Cellfina: when should I do it, what's recovery consist of, will incision marks show? (photos)

Cellfina is performed under local anesthesia to release the dimples caused by cellulite. You will drain some fluid for the first day or two afterwards and be somewhat sore. A compression garment will be worn for several weeks afterwards. You will likely experience some bruising along with swelling. You should look good at 4 weeks and even better at 3 months. Obtain a face to face consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who performs this procedure and discuss optimal timing to undergo the procedure.

Based on the photos, I think you are an excellent candidate for the procedure. Regarding timing, you have the potential for bruising. In some cases, this can persist for up to 3 to 4 weeks. Again, this would be unusual, but you don't want to be on the beach bruised. Good luck!

Your pictures show mild cellulite and dimpling of the skin, and best I can tell from these, you'd be a good candidate for Cellfina. Essentially there is no other effective treatment for cellulite that stands to provide the benefits that Cellfina can by selectively (but thoroughly) releasing the tethering bands that cause the dimpling. Cellulaze is perhaps an option, but it cannot safely do a thorough job of releasing these bands, in my opinion, without a significant risk of too-much release and causing other problems (if you carefully look at pictures and compare RealSelf reviews of these procedures, I think you'll come to the same conclusion).The incision marks typically heal without visibility, although they may be for several months after treatment. From you pictures, I would not anticipate you'd have any issues with visibility of the incisions. It is important to use sunblock during healing and some patients with darker skin types may be prone to hyperpigmentation (brown pigmentation around the incisions). This can generally be treated very well if it appears and for someone at high risk of hyperpigmentation, we can pre-treat with hydroquinone.I would recommend that you consider Cellfina over ANY other cellulite treatment. I can never fully predict results, but I can tell you that any other treatment is likely to give temporary or minimal to no results.Hope this helps,Nick Slenkovich MD, FACS

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. Patients are able to resume their day after leaving our office, but we do recommend taking it easy for up to 24 hours. 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.  

Your cellulite problem is a common one. Fortunately, finally there are effective ways to minimize this problem. Perhaps the least invasive one is  Cellfina™. 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

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.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 SurgeonDirector-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute#RealSelf100Surgeon

Cellulite is caused from fibrous bands (septae) that create tension under the skin, creating a dimpled appearance.  Cellfina is a FDA approved, one time treatment that reduces the appearance of cellulite on the backs of the thighs and buttocks.  While cellulite appearance is  sometimes affected  weight gain/loss, the fibrous bands will still be present.  When we evaluate for treatable areas in our Cellfina patients, we have them flex their gluteal muscles to make "hidden" cellulite bands appear more present.  As far as weight gain/loss and treatment time, it would be optimal to have the treatment done when the bands are more apparent.  Regarding downtime, we are finding patients typically have 2-3 weeks of bruising, depending on how many areas were treated.  We recommend wearing a spanx type compression garment for 2 weeks and avoiding exercise for 30 days.  You would be able to wear any kind of clothing over the garment.  Because areas of firmness or softness can occur, the studies indicate that optimum results are 3 months after treatment.  Regarding incisions, there are no actual incisions except for the needle used to deliver anesthesia.  These sites are small and do not even require suture for closure.  Check with your specific provider in regards to planning your treatment and expected outcomes before proceeding with treatment.

Healing of insertion sites is usually noted to occur as soon as a few days after having cellfina, but this can be delayed in rare situations. Once healed (sealed by new skin) there is always some temporary color change (maybe pink or slightly red. The insertions can't be hidden. They are located right near each specific indent of cellulite treated by Cellfina and in order to decrease the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening on the skin around the insertion sites from your pigment cells getting activated  which can happen) one should not expose their treated skin to sun exposure. Sunscreen may not be enough to prevent this especially in certain fair-skinned individuals and especially in darker skin types. Waiting to do Celfina after a vacation to a sunny climate in which you plan to wear a bathing suit makes more sense than rushing to do it before.  Bruising might also cause some discoloration that may make you feel self conscious for several weeks after the procedure should you expose your skin to others.

I think you are a great candidate I often combine with fat transfer or sculptra to enhance the results.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Results from Cellfina last 2 years. In many cases three years. The manufacturer financially guarantees at least 1 year (and backs this up with a free treatment). Do not get the procedure before a vacation because it may cause some bruising where it is done. This bruising may last a few days or up to 2 weeks. Ideally you'd want to get it a few months before your vacation. It is, in my opinion, the best treatment for cellulite currently available. I also often combine this with sculptra for even better results.