Best Cellulite Treatment? Lipomassage or Subcision

Question

lipomassage (endermologie)or subcision which one is the best treatment cellulite? thank you

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Cellulite is caused by a number of factors, including the structure of the ligaments that tether the skin, abnormalities of the fat compartments, and thinning of the skin allowing the fat to bulge. The fact that it isn't a single cause makes it a very challenging condition to treat, and if there were a treatment that was truly effective, everyone would know about it. Endermologie and similar treatments can produce temporary effects, while subcision would produce more lasting results but involves surgery and quite a bit of bruising.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Cellfina is the only FDA-cleared minimally invasive, one-time procedure clinically proven to improve the appearance of cellulite for at least two years—the longest FDA-cleared duration for a cellulite treatment. A straightforward solution to cellulite, Cellfina™, combines a proven approach with innovative, proprietary technology, to produce precise, long-lasting results and has a high satisfaction rating on RealSelf. Together with Velashape 3, a non invasive procedure to help "shrink wrap the skin" and further minimize cellulite as a combination treatment is perhaps your best chance for taking care of this tough problem. Cellulaze is also a possible treatment but much more invasive

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.
  
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.     I recommend Cellfina in combination with Sculptra or renuva for optimal results.  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 or
  
Ulthera 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 Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

85% of women are affected by bumpy, dimpled, unappealing cellulite.  As #cellulite is caused by fibrous bands underneath the skin that compress #fat, #diet and exercise do little to help the appearance of this condition.  Clinical treatments offer the most effective and longest lasting results.  We can now offer improvements that should last at least 2-3 years. My office also recommends three different procedures: ThermiSmooth, VelaShape 3, and Cellfina. ThermiSmooth is a #noninvasive treatment that uses very controlled #radio frequencies that deep heat target tissues and stimulate #collagen growth, improving the appearance of cellulite.  A series of three to six treatments are needed for the best results.  Thermismooth may also be used to treat fine lines or wrinkles.
Also, VelaShape 3 is a non-invasive treatment combining #massage rollers, a vacuum to elevate the target# tissue, infrared lights to heat the target tissue, and bi-polar radio frequencies which guide the heat; all together helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I suggest over six sessions, one week apart.  The combination of these technologies causes the connective tissue under the skin to heat up, stimulating collagen growth, #improving cellulite and skin elasticity.  VelaShape 3 may also be used for eliminating fat cells around the stomach and thighs.  
Cellfina is the newest FDA approved treatment for cellulite.  Unlike the others, #Cellfina it is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure  in which a safe, small needle-like tool is inserted to the target tissue to break apart the excessive fibrous connective tissue that causes cellulite.  There is minimum #downtime and the amazing results from one treatment last at least two years, longer than any other cellulite treatment. Seek more information to learn if you are candidate for these #treatment #options by consulting in-person with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank-you for your question!Cellfina is the latest break though for the treatment of cellulite. Cellfina targets the fibrous bands which are the source
of the dimpling in cellulite. It is most effective for the treatment of dimples
and depressions of the buttocks and back of the thighs. Our patients we have seen exceptional results!
Cellfina is a minimally invasive treatment performed in the office. No sedation or general anesthesia is required. The procedure is minimally
invasive with essentially no or very little downtime. Our patients note some
soreness for a couple of days but are able to returned to work the next day
after the procedure. There is generally some swelling and bruising. The
bruising may take a couple of weeks to resolve if there are a large number of
dimples released.We are seeing an
extremely high level of satisfactionfor
our patients treated with Cellfina. The investigational studies for Cellfina
have just been released and have shown an impressive patient satisfaction rate
of 85% at 3 months, 94% at one year and 96% at 2 years. This is a very exciting
solution for the many women who suffer from the embarrassment of cellulite.Best Regards, Andrew
Lyos, MD, FACS

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

In my opinion, cellulite technology has not shown to produce long term results for all types of cellulite. I advocate the Brazilian Cellulite Treatment for many of my patients and feel that this provides substantial improvement in cellulite on the hips and thighs.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

There is finally a technology on the market which offers long term improvement in cellulite after only a single treatment.

	Cellulaze is the newest and most effective treatment for cellulite because it actually treats the three main components of cellulite:

	
		thinning skin
	
		fat herniating into the deep layer of skin
	
		fibrous bands which create dimples


	Cellulaze is the only treatment which addresses each of these problems.

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Currently, subcision with Cellfina, will give you the best results. Latest tests show Cellfina results lasting up to five years.

Rian A. Maercks, MD · Answer

It is unfortunate that so many companies pray on patients looking for an easy cheap fix for cellulite.  There is a repackaging of some old technology with a sexy name every month.  Cellulite can be improved and it just depends on the type of cellulite a person has.  Is it deep cellulite with abundant fat, or is it localized 'problem spots?'  In general I recommend you avoid any technologies involving focused ultrasound or radio-frequency as Thermage and other technologies are well known for creating deformities.

	 

	In general I like to treat cellulite like you describe with a combination of diode laser  to gentlly reduce and smooth the subcutaneous fat with an infrared deep dermal heating for skin tightening.  In cases like yours I feel this is the best option.  The devices I use are iLipo by Chromogenix for fat reduction and SkinTyte II from Sciton for skin contraction and smoothing.  There may be other similar products out there but I dont recommend following advertiser hype in choosing your treatment.

	 

	Choose a reputable plastic surgeon with experience with these technologies and with conventional techniques.  You need to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon who can guide you.  Depending exam you may be better off with a liposuction modality which is the only situation in which subcision really works well.  In certain cases I use hydrojet liposuction (BodyJet by humanmed)  to reduce problem areas and smooth the skin  this is particularly useful for deeper large cellulite where some fat grafting is added back to the deeper areas after the liposuction.

	 

	I hope this helps!

	 

	All the best,

	Rian A. Maercks M.D.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

At the present time, Velashape is likely a better option for the temporary improvement of cellulite than lipomassage or subcision. For a single or very few dimples, some improvement can be achieved with subcision but long term correction is doubtful.

	In Canada, we have recently received approval for Cellulaze. This is a minimally invasive treatment that can address the tethering connective tissue and the bulging fat that distorts the surface. Studies have indicated a >80% improvement in the appearance of cellulite one year after a single treatment. So far nothing else has come close to these success rates. Watch for this technology to be carefully scrutinized when it becomes FDA approved. Time will tell if this approach will become popular.

	Dr. Mosher

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

We have found the best cellulite treatment to be the Accent laser.  This is anradiofrequency device.

As with so many treatments, they are not definitive, but do help considerably.