Body Contouring

Your Guide to Thermage®, RF Microneedling & Cellulite Reduction

How Thermage and RF Microneedling Help Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

Cellulite is incredibly common—and completely normal. Those subtle dimples on the thighs or buttocks aren’t a flaw. They’re simply the result of fat sitting beneath the surface of the skin and pushing up against the connective tissue. Genetics, hormones, age, and lifestyle can all influence how visible cellulite appears. While there’s no way to permanently erase cellulite, certain treatments can temporarily smooth its appearance and help you feel more confident in your skin. Two of the most effective options available today? Thermage® and RF microneedling.

LaserAway offers both, and each treatment uses targeted, minimally-invasive technology to improve skin quality, boost collagen production, and reduce the look of cellulite. Here’s how they work—and how they fit into a complete cellulite-care routine.

What Exactly Is Cellulite?

Cellulite happens when fat cells accumulate beneath the skin while the connective tissue above them tethers downward. The push-and-pull effect creates texture on the skin’s surface—what people often call dimpling. It can show up at any age, at any size, and on any body. You don’t have to be overweight to have cellulite; even people who are lean and active experience it.

The Four Stages of Cellulite

Stage 0: No dimples when standing or lying down; only slight wrinkling when the skin is pinched.
 Stage 1: Dimples are still not visible when standing, but appear when the skin is pinched.
 Stage 2: Dimples are visible when standing, but not when lying down.
 Stage 3: Dimples remain visible both standing and lying down; some may experience raised nodules or tenderness.

Why Some People Develop More Cellulite

A mix of factors can influence cellulite formation:

  • Genetics: Circulation, tissue strength, and hormone sensitivity can be inherited.
  • Age: Skin loses elasticity over time, which can make dimpling more noticeable.
  • Estrogen fluctuations: Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal birth control may contribute.
  • Lifestyle factors: Weight gain, inactivity, dehydration, high-salt or high-sugar diets, and smoking can worsen appearance.
  • Stress and poor circulation: Both may affect fluid retention and tissue strength.

How Thermage Temporarily Reduces the Appearance of Cellulite

Thermage is a minimally-invasive, radiofrequency-based skin-tightening treatment designed to smooth, firm, and contour the skin. It works by delivering uniform RF energy deep into the dermis, stimulating collagen remodeling and tightening existing collagen fibers. When the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, cellulite appears less visible.

Because Thermage treats the deeper layers of the skin without surgery or downtime, it’s a top choice for people looking to improve the look of cellulite on larger areas like the thighs or buttocks.

As Dr. Will Kirby, Chief Medical Officer of LaserAway, explains:
“Thermage has a handpiece applied to the skin with a bit of pressure and some heat. This is known to be slightly uncomfortable but well tolerated.”

Most patients love that Thermage delivers natural-looking results over time as collagen gradually strengthens, creating smoother-looking skin.

How RF Microneedling Helps Smooth Superficial Cellulite

RF microneedling combines two collagen-boosting approaches: microneedling and radiofrequency energy. The device uses ultrafine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin while simultaneously delivering RF energy deeper into the tissue. This dual action triggers collagen production, improves skin firmness, and enhances overall texture.

LaserAway’s RF microneedling treatment is specifically designed “for the treatment of the appearance of superficial cellulite on the thighs and buttocks.”

Nurse Arsema Hawariat, RN and Lead Clinician at LaserAway, describes it best:
“The needles puncture deep into the skin, causing skin cell turnover, while the radiofrequency stimulates collagen and skin tightening.”

By strengthening the skin’s structural support, RF microneedling can soften the look of dimples and give the area a smoother, firmer appearance over time.

Lifestyle Tips That Support Smoother-Looking Skin

While professional treatments can make a visible difference, daily habits can also help minimize the appearance of cellulite:

 Stay hydrated. Water helps flush out toxins and improves skin plumpness.
 Eat a fiber-rich diet. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains support healthy tissue.
 Cut back on salt and added sugar. Salt causes water retention; sugar enlarges fat cells.
 Massage the area. Daily massage can help improve circulation and drain excess fluid.

Regular exercise—a blend of strength training and cardio—also supports a more toned appearance. Gradual weight loss (if desired or recommended) can help, but cellulite can persist even in people at a healthy weight. That’s completely normal.

The Bottom Line

Cellulite is part of being human—but if you want smoother-looking skin, Thermage and RF microneedling offer two highly effective, minimally-invasive options. By stimulating collagen, tightening the skin, and improving surface texture, both treatments can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite and help you feel more confident in your skin. Want to learn more about these treatments? Book a free consultation now. 

References

  1. “Clinical Applications of Radiofrequency: Nonsurgical Skin Tightening (Thermage),” Clinics in Plastic Surgery, April 2009.
  2. “Prospective Multicenter Clinical Trial of a Temperature-Controlled Subcutaneous Microneedle Fractional Bipolar Radiofrequency System for the Treatment of Cellulite,” Dermatologic Surgery, 2018.

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Your Guide to Thermage®, RF Microneedling & Cellulite Reduction
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