natural-looking improvement rather than focusing on one concern alone.
Conclusion
Coolsculpting does not directly get rid of cellulite, but it can enhance your overall body contour by reducing stubborn fat. For patients seeking smoother, firmer skin, combining Coolsculpting with treatments that target collagen production and skin tightening provides the best results.
At Treat Medspa, Dr. Lindsay Malachowski takes a comprehensive approach to body contouring, designing customized treatment plans that address both fat reduction and skin texture. With the right combination of treatments, you can achieve a more sculpted, confident, and refined appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Coolsculpting smooth cellulite?
Coolsculpting may slightly reduce the appearance of cellulite by decreasing underlying fat, but it does not address the structural causes beneath the skin that create dimples.
What is the best treatment for cellulite?
Treatments that stimulate collagen and tighten the skin, such as Sofwave or radiofrequency therapy, are most effective for cellulite reduction. These can be combined with Coolsculpting for improved contour and smoother results.
Will losing fat help get rid of cellulite?
Losing fat can make cellulite less visible, but it will not remove it entirely. Combining fat reduction and skin-firming treatments provides the best overall improvement.

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