Cellulite consists of fat deposits that appear under the surface of the skin. It can give the area a dimpled and cottage cheese-looking appearance. To check for cellulite, a person can pinch her skin and look for any lumps. It is more common in teenage girls than teenage boys. Cellulite in teens is mainly caused by a genetic predisposition.

Besides genetics and gender, a teen can develop cellulite for other reasons. The way that the teen eats and how much she weighs can also affect whether she develops cellulite. Fad diets that lead to quick weight loss and weight gain are also factors that lead to cellulite during the teenage years. The thickness of skin is another consideration for teenage cellulite.

In teens, cellulite most commonly appears on the butt, hips, stomach and thighs. These are common areas that the body stores fat in teenagers. Even very thin people can have cellulite in various areas of the body.

One of the best methods to treat cellulite during the teenage years is to adopt a healthful, low-fat diet and exercise routine. If your doctor considers you overweight, reduce the number of calories that you consume each day. Eating 500 fewer calories on a daily basis can help you lose approximately 1 pound per week. Include 30 to 60 minutes daily of aerobic exercise and strength training to tone the body and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Talk to your physician about the best exercise and eating plans for you.

Do not rely on commercial treatments that claim to cure cellulite. Some examples are over-the-counter anti-cellulite creams, body wraps and fat-dissolving pills. There is no evidence that these treatments are effective and many are very costly. However, you can use sunless tanning products to hide the appearance of cellulite.

Avoid liposuction if you want to combat cellulite as a teen. Most plastic surgeons will not recommend liposuction if you are a teen and wish to get rid of cellulite. Liposuction involves the surgical removal of fat from the body. Liposuction may not even work on the cellulite since the procedure is meant to remove fat further below the surface of the skin.