Q: Cellfina vs. Cellulaze: What’s the difference?

Cellfina is often compared to Cellulaze , since both work to release cellulite dimples below the skin, instead of topically. However, Cellfina uses a subcision technique to release cellulite dimples, while Cellulaze uses a laser to treat three issues: 1. cutting and releasing the fibrous bands, 2. treating subdermal herniated fat, and 3. treating skin laxity. Because the laser heats up the skin and fat, doctors on RealSelf say that Cellulaze carries a risk of causing more side effects and tends to involve a longer recovery. However, some doctors like Cellulaze in certain cases, like treating very large areas with small dimpling or wavy cellulite. And RealSelf members give Cellulaze a slightly higher Worth It Rating .

Question 1

What is Cellfina?

Accepted Answer

Cellfina is a nonsurgical treatment for reducing the appearance of cellulite dimples. Until recently, it was the only FDA-cleared, minimally invasive procedure that had been clinically proven to be effective for cellulite reduction on the thighs and butt for up to three years. (Qwo, an injectable that was FDA-approved in March 2021 to treat cellulite on the butt, lasts up to four years.)

Up to 90% of women have some cellulite dimples, making it one of the most common concerns. Cellfina is one of the few cellulite treatments that’s considered effective because it treats the root cause.

Dr. Laurie Casas, a plastic surgeon in Glenview, Illinois, explains that cellulite dimples form when bands of connective tissue fibers (septae) that connect the skin to the fascia tighten. Fat bulges between these taut bands, causing a dimpled appearance. Skin laxity can make the issue worse, causing puckering on the surface of the skin.

Cellulite creams and other topical skin care treatments can’t treat these underlying causes. Cellfina works by severing those connective fibrous bands, via a minor surgical process called subcision.

This minimally invasive treatment uses suction to elevate the skin over the dimpled area while cutting the fibrous band with a tiny blade.

“Similar to a rubber band under tension, once it’s released, the treated skin bounces back to smooth itself out,” says Dr. Jon Ver Halen, a plastic surgeon in Colleyville, Texas. The suction also separates the cut ends of these connective bands, so they’re less likely to reattach.

Related: These Are the Best Cellulite Treatments, According to Doctors and RealSelf Members

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of a Cellfina procedure?

Accepted Answer

Pros

Cellfina treats the primary structural cause of cellulite to smooth dimpled skin.
The in-office procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about an hour.
You may see results within a few weeks and significant improvement within three months.
No serious adverse events have been associated with Cellfina. The most common side effects are soreness and bruising.
The incisions made during Cellfina are very tiny (about two millimeters) and don’t require stitches. They typically heal quickly, with limited downtime and minimal scarring.
The manufacturer of Cellfina offers a yearlong patient satisfaction guarantee and points to high patient satisfaction rates: 93% of patients who responded to their survey were still satisfied three years after their treatment.

Cons

RealSelf members have been less satisfied, with just type: embedded-entry-inline id: Ks6V6ARYAktTMUTOEu3el saying their treatment was Worth It.
Because the Cellfina system doesn't treat skin laxity or bulging fat (which typically contribute to moderate to severe cellulite), not everyone is a good candidate.
It's also is not a body contouring treatment—it can only treat cellulite.
You'll have to wait several months to see your final results.
It can't effectively treat inner thigh cellulite, which is typically caused by skin laxity.
Bruising can be severe and last up to a month, so plan ahead if you have any upcoming events where you’ll want to be able to show off your body.
The treatment can be expensive and isn't covered by insurance.

Related: 6 In-Office Cellulite Treatments That Really Work, Including One You've Never Heard Of

Question 3

How expensive is Cellfina?

Accepted Answer

The cost of Cellfina includes the consultation, anesthetic, and the treatment itself. The compression stockings or girdle to prevent swelling will cost an additional $50–$200.

Your Cellfina cost will depend on your provider’s level of experience and their practice location.

See our complete guide to Cellfina costs

Question 4

Cellfina before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The Cellfina photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

Who's a good candidate for Cellfina?

Accepted Answer

Any adult who’s bothered by cellulite dimples on the buttocks and the backs of their thighs can be a potential candidate.

The treatment is far less effective for wavy, diffuse cellulite caused by skin laxity or herniated subdermal fat. In fact, Cellfina can actually worsen the problem of loose skin.

It shouldn’t be used to treat the “banana roll” area, the crescent-shaped strip of fat that can accumulate right under the buttocks, because it increases the risk of a flat butt from increased skin laxity.

Being at a stable weight is a plus, according to doctors on RealSelf. Participants in the Cellfina clinical studies did have some weight changes (both gains and losses), and their results were maintained. However, large weight fluctuations may lead to new cellulite (or make dimples more noticeable), while significant weight loss may result in skin laxity that can cause surface irregularities.

Cellfina can be used on all skin types, but patients with brown skin may be prone to hypo- or hyperpigmentation, as one RealSelf member with Fitzpatrick Type IV skin reported. Caution should also be taken if you have a history of developing keloid scars.

Question 6

What should you expect during Cellfina treatment?

Accepted Answer

At your initial consultation, your doctor will make sure Cellfina is the best cellulite treatment for your unique situation.

On the day of your treatment, your doctor will prep for the procedure by taking before photos and marking the cellulite dimples that are being treated.

Then they’ll use the Cellfina device to inject a diluted anesthetic solution, similar to what’s used during liposuction, under the surface of the skin to numb the treatment area. Typically, no other medications are required. “The only discomfort a patient should have is with the very first numbing injections,” says Dr. Ver Halen.

Once the anesthetic has kicked in, your doctor will use a circular device that fixes the cellulite dimple in place.

With the cellulite dimple pulled inside the device, they’ll insert a needle-size microblade beneath the top layer of your skin, to precisely release the bands of fibers that cause the appearance of a cellulite dimple. Each dimple that was marked will be released.

The entire treatment typically takes less than an hour. Since the procedure is performed under local rather than general anesthesia, most patients can go home on their own.

RealSelf Tip: Cellfina isn’t a treatment for stretch marks, but when a cellulite dimple is released, the skin may appear tighter and smoother—which can make stretch marks look better, says Dr. Stanley Castor, a plastic surgeon in Tampa, Florida, in a RealSelf Q&A.

Question 7

How long does it take to heal from Cellfina?

Accepted Answer

You’ll be able to go about most of your daily activities after leaving the office, though avoiding strenuous exercises (especially those that involve the gluteal muscles) for at least two weeks is recommended.

You'll have a dressing on the treatment sites, to collect drainage from the liquid anesthetic and minimal bleeding. This can persist until the next day.

Patients usually require only over-the-counter pain medication. “There isn’t really pain but more of a discomfort when I sit. Nothing a couple of Tylenol hasn’t handled,” said one RealSelf member about her recovery.

You’ll be asked to wear a snug (not tight) Spanx-type compression garment for one to two weeks. Besides holding the dressings in place, the garment will limit swelling. “This helps to reduce pain and quickens recovery for most patients,” says Dr. Castor in a RealSelf Q&A. Consider a crotchless compression garment or take a pair of scissors to the one you’re using, suggests one RealSelf member. “It’s pretty painful to pull these up and down over your bandages for the first couple of days.”

It’s common to have swelling, (sometimes extreme) bruising, and firmness after the procedure for at least a few weeks. Some RealSelf members report severe bruising that lasted for six weeks or longer.

“The tiny incisions created during the treatment should be taped after the spots stop leaking fluid, to prevent the tiny scar from widening and causing a buildup of scar tissue,” says Dr. Casas.

She also cautions that “Fluid from the procedure can build up under the skin where the dimple was released, which can feel like a hard bump. There may also be small pockets of blood under the skin, from the release of the fibrous bands.”

There’s also a release of lymphatic fluid when cutting through the fatty layer of skin. Ask your doctor about having lymphatic drainage massage, which may help speed your recovery.

“One thing I can say to do is ice, ice, ice! I came home and put two bags of frozen peas under my butt for 30 minutes every four hours the first night, and my bruising is very minimal compared to other pictures I’ve seen.”—Ansilla, RealSelf member

Question 8

How soon will you see Cellfina results?

Accepted Answer

It can take up to two weeks to start seeing results—and even longer to see the final results.

For the first several days after treatment, swelling and bruising will mask your true results. As they subside, you should start to see improvements in your cellulite dimples, but be patient.

“I tell all my patients that it will take several months for the average individual to reach their final endpoint,” says Dr. Elias in a RealSelf Q&A.

Question 9

Are Cellfina results permanent?

Accepted Answer

Doctors who perform this procedure generally say that Cellfina results are permanent and have a high success rate.

The company that manufactures Cellfina points to a study that showed significant improvement shortly after a single treatment, with results lasting at least five years—the longest FDA clearance for a cellulite treatment.

“In one of the more frequently quoted studies about Cellfina, an impressive 98% of patients noted a full two-point improvement (out of five possible points) in their Cellulite Severity Scale at one year, two years, and three years after the procedure,” says Dr. Ver Halen.

Cellfina guarantees results for one year. If you aren’t happy with your results, your provider will re-treat you, free of charge.

RealSelf Tip: For optimal results, some doctors often create a combination treatment plan that includes Cellfina to release dimples; Sculptra, an injectable filler that stimulates the production of collagen, to improve the skin quality and smooth cellulite; and Ultherapy, to tighten the lax skin often seen with cellulite.

Question 10

Is Cellfina worth it?

Accepted Answer

RealSelf members give Cellfina a type: embedded-entry-inline id: Ks6V6ARYAktTMUTOEu3el Worth It Rating, so opinions are decidedly mixed.

Some are beyond happy with their results, and Cellfina before and after photos posted by doctors on RealSelf show a noticeable smoothing of dimpled skin. “It’s life-changing,” says one reviewer. “My cellulite is about 85% improved or more,” says another. “It may not be a cure-all, but in my opinion, it was worth it.”

However, Cellfina reviews on RealSelf aren’t universally positive. Some women report they don’t see enough improvement or that their cellulite even looks worse afterward. “Wavy ol’ ass. Cratery thighs. I do think it’s worse than my baseline, which makes me want to throw up because I spent 4 grand for… this,” says one RealSelf member.

Others were too bothered by the bruising or lingering hyperpigmentation to consider their results worth it.

Ultimately, it’s important to have realistic expectations. “Cellfina patients can expect a significant—sometimes dramatic—improvement in the appearance of their cellulite after the procedure,” says Dr. Van Halen. “But it’s not a magic eraser that makes cellulite disappear completely.”

Dr. Casas adamantly agrees, underscoring that not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment option. “It only treats dimples, not skin laxity or subdermal fat herniation,” which can cause bulges.

Question 11

Cellfina vs. Cellulaze: What’s the difference?

Accepted Answer

Cellfina is often compared to Cellulaze, since both work to release cellulite dimples below the skin, instead of topically. However, Cellfina uses a subcision technique to release cellulite dimples, while Cellulaze uses a laser to treat three issues: 1. cutting and releasing the fibrous bands, 2. treating subdermal herniated fat, and 3. treating skin laxity.

Because the laser heats up the skin and fat, doctors on RealSelf say that Cellulaze carries a risk of causing more side effects and tends to involve a longer recovery.

However, some doctors like Cellulaze in certain cases, like treating very large areas with small dimpling or wavy cellulite. And RealSelf members give Cellulaze a slightly higher Worth It Rating.

CELLFINA

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS

Karyn Repinski

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Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS

Karyn Repinski

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