When we talk about cellulite, we usually think of the bottom, thighs or tummy… Yet orange-peel skin can also appear on other areas of the body, such as the knees. Knee cellulite mostly affects women. It can be aqueous, adipose or fibrous in origin. In this article, you’ll find out how it forms, why it settles in this area and which factors encourage it. You’ll then discover the options to consider depending on your cellulite type: massage, diet, exercise and aesthetic medicine techniques.
How does knee cellulite form?
Cellulite results from a build-up of fat cells, or adipocytes. These cells are located in the hypodermis, the layer of skin that lies beneath the dermis. When they multiply and increase in volume, these adipocytes distort the skin’s surface, which then takes on a bumpy appearance.
Many women feel self-conscious about their knees when cellulite is present, finding them too rounded and unsightly. Knee cellulite is primarily linked to water retention and the accumulation of fatty deposits.
This excess of fat cells can go hand in hand with water retention. Adipose tissue swells and creates cellulite above the knees.
Why does cellulite settle on the knees?
Knee cellulite is seen predominantly in women, as many factors predispose them to it. Unlike men, who tend to develop cellulite mainly on the upper body, women are more affected in the lower body.
Female body shape plays a real role here. Women typically have a pear-shaped silhouette. They gain weight from the bottom up because they are more prone to storing fat in the lower body.
The knee is the joint that bears the most body weight, making it subject to a “spillover” effect of fatty deposits. The knee joint is made up of cartilaginous structures surrounded by fat cells to facilitate movement. This explains why women can develop cellulite above the knee.
This often results in a sensation of heavy, swollen legs. That is why knee cellulite is generally accompanied by cellulite on the thighs and swollen ankles.
Which types of cellulite affect the knees?
There are three main types of cellulite that can appear on your body:
- Aqueous cellulite: when your cellulite is linked to water retention, it is aqueous in type. It manifests as poor blood circulation and is common in slender individuals.
- Adipose cellulite: if you struggle with excess weight, your cellulite is likely adipose in type. Its origin is often both genetic and dietary.
- Fibrous cellulite: is your knee cellulite long-standing and deeply embedded? You may have fibrous cellulite. This form is tender to the touch and harder to shift — but not impossible.
Potential causes of knee cellulite
Hormones
A woman’s body goes through several periods of hormonal imbalance throughout her life: puberty, pregnancy and menopause. During these phases, the body alternates between storing and releasing fat, which can ultimately promote weight gain and the appearance of cellulite on various parts of the body, including the knees.
Lifestyle habits
Lifestyle is the primary cause of knee cellulite. Diet and physical activity are the two key factors that influence metabolism. It is therefore important to limit foods that are too fatty, too sweet or too salty, as these contribute to the build-up of fat cells and water retention. A lack of physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting or standing, and stress are all aggravating factors. As a result, certain occupations can increase the likelihood of developing knee cellulite.
Poor blood circulation
Poor blood and lymphatic circulation linked to water retention is closely associated with the formation of knee cellulite. This phenomenon is often connected to the appearance of dimpling. Staying active and drinking enough water are among the good habits to adopt.
Genetics
For some women, genetic factors play a part in the development of knee cellulite. The location and volume of fat cells can be inherited, as can the tendency to store them more or less easily. That said, this does not make knee cellulite irreversible.
What are the remedies for knee cellulite?
There is no single remedy for knee cellulite. The following habits can be combined day to day and chosen according to your cellulite type: massage, a balanced diet and regular exercise. They can be built into your routine gradually.
Anti-cellulite massages
Anti-cellulite massages are among the habits often recommended for cellulite. Once you have identified your cellulite type, you can choose the most suitable massage technique.
The pinch-and-roll technique is often mentioned for massaging the knee area. Performing a pinch-and-roll massage on yourself is not always straightforward, which is why a small anti-cellulite cupping cup is recommended. The massage becomes much easier and more precise. Apply a massage oil beforehand to help the cup glide smoothly over this area, which is often tricky to massage.
Adopting healthy eating habits
A varied, balanced diet is one of the good habits to adopt. If you are prone to water retention, be careful not to eat too much salt. Limit red meat, processed meats, beer and overly fatty or sugary foods. Otherwise, stick to a varied and balanced diet.
Exercising regularly
You can start by making small changes to your daily routine: walk to the bus or metro stop, take the stairs instead of the lift, for example.
To target the area around the knees, focus on sports that engage the legs, calves, knees, quadriceps and adductors. Try cycling, swimming and fitness exercises (lunges, squats, deadlifts, etc.). These movements engage the muscles as a whole.
Aesthetic medicine techniques for knee cellulite
Several aesthetic medicine techniques are now available to target cellulite on the knees:
Laser
The laser is one of the techniques offered in aesthetic medicine for knee cellulite. How it works, the number of sessions and the appropriate follow-up should be discussed with a doctor, who can assess whether this technique is right for you.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a common medical procedure in sports medicine. Ask a doctor whether it is suitable for you. To learn more about mesotherapy and cellulite, read our dedicated article on the subject.
Liposuction
Liposuction is performed by a cosmetic surgeon who inserts a small cannula beneath the skin to suction out the fatty deposits hidden in the skin’s folds. Small incisions are made to introduce the tubes used to remove the fat.
Cryolipolysis
This is a recent technique that uses cold to tackle knee cellulite. As it can be painful and costly, cryolipolysis should be discussed with a doctor before being considered.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get rid of knee cellulite quickly?
There is no quick fix. Knee cellulite depends on several factors, such as hormones, lifestyle and genetics.
Can you target fat on the knees alone?
No. Exercises that work the legs don’t let you choose where your body loses fat.
Is cellulite on the inner knee any different?
If you have any doubt about the cellulite on the inside of your knee, ask a doctor for advice.
What should I do if my knee is red, hot, swollen or painful?
These signs are not the orange-peel skin described here. If you notice any unusual or worrying symptoms, see a doctor or another medical professional.
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- Peeling and stretch marks: how it works, duration and cost
- Lemon essential oil and cellulite: what we know
Useful categories: Cellulite on knees.
