Cellulite

The dimpled, uneven skin appearance known as cellulite can be frustrating for patients trying to achieve a slim and smooth body.

Cellulite

The dimpled, uneven skin appearance known as cellulite can be frustrating for patients trying to achieve a slim and smooth body. Thanks to cutting-edge technological breakthroughs, cosmetic surgery is now able to offer long-term reduction in cellulite through minimally invasive treatments.

What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite is formed by the formation of fibrous bands called septa that connect the skin to the underlying muscle fascia, tightening unevenly, pulling the skin down and allowing the normal fat layer under the skin to be pushed upwards. This results in a shrinking “cottage cheese” appearance.

Am I a Good Candidate for Cellulite Reduction?

Although having cellulite is actually more common in women, the dimpled, uneven appearance is troubling for many women. If you are not satisfied with the cellulite in your body, cellulite reduction can help you feel more confident in your appearance. In general, cellulite treatment will be most effective in the following situations:

• If you are bothered by the effect of cellulite on your appearance and want to reduce it,
• You are satisfied with your current body weight and you are not overweight,
• If you have realistic expectations, cellulite reduction treatments can reduce dimpling, but not completely eliminate it.

What Are My Treatment Options?

• Laser Treatments

Laser cellulite reduction uses a small laser probe inserted just under the skin through a small incision. This laser heats the tissues below the skin surface where it works, releasing some of the fibrous septa. It reduces the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer, stimulates collagen production, improves skin texture and elasticity.

• Non-Laser Energy Treatments

Many treatments use energy from radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, infrared light, or radial pulses to warm the skin, stimulate collagen production and reduce cellulite. Depending on the specific treatment, energy-based cellulite reduction can help with mild fat reduction and loosen fibrous septa to achieve a softer, more even skin texture.

• Injectable Treatments

QWO is the first injectable with FDA clearance to treat cellulite. It contains enzymes that break down collagen bands that cause dimpling, reducing the appearance of cellulite without surgery. QWO is also thought to work by stimulating the production of more flexible septa and redistributing fat cells under the skin.

• Mechanical Operations

Cellfina is an automatic mechanical cellulite reduction treatment. It works by releasing the strained septa using a very thin blade inserted through a small incision. The skin is gently absorbed into the Cellfina device, allowing the cosmetic surgeon to place the blade just a few millimeters below the skin, minimizing the impact on surrounding tissues. Local anesthesia is used.