Cellulite on the buttocks
Buttock cellulite is the common dimpled surface produced where fibrous bands tether skin over superficial fat. It is normal anatomy, not an infection or a measure of fitness, and can occur at any weight.
What you may notice
- Shallow dimples visible when standing
- Deeper depressions with muscle contraction
- Orange-peel texture
- Different patterns on each side
Why it can happen
Connective-tissue structure, hormones, genetics, skin thickness, age and fat distribution influence cellulite. Weight gain may increase visibility, but weight loss does not always remove it and may reveal laxity.
What may help
Exercise and stable weight may improve general contour. Subcision targets tethering, while selected energy devices and other procedures address different layers. Evidence and durability vary. Liposuction is not a direct cellulite treatment and may worsen irregularity.
When to consult
Review is usually unnecessary unless dimpling is new with pain, redness, hardening or swelling. Cosmetic consultation should clarify likely degree and duration of improvement.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Cellulite [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet; 2010 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cellulite (new tab)
- National Health Service. Liposuction [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction/ (new tab)
- Lim SK, Gultekin G, Suresan S, et al. Comparative analysis of cellulite treatment modalities: a systematic review. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025;49(7):2051-2075. doi: 10.1007/s00266-024-04365-8. (new tab)