Skin concern
Cellulite
Orange-peel skin texture on the thighs, hips and buttocks that no amount of cardio or coffee scrub is going to smooth.
- 3Key causes
- 4Matched treatments
- 7UK clinics
The condition
What is actually happening with cellulite
Cellulite is the dimpled or orange-peel texture that affects roughly 80-90 per cent of women, regardless of weight or fitness level. It appears when fat cells push up against the fibrous connective bands that anchor the skin to underlying muscle, the bands stay tight while the fat expands around them, creating the visible dimpling. It is hormonal, genetic and structural rather than a sign of poor diet or low activity.
Topical creams, dry brushing and home massagers help slightly with circulation but cannot break down the underlying fat or remodel the connective bands that cause the dimpling. Real change comes from in-clinic protocols that work on both the fat and the fibrous tissue, combined with consistent maintenance.
At CoLaz we treat cellulite in structured courses rather than one-off sessions. The visible change usually appears between sessions four and eight, and the long-term result depends on lifestyle alongside the in-clinic plan, hydration, movement and a stable weight.
- 01
Fibrous bands
Tight connective bands tether the skin to the deeper layers, pulling it down into the dimples that define cellulite.
- 02
Fat pockets
Fat cells push up against those bands toward the surface, creating the uneven, padded look in between them.
- 03
Skin laxity
Thinner, less elastic skin over the area makes the dimpling more visible, so firming the skin matters as much as the fat.
Matched to this concern
Treatments we would consider for cellulite
No single treatment suits everyone. Your clinician pairs the right one to your skin type, how severe it is and where it appears.
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01 · Fat reduction Ultrasound Cavitation Ultrasound cavitation uses low-frequency sound waves to break down fat cells in the treatment area, which are then naturally cleared through the lymphatic system. A course of six to twelve sessions weekly delivers visible smoothing and inch loss on the thighs, hips and buttocks. Best for: fat-driven cellulite, thigh and hip dimpling, inch loss alongside texture From £149 View treatment -
02 · Lymphatic drainage Electrolipolysis Lipo Cavitation Electrolipolysis (lipo cavitation) uses low-level electrical currents and ultrasound to break down fat cells and stimulate lymphatic drainage simultaneously. Particularly strong on cellulite that is amplified by fluid retention. A course of six to twelve sessions over six to twelve weeks. Best for: cellulite with fluid retention, buttock and thigh dimpling, post-pregnancy laxity From £70 View treatment -
03 · Skin tightening Radio Frequency Treatment Radio-frequency treatment delivers controlled heat into the dermis, stimulating collagen and elastin remodelling that tightens the surface skin and helps reduce the appearance of dimpling. A course of six to eight sessions, often combined with cavitation. Best for: skin laxity alongside cellulite, mild dimpling, mature skin maintenance From £65 View treatment -
04 · Targeted fat reduction Fat Freeze Cryolipolysis freezes localised fat pockets that contribute to severe dimpling, particularly on the saddle-bag area. A course of two to three sessions eight weeks apart. Combined with cavitation or RF for the surrounding texture work. Best for: saddle bags, localised stubborn pockets, targeted volume reduction From £159 View treatment
How we approach it
A structured course, sequenced across two to three months.
- Phase 1
Reduce the fat and clear fluid
The first phase combines ultrasound cavitation or electrolipolysis weekly across six to twelve sessions to break down fat cells and clear lymphatic congestion. Most patients see visible smoothing between sessions four and eight, with the most meaningful inch-loss measured at the end of the course.
- Phase 2
Tighten and maintain
Once the volume is reduced, radio-frequency tightens the surface skin and refines the texture across a course of four to six sessions. Maintenance every six to eight weeks holds the result. Lifestyle support, hydration, movement, weight stability, is non-negotiable for long-term results.
At home
What you can do alongside your plan
- Drink at least two litres of water daily, hydration directly affects lymphatic clearance and skin elasticity
- Add daily walking or brisk movement, sluggish circulation amplifies the visible dimpling pattern
- Dry brush the affected areas before showering, supports circulation alongside in-clinic work
- Avoid tight underwear and tight waistbands, chronic compression worsens fluid retention and circulation
- Limit high-salt and high-sugar foods during the course, both worsen fluid retention and inflammation
Cellulite is hormonal and structural. No one-off treatment is going to clear it for life. What in-clinic work does is reduce the visible dimpling dramatically across a course, and maintenance plus lifestyle holds it. That honesty matters.
Common questions
About cellulite treatment
Something else? Message your nearest clinic and a clinician will answer.
What causes cellulite?
Cellulite is caused by fat cells pushing against the fibrous connective bands that anchor skin to underlying muscle, creating visible dimpling. It is largely driven by genetics, hormones (particularly oestrogen, which is why it is so much more common in women), age and connective-tissue structure rather than weight or fitness. Even lean, athletic women commonly have cellulite. Lifestyle factors, hydration, circulation, weight stability, amplify or reduce the visible pattern but do not change the underlying structure.
Which treatment is best for my cellulite?
It depends on the underlying pattern. Cellulite that is mostly fat-driven responds best to ultrasound cavitation or fat freeze. Cellulite amplified by fluid retention responds best to electrolipolysis. Cellulite with significant skin laxity responds best to radio-frequency combined with cavitation. Most patients benefit from a combination protocol agreed at consultation with photographs and circumference measurements.
How long until I see results?
Most patients see visible smoothing between sessions four and eight of a structured course. The most meaningful change in dimpling and inch loss is measured at the end of a six-to-twelve-session course. Skin tightening from radio-frequency continues to build for three months after the last session. Photographs and circumference measurements are taken at the start and reviewed throughout so progress is tracked objectively.
Will my cellulite come back?
Cellulite is a chronic structural pattern, so without maintenance the dimpling gradually returns over six to twelve months. Patients who maintain stable weight, daily movement, good hydration and a maintenance session every six to eight weeks hold the result long term. Significant weight gain after treatment can re-grow remaining fat cells and worsen the pattern again.
Is there any downtime?
All cellulite treatments at CoLaz are no-downtime, patients return to work, the gym or normal life straight after each session. Ultrasound cavitation can cause mild warmth, redness and a temporary high-pitched ringing sensation in the treated area for a few minutes. Radio-frequency feels warm but settles within an hour. We confirm what to expect at consultation.
Are these treatments safe?
Yes, all cellulite treatments at CoLaz are non-invasive and delivered by trained clinicians using CE-marked devices. Patients with pacemakers, who are pregnant, who have active cancers, certain liver or kidney conditions or some metal implants in the treatment area are not suitable. Medical history is reviewed in detail at consultation before any treatment is agreed, and we decline to treat if a contraindication is present.
How much does cellulite treatment cost at CoLaz?
Ultrasound cavitation and electrolipolysis are sold per session with discounts on courses of six or twelve. Radio-frequency is sold per area per session. Fat freeze is sold per cycle. The full plan price is agreed in writing at your free consultation before any session is booked.
Our locations
Find your nearest CoLaz
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CoLaz Derby 21-23 Pear Tree Road, Derby DE23 6PZ View clinic -
CoLaz Wembley 17 Wembley Hill Road, Wembley HA9 8AF View clinic -
CoLaz London Paddington 31 Southwick Street, London W2 1JQ View clinic -
CoLaz Slough 183 Farnham Road, Slough SL1 4XP View clinic -
CoLaz Reading 292 Oxford Road, Reading RG30 1AD View clinic -
CoLaz Southall 247 The Broadway, Southall UB1 1NF View clinic -
CoLaz Hounslow 435-437 Great West Road, Hounslow TW5 0BY View clinic - Not sure which is nearest? Maps, opening hours and directions for all seven clinics. All clinics
Bring your skin in, we will match the plan
The first consultation is free and there is no obligation to book. We look at your skin, your history and your home routine before recommending anything.