Does Cellfina cause subcutaneous fat damage? Will it cause a fat atrophy?

We have not seen that in our patients.   That was one of the concerns with the laser based technology, especially on the buttocks, but not with Cellfina as it is just a knife which cuts the bands without any energy delivery. I have used it on the buttocks and have been happy with the results thus far. The patients have been extremely happy as well.

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. Results can be seen in as little as three days post-op. Most patients report some soreness, tenderness, and bruising, which should #resolve within a week. 90% of patients reported no bruising after one month. To ensure the best results, a compressive garment should be worn for 2 weeks post-treatment. Seek more information to learn if you are candidate for #Cellfina by consulting with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon.  

Cellfina is an FDA approved minimally invasive procedure that reduces the appearance of cellulite for at least two years on the buttocks and back of the thighs of women.It works by releasing the internal bands that cause the cellulite dimpling and so we have not seen any fat atrophy. You should not see much of a difference with weight gain or loss but this also has not been studied.Other areas of the body with dimpling, it is important to make sure it is truly cellulite before treatment.It is common to have swelling bruising and firmness after the procedure. This can last for a few weeks.It is different than Cellulaze which is a laser. If you have had previous poor results with cellulaze, you can still do Cellfina.Cellfina has shown 100% noticeable improvement and 96% satisfaction in all patients at 2 years. Cellfina is designed to be a one time procedure. It can be used on women with all skin types but caution should be taken if theres a history of keloiding.It can also be combined with other treatments such as Thermi orUlthera if skin tightening is needed.We have done Sculpsure and Coolsculpting if fat reduction is wanted, but its best to wait 3 months to see the results before proceeding.It can also be done at the same time as other procedures such as liposuction and BBL or as a stand alone procedure in the office.Since Cellfina outcomes can be based on technique and experience, please see a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes body contouring to see if Cellfina or other treatments are available to meet your goals. Take care,Dr Schwartz Board Certified Plastic SurgeonDirector-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute

Cellfina has a vacuum tissue stabilized guidance system for the infiltration of local anesthesia to prevent pain during the procedure and for the precise subcision of the connective tissue bands that cause the cellulite dimples. These connective tissue bands are called fibrous septae.  The procedure targets the fibrous septal bands and does not effect the fat cells and will not cause fat atrophy.  Cellfina results in long term smoothness of the treated areas.

Cellfina should not cause fat atrophy or subcutaneous fat damage. It employs very narrow blades to lyse the fibrous bands causing cellulite and should not damage the surrounding tissues. Clinical trials run over 3 years now have not shown that to be the case.

Hello and thank-you for your question!Cellfina targets the fibrous bands which are the source of the dimpling in cellulite. Cellfina is most effective for the treatment of dimples and depressions of the buttocks and outer thighs. Care is taken not to overlap treatment areas to prevent excessive release. We have not seen fat atrophy or worsening of skin laxity after Cellfina treatment.Best Regards, Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

Fat cells are not easily killed by having a needle go through it as the cell membrane seems to heal quickly. There have not been reports of fat atrophy related to Cellfina to-date of which I am aware. 

Great question.  One of the reasons I really like this technology is that it is very specific in targeting the fibrous bands that cause cellulite and just release those bands.  Laser technology may actually treat fat or tighten skin which really is not the goal in cellulite treatment.  If anything you want to expand the skin and not treat or damage the fat---so almost the opposite of laser treatment.  In fact we are also performing some fat transfers in some CellFina patients at the same time or in the following 6-12 months to add more volume.Thanks for the question!Dr Bengtson

The Cellfina procedure is
a minimally invasive one that numbs the area around the dimple on your buttocks
or thighs, and then treats the connective bands woven throughout the fat that
pull down the skin, creating dimpling seen on the skin’s surface. The Cellfina
cellulite procedure works by precisely treating these tethered bands, causing
them to fully release. Similar to a rubberband under tension, once released,
the treated skin bounces back to smooth itself out in as little as three days.

Weight gain or weight loss
should not affect the outcomes and the results have been seen for over 2 years
(if not more). It is truly a really
exciting new technology that most women can benefit from.

Thank you for your question.  We have not seen this in our office as the Cellfina device disects the fibrous bands without altering the fat.  In clinical trials and practical experience there has not been fat atrophy.  Regards, Dr. Matt Elias