How Long Does It Take for Cellulaze to Work?

To understand how Cellulaze works, it is good to know the underlying cause of cellulite. Cellulite is caused by tightening and shortening of connective fibers between the skin and underlying muscle, combined with thinning skin and the fat pushing up against the thinning skin on the surface. I sometimes use the analogy of a mattress with buttons, once those threads (connective tissue) are released, the surface will become smoother.  Cellulaze works by three different effects, first, and most important, is releasing some of the shortened fibers, this is an immediate effect.  In addition, it helps equalize the fat between the fibers to smooth out some of the irregularities which you should see the results of when swelling has resolved in 2-3 weeks.  The final component is the skin tightening and thickening which takes place more gradually due to collagen stimulation and skin contraction from the laser. This final result will be realized over the next 3-6 months.  I hope this is helpful to you. 

Cellulite affects up to 85% of adult women and can be extremely difficult to #correct. Many treatments are ineffective or take multiple sessions to complete with very temporary results. If you are deemed a candidate, you may benefit from #Cellfina. Cellfina is the newest, most effective FDA approved technology available for treating cellulite. This one-time, minimally invasive procedure takes only 45 minutes to perform, but the results last for a minimum of two years. #Cellfina has the longest lasting results of any current #cellulite treatment. Its approval rate is over 93% here on RealSelf.Used on #moderate to #severe cellulite of the buttock and thighs, Cellfina works by treating the rubber-band-like connective tissue that causes cellulite. When these “rubber bands” under the skin are cut, the fat trapped underneath in dimples “snaps” back into place, creating a full, smooth appearance.There is no cutting and no incisions. To perform this controlled, precise, and safe procedure, a vacuum hand piece is placed over the dimpled tissue through which the surgeon will deliver a local anesthetic. Then a small, needle-like #microblade is inserted to release the fibrous bands, the cause of cellulite. Seek more information to learn if you are candidate for #Cellfina by consulting with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon.  

Dear Megan,Thank you for your question.  Many of our patients do note an immediate effect after surgery.  Some of this is from swelling which can make the area appear smoother.Generally we see full recovery from the procedure after 6-12 months, depending on the patient and how much Cellulaze is done. As the incisions are so small, the recovery is quite minimal.  There can be some drainage of fluid.  The area appears red, swollen and sometimes bruised after surgery.  The pain is usually milder than liposuction.  The treated area can be tender and feel bruised.  Often patients will tell us the pain is quite minimal and tolerable.  Most patients can return to work the next day.Aloha,Shim Ching, MD

In my opinion, each person heals differently. Some of my patients see an improvement in 2 weeks. However, I believe this is edema.At 2 months, a long lasting improvement is usually noted. There is a group of patient's that may not see improvement until the 5th or 6th month.I find that wearing the compression garment is helpful in getting results sooner.Good luck!

Cellulaze has immediate results in some areas... I can actually "feel" the dimples being released and smoothed out immediately in the operating room. However, the final long term results can take anywhere from 3 months to one year to be visualized. This is because the collagen that forms in response to the laser will slowly accumulate over time. This tightening effect of the skin does take time and patience is key, especially during the first several weeks while the bruising and swelling is present. In complete honesty, the worst part about Cellulzae is the drainage from the incisions (because of the fluid that is used during the laser treatment). Usually this lasts for 1 to 2 days following the procedure and is really only a slight annoyance.

Short answer is 1-2 months, and it improves from there. During the first couple weeks, the skin looks very smooth, due to swelling. There may be some bruising, but I try to minimize that with the use of foam pads and a compression garment during the first week. After about 3-4 weeks as the swelling resolves, it looks more irregular and may be a little lumpy. From 1-2 months as the subcutaneous tissue heals from the effects of the heat from the laser, the skin softens, swelling diminishes and the skin contraction becomes apparent. If it doesn't meeet your expectations at 4 weeks, do not panic. Just wait. At 6-8 weeks, if you are feeling happy, you should know that it keeps improving for 6 months. I actually think it improves for a year. Ultrasound images of the skin show smoothing, thickening and increasing uniformity from months 1-12. The skin feels very smooth and silky to the touch.

Cellulaze is a minimally invasive surgical treatment to reduce cellulite. If you are a good candidate the area that is treated takes 6-9 months to demonstrate all the changes that will occur to demonstrate smoother skin.

You are absolutely right. The results from Cellulaze are not instant. You might look smoother right after the treatment, because of the swelling associated with it. You will begin to see improvement in the 2-3 months out from the laser procedure and usually this maxes out at about 6 months.It takes time because the healing involves skin thickening by making new collagen in the skin and also there's an increase in the elastic fibers. These two are increased by approx 30% as borne out by the Cellulaze studies. The results are long lasting (at least 3 years). There's nothing on the market which can match the Cellulaze results.

Cellulaze is the world's first permanent solution to improve the appearance of cellulite.  It uses a laser to address the three components of cellulite.


thinning skin

herniating fat into the deep layer of skin

fibrous bands that create dimpling


The treatment results in some bruising and swelling of the treatment area.  A compression garment is worn for several weeks to help decrease these side effects.  The appearance is already improved by 2-3 weeks post-procedure, but the final results are best seen at about the three month mark.

Cellulaze has recently received FDA approval for the treatment of cellulite in the US. it works by lysing the sepate that hold the skin surface down and create dimples on the surface of the skin. additionally the laser can also tighten the skin over time. Reduction in the appearance of septae is apparent shortly after the procedure. Skin tightening on the other hand can take upto 1 yr to show final results