Loose skin and cellulite are two common concerns that often get confused, but they’re actually very different issues that need different treatments. While both can affect confidence, understanding what causes them helps you choose the best way to achieve smoother, firmer-looking skin.
Loose skin happens when skin loses its elasticity and collagen, leading to sagging and wrinkling. It often appears after weight loss, pregnancy, or simply as part of the natural aging process. Areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and neck are common places where skin can look loose or deflated.
Cellulite, on the other hand, isn’t about loose skin. It’s about how fat pushes against the connective tissue under your skin. This creates that characteristic dimpled, “orange peel” texture, usually on the thighs and buttocks. Even people at a healthy weight can have cellulite because it’s largely genetic and related to skin structure rather than fat alone.
In short, loose skin is about skin laxity and collagen loss, while cellulite is about fibrous bands pulling on the skin from below. Knowing which you have (or if you have both) makes all the difference when it comes to treatment.
Cellulite: Aveli™
For cellulite, Aveli™ is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment that targets the cause: the fibrous septa under the skin. During a single in-office procedure, Dr. Tenley Lawton releases these tight bands, which helps smooth the dimpled appearance.
Aveli™ is precise and long-lasting, making it a standout choice for cellulite on the thighs and buttocks.
Loose Skin: Renuvion® or Surgery
For mild to moderate loose skin, Renuvion® uses a combination of helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to tighten skin from the inside. This treatment can be done on the abdomen, arms, thighs, and other areas where skin laxity isn’t severe.
When loose skin is more significant, such as after major weight loss, surgical options like a tummy tuck or arm lift may be the best choice. These procedures remove extra skin and reshape the area for a firmer, smoother contour.
Why the Right Diagnosis Matters
Since cellulite and loose skin look different and have separate causes, they need different treatments. For example, cellulite creams won’t tighten loose skin, and skin tightening won’t release the fibrous bands causing cellulite.
Aveli™
Most people can return to normal activities within a day or two after Aveli™, though mild bruising or tenderness can last about a week. Results start to appear as swelling goes down and continue to improve over several weeks.
Renuvion®
Recovery after Renuvion® usually involves a few days of rest and wearing a compression garment to help the skin contract smoothly. Bruising and swelling are typically mild, and most people get back to light activities within a week.
Surgical options
Procedures like a tummy tuck or arm lift require more downtime. You may need to limit activity for several weeks and wear compression garments as you heal. Swelling and bruising are normal, and full results develop over a few months as tissues settle.
Dr. Lawton provides personalized aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably and get the best possible outcome.
Both cellulite and loose skin can be significantly improved, but “permanent” results depend on several factors:
While no treatment can stop aging completely, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and using medical-grade skincare can help you preserve your results longer.
*Individual Results May Vary
Dr. Lawton strives to provide the best experience for everyone who chooses her practice for their aesthetic needs. Read why our patients love their results & experience with Dr. Lawton and her team of expert providers.
Would you like to learn more about treating cellulite or loose skin? Simply fill out the form on this page or call Tenley K. Lawton, M.D. at (949) (949 )356-6158 to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tenley Lawton. Proudly serving Newport Beach and the greater Orange County, CA, area.
*Individual Results May Vary.
