Lipedema Vs Lymphedema Vs Cellulite: How To Spot The Difference
Recognising the symptoms of lipedema, lymphedema, and cellulite is the first step toward obtaining an accurate diagnosis to receive the appropriate treatment.
November 18, 2025
Weekdays 9:30am - 7pm.
Alternate Saturdays 9am - 5pm.
Alternate Saturdays 9am - 5pm.
Reach us at
+65 8983 8468
customer@amaris-b.com
140 Arab Street, Singapore 199827
Weekdays 9:30am - 7pm
Alt Saturdays: 9am - 5pm
Alt Saturdays: 9am - 5pm
Getting Here
By Car/Taxi
Public parking available or drop off along Arab Street, Village Hotel Bugis (Previously known as Golden Landmark Hotel)
By Public Transport
Buses (2, 12, 32, 33, 130, 133, 133A, 520, 960, NR7) MRT (alight at Bugis MRT station)
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WHAT IS CELLULITE?
IS CELLULITE A SKIN CONDITION?
Cellulite is more than just skin deep. When the fat layer beneath the skin pushes against the connective tissue and bulges – cellulite appears.
This can be easily identified by an orange-peel or cottage cheese appearance. On the skin's surface, it appears dimpled or lumpy.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is a multifactorial disorder that is believed to be caused by:
- Hormonal changes
- Anatomical changes
- Microcirculation dysfunction
- Dermal connective tissue changes
- Inflammatory processes
- Ageing as the skin loses elasticity and reduces the ability to resist irregular tensions created by fibrous bands
- Bad lifestyle habits such as prolonged sitting, sedentary lifestyle and smoking
Interestingly, weight loss rarely gets rid of cellulite.
Is cellulite more common in women than in men?
WHAT IS THE CELLULITE SEVERITY SCALE?
Zero
No changes when pressure is applied
Grade I
Visible changes in muscle contraction
Grade II
Visible changes when there is no manipulation
Grade III
Visible changes associated with nodulations
COMPREHENSIVE CELLULITE REDUCTION: DR IVAN PUAH’S MDC-SCULPT® LIPO & FAT GRAFTING TECHNIQUE
Defying Misconceptions: Why Liposuction Improves Cellulite
Conventional wisdom suggests liposuction worsens cellulite but under the skilled hands of Dr Ivan Puah, it achieves the opposite.
At Amaris B. Clinic, we combine Dr Puah’s novel technique, the MDC-Sculpt® Liposuction with Autologous Fat Grafting, to effectively smooth dimpled skin and improve the skin texture and appearance.
Why Traditional Methods Fall Short
Cellulite stems from fibrous bands (septae) tethering skin to muscle, trapping fat that bulges beneath.
Creams and devices merely scratch the surface.
Why choose surgery over non-invasive treatments?
Non-invasive devices such as radiofrequency offer subtle, temporary skin tightening but cannot release fibrous bands or transfer fat.
Dr Puah’s technique combines three proven actions: fat removal, band release, and grafting — making it effective for cellulite.
THE MDC-SCULPT® LIPO TECHNIQUE + FAT GRAFTING PROTOCOL: A 4-STEP TRANSFORMATION
"Cellulite requires anatomical correction—not topical promises. Our approach delivers what others are limited by." — Dr Ivan Puah
Step 1: Targeted Fat Extraction with MDC-Sculpt® Lipo Technique
Using specialised lipo cannulas of varied sizes, Dr Ivan Puah meticulously extracts subcutaneous fat from cellulite-prone zones during liposuction.
Step 2: Fibrous Band Release
Dr Puah strategically releases rigid septae during fat removal.
This critical step untethers dimples, allowing the skin to smooth — a technique demanding profound anatomical proficiency to avoid over-correction.
Step 3: Collagen-Driven Skin Retraction
MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique stimulates collagen regeneration to tighten skin and reduce orange-peel texture.
Step 4: Autologous Fat Grafting: The Finishing Touch
The extracted fat is purified and injected into residual depressions.
This "self-filler" seamlessly smooths out dimples, harmonising contours.
Benefits
The dual action addresses both fat protrusions and depressions.
Produces long-term skin remodelling where collagen renewal continues, improving skin texture.
Minimal scarring with sub-4mm incisions made strategically in natural skin creases.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are women bothered by persistent dimpling ("cottage cheese" appearance) despite a healthy lifestyle.
You may benefit if:
- You’re near your ideal BMI but struggle with localised cellulite (thighs, buttocks, abdomen).
- You have good skin elasticity (younger skin responds better to remodelling).
- You seek structural improvement, not perfection.
- You’re committed to post-op care (surgical compression garment and MLD therapy).
YOUR RECOVERY SUPPORT: SPECIALISED POST-OP CARE WITH MLD THERAPY AT AMARIS B. CLINIC
Dr Puah’s cellulite technique is complemented by our in-house MLD therapy to support your healing journey.
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| AESTHETIC BENEFITS | PHYSICAL RELIEF |
|---|---|
| Minimise post-surgical swelling | Support natural fluid balance |
| Ease sensations of heaviness | Promote muscle fibres |
| Enhance venous circulation | Improve skin tone and appearance |
CELLULITE REDUCTION: UNDERSTANDING COSTS & COVERAGE
Cellulite Reduction via liposuction and fat grafting is an elective surgery, therefore it is not covered under insurance or Medisave.
What affects the cost?
Fees vary based on several clinical factors.
Your doctor’s experience
Anaesthesia type (local or general)
Duration of anaesthesia
Specific surgical techniques employed
Facility charges (Hospital or day surgery)
Your unique anatomy and tissue complexity
Miscellaneous charges such as lab investigations, etc.
See Real Patient cases during your private consultation
We provide before-and-after photos privately during your one-on-one consultation with Dr Ivan Puah.
You will view anonymised images of actual patients who've undergone surgical cellulite reduction, allowing you to:
- Visualise potential outcomes specific to your condition
- Understand surgical approaches in detail
- Discuss realistic expectations for scarring, recovery, and results
Disclaimer: While these clinical visuals are shared in-clinic for your education, MOH strictly prohibits displaying before/after images in ANY public advertising (website, social media, brochures etc.). We fully comply to ensure ethical patient communication, no unrealistic outcome promises and protection of patient privacy. Visual examples are for educational reference only - individual results vary based on your unique condition.
LIPOSUCTION DOCTOR IN SINGAPORE, DR IVAN PUAH
Performing liposuction requires far more than basic training. Dr Puah believes true expertise demands:
- Deep understanding of surgical nuances and potential risks
- Meticulous planning tailored to each patient’s anatomy
- Proactive complication prevention through experience
This commitment ensures your safety and natural-looking results.
Dr Ivan Puah
Dr Ivan Puah is an accredited liposuction doctor and Chairman of Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore in Singapore with over 20 years of surgical body contouring experience.
He has completed fundamental and advanced Vaser Liposuction body sculpting surgical training under Dr John Milard and Dr Alfredo Hoyos in Argentina and Colorado. Dr Puah is also trained in laserlipolysis (laser liposuction) in Italy and has received dedicated gynecomastia surgery training in San Francisco.
With a Graduate Diploma in Family Dermatology from NUS and over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Puah also treats various dermatological concerns including cellulite, skin laxity, wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and more.
Our Awards
FAQ
How long do results last?
Dr Puah’s technique delivers long-term improvement because it physically releases fibrous bands and removes fat cells permanently.
Does cellulite cream work?
While topical products with caffeine or retinol may temporarily tighten the skin surface, they cannot address the structural cause of cellulite: fibrous bands pulling beneath the skin. At best, they offer minor cosmetic improvement—not reduction of dimples.
Does working out get rid of cellulite?
Exercise strengthens muscles and may reduce the visibility of dimples by firming underlying tissue. However, it cannot release fibrous bands or redistribute fat—the core factors driving cellulite. Many athletic women still seek our treatment for stubborn areas.
Will it help if I wear tight, compression clothing?
While popular for workout support, compression garments do not improve cellulite. Tight clothing may even restrict circulation in the long term. Post-surgery medical-grade compression (provided at our clinic) serves a different purpose: minimises swelling and promotes healing.
What’s the downtime?
Most resume desk work in 2 to 3 days.
Is the procedure painful?
Discomfort is typically manageable with oral medication.
Are results immediate?
You will see initial smoothing after swelling subsides (~4 weeks), but final results emerge over 6 to 12 months as collagen remodels and grafted fat stabilises.
We schedule follow-ups to track your progress.
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