POSTED UNDER Cellfina REVIEWS
Dark Skin Beware of Cellfina
ORIGINAL POST
Dark Skin Beware of Cellfina
Cara2019September 23, 2019
$3,500
I have Fitzpatrick IV skin and had mild cellulite. Had cellfina in late May 2019. I was severely bruised immediately after the procedure and in pain for 2 weeks after the procedure. The compression garments made it difficult for me to use the toilet and I was pretty much bed-ridden.
Two weeks later, I went back for a follow up and was still very much bruised. I had purple/blue spots at the incision points that made it look like I had a strange skin infection. Someone asked me if they were bed bug bites. All through summer, I had to hide. This took a toll on me emotionally.
I went back to see the doctor 2.5 months after the procedure and he prescribed bleaching creams. I'm going on 4 months and some of the spots have lightened but the ones in front of my legs are still dark and have bruise stains (hemosiderin). I went to see the doctor last Friday and he applied PicoSure Focus on one of the bruises and it made it worse. It actually crusted on site and now I have symmetrical rectangles.
Never in a million years would I have imagined that a procedure that's advertised as "safe," minimally invasive and claims that bruising is "temporary" would have left me so mutilated. I'd take back my cellulite in a second rather than living like I have for the past 4 months! I have not gone to the gym, a pool, worn shorts, or even dated. I paid thousands of dollars to have to cover my once beautiful legs. I don't know if this is permanent.
Unless you're white think twice before having this procedure. Cellfina is NOT safe on skin of color. I'm scared this is permanent and I feel my legs have been ruined.
Two weeks later, I went back for a follow up and was still very much bruised. I had purple/blue spots at the incision points that made it look like I had a strange skin infection. Someone asked me if they were bed bug bites. All through summer, I had to hide. This took a toll on me emotionally.
I went back to see the doctor 2.5 months after the procedure and he prescribed bleaching creams. I'm going on 4 months and some of the spots have lightened but the ones in front of my legs are still dark and have bruise stains (hemosiderin). I went to see the doctor last Friday and he applied PicoSure Focus on one of the bruises and it made it worse. It actually crusted on site and now I have symmetrical rectangles.
Never in a million years would I have imagined that a procedure that's advertised as "safe," minimally invasive and claims that bruising is "temporary" would have left me so mutilated. I'd take back my cellulite in a second rather than living like I have for the past 4 months! I have not gone to the gym, a pool, worn shorts, or even dated. I paid thousands of dollars to have to cover my once beautiful legs. I don't know if this is permanent.
Unless you're white think twice before having this procedure. Cellfina is NOT safe on skin of color. I'm scared this is permanent and I feel my legs have been ruined.
UPDATED FROM Cara2019
5 months post
Photos
Cara2019October 6, 2019
I’ve added photos from two weeks up to four months post Cellfina. I’m going on 5 months and still struggling with residual hyperpigmentation. My cellulite wasn’t severe to begin with, so having to cover up and agonize every day over these dark spots is too high a price to bear. Coupled with this is the anxiety of not knowing when the rest of these spots will fade. I cannot emphasize enough, this is not worth it. If you have skin of color (any color) don’t it. I’m tired of crying myself at night every night and having to apply hydroquinone multiple times a day. So, not worth it!!
Replies (3)
October 10, 2019
I also had Cellfina and regret it! 2&1/2 years later I STILL have horrible hyperpigmentation even after having laser treatment to "lighten" the dark spots. It is an expensive, painful and DAMAGING treatment. My thighs and butt look worse than before! DO NOT DO IT!
October 10, 2019
Thank you, Deborah! What is your ethnicity or Fitzpatrick skin type? I’m going to write to the manufacturer to raise awareness that Cellfina is not safe on skin of
I find it irresponsible for the manufacturer to advertise Cellfina as safe or minimally invasive, at least not on dark skin.
In my experience, laser makes it worse. What has produced moderate results is retin A and hydroquinone applied 3x/day.
I find it irresponsible for the manufacturer to advertise Cellfina as safe or minimally invasive, at least not on dark skin.
In my experience, laser makes it worse. What has produced moderate results is retin A and hydroquinone applied 3x/day.
November 12, 2019
This manufacturer is the WORST! I got no where with them. This proceedure was awful!
Replies (3)
Basically, anything that entails skin cutting (which cellfina does), burning (most lasers, pulse lights, and medium peels), or severe bruising is bad for ethnic skin. That's because dark skin reacts aggressively to injury producing excess melanin (stubborn hyperpigmentation) and hypertrophic scars. Unfortunately, a lot of these technologies are thoroughly tested on skin of color and many providers are ignorant to the fact that skin of color is way more sensitive than caucasian skin, contrary to popular belief. That is why we have to be extra careful and resign ourselves to pay more, have more treatment sessions, etc., to achieve results that more aggressive treatments can produce in shorter time. Trust me, I wish I could go back in time and not have cellfina.