Cellulite treatments have been around for decade, but
recently the FDA approved a minimally
invasive treatment called Cellfina and it will hit the U.S. market starting
this spring. Unlike many other cellulite
treatments, only one treatment is
needed and results last at least one year.
What causes cellulite?We all know cellulite is that pesky lumpy “cottage cheese” appearance on our thighs, buttocks, and even arms- but why is it lumpy? Our skin’s deep dermal layers are anchored to our body with a fibrous connective tissuecalled septae. The septae runs parallel to the skin layer in women, and pushes against our subcutaneous fat (that pinchable fat that lives right underneath your skin) which will create a dimple. Think of a mattress or tufted piece of furniture. Reducing your body fat can help reduce the general appearance of cellulite but doesn't always help eliminate it.
What about liposuction?
Liposuction is one of the few proven treatments for fat pocket reduction and body contouring, but it won’t help for cellulite. Liposuction removes a deeper type of fat, not the superficial subcutaneous fat.
How does Cellfina work?
Cellfina is a handheld device that performs automatic surgical subcision, the localized cutting and releasing of the individual dimple’s septae. Manual subcision has been available for a while and involves a doctor using a scalpel to cut through the skin and severing the septae. Because a scalpel blade is rather large this method is higher risk for scarring and complication. The Cellfina device utilizes a needle sized blade, which almost eliminates bleeding and has a much lower risk of error or complication.