Cellulaze: Stories

I’ve had cellulite on the back of thighs for years, but I hadn’t heard of any treatment that works until now with Cellulaze. My cellulite is small ridges on the backs of my thighs, just enough to annoy me. I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Tina B. West who is offering the procedure in her Chevy Chase, MD office. Dr. West is a very experienced dermatologic surgeon, who also performs LipoSelection and CoolSculpting body contouring procedures, so I knew I was in good hands.

During the consultation, Dr. West made it very clear that this is not a quick fix; it takes 3 to 6 months to see full results. After seeing the before and after pictures, and Dr. West answering all of my questions, I decided Cellulaze was for me.

I had the back of my thighs, starting at the back of my knees, treated with Cellulaze by Dr. West on June 21, 2012. I came in at 8:30 a.m. and had photos taken. Dr. West answered all of my questions and I was then given a Valium. They marked my area to be treated with different colored markers and then had me lie on my stomach on the table.

Dr. West injected a special numbing solution into my legs that numbed the site...it didn’t hurt at all. The treatment took about an hour, maybe a little more. There was no pain during the procedure and that was great! I was able to talk to Dr. West and her assistant throughout the procedure. I never felt woozy or out of it from the Valium, just relaxed. When the procedure was over, I felt fine. I put my compression garment on. Dr. West told me I would have some drainage from the sites for 24-48 hours, so I was prepared for it. I went home and took it easy for the rest of the day but was never uncomfortable.

I had drainage for about 24 hours or so, but it wasn’t terrible. Using the absorbent pads certainly helped. I returned to work the next day without much inconvenience. I have to say, I was expecting this procedure to be a lot more painful! Maybe having a smaller area treated is a “cake-walk”. Honestly the worst part has to be the compression garment. It really does compress! In a week I’ll be able to switch to Spanx, which aren’t nearly as tight as these. I slept fine that night. I did take an Advil that night ‘just in case’ but I don’t think I needed it.

As I sit here writing this 5 days after Cellulaze my thighs are still a little bruised and of course tender to the touch, but I feel that they do look a little smoother…but it’s way too early to tell. Dr. West told me NOT to expect results for 3 to 6 months and the bruising may get worse before it gets better. I just have to be patient! Based on the information I have read about what is actually happening under my skin (and what I’ve read here on RealSelf), I can’t imagine seeing results until the healing has finished…I will keep everyone posted!