Cellfina - will cutting the bands eventually lead to butt sagging?

Question

Cellfina: If the fibrous bands are cut in the buttock, what holds the fat in place? I'm wondering if the buttock will sag sooner than normal. I'm sure the bands serve a good purpose and I'm wondering what is the negative effect from cutting them.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Great question and one we have been asked in our
practice. 
Cellfina is indicated to isolate and treat dimples of
concern that are caused by the anatomical structure of cellulite, the
fibrous septae bands. There is an area, referred to as the "banana
roll" by clinical trainers, just under the buttocks that cannot be treated
with Cellfina. If this area is targeted inadvertently it could potentially
cause a sagging effect in the future. Isolating specific dimples allows for a very precise treatment plan. There are many bands in place for support and after Cellfina many will remain intact to provide adequate structure. 
We have seen great results with Cellfina and invite you to view
our website to learn more about the treatment at our
practice.

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. 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

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. 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.

Thornwell H. Parker, III, MD · Answer

As we age, sagging buttocks maybe an unwelcome reality...however, Cellfina should not contribute to this problem.  Cellfina typically targets cellulite dimples, and should not damage surrounding untreated areas.  Sagging buttocks are typically best treated with a buttock lift, a lower body lift and/or autologous fat transfer.  Hope this helps!

Jennifer Harrington, MD · Answer

Hello and what an excellent question! The fibrous bands that are cut during the Cellfina treatment should not affect or encourage sagging. We are very careful to avoid areas at the bottom (or under) the buttocks when treating patients.  This procedure is very precise and we address and mark only the dimples that are ideal for treatment. Once these septae are cut, the skin is released and the surface becomes more even - providing a smooth, rather than dimpled, appearance.
I highly encourage you to pursue experienced practices near you who are performing the treatment to learn more about whether or not you are a good candidate. This is the most important first step.

I wish you the best,
Jenn Harrington, MD

Stefani Kappel, MD, FACMS · Answer

Outpouching or worsening of the dimples can be avoided by
with careful patient selection.    That is why the Cellfina
consultation is so important.  Careful patient selection and areas to be
treated based on location, skin laxity, and anatomy is very important.

Cellulite dimples are caused by fiberous connective tissue
bands that tether the skin down. These bands do not serve a physiologic purpose
and are simply an unfortunate phenomena that occurs.  When the bands are
precisely released, the skin is allowed to rise to the surface of the
surrounding skin. In the buttocks and thighs, there is ample volume from the
subcutaneous fat that allows the surface of the skin to smooth out (and not
sag) after treatment.  Avoiding treatment of dimples in the lower areas of
the buttocks (i.e. by the  "banana roll") and in patients with
significant skin laxity decreases this risk.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

The bands on the buttock do't serve a purpose.  The skin overlying the treatment cannot be loose.   If it is then Cellfina is not as effective.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Great question. If the procedure is not done properly, this can happen. There are certain "no fly zones" in the buttocks area that are not supposed to be treated. These areas include the gluteal crease and the banana roll area. Also, if there is symmetrical creases on the posterior thighs, these can represent fibrous compartments which should not be treated as well. All the areas that are not treatable with Cellfina, I treat with Sculptra injections.

Cellfina - will cutting the bands eventually lead to butt sagging?

Answers (8)

More Cellfina Questions

Too much cellulite for Cellfina? (Photo)

I have dimples and also striations on my butt - worsened after BBL. Am I a candidate for Cellfina? (Photos)

Is Cellfina available in the UK or Europe as yet?

I would like to try the Cellfina procedure to get rid of my unsightly cellulite.

Would you recommend Cellfina for severe cellulite on buttocks and outer thighs?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS