How effective is Sculptra for mild cellulite on the legs and buttocks? (photos)

Question

I am 40 years old and fit. I essentially have shallow dimples on my buttox and little pockets as well on my back and side upper legs. I have tried Velashape and other tightening things in the past to no avail (and Cellfina) so hoping an injectable may help. Do you think this is a good procedure for mild cellulite and also do you know any surgeons who practice this often/have a good reputation in LA (nothing online)?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I would have a discussion with a highly experienced, ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon. The truth is that you can spend thousands of dollars, especially with recommendations like the one you just got on this post, and still be unhappy with your results. I have not seen a single before and after photograph where the lighting angle or the exposure haven't been altered to make skin look smoother. Sculptra will only add volume (size), and any improvement would likely be small and temporary. Cellfina can only address the largest of defects well, the rest are minimally improved. Non-invasive, energy based systems have no proven long term effect. Liposuction has been proven ineffective since the 1990's. Best of luck!

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Cellulite is a very difficult thing to treat and often results are not permanent. Improvement can be seen with a combination of treatments including Sculptra, Cellfina, Cellulaze, ThermiTight, etc. The goal should be improvement and not total permanent elimination. Make sure you see an experienced physician provider for an in-person consultation and evaluation. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear alw25808,you might consider Cellfina to reduce the cellulite. Patients are usually satisfied after the treatment (over 90 %). I would suggest you to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience with Cellfina.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach is needed to get the most improvement. I recommend Sculptra along with Cellfina 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.

Quenby Erickson, DO, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

Thank you for the great photos with your question, it is very helpful. In my hands, sculptra works very well for the kind of dimpling that you have, I know you already had cellfina, but I would use subcision along with sculptra, so that as the fibrous cord is snipped (like cellfina) a little sculptra is injected to stimulate collagen and fill in the dimple. I hope this helps!Dr. Quenby Erickson, DO. FAAD

How effective is Sculptra for mild cellulite on the legs and buttocks? (photos)

Answers (5)