Which is better for permanent cellulite reduction - Cellulaze or the BodyFX system?

Question

I have pretty significant cellulite on my thighs. I was considering cellulaze but most people online say they had pain for months and little permanent results after 1-2 years. The reviews for the Invasix BodyFX system seem great - but I've read conflicting things on whether this is permanent. Also, I know the BodyFX system melts fat, but does it break up the fibrinous bands that cause cellulite? Thank you!

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

Cellulaze allows the surgeon to target the underlying bands that are causing the dimpling associated with cellulite.  Contrary to other opinions the results are not mediocre.  The division of bands and skin tightening give Cellulaze very good results which are long lasting.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Cellulite is extremely common. An estimated 100 million women in the USA between the ages of 20-54 voice concern about #cellulite. 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 or Cellifina Platinum.  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.
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. Cellfina #Platinum combines other non-surgical treatments for optimum #results. Seek more information to learn if you are candidate for these #treatment #options by consulting in-person with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Cellulaze works on on 3 aspects of cellulite: the banding, skin thinning, and superficial fat deposits.  The procedure can make a good improvement in cellulite that is long lasting.  Results vary depending on the degree of cellulite and the quality of the patient's skin.  Because it is an invasive procedure, there is some downtime and some discomfort for a short period of time.   BodyFX and other non-invasive modality work using heat to try to increase skin tightening and possibly melt some superficial fat.  Because these technologies do not address the banding, dimpling is usually minimally improved.  Non-invasive modalities work best on very mild, superficial cellulite.

Edward J. Bednar, MD · Answer

we use both but only cellulaze snaps the bandswe have patients that absolutely do not want to have surgery and are aware of the limitations of a non surgical modality such as body fxwe explain this to them in full detail during the consultationpatients with lesser degree of cellulite love body fx because most have a combination of some fat depots and cellulite and want tightening to lessen the appearance of dimplingbody fx tightens ski as well which is great plus and gets rid of 30 percent of fatmuch better than coolsculpting or any other device out there while also tightening skinif you are looking or a more permanent and dramatic solution, then go with cellulazebut it is surgery

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Cellulaze not only works by dividing bands between the skin and deeper tissues but simultaneously builds collagen. Fat deposits are melted away as part of the procedure.  Results are typically noticed by six months because this is the amount of time required for stimulation to build new collagen. The duration of this new collagen growth is determined by various factors including, age, nutrition and genetics.Body Fx works in a similar fashion using radiofrequency waves instead of LASER.  Fibrous bands are not divided but the skin is thickened due to stimulation of collagen by the RF.  Treatments usually need to be repeated to maintain results.
There is not one treatment effective for all degrees of cellulite.  Cellulaze has been proven to be as effective as any other one session treatment. Often patients will benefit from fat injection to the thighs and buttocks in addition to or instead of non surgical treatments.
Please consult with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person prior to making treatment decisions.

Which is better for permanent cellulite reduction - Cellulaze or the BodyFX system?

Answers (5)