There are a number of anti cellulite treatments that are typically conducted in the surgery of a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Many of the more popular treatment modalities are non-invasive (eg. Endermologie and TriActive) and therefore do not meet the definition of ‘surgery’. As this article is about surgical treatments it will outline the most common invasive procedures for cellulite reduction (non-invasive treatments, including laser surgery for cellulite, have been covered elsewhere).
Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used to remove fat. It involves a hollow steel rod (called a “cannula”) being inserted under the skin and a powerful vacuum sucks up the fatty deposits through the cannula.
Liposuction is not often recommended for cellulite removal. As cellulite is caused by the fibrous tissue connecting the fat to the skin, removing the fat has a minimal affect and can actually cause additional dimpling due to uneven fat layers. Furthermore, liposuction can leave the skin looser than before the operation and this may lead to a worsening of the ‘lumpiness’ seen on the skin.
Cellulite Lysing (also called Subcision Surgery)
This procedure uses the same cannula instrument as with liposuction. A v-shaped cutting edge is attached to the end of the cannula and is used to severe the fibres that attach the fat cells to the skin. Releasing the fibrous tissues causes the fat cells to drop downwards and stops the dimpling of the skin..
Fat Injections
In contrast to liposuction, this procedure entails fat being injected into the body to smoothen and fill out the cellulite dimples. The fat is taken via liposuction from other areas of the patient’s body such as the abdomen and flanks. The results are usually good but because the fat is absorbed back into the body, the effect generally does not last. The actual length of time that the fat injections will last depends on the skill of the cosmetic surgeon.
RejuveSkin
This plastic surgery for cellulite procedure is a combination of advanced cellulite lysing and fat injection methods. The operation involves taking fat from the body using liposuction and then a dermasector is used to sever and release the fibrous bands that connect the fat and skin. The removed fat is then specially treated with a solution and reinjected into the skin to fill out any remaining dimples.
The main disadvantage of RejuveSkin is that it is not yet widely available. However, the current research suggests that this is one of the better surgical options to stop cellulite. You can learn more about the procedure here.
Lower Body Lift (also called Belt Lipectomy)
A belt lipectomy (also called a lower body lift) involves an incision 
being made around the whole circumference of the abdominal area and excess skin removed. The skin of the flank, buttocks and thighs is then lifted and the incision closed. The appearance of cellulite is reduced due to the tightening and smoothing of the skin in the lifted areas.
A lower body lift is a major surgical undertaking, requires a length recovery period, carries the most risk of all the procedures listed here, and does leave an extensive scar along the bikini line.
Mesotherapy (also called LipoDissolve)
A popular European treatment, Mesotherapy (also called LipoDissolve and Injection Lipolysis) involves the injection of homeopathic medication into the surface of the skin. The injections are designed to break down the cellulite fat and improve circulation to the problem areas. Several sessions are required to see the desired results.
