You’ve cleaned up your diet. You’re putting in the work at the gym. But those stubborn dimples on your thighs or butt? Still there. It’s frustrating; but it’s totally normal. That’s cellulite, and it’s not your fault. It’s not about being out of shape or doing something wrong. Cellulite happens when fat pushes against connective tissue beneath your skin, and it’s something you simply can’t fix with willpower alone.
Most women deal with it, no matter their fitness level. Genetics, hormones, and aging all play a role, and despite what some creams or rollers claim, surface-level solutions usually fall short. The good news? Real, science-backed treatments exist.
At Michele Finley MD Cosmetic Medicine in Carmel, IN, we offer advanced, minimally invasive cellulite treatments that go deeper by addressing the structure beneath your skin.
In this article, you’ll learn what really causes cellulite, why quick fixes don’t work, and which medical treatments can actually reduce its appearance long term.
What is Cellulite and Why Does It Happen?
Cellulite is not caused by fat, but by structural changes beneath the skin. Just below the surface of the skin, fat cells are held in place by fibrous connective tissue bands. When these bands tighten and the fat cells between them expand, the skin above is pulled down unevenly, creating dimples and waves. This explains why even people with low body fat can have cellulite.
What Causes Cellulite?
Several factors contribute to the development of cellulite:
- Hormonal changes, especially a drop in estrogen, can reduce collagen and weaken connective tissue.
- Genetics play a strong role. If your family members have cellulite, you’re more likely to have it too.
- Aging thins the skin and reduces elasticity, making dimples more visible.
- Lifestyle choices like sitting too long, smoking, or poor hydration can make cellulite worse.
Cellulite often affects the thighs and buttocks because those areas naturally store more fat and are affected by gravity and circulation.
Common Cellulite Myths That Keep You from Real Results
You’ve likely heard claims that creams or wraps can get rid of cellulite. Unfortunately, most of those methods are rarely effective on cellulite, especially in moderate to severe cases. No lotion can penetrate deep enough to fix the fibrous bands beneath the skin.
There’s also a common myth that weight loss alone will remove cellulite. While losing excess fat may help reduce the appearance of cellulite in some people, it won’t eliminate the root cause. In fact, weight loss can sometimes make cellulite more noticeable due to reduced skin volume.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology
Lifestyle Support for Cellulite Reduction
While treatments target the root causes of cellulite, your daily habits still play an important role in supporting smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Why Exercise and Nutrition Still Matter
Exercise may not completely get rid of cellulite, but it can help. Strength training improves muscle tone under the skin, reducing sag and smoothing out the appearance of cellulite. Cardiovascular activity increases blood flow, which helps keep skin nourished and resilient.
Eating whole, nutrient-rich foods (especially ones rich in antioxidants, like berries, spinach, and salmon) helps fight inflammation and supports collagen production.
Can Creams or Lotions Help?
There are creams that may temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, especially those with caffeine or retinol. Caffeine helps tighten skin and reduce water retention, while retinol may help thicken the skin over time. However, these products only affect the surface of the skin and do not treat the fibrous bands causing dimpling.
You should think of them as short-term support, not long-term solutions.
Skincare That Actually Supports Results
After a cellulite treatment, using medical-grade skincare can make a big difference. Products that contain peptides, retinol, and hyaluronic acid help firm the skin, boost collagen, and extend the effects of in-office treatments.
We create personalized skincare plans for each patient to support their cellulite reduction goals long after their treatment session.
Best Cellulite Reduction Treatments in Carmel, IN
At Michele Finley MD Cosmetic Medicine, we offer a variety of proven treatments that target cellulite at its source. Below are some of the best options available in Carmel, IN.
Cellulite Treatment #1: Cellulaze Laser Therapy
If you're looking for a solution that goes beneath the surface to address cellulite where it starts, Cellulaze offers a powerful and long-lasting option.
How It Works
Cellulaze is a minimally invasive laser treatment approved by the FDA for the treatment of cellulite. A small laser fiber is inserted beneath the skin through a tiny incision. The laser breaks up the fibrous bands that cause dimples, melts excess fat, and stimulates new collagen growth.
Who It’s Best For
Cellulaze is ideal for people with moderate to pronounced cellulite. Since it treats the cause of cellulite directly (those fibrous bands beneath the skin) it offers a more permanent solution.
What to Expect
This is a one-time treatment performed under local anesthesia. Recovery includes a few days of minor bruising and swelling, but patients typically return to work quickly. Full results appear in about three months and can last a year or more.
Cellulite Treatment #2: Emtone (Radiofrequency + Pressure)
For those who prefer a non-invasive approach with no recovery time, Emtone offers a comfortable and effective way to smooth and firm the skin.
A Non-Invasive Option That Works Fast
Emtone combines radiofrequency with acoustic wave therapy to target multiple causes of cellulite at once. The RF heats tissue to stimulate collagen production, while pressure waves break up tight fibrous bands and improve circulation in the treatment area.
Ideal for Mild to Moderate Cellulite
Because it’s non-invasive and pain-free, Emtone is a great option if you want a noticeable reduction in the appearance of cellulite without downtime. It’s commonly used for the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms.
Treatment Details
You’ll need a series of 4–6 sessions spaced about a week apart. There’s no downtime and no restrictions afterward. Some patients report visible smoothing after just a few treatments.
Cellulite Treatment #3: Sculptra Injections
If you're dealing with cellulite along with skin laxity or volume loss, Sculptra offers a gradual yet long-lasting solution by stimulating natural collagen from within.
Collagen Stimulation from the Inside Out
Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler made of poly-L-lactic acid. Unlike traditional fillers, it doesn’t just fill volume; it stimulates your body to produce its own collagen over time. When injected into areas affected by cellulite, it gradually thickens and firms the skin, reducing the look of dimples and laxity.
Slow Build, Long Results
Sculptra is typically administered in a series of two to three sessions spaced over a few months. While results are not immediate, they develop gradually and can last up to two years. This option is great for patients with skin laxity or volume loss along with cellulite.
Integrative Skincare That Supports Your Results
Professional treatments are just the beginning. The right skincare routine can help extend your results and keep your skin looking its best between visits.
Personalized Regimens Based on Your Skin
After your treatment, we don’t just send you home with a one-size-fits-all lotion. We create a custom skincare plan to support collagen production and reduce inflammation.
We often recommend ingredients like:
- Retinol for skin renewal
- Peptides to rebuild damaged tissue
- Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
Why It Matters
Consistent medical skincare can help you maintain the smoother, firmer skin achieved with treatments like Cellulaze, Emtone, and Sculptra.
Comparison of Cellulite Treatment Options at Our Clinic
To help you choose the right approach, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the cellulite treatments and supportive skincare options we offer.
| Treatment Name | Type | Targets | Sessions | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellulaze | Minimally invasive | Fibrous bands, fat pockets, collagen | 1 | Mild bruising | Moderate to severe cellulite |
| Emtone | Non-invasive | Circulation, collagen, tissue texture | 4–6 | None | Mild to moderate cellulite |
| Sculptra | Injectable | Collagen production, volume loss | 2–3 | Mild swelling | Skin laxity, dimples |
| Medical Skincare | Topical (supportive) | Surface texture, hydration, firmness | Ongoing | None | Maintenance, daily support |
How We Match the Right Treatment to You
Choosing the right cellulite treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we take the time to understand your unique skin and goals before creating a plan.
Every Body Is Different
We use a detailed consultation to evaluate your skin thickness, cellulite severity, lifestyle, and goals. Some patients benefit most from a single treatment like Cellulaze, while others see better results from combining therapies.
Expert Guidance
With over 20 years of medical experience, Dr. Finley blends cosmetic medicine with internal medicine knowledge to develop a treatment approach that suits your whole body; not just the skin.
What to Expect After Your Treatment
Knowing what happens after your treatment can help you feel more confident and prepared. Here’s a breakdown of recovery, results, and how to maintain them.
Results Timeline
- Cellulaze: Results typically begin within 30 days and continue improving for 3 months.
- Emtone: Noticeable smoothing often starts after 2–3 sessions.
- Sculptra: Gradual firming and plumping appear over several months.
Downtime and Care
You may experience mild bruising or soreness with Cellulaze or Sculptra. Emtone and skincare treatments have zero downtime. We provide all aftercare instructions during your visit.
Maintenance Tips
You’ll get a long-term plan that includes skincare, optional booster treatments, and healthy habits to help reduce the risk of developing cellulite again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will toning my legs get rid of cellulite?
Not completely. Toning can help reduce fat and improve muscle shape, but it doesn’t fix the connective tissue problem beneath the skin. Clinical treatments are required to break down fibrous bands.
2. What is the most effective treatment for cellulite?
It depends on your severity and skin type. Cellulaze is highly effective for deeper dimples, while Emtone and Sculptra are better for surface-level or mild cases.
3. What’s the fastest way to get rid of cellulite?
Cellulaze is often the fastest way to see significant improvement after one treatment. However, Emtone offers quick results without downtime.
4. Do celebrities get these treatments?
Yes. Many celebrities use treatments like Sculptra, Cellulaze, and acoustic wave therapy under the care of a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist.
5. Does collagen help?
Yes. Treatments that boost collagen production (like Sculptra and Cellulaze) have a direct effect on improving the appearance of cellulite.
Conclusion: Ready to Reduce Cellulite for Good?
If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck with cellulite, it’s time to explore real solutions. You don’t have to live with it, and you don’t need to settle for surface-only creams that don’t work.
Whether you’re dealing with light dimples or deep texture changes, we have the tools and the experience to help.
Book your cellulite consultation at Michele Finley MD Cosmetic Medicine in Carmel, IN, and start your path toward smoother, firmer skin.
Dr. Michele Finley
Meet Michele Finley, MD, a renowned expert in cosmetic treatments, dedicated to enhancing your beauty and confidence with personalized care and precision.