Cellulite Treatments

Cellulite is incredibly common. While it is not considered a medical condition, the appearance of skin dimpling on the thighs, hips, buttocks, or other areas of the body can cause significant emotional distress.

This uneven texture is related to fibrous cords that connect the skin to the underlying muscle. As fat accumulates, it pushes up against the surface of the skin, while the cords pull down, creating peaks and valleys. Even people with healthy body weights experience cellulite. Other factors, such as genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and skin type, can be related to its appearance.

Though many creams or exercise regimens may promise to eliminate cellulite, the issue can prove stubborn. Beyond such options, there are several techniques to treat cellulite that physicians are currently using, including laser treatments, radiofrequency (RF) therapy, light-based therapy, and radial pulse therapy. (See the next section for more detail.)

Choosing the approach that is best for you will be determined by your anatomy, goals and practitioner’s expertise. During your consultation, it’s important to discuss the benefits, limitations and risks of each approach, as well as the parts of your body that you want to target. Some techniques can be used on almost any area of the body, including the arms, abdomen, “love handles,” buttocks, and thighs. Others might be limited to the thighs and buttocks only.

It is important to note that many cellulite treatments will require multiple sessions to yield results and none of these methods is permanent. Even with treatment, cellulite tends to recur over time due to factors like aging, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular in-office anti-cellulite treatments currently being used by physicians.

• Cellulaze®: One common method is a laser treatment called Cellulaze®. This FDA-approved procedure involves using a tiny laser, inserted through a small incision, to break down the fibrous bands beneath the skin that contribute to the appearance of cellulite. By heating the skin, the laser also causes collagen production, fat reduction, and improvements in skin elasticity.
• Cellfina®: Cellfina® is a treatment that utilizes a small device with a microblade to access the layer beneath the skin through a tiny incision. The device can release the fibrous bands that cause cellulite, resulting in smoother-looking skin. Results can potentially last for up to three years.
• Body Contouring Treatments: Several body contouring devices can also be helpful for cellulite reduction. Many use radiofrequency (RF) or light-based energy to target cellulite and improve skin-tightening. These include VelaShape®, VelaSmooth™, Accent™, Thermage®, ThermiSmooth® Body, and UltraSmooth™.  Body contouring energy-based devices improve cellulite by using heat or radiofrequency to break down fat cells and tighten the skin.

In a similar process, Zimmer Z Wave uses gentle pressure waves, known as radial pulse therapy, to increase blood circulation to the affected area and target cellulite. Ultrasound based treatments, including UltraShape® and Liposonix®, may have some cellulite reduction benefit, but this is primarily through fat reduction.

Be sure to discuss all your options, along with the attendant benefits and risks, in a thorough consultation with your practitioner.

Before you go

During a consultation with your physician, be sure to thoroughly discuss your medical history, concerns and expectations. Inquire about the details of the procedure, as well as potential outcomes, risks, and limitations.

Leading up to the procedure, you may need to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners. Your provider may also have other instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure or using certain skincare products. Be sure to follow these guidelines closely.

During the procedure

Cellulite treatments that use energy-based devices are typically well-tolerated and performed in the physician’s office, requiring minimal, if any, downtime.

For those treatments where an incision is required (Cellulaze® and Cellfina®), the procedure involves using a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort and is generally considered painless. You remain awake for the entire process, and only the area where you are receiving treatment is numbed.

The exact length and details of your experience will depend on the approach that you and your practitioner choose.

Cellulite Treatment Aftercare 

With the use of energy-based devices, temporary redness and swelling in the treated area can occur immediately following treatment, but it should subside within a day or two. Results may become noticeable after a few sessions and last several months up to a year. Periodic maintenance sessions may be recommended to maintain the initial result.

With treatments like Cellulaze® and Cellfina®, mild bruising, soreness, and swelling are common and expected to resolve within a few days to weeks. Results gradually become more visible, improving over time, and can last for up to three years.