Lumpy thighs? You probably want to know how to get rid of that cellulite. Most women, upon seeing those first lumps, want it gone – immediately.

What Cellulite Is
Cellulite is a combination of fluids and fat that is held in place by collagen and tissues called elastin. It is the elastin/fat combination that gives the cottage cheese-y consistency that comes to appear on your body. The elastin pulls down while the fat pushes back in resistance, leading to a dimpled or bumpy appearance.

Causes of Cellulite
While what exactly causes cellulite remains unknown, genetics, a large weight gain and aging can contribute to the development of cellulite. Men are much less likely to develop cellulite than women.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite
Many women spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on cellulite treatments to no avail. Among these treatments are:

* Cellulite creams
* Mesotherapy, which involves injecting a liquid containing ingredients such as hormones, vitamins and enzymes under the skin in the areas where your cellulite is
* Liposuction, which can actually make your cellulite look worse
You may be able to temporarily improve the appearance of your cellulite. Massage, such as lipomassage, may make your cellulite look better for a short period of time. In addition, two medical procedures that involve laser or radiofrequency treatments as well as massage may help improve your cellulite’s appearance for up to six months.

You can take another approach to dealing with cellulite. For example, if you are overweight, start working on a healthy weight loss program. While this will not get rid of your cellulite, it may make the cellulite look better. You can also wear clothing that minimizes the appearance of cellulite, such as A-line skirts or long pants.

The bottom line is that developing cellulite may just be normal, as unappealing as that thought might be, and your task becomes to do what you can to minimize the appearance of those lumps.