Cellulite: types, causes and treatment options in Palma

Cellulite is a change in the tissue just beneath the skin, not simply a question of excess fat, which is why slim and active people can have it too. It is shaped by circulation, hormones and everyday habits, and the most sensible approach combines good habits with a treatment that works on the tissue itself. Below we explain what is going on under the surface and what a realistic cellulite treatment in Palma looks like.

What cellulite actually is

The dimpled, “orange peel” texture you see on the thighs, hips or buttocks reflects what is happening in the layer under the skin. That layer contains fat cells held in place by bands of connective tissue, along with the small blood and lymphatic vessels that keep fluids moving.

When circulation slows, fluid tends to build up, the connective tissue can become stiffer and the surface stops looking smooth. In other words, cellulite is as much about tissue quality as it is about fat. That explains a common frustration: losing weight can help, but it does not always change the texture very much.

It is also worth saying clearly that cellulite is extremely common and is not a medical problem. Wanting to improve it is a perfectly reasonable aesthetic goal, but there is nothing “wrong” with you for having it.

The types of cellulite commonly described

In aesthetics, cellulite is often grouped into three types. These are general descriptions rather than strict categories, and many people have a mix of them:

Oedematous cellulite

Linked mainly to fluid retention. The legs may feel heavy or puffy, especially at the end of the day or in hot weather, and the skin can look swollen rather than dimpled. It often goes hand in hand with tired legs.

Soft cellulite

The tissue feels soft and moves easily; the dimpling is more visible when you are standing or when you pinch the skin. It is often associated with reduced tone and changes in weight.

Compact cellulite

Firmer to the touch, sometimes slightly tender, with the texture visible even when lying down. This is where the tissue tends to have become more fibrous.

Knowing which pattern dominates helps us choose the right approach, which is one reason we always start with a proper assessment.

Why it appears: the main causes

There is rarely a single cause. More often, several factors add up:

• Circulation: slower venous and lymphatic return makes it easier for fluid to accumulate in the tissue.
• Hormones: cellulite is far more common in women, and it often changes around puberty, pregnancy and other hormonal shifts.
• Genetics: the way your connective tissue is structured is partly inherited.
• Habits: long hours sitting or standing, little movement, a diet high in salt and ultra-processed food, and not drinking enough water all play a part.
• Heat: Mallorca’s long, warm summers can make fluid retention and heavy legs more noticeable, which in turn can make oedematous cellulite look worse.

What genuinely helps at home

No cream or gadget will transform cellulite on its own, but daily habits make a real difference to how the tissue behaves:

• Move every day. Walking, swimming in the sea, cycling or strength training all support circulation and muscle tone.
• Break up long periods of sitting, even with a short walk around the office.
• Drink water regularly and go easy on salt and heavily processed food.
• Raise your legs for a while in the evening, particularly after a hot day.
• Finish your shower with cool water on your legs.
• Be consistent. Small habits repeated over months do more than intense bursts of effort.

These habits also help any professional treatment work better and last longer.

How we treat cellulite at Amarse

Our cellulite treatment is built around Esaforesi, a needle-free technology that helps active formulations penetrate the tissue in a localised, controlled way. For cellulite we use ESAFOR 3, the formulation designed for tissue quality, cellulite and fibrosis.

The process is the same careful one we follow for every treatment:

1. Consultation. We talk about your habits, any previous treatments and what you would like to change, look at the tissue and record your starting point with photos and measurements.
2. Your plan. We decide the formulation, the areas and the number of sessions for your case. When fluid retention is a big part of the picture, we may combine it with our fluid retention treatment; if localised fat is also a concern, with body contouring.
3. Sessions. Each one lasts 60 to 90 minutes. There are no needles, it is painless and you can carry on with your day afterwards.
4. Follow-up and maintenance. We compare photos and measurements as you progress and plan maintenance when the time comes.

You can read more about the technology itself on our Esaforesi page.

Realistic expectations

We would rather be honest than make promises. Esaforesi can help improve the texture and quality of the tissue, and many people notice changes from the first sessions. However, cellulite is influenced by hormones, genetics and lifestyle, so the most lasting results come from a full course, followed by maintenance and supported by healthy habits.

What we do not do is promise a specific outcome or claim that cellulite will disappear for good. Anyone who does should be treated with caution.

If you would like an assessment, you can book your consultation via Fresha or WhatsApp. Treatments are carried out in Spanish.

Frequently asked questions