There are four types of cellulite: flaccid, hard, edematous and mixed.
Flaccid cellulite - most often appears in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle and are able to both lose weight but regain fat quickly. If you have this type of cellulite, you may also have saggy skin, usually in the regions of your lower abdomen and thighs. Flaccid cellulite is usually associated with varicose veins and stretch marks and is not painful.
Hard cellulite - can occur in young women who exercise regularly and usually have well defined muscles, firm tissue but show some signs of sagging skin. Hard cellulite is often not very obvious; it is often attached tightly to your underlying muscle and fascia. Hard cellulite is often very tender to touch.
Edematous cellulite - is the most serious type, being very painful. Characterized by edema and nodules, and is usually a consequence of diabetes, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances or other metabolic problems. There may be areas of both sagging and firmness. Appears mostly in older women, and or in advanced stages of cellulite.
Mixed cellulite - incorporates features of any or all types.
There are numerous names used to describe this type of cellulite; loculated lipo dystrophy, fibro edema gelloid, hydrolipodystrophy gynoid, edemato-fibroesclerótica, paniculose panniculopathy, nodular lipoesclerose, and gynoid lipodystrophy. It is a consequence of poorly-oxygenated tissue, due to a malfunctioning circulatory system. Over time, your connective tissue undergoes a transformation, becoming malnourished, disorganized and inelastic.