Cellulite is a lightly dimpled, “orange peel” look on the surface of the skin. It comes from the structure of the tissue beneath the skin and is common in women. There is no single cause: many factors, such as your genes, your age, hormonal changes and your daily routine, can play a part.
Below we cover what is worth knowing about cellulite and what regular care can do for your skin.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a slightly wavy or dimpled skin texture, seen mostly on the hips, legs, stomach and arms. It is often called the “orange peel” look.
This look comes from the structure of the tissue beneath the skin. Cellulite can appear on any body type; it is not only about weight. Many women have it, and it is not a sign of neglect or a personal failing.
What causes cellulite?
Cellulite has no single cause. Several factors can play a part together, and some of them are outside your control.
- Genes: skin and tissue structure differ from person to person.
- Age: the skin’s elasticity changes with age.
- Hormonal changes: the look can change at times such as puberty, pregnancy or the changes that come with age.
- Daily routine: sitting still for long periods, irregular eating habits and rapid changes in weight can affect how it looks.
Please read this list as general information, not as a reason to blame yourself. We talk about what matters for you at your first consultation; for detailed information about cellulite, you can speak to your doctor.
Does cellulite go away?
Cellulite comes from the structure of the skin, so no care will make it disappear completely, but regular care helps reduce how it looks.
In cellulite care, we give the area regular attention with hand massage and a body care device. As the sessions go on, the aim is smoother, firmer-looking skin, and you may also enjoy a pleasant feeling of relaxation afterwards. Every body responds differently, and we talk through what you can expect at your first consultation.
How is cellulite care planned at the salon?
Cellulite care is not a one-off session; it is a programme of regular sessions. We plan and carry out each programme to a personalised protocol, so the ranges below are a general guide and your timings and frequency may differ.
- Session length: usually 30-45 minutes, and a little longer if more areas are included.
- Frequency: most often 1-2 sessions a week.
- Programme: usually a programme of 8-10 sessions.
With this care, regularity matters more than any single session. We explain how a first session goes, step by step, in our post on what to expect at your first cellulite massage.
What can you do at home?
Simple habits at home complement the care you have at the salon and help your skin feel softer and cared for. Our post on how to combine salon care and home care shows how to plan the two together.
- Keep moving: if you sit for long stretches during the day, getting up for a short walk now and then does you good.
- Drink water: make drinking enough water through the day a habit.
- Moisturise your skin: moisturising your legs and hips after a shower helps the skin feel softer.
- Be consistent: short but regular habits are easier to keep up than the occasional big effort.
Who should check with us first?
Cellulite care is not planned the same way for everyone. If any of the following applies to you, please tell us before your appointment:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A pacemaker, or any metal or electronic implant in the body
- An operation in recent months
- An open wound, irritation or an active skin concern on the area to be cared for
- Noticeable vein concerns in the legs
- Taking blood-thinning medication
- An ongoing (chronic) condition
Where we feel it is needed, we suggest postponing the session or checking with your doctor first. We do not offer this service during pregnancy. Your care is carried out by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain each step and look after your comfort throughout the session.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get cellulite if you are thin?
Yes. Cellulite can appear on any body type; because it comes from the structure of the tissue beneath the skin, weight alone does not explain it.
Does cellulite ever go away completely?
It is not expected to go away completely, because cellulite comes from the structure of the skin. Regular care, however, helps reduce the look of cellulite and supports smoother-looking skin.
Does cellulite care hurt?
It should not be painful, although you may feel kneading, pressure and pulling during the session. We set the intensity to what is comfortable for you; if anything feels uncomfortable, just tell us.
Can it be combined with body contouring?
Yes, the two can be combined in the same programme. We plan which care suits which area together at your first consultation, and we explain how body contouring works in a separate post.
Let’s plan what suits you
Our Cellulite Protocol page sets out the steps and frequency of the cellulite care we offer at our salon in Nişantaşı, Istanbul. To talk about what you are hoping for and plan a programme that suits you, simply message us.
