Cellulite is one of the most stubborn aesthetic concerns for women, regardless of age, weight, or fitness level. Many patients notice cellulite despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consistent exercise routine, and stable weight. This is because cellulite originates in the deeper connective tissue beneath the skin, not at the surface.
At Stoker Plastic Surgery, I approach cellulite as an anatomical issue rather than a superficial cosmetic concern. By addressing the true structural causes, I can deliver smoother contours and long-lasting improvement where topical products and non-surgical treatments fall short.
Why Cellulite Forms
Cellulite develops due to the interaction between fibrous connective tissue, fat, and skin beneath the surface. In areas such as the thighs and buttocks, fibrous bands pull the skin downward while underlying fat pushes upward, creating the dimpling and uneven texture commonly associated with cellulite.
Genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, and natural aging all contribute to cellulite formation. Importantly, cellulite is not a sign of excess weight or poor health. Even patients with minimal body fat can experience visible cellulite because the issue lies in tissue structure and skin support rather than fat alone.
Why Non-Surgical Cellulite Treatments Often Fall Short
Non-surgical cellulite treatments fall short because cellulite is not a surface problem. It forms in the deeper connective tissues beneath the skin, where creams, devices, and injectables cannot create lasting change.
While non-surgical options may temporarily smooth the skin, they work from the outside in and do not release tight fibrous bands, correct skin laxity, or restore proper tissue tension. Because the underlying structure remains unchanged, results are usually subtle and short-lived.
This is why many patients see little improvement despite trying multiple non-surgical cellulite treatments.
The Surgical Approach to Cellulite at Stoker Plastic Surgery
For patients seeking significant and durable improvement, surgical correction remains the most effective option. At Stoker Plastic Surgery, cellulite is commonly treated with the Bikini Body Lift™, a comprehensive 360-degree lower-body lift designed to improve contour, skin tension, and surface texture.
Unlike isolated treatments that target cellulite alone, the Bikini Body Lift™ elevates and reshapes the entire lower body envelope. This redistribution of tension helps reduce the appearance of dimpling while improving the overall shape of the thighs and buttocks.
By addressing multiple contributing factors at once, including connective tissue tethering, skin laxity, and contour irregularities, I can achieve smoother, natural-looking results that last.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cellulite Correction
Patients who benefit most from surgical cellulite treatment often include those who:
- Have persistent cellulite despite stable weight and exercise
- Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
- Experience cellulite primarily in the thighs or buttocks
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity rather than extensive weight loss
- Desire a long-term solution rather than temporary improvement
During your consultation, I evaluate your skin quality, anatomy, and personal goals to determine whether a Bikini Body Lift™ is the right approach for you.
Real Patient Transformations
Below are five examples of patients who underwent cellulite-focused correction as part of their surgical plan. Each case demonstrates how addressing the underlying anatomy leads to visible improvement in texture and contour.
Patient 1
This 55-year-old woman from Utah came to see me after undergoing prior body contouring surgery years earlier that did not deliver the results she was hoping for. She was left with poorly positioned incisions and residual skin laxity affecting her abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Her goal was to achieve smoother contours and a more balanced, feminine silhouette.
I performed a Bikini Body Lift™, a comprehensive 360-degree body contouring procedure designed to tighten excess skin and improve overall shape. This included reshaping the abdomen, lifting and contouring the buttocks, and smoothing the lateral thighs. Because this was revision surgery, careful planning was required to reposition her incisions lower and more discreetly within the bikini line.
As part of her Bikini Body Lift™, tightening and redistributing the underlying tissues helped smooth the skin surface of the thighs and buttocks, significantly improving the appearance of cellulite. I also used a tissue-stacking technique to enhance the shape of the buttocks, restoring natural curves and eliminating the creases beneath the gluteal fold. The after photos show a flatter abdomen, smoother sides, tighter thighs, and projected buttocks with an S-shaped appearance.
This case demonstrates how a well-executed Bikini Body Lift™ can correct previous surgical limitations and deliver refined, natural-looking results.
Patient 2
This 59-year-old mother of two from Los Angeles lost approximately 40 pounds and was left with severe sagging and wrinkling across her buttocks, thighs, and knees. Previous body contouring removed underlying tissue but worsened the appearance of cellulite and left her skin uneven and lax. She sought a solution to restore smooth, natural contours and feel confident in her clothing and swimwear again.
I performed a Bikini Body Lift™, removing excess skin circumferentially and carefully reshaping the lower body. Given the minimal fat in her buttocks and thighs, I worked with the remaining tissue to restore youthful projection of the buttocks and eliminate cellulite. Special attention was paid to transitions between the waist, hips, and thighs to ensure a harmonious silhouette.
Her lower body now appears firmer and more even, with naturally projected buttocks. Wrinkles and skin folds are eliminated. She now enjoys greater confidence in her appearance, demonstrating how surgical correction can transform even challenging cases.
Patient 3
This 59-year-old patient traveled from Europe to Los Angeles after searching for a surgeon to resolve severe cellulite and lipedema-related skin changes. She had loose, uneven skin on her thighs, abdomen, back, and midsection, with pronounced dimpling that affected both comfort and confidence.
I performed a circumferential Bikini Body Lift™ in Los Angeles, removing excess skin and addressing the underlying structural causes of dimpling. This approach created smoother, firmer, and more even contours across the lower body.
The results significantly reduced visible cellulite while enhancing the shape of the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. She described the transformation as life-changing, demonstrating how the Bikini Body Lift approach to cellulite correction in Los Angeles can deliver transformative results.
Patient 4
This 37-year-old patient came to me in Los Angeles seeking a Bikini Body Lift™ to improve the contour of her midsection and lower body after significant weight changes. She wanted a smoother, more balanced silhouette with firmer skin on her abdomen, waist, and buttocks, while maintaining her natural curves.
I performed a circumferential Bikini Body Lift™, removing excess skin all the way around and carefully reshaping the lower body to address dimpling and improve overall contour. Special care was taken to preserve a preexisting tattoo, positioned to allow future touch-ups if desired. Fat grafting was used to enhance gluteal volume, creating a natural, lifted, and curvy appearance without sagging.
The results significantly improved the texture and contour of her lower body while reducing the appearance of cellulite. Her waistline is more defined, the buttocks are firmer and naturally projected buttocks with an s-appearance, and the overall lower body appears smoother.
She expressed satisfaction with her transformation and the confidence it has given her, demonstrating how a tailored, anatomy-focused approach to cellulite correction with a Bikini Body Lift™ in Los Angeles can produce remarkable, natural-looking results.
Patient 5
This 56-year-old patient came to me from Arizona seeking a Bikini Body Lift™ after experiencing significant changes in her body following weight fluctuations and natural aging. She wanted to address excess skin, dimpling, and cellulite along her abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, and achieve a smoother, more proportionate lower body that would allow her to feel confident in clothing and swimwear.
I performed a comprehensive Bikini Body Lift™, including revision abdominoplasty, carefully removing excess skin and sculpting the lower body to create natural, curvy contours. Special attention was given to the buttocks, thighs, and inner thighs to reduce cellulite and restore a balanced shape without flattening her curves. Incisions were placed discreetly beneath the bikini line, and careful tissue reconstruction ensured smooth transitions down to her knees.
The results show a firmer, more harmonious lower body, with a flatter abdomen, lifted and curvy buttocks, and smoother thighs free of dimpling and folds. Her cellulite is significantly reduced, and her overall silhouette appears rejuvenated and proportionate.
She expressed immense satisfaction with the transformation and the confidence it has given her, highlighting how a tailored, anatomy-focused approach with a Bikini Body Lift™ can deliver long-lasting, natural-looking results.
A Tailored, Anatomy-Driven Philosophy
There is no single solution that works for every cellulite concern. Successful treatment requires a deep understanding of anatomy, experience in advanced body contouring, and a customized surgical approach.
At Stoker Plastic Surgery, cellulite correction is never one-size-fits-all. Each plan is carefully designed to improve contour while maintaining natural movement and proportion.
Considering Treatment for Cellulite
If you’ve struggled with cellulite and non-surgical treatments haven’t delivered the results you hoped for, a surgical consultation can help clarify your options. During your appointment, I will evaluate your anatomy and discuss whether a Bikini Body Lift™ is the right approach to achieve smoother, firmer contours that align with your goals.
This personalized approach has helped patients achieve the transformative results you see in our before-and-after photos, restoring confidence and a youthful appearance. To explore your options or discuss a customized treatment plan, request a consultation via our online form or call us at 310-300-1779.
Leave a Reply