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Trychology

Water cellulite vs. fat cellulite – what are the differences?


TL;DR:

  • What is cellulite?: Skin condition causing "orange peel" appearance, mainly on thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms. Common in women (~98%) due to fat distribution and hormones. Results from fat cell enlargement, circulation issues, and connective tissue changes.
  • Types:
  • Water cellulite: Caused by water retention; linked to circulation/hormonal issues, unhealthy lifestyle, high salt/sugar intake, lack of hydration, and tight clothing. Detectable via swelling/tension.
  • Fat cellulite: Caused by excess fat tissue; visible lumps/dimples, often painful. Advanced stages need medical treatment.
  • Reducing cellulite:
  • Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, balanced diet, hydration, dry brushing, and anti-cellulite cosmetics (e.g., caffeine, retinol).
  • Medical treatments for advanced stages:
    1. Needle mesotherapy (stimulates collagen, fat reduction).
    2. Shockwave therapy (breaks fat, improves skin structure).
    3. CO2 carboxytherapy (enhances circulation, breaks fat, firms skin).

Cellulite is among the most common aesthetic problems. It is faced by millions of people around the world, regardless of age, gender, weight or lifestyle. For many, it is a serious obstacle to self-acceptance and self-confidence. Depending on the substrate of formation, cellulite is divided into aqueous and fatty. How to recognize the type of cellulite and what can help reduce it? We will tell you about it in today's article.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite, known as lipodystrophy, is a common skin problem, giving it an "orange" appearance. It **frequently localizes on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and arms – areas where body fat is most abundant. Although cellulite is not a pathological condition or a health risk, it can negatively affect self-esteem and self-confidence. Cellulite is edematous and fibrotic degenerative changes in the subcutaneous connective tissue. Enlarged fat cells compress the surrounding blood vessels, weakening the circulatory system and disrupting cellular metabolism. Although inflammation is not formed, cellulite interferes with the process of lipogenesis and lipolysis – necessary to expel stored fat from the body. As a result, **characteristic bulges and dimples appear on the skin.** Although cellulite affects both sexes, it is more common in women (up to 98% of the female population) due to differences in body structure, fat distribution and hormone levels. Cellulite takes different forms and degrees of severity. No single specific cause of its formation has been isolated – most often it is the sum of various factors. Based on the associated symptoms, cellulite is divided into two basic types.

Water cellulite vs. fat cellulite – which one applies to you?

The basic division distinguishes between water cellulite and fat cellulite. Depending on which one you are dealing with, the ways to remove it will differ.

How to recognize water cellulite?

** Water cellulite is caused by the retention of excess water in the body**, leading to swelling. It manifests itself as unevenness on the skin, which, when touched, tightly adheres to tissues and muscles, without giving the impression of "loose skin." This variety of cellulite often co-occurs with disorders of blood and lymph circulation, and also affects women taking hormonal drugs, during pregnancy or during menstruation. In its early stages it is not visible at first glance – it manifests itself only when, for example, we sit down on a chair. Importantly, it occurs regardless of weight, training level or age. Skin affected by water cellulite can be swollen due to fluid retention between fat cells.

Water cellulite – causes

From a medical point of view, the main causes of water cellulite formation are hormonal or circulatory disorders. However, these problems do not arise out of thin air – they are most often the result of an unhealthy, irregular lifestyle and a processed diet. Just one sleepless night can significantly raise cortisol levels, resulting in a disruption of the entire hormone system. Factors that promote the accumulation of water and thus the formation of water cellulite include:

  • a diet rich in salt and sugar,
  • irregular meals,
  • sedentary lifestyle,
  • weight fluctuations,
  • wearing tight clothes or high-heeled shoes,
  • disrupting the diurnal rhythm,
  • drinking too few fluids.

Cellulite is also genetic, so some people will have more of it despite their efforts.

What does fatty cellulite look like?

Lipid cellulite ** is associated with the accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue,** causing a weakening of the skin's collagen network. Characteristic changes appear – lumps, dimples, bumps, visible even to the naked eye. The degenerative changes affect the deeper layers of skin and connective tissue. Although mainly associated with obese people, it can equally well affect slim people. Fatty cellulite very often ** also arises from aqueous cellulite that has not been properly removed.** Fatty cellulite is soft to the touch, stands out on the skin and "separates" from the fibers and subcutaneous tissues. In its advanced stage, it is also sometimes painful, as it causes pressure on nerve endings. Lipid cellulite is much more difficult to get rid of, usually home remedies, movement or diet are not enough – the help of aesthetic medicine will be necessary.

Aqueous cellulite – how to get rid of lipodystrophy in its mild stage?

In the first and second stages of cellulite, the degenerative changes are not yet so advanced that medical intervention or specialized treatments are necessary. If we act early enough, we can probably reduce the problem to almost nothing. Which does not change the fact that the subject should be approached comprehensively. To begin with, it is worth taking care of the basics, viz:

  • regular physical activity, including both daily exercise and additional exercise – such as strength training, which will improve the appearance of the entire figure and skin tone, or interval training,
  • a balanced diet, without overuse of salt, sugar and saturated fats, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, omega 3 acids and lean protein,
  • drinking adequate fluids, at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Another thing to take care of is proper skin care, focusing on restoring proper circulation of blood and lymph. It is advisable to include in your routine daily dry body brushing, as well as massage and scrubs, especially the area affected by cellulite. It is also worth reaching for anti-cellulite cosmetics, containing, for example, caffeine, retinol, L-carnitine or plant extracts, which improve blood circulation, reduce swelling and restore skin elasticity.

How to get rid of fatty cellulite?

The third and fourth stages of cellulite are already a much tougher opponent, requiring a professional approach. Of course, anti-cellulite therapy will be effective only after we take care of the basics described above – movement, diet and hydration, which promote the reduction of excess fat. Then, you can enlist the help of specialized aesthetic treatments. The OT.CO Clinic invites all people struggling with fatty cellulite to therapies that involve stimulating blood and lymph circulation, removing swelling, as well as smoothing and firming the skin. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, they will be an indispensable anti-cellulite weapon. Which treatments are worth taking advantage of?

  1. Needle mesotherapy, which will nourish the skin from within, stimulate collagen synthesis, microcirculation, and thus improve blood circulation and tissue firmness. Thanks to individually selected vitamin cocktails, including caffeine, L-carnitine, ginseng or green tea extract, and their application subcutaneously using micro-needles, the ingredients reach the deep layers of the skin much faster, taking part in regenerative and rejuvenating processes. In addition, mesotherapy will promote fat reduction and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
  2. Shockwave, removing both the cause and effects of orange peel. The therapy uses the action of high-energy acoustic waves directed to the areas affected by cellulite, where they start biomechanical processes. They stimulate regenerative processes in the tissues, cellular metabolism and circulation of fluids and oxygen, contributing to a faster breakdown of fatty tissue. The wave nourishes cells and stimulates them to produce collagen and elastin, which improves skin tone, strengthens its structure and reduces the appearance of cellulite.
  3. CO2 Carboxytherapy, which is the injection of carbon dioxide into the area affected by cellulite. The treatment activates growth factor, responsible for the growth of capillaries. As a result, microcirculation and processes of removing toxins from tissues are improved, and the skin is thickened and visibly regenerated. Administration of carbon dioxide stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen, increasing the elasticity and firmness of the skin. CO2 also partially transforms into carbonic acid, which, by damaging the membranes of fat cells, contributes to the efficient breakdown of fat tissue and stimulates the process of lipolysis. The skin becomes taut, smooth and nourished, and orange peel is visibly reduced.

Conclusion

Reducing cellulite starts with knowing its type—water or fatty—and acting accordingly. For early stages, focus on healthy habits like exercise, proper hydration, and balanced eating. In advanced cases, professional treatments such as needle mesotherapy, shockwave, or carboxytherapy can make a big difference. Cellulite isn't just about looks; it's about boosting your confidence and well-being. With consistent effort and the right approach, smoother skin is achievable. Take that first step today—your skin will thank you!