Cellulite & Lipoedema – Dr Hans Clinics

Cellulite & LipoedemaLipoedema

What You Need to Know - The Difference

Cellulite
- A cosmetic condition → fat lobules push against the skin, fibrous septae pull down → “dimpling” or “orange peel” look.
- Not a disease. Common in 80–90% of women post-puberty, regardless of weight.
Lipoedema
- A medical condition → abnormal, painful fat deposition (usually legs, sometimes arms).
- Symmetrical, resistant to diet and exercise.
- Associated with heaviness, easy bruising, swelling.
- Frequently misdiagnosed as simple obesity or lymphoedema.

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Why “Cellulite Treatments” Are Misleading

No device or injection “removes” cellulite.
Treatments aim to reduce dimpling, improve lymphatic flow, remodel connective tissue, and smooth contours.
For lipoedema, management is medical + supportive, not cosmetic quick fixes.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

1. LPG Endermologie® (Mechanical Stimulation)

● CE-marked device that uses mechanical massage + suction.

● Improves microcirculation, lymphatic drainage, and connective tissue mobility.

● Studies show it helps with cellulite appearance, fluid retention, and comfort in lipoedema.

● Safe for all skin types and colours.

2. Injectable Options

● Biostimulators (Hyperdilute Radiesse, Sculptra)
○ Stimulate collagen and elastin → improve skin firmness → less visible dimpling.

● We avoid over-hyped “fat dissolving injections” unless indicated for stubborn fat pockete (Aqualyx)

3. Physiotherapy & Manual Therapies

● Lymphatic drainage massage – essential for lipoedema management.

● Reduces swelling, heaviness, discomfort.

● Can be combined with compression garments.

4. Plastic Surgery Consultation

● For selected cases:
○ Subcision / Cellfina → releases fibrous bands tethering cellulite.
○ Liposuction (water-assisted / lymph-sparing techniques) → for lipoedema when conservative management isn’t enough.

● Always after proper diagnosis and referral.

What the Science Says

● Cellulite → multifactorial; no cure, but combination treatments (LPG + biostimulators + skin tightening) offer best outcomes.

● Lipoedema → supportive care (manual drainage, compression, exercise). Surgery is considered only in resistant cases

Who Benefits Most?

● ✅ Women with visible dimpling on thighs, buttocks, arms (cellulite).

● ✅ Lipoedema patients struggling with heaviness and swelling, seeking symptom relief.

● ❌ Patients expecting permanent “removal” → must set realistic expectations.

Our Approach at Dr Hans Clinics

● Diagnostics first → Is it cellulite, lipoedema, or another fat distribution issue?

● Combination plans → e.g., LPG Endermologie + lymphatic drainage + biostimulator injections.

● Referral network → plastic surgeons and physiotherapists where needed.

● Transparency → results vary, and repeat sessions are usually required.

Honest Takeaway

Cellulite is common, lipoedema is often misunderstood. Neither should be dismissed — but both demand honest, evidence-based solutions, not marketing gimmicks.