The 5 Most Common Causes of Cellulite Reading — and What You Can Do About It
Cellulite is extremely common — affecting a large majority of women — and although it’s harmless, its appearance can cause significant self-consciousness. At Spire Aesthetics Reading, we understand how cellulite can impact confidence, and we’re here to help you understand why it develops and what treatments, including advanced options like HIFU and Morpheus8, can do to improve its appearance.
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Here are the five most common causes of cellulite Reading:
- Hormonal Influences
Changes in hormones can impact connective tissue organisation, fat accumulation, and circulation. Reduced blood flow to the skin can impede nutrient delivery and damage connective tissue when oestrogen levels fall, as happens during menopause or ageing.
- Family History and Genetics
Your DNA significantly influences your vulnerability to cellulite.
Genetic variables dictate:
Skin structure and elasticity
How and where your body stores fat
The strength and orientation of connective tissue beneath the skin
Unfortunately, you can’t change your genetics — but knowing your predisposition can help you make more informed decisions about preventative lifestyle habits or treatments.
- Ageing and Skin Elasticity
As we age:
Skin becomes thinner and less elastic.
Collagen production slows down, reducing the skin’s ability to “bounce back”. Declining oestrogen levels can further impair circulation, making cellulite dimpling more obvious.
- Poor Circulation & Inactivity
Physical inactivity doesn’t just affect cardiovascular health — it also impacts cellulite formation:
Sitting for long periods or a lack of regular exercise can impair lymphatic drainage and blood flow, leading to the accumulation of waste products and fluids under the skin.
Reduced circulation also weakens collagen-forming fibroblasts and can encourage fat accumulation.
- Lifestyle & Diet Factors
What you eat and how you live have a significant impact:
A diet high in processed foods, salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats is linked to more visible cellulite.
Dehydration affects skin elasticity. Inadequate water intake, or overconsumption of dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol, can worsen the appearance of cellulite. Yo-yo dieting (repeated weight cycles) and calorie surplus can enlarge fat cells and stress connective tissue.
What You Can Do at Home to Help The Appearance Of Cellulite Reading
While you can’t always eliminate cellulite (especially when genetics play a significant role), there are lifestyle steps that may help reduce its appearance:
Maintain a balanced, whole-food diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Stay well-hydrated — aim for regular water intake.
Do regular exercise (both cardio and strength training) to support circulation and muscle tone
Use dry brushing or massage techniques to help stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve skin texture.
Avoid extreme weight fluctuations where possible.
Advanced Treatments: HIFU & Morpheus8 for Cellulite Reduction
At Spire Aesthetics, we offer advanced, medically supervised treatments that target cellulite more deeply than topical creams or lifestyle changes alone. Two of our most effective options are HIFU and Morpheus8.
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target fat cells beneath the skin, breaking them down while also stimulating collagen production for firmer, tighter skin. It is safe and FDA-approved.
Because energy is concentrated at precise depths, it can smooth out areas prone to cellulite without harming the skin’s surface.
Treatment typically requires fewer sessions than some other energy-based options, though results may continue to develop over weeks to months as collagen regenerates.
Look at our HIFU Before & After Results
Morpheus8 (RF Microneedling)
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy: tiny insulated needles deliver RF deep into the tissue.
This approach helps break down the fibrous septae (the connective bands that pull the skin downwards, causing those “dimples”), while stimulating collagen and elastin to achieve smoother, tighter skin.
The multi-depth capability of Morpheus8 means different tissue layers can be treated simultaneously, making it particularly effective for body areas.
FAQs: Cellulite Reading, HIFU & Morpheus8
Q: Does fat cause cellulite?
A: Not exactly. While fat cells do play a role, cellulite is more about the interaction between fat, connective tissue (septa), and skin structure. The fibrous bands beneath the skin tether it to muscle, pulling it down while fat pushes up — creating that dimpled texture.
Hormones, genetics, skin thickness, and circulation also contribute.
Q: Is it possible to stop cellulite from developing?
A good diet, frequent exercise, staying hydrated, avoiding yo-yo dieting, and promoting circulation with massage or dry brushing are all ways to lower the risk or halt its growth.
Q: How does HIFU help reduce cellulite?
A: HIFU focuses ultrasound energy into the deeper layers of the skin to: Disrupt fat cells. Stimulate collagen production, tightening and improving skin texture over time—the result: a smoother, firmer surface that reduces the visibility of cellulite.
Q: Is Morpheus8 painful to treat cellulite?
A: Because Morpheus8 uses microneedles to deliver RF energy deep under the skin, the treatment can be uncomfortable. However, topical numbing is typically used to minimise pain. Some clients report pain during and after the treatment, so selecting a trained, experienced provider is key to a safe and tolerable experience.
Q: How many Morpheus8 sessions are needed to see cellulite improvement?
A: The number of sessions depends on the severity of the cellulite, the area being treated, and how your skin responds. Many clinics recommend a series (e.g., 3–4) spaced several weeks apart, but this will be tailored to your individual needs.
Q: Are the cellulite treatment results permanent?
A: While HIFU and Morpheus8 can produce long-lasting improvements, they don’t “cure” cellulite entirely. Lifestyle factors like weight fluctuations, ageing, or hormonal changes may affect how long results last. Maintenance treatments or supportive habits (such as diet and exercise) may help preserve results.
Conclusion About Cellulite Treatment Reading
Cellulite is a multifactorial skin condition influenced by genetics, hormones, age, lifestyle, and more. While it’s unlikely to disappear entirely through diet or exercise alone, technology-led treatments such as HIFU and Morpheus8 offer powerful ways to remodel tissue, stimulate collagen production, and visibly improve skin texture.
At Spire Aesthetics, we combine medical-grade expertise with personalised treatment plans so you can address the root causes of your cellulite — not just mask them. To find out which approach is best for you, book a consultation today, and let our team guide you on your journey to smoother, more confident skin.