TL;DR
- Cellulite can be managed with treatments like Onda Pro, Sofwave, and Ultraformer MPT
- Onda Pro targets the fat and fibrous bands sitting beneath the dimpling, while Sofwave and Ultraformer MPT rebuild collagen to firm the skin above it
- All three are non-invasive with little to no downtime
Table Of Contents
What is cellulite?
Most women (an estimated 85% of us) are familiar with cellulite.
Cellulite is the dimply skin that commonly appears on our thighs and other areas (e.g. hips, stomach, derrière). It is made up of tightly structured fat cells that push up against our connective tissue, causing our outer skin to pucker and present with unsightly dimples.
While cellulite isn’t harmful, it can take a toll on our self-esteem.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite happens when fat beneath the skin pushes upwards while tough bands of tissue pull the skin down—creating an uneven or dimpled look that’s extremely common on the thighs or buttocks.
Less severe cellulite cases can present as obvious stripes across the skin, while more extreme conditions can cause skin texture to resemble cottage cheese.
Some contributing factors include:
- Genetics, or a family history of cellulite
- Hormonal changes (e.g. during puberty, pregnancy)
- Ageing (collagen levels drop, connective tissues weaken)
- Excessive weight, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet
- Thin skin or loss of skin elasticity
- Poor blood circulation
Remember, while factors such as weak muscle tone can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite, the condition is not caused by bad habits or weight (even thin women have it).
Is Cellulite the Same as Saggy Skin?
Not quite. While sagging skin and cellulite may appear hand in hand, they stem from different issues.
- Cellulite is the result of fat pushing through connective tissue.
- Sagging skin comes from collagen loss, thinning skin, or significant weight change.
However, cellulite and sagging skin can both be addressed through collagen-stimulating treatments. Our doctors can help devise an approach that’ll improve your skin’s overall texture and firmness for optimal results.
You might be interested in: Saggy Skin Treatment in Singapore
Is It Possible to Get Rid of Cellulite?
While “getting rid” of cellulite isn’t possible, smoothing and firming treatments can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite.
For example, cellulite tends to show up on our thighs because this area naturally has an abundance of fatty tissue. But we don’t have to consider thigh cellulite a permanent part of our bodies.
We offer two non-invasive cellulite treatments at our clinic:
Onda Pro
Onda Pro uses Onda Coolwaves™, a patented microwave energy that absorbs fat more readily than surrounding tissue, with roughly 80% of the energy taken up by the fat layer beneath the skin. A cooling system runs throughout the session, keeping the skin surface protected while the energy works below.
That energy loosens the fibrous bands pulling the skin downward, while the heat reaching the dermis prompts collagen fibres to contract and then remodel over the following weeks. This means fat, fibrous bands and skin firmness can be addressed in the same session.
- Best for:
- Cellulite sitting over a pocket of stubborn fat
- Loosening the fibrous bands that create dimpling
- Thighs, buttocks, abdomen, inner thighs, and upper arms
- Those who want fat reduction and smoothing addressed together
- Results: Early improvements in skin texture may appear within 2–4 weeks, with more visible slimming and tightening typically emerging between 4–8 weeks
- Longevity: Results typically last several months, and tend to hold longer when weight is maintained
- Side Effects: Mild warmth during treatment and some redness in the treated area for a few hours afterwards, which usually resolves on its own
- Downtime: None. Sessions run 30–60 minutes depending on the number of areas treated, and you can return to your usual activities straight after
- Good to know: Onda Pro is not a weight loss treatment. It works best where there is at least 2cm of pinchable fat in the area being treated
Sofwave®
Sofwave utilises ultrasound technology to penetrate the mid-dermis of the skin, stimulating natural collagen production—Sofwave works by gently heating the tissue to remodel collagen fibres and strengthen the skin’s support structure and resilience.
This lift-and-tighten effect helps reduce the appearance of cellulite dimpling and improves overall skin smoothness.
- Best for:
- Notable smoothing of moderate dimpling
- Effective in tightening superficial skin layers
- Smoothening finer skin irregularities
- Results: Subtle improvements can be seen within 1–2 weeks, with optimal results at 6-8 weeks post-treatment as collagen rebuilds
- Longevity: Results last 6–12 months; annual sessions are recommended
- Side Effects: Mild redness, tingling, or swelling that typically resolves within 48 hours. Your skin might look flushed for a day or two, and you may feel some warmth or sensitivity for an hour or two after you leave your session.
- Downtime: There is no downtime involved and you may return to your usual activities after treatment.
Ultraformer MPT
Ultraformer MPT is a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment that targets multiple layers of the skin, including the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS).
By delivering precise energy into the deeper tissues, it offers firming, contouring, and collagen regeneration effects—making it especially beneficial for stubborn cellulite and loose skin around the thighs, buttocks, and hips.
- Best for:
- Treating more pronounced cellulite & skin sagging
- Reaches SMAS and deep dermis for stronger lifting effect
- Promotes long-term collagen production and skin tightening
- Beneficial for firmer contouring of thighs, hips, and buttocks
- Results: Some notice firming effects after one session, with full results emerging gradually over 2–3 months
- Longevity: Effects can last up to 12 months, with 1–3 sessions recommended for optimal results
- Side Effects: Temporary tenderness, slight bruising, or swelling may occur
- Downtime: Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately with no downtime.
How Can I Tighten My Cellulite Fast?
Visible improvements often present after a single Sofwave or Ultraformer MPT session, with peak results typically developing over 8–12 weeks as collagen naturally rebuilds within the body. Onda Pro works more progressively, building across a course of sessions rather than delivering most of its effect from the first.
Here’s what to expect:
- Onda Pro: 4–6 sessions recommended, spaced 2–4 weeks apart
- Sofwave: 1–2 sessions recommended, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- Ultraformer MPT: 1–3 sessions depending on severity
Alongside in-clinic treatments, various lifestyle changes and DIY remedies may aid in quickening your journey:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps skin plump and supports circulation.
- Eat well: Focus on fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats to reduce inflammation and support skin health.
- Exercise regularly: Strength training and cardio help tone muscles and improve skin firmness.
- Dry brushing: May improve circulation and support lymphatic drainage (though results are temporary).
- Massage: Regular massage may help break down fat deposits and improve fluid flow.
- Wear compression garments: These can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving blood flow.
FAQ
Can cellulite be exercised away?
Exercise helps with overall tone, but it won’t eliminate cellulite on its own.
Do creams help with cellulite removal?
While cellulite creams, dry brushing, or vacuum therapies may offer temporary, superficial improvements, they do not address root causes like skin laxity or weak connective tissue. Think of them more as supportive acts of self-care rather than standalone solutions.
Can you get rid of cellulite by losing fat?
Fat loss can help reduce the appearance of dimpling or rippling but won’t necessarily eliminate cellulite.
Can cellulite treatment in Singapore work for hip dips?
Yes, targeted treatments like CaHA Skinbooster can fill and contour dips for smoother curves.
Which cellulite treatment is best for me?
It depends on what is driving the dimpling. Onda Pro is likely the better fit where cellulite sits over a pocket of stubborn fat, as it targets both the fat and the fibrous bands beneath the skin. Sofwave works best on surface-level dimpling and skin laxity, while Ultraformer MPT penetrates deeper to reshape tissue and improve structural support.
Most patients benefit from a combined approach, since these treatments address different layers. Your doctor will assess which combination suits your case.
Are results from these cellulite treatments permanent?
Results are long-lasting but not permanent; maintenance sessions are recommended.
Is there downtime with these treatments?
No. Onda Pro, Sofwave, and Ultraformer MPT all involve little to no downtime.
How soon will I see results?
You may notice initial improvement in a few weeks, with full results over 2–3 months.
Does cellulite return after treatment?
Maintenance is key, but results can be long-lasting with proper care.
Am I a good candidate for cellulite treatment?
Most people who are healthy and have no ongoing skin infections or irritations make good candidates for these treatments. Your doctor will help determine which is the best treatment for you. For Onda Pro specifically, your consultation will include a caliper test and body fat scan to measure your pinchable fat layer.
Why do only less than 10% of men develop cellulite?
Men’s connective bands beneath the skin have an impenetrable crisscross pattern, while female connective tissue is more like a picket fence, which allows fat cells to more easily slip through and push up against the connective tissue, causing the dimpling appearance of cellulite.
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