How long does it take to see the full effects of Cellfina? 3 days post op. (photos)

Cellfina is a good procedure to treat cellulite as it targets the fibrous bands that cause dimpling of the skin.  For the first several days after treatment there will be swelling and bruising which will mask the results.  As the swelling subsides you should see improvement in the cellulite.  Results should be visible by 3 months if not sooner and studies show that the results are long lasting, up to 3 years now.  Be patient and let your body heal.  I recommend frequent follow-up with your treating physician to evaluate your progress.

Thanks for your question and photos. While Cellfina is a minimally-invasive procedure, there is some healing that needs to take place before your full results become evident. At this stage, it would be impossible to evaluate your final outcome - it may take a few months before your new contour becomes apparent. I recommend you give yourself time to heal and if you have additional concerns, schedule a follow-up with your doctor. I wish you all the best!

It can take several weeks to see improvement with Cellfina, however compression, lymphatic massage, and rf treatments (Venus Legacy, Thermi250, Exilis) help healing dramatically and makes the skin tighten more quickly. Keep in mind, a combination approach gives the most improvement with cellulite. Cellfina is the best treatment for cellulite, but it works best in combination with Sculptra, and body treatments like Exilis Ultra/Venus Legacy, Cellutone/z wave.  A VASER HI DEF procedure can be done for more contouring. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Cellulite dimpling is due to a fibrous tether that holds the skin down.  The procedure very accurately targets the tether and releases it.  Sometimes, especially with a large, deep dimple there is also a loss of volume.  The body can replace some of that volume naturally over a few months.  It would be hard to determine exact results after just a few days.  There are some situations where adding volume to fill the volume loss is done.  We have had good results with Sculptra done several months after Cellfina.

It is important for you to understand that the tissue under the skin is cut with a blade during this procedure. The small size of the incisions (needle-holes) can be deceptive and lead to unreasonable expectations. I tell all of my patients that it will take several months for the average individual to reach their final end-point. Some cases may take up to one year.