POSTED UNDER Cellulaze Reviews
Cellulaze Patient Review - Durham, NC
UPDATED FROM Carolina2007
I have posted some new photos. While I was...
Carolina2007November 21, 2012
WORTH IT$7,000
I have posted some new photos. While I was satisfied with the outcome as of my last post, I can now say that I am even more pleased at this stage. I have definitely seen continued improvement since my last appointment with Dr. Miller. As I have said all along, I never expected perfect legs, so perhaps this has made the whole process a more positive experience for me. Given the percentage of improvement, I would absolutely say that this procedure worked for me. Based on the other posts, though, it is clear that this is not for everyone, and the response rate appears to be variable. Therefore, it is important for prospective patients to understand this risk before making the investment. Best of luck to everyone!
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UPDATED FROM Carolina2007
Update 9/18/12: I am posting new photos from the...
Carolina2007September 18, 2012
Update 9/18/12: I am posting new photos from the surgeon's office (much better than my "homemade" photos, which I have removed.) After looking at the new photos in comparison to the pre-procedure photos, I do think I am now starting to see some improvement in the back thighs. As a reminder, I had the back of the thighs done as a second procedure approximately 3.5 months ago. The surgeon indicated that improvement may be slower for the back of the thighs (for me in particular.) So, hopefully, I will continue to see some additional smoothing. The sides and fronts of my thighs still look good and are definitely improved at 5.5 months post-procedure. So, I am now going to change my worth it rating back to Yes. I don't have perfect thighs, but I do have improved thighs. This procedure may not work well for everyone. But I must say that after seeing the results from Dr. Miller's (Durham, NC) other patients (here on Realself), I do believe that surgical skill plays a huge part in the success of the procedure. At this point, I am also free of any tenderness or discoloration. I still have the incision scars, but they continue to fade. I do have another appointment with the surgeon in two months, so I hope to post more photos with even more improvement. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Replies (5)
September 19, 2012
I think you look great! What percentage of improvement would you say you had? I'm going in for my Cellulaze with Dr. Christine Petti (one of the trial doctors) on October 1st, and I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I'm getting the front, sides and back of thighs done.
September 21, 2012
I don't really know how to assess percentage of improvement, but maybe I'd say around 70% or more on sides and front and 50% back. Hopefully, the back will continue to tighten up over the next several months as the surgeon expects. From what I have read, Dr. Petti is highly skilled and I think that is key for this procedure. Don't be too nervous...it really was not bad. I've had worse discomfort from getting cavities filled and getting my mammogram! The only discomfort that really remains in my head was the numbing, which was over fairly quickly.
September 19, 2012
Wow, I can definitely see a nice improvement in your before & after pictures!! I think you look great! Thank you very much for getting the pictures from your doctors office. It is nice to see the ones taken with controlled lighting. Hope you are enjoying that pretty, new bottom & legs! :)
September 28, 2012
I had cellulaze done on the front, back and butt area on May 29th. I kept my compression garment on for 2 months, all the time. Can someone answer the question as to why I'm still discolored on the front of my legs. Plus I now have spider veins on my front leg in one area where there were none before. The cellulite on the butt and back of legs look a little better, but the front looks worse than before. This brakes my heart. It's been 4 months!!!
October 18, 2012
Hey! I just wanted to give you some hope! I had surgery by the same doctor as you in Durham. I wasn't overly thrilled at my 3 month check up but still so much happier than I was before surgery. He told me I was still healing and to come back at 5 months. All I can say is...WOW what a difference. My lined cellulite (in the back of my legs) had really diminished. My legs looked so much better so really give yourself time. I will say that now at month six, my cellulite is virtually gone! In my opinion, my legs look 85-90% better. Even one month (from month 5 to 6) seemed to make all the difference in the world. Unless you are right up on my legs, they look completely smooth! Hope that brightens your spirits! I am 110% satisfied at this point. I will say that I also dropped a few pounds which may have helped my results.
October 18, 2012
Hey! I just wanted to give you some hope! I had surgery by the same doctor as you in Durham. I wasn't overly thrilled at my 3 month check up but still so much happier than I was before surgery. He told me I was still healing and to come back at 5 months. All I can say is...WOW what a difference. My lined cellulite (in the back of my legs) had really diminished. My legs looked so much better so really give yourself time. I will say that now at month six, my cellulite is virtually gone! In my opinion, my legs look 85-90% better. Even one month (from month 5 to 6) seemed to make all the difference in the world. Unless you are right up on my legs, they look completely smooth! Hope that brightens your spirits! I am 110% satisfied at this point. I will say that I also dropped a few pounds which may have helped my results.
UPDATED FROM Carolina2007
Update now that I am 4 months out on the first...
Carolina2007July 31, 2012
Update now that I am 4 months out on the first procedure to my front and side thighs and 9 weeks out from my second procedure to back of thighs. NOTE: the second procedure was not a touch up - it was a first procedure to new areas - the back of the thighs - which I did not get done during the initial procedure.
I remain reasonably satisfied with the improvement to the front and side thighs. They appear smoother to me. The only issues are the remaining discoloration under the skin (which has continued to fade, but four months of mottled tone under the skin seems long.) I also noticed some slight increase in spider veins on the side thighs. It is not dramatic, but I wasn't expecting it. The discomfort in the front and side thighs has almost completely resolved, even when pressure is applied. So, for those of you still experiencing tenderness at 1-3 months, hopefully it will eventually resolve as mine did. It has never been painful, just tender and uncomforable when pressure was applied.
Regarding the second procedure to the back of the thighs, I really do not see any improvement at all. I did not experience the mottled discoloration in the back of the thighs, but I do have some residual swelling under the treatment area on the back of one of my thighs. It looks odd. The surgeon expects that it will continue to resolve over time and it does appear to be getting better... slowly. The back of my thighs are still tender to the touch at 9 weeks out, but this is getting better each week. The surgeon did note that the cellulite on the back of the thighs is different than the front and side thighs and it may take longer to improve. I worry that it won't improve at all, but am willing to wait out the full six months before I declare the procedure a failure on the back of my thighs.
I have posted a few photos. The before photos were taken by the surgeon, but we will not be taking the after photos until September when I am four months post the second procedure. However, I have taken some "home" after photos until I can get the official surgeon photos. Just keep in mind that these are not using controlled lighting and the quality is not great.
I have also changed my rating to "Not Sure" - specifically due to the lack of results to the back of the thighs. I feel that my expectations are reasonable - I want some improvement, not perfection. But since there is no improvement to the back of thighs, I cannot really say the entire process has been worth it. I will re-assess after the 6 month mark.
I remain reasonably satisfied with the improvement to the front and side thighs. They appear smoother to me. The only issues are the remaining discoloration under the skin (which has continued to fade, but four months of mottled tone under the skin seems long.) I also noticed some slight increase in spider veins on the side thighs. It is not dramatic, but I wasn't expecting it. The discomfort in the front and side thighs has almost completely resolved, even when pressure is applied. So, for those of you still experiencing tenderness at 1-3 months, hopefully it will eventually resolve as mine did. It has never been painful, just tender and uncomforable when pressure was applied.
Regarding the second procedure to the back of the thighs, I really do not see any improvement at all. I did not experience the mottled discoloration in the back of the thighs, but I do have some residual swelling under the treatment area on the back of one of my thighs. It looks odd. The surgeon expects that it will continue to resolve over time and it does appear to be getting better... slowly. The back of my thighs are still tender to the touch at 9 weeks out, but this is getting better each week. The surgeon did note that the cellulite on the back of the thighs is different than the front and side thighs and it may take longer to improve. I worry that it won't improve at all, but am willing to wait out the full six months before I declare the procedure a failure on the back of my thighs.
I have posted a few photos. The before photos were taken by the surgeon, but we will not be taking the after photos until September when I am four months post the second procedure. However, I have taken some "home" after photos until I can get the official surgeon photos. Just keep in mind that these are not using controlled lighting and the quality is not great.
I have also changed my rating to "Not Sure" - specifically due to the lack of results to the back of the thighs. I feel that my expectations are reasonable - I want some improvement, not perfection. But since there is no improvement to the back of thighs, I cannot really say the entire process has been worth it. I will re-assess after the 6 month mark.
Replies (5)
August 1, 2012
Wow, thank you so much for posting the photos. It looks to me like some really positive changes have gone on. Do you think the after pictures represent pretty closely what you see in real life? If so, I think it looks great!
August 2, 2012
Hi Megan, I think the after photos are representative of what I am seeing in real life. The front and side thighs look good in real life - fairly smooth. But, you can see some of the new spider veins in the side photos (they are faint.) You can also see some of the remaining discoloration under the skin. It's the cellulite on the back thighs that I don't think has improved at all.
You can also see the incision scars in the photos, so anyone considering this procedure can understand how apparent they can be. The scars are showing as reddish dots on the back of my legs - right under each buttock and about 3-4 inches above each knee in the back. You can also see them in the side leg photos about 4-5 inches above the knee. It typcially takes a long time for my skin to heal, so I expect to show this discolored scarring for another 9-12 months.
You can also see the incision scars in the photos, so anyone considering this procedure can understand how apparent they can be. The scars are showing as reddish dots on the back of my legs - right under each buttock and about 3-4 inches above each knee in the back. You can also see them in the side leg photos about 4-5 inches above the knee. It typcially takes a long time for my skin to heal, so I expect to show this discolored scarring for another 9-12 months.
August 6, 2012
Hi Cellulazepatient,
Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your Cellulaze experience. Like you, I am convinced that Cellulaze is effective based upon the anatomic and surgical science behind the treatment. Cutting the fibrous bands that are attached to the skin, decreasing the bulging fat, and heating the undersurface of the skin are what makes this treatment the first long term permanent cellulite treatment with 93% patient satisfaction now up to three years after treatment. The very high patient satisfaction rate here on RealSelf cannot be due to "cosmetic surgeon employees", though we must always do our due diligence before committing to a procedure. I have personally done my own due diligence in determining whether to incorporate Cellulaze into my aesthetic practice, and after the past year of research have decided to offer the treatment to our patients. I also agree that aspects of the treatment will vary depending upon the patient and the treating physician. Thanks again for your input.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. Persky
Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your Cellulaze experience. Like you, I am convinced that Cellulaze is effective based upon the anatomic and surgical science behind the treatment. Cutting the fibrous bands that are attached to the skin, decreasing the bulging fat, and heating the undersurface of the skin are what makes this treatment the first long term permanent cellulite treatment with 93% patient satisfaction now up to three years after treatment. The very high patient satisfaction rate here on RealSelf cannot be due to "cosmetic surgeon employees", though we must always do our due diligence before committing to a procedure. I have personally done my own due diligence in determining whether to incorporate Cellulaze into my aesthetic practice, and after the past year of research have decided to offer the treatment to our patients. I also agree that aspects of the treatment will vary depending upon the patient and the treating physician. Thanks again for your input.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. Persky
August 7, 2012
Hello there,
I am amazed at your front and side results. They look completely different. So smooth! I had the backs of my legs done over 3 months ago with minimal results (so far, still hoping). I have wanted to do the fronts & sides of my legs but was waiting to see if the backs got any better. Now I'm wondering if I might have a better effect on the fronts and sides of my legs as you did. I'm also curious as to the different types of cellulite and the effects that Cellulaze will have on them. The backs of my legs are the lined kind that you spoke of. The sides, butt and front are more dimples. I have had the cellulite on the upper backs of my legs since puberty. The rest has been a result of aging (I assume). The cellulite on the front (which looks very similar to your before shots) has only shown up in the last year or so and I'm 42. I feel that it is also loose skin and I wonder if the tightening effect from the Cellulaze would help at all. Just wondering what your thoughts are?
Thanks!
I am amazed at your front and side results. They look completely different. So smooth! I had the backs of my legs done over 3 months ago with minimal results (so far, still hoping). I have wanted to do the fronts & sides of my legs but was waiting to see if the backs got any better. Now I'm wondering if I might have a better effect on the fronts and sides of my legs as you did. I'm also curious as to the different types of cellulite and the effects that Cellulaze will have on them. The backs of my legs are the lined kind that you spoke of. The sides, butt and front are more dimples. I have had the cellulite on the upper backs of my legs since puberty. The rest has been a result of aging (I assume). The cellulite on the front (which looks very similar to your before shots) has only shown up in the last year or so and I'm 42. I feel that it is also loose skin and I wonder if the tightening effect from the Cellulaze would help at all. Just wondering what your thoughts are?
Thanks!
August 23, 2012
Hi Vi Vi, I really don't want to steer you in the wrong direction regarding having your front and side thighs done. I think your surgeon can provide the best advice based on your particular anatomy. I also started getting the front and side cellulite later in life, too, so I would guess that there is some skin laxity component to it. Best wishes whatever you decide!
August 15, 2012
Thank you for the info concerning the back of the thighs being different. I had the back and inner and outer done -- my front look good still. I seem to have had a very similar experience as you with the less pain (never needed the pain meds) and the bruising - I am just over a week out and all the real heavy brusing is gone. I did have a friend give me feedback today on the bruising and she noted that she didnt see hardly anything but a spot here and there. I think you are right, the level of experience is key. Hunstead Kortesis Med where I went was actually the test and training grounds for this area so I was sure they knew what they were doing. So far happy. I have my second check up on the 21st of August. Cant wait. Thanks for the great feedback.
August 22, 2012
Hi Cellulazepatient,
Your 4 month pictures look great!!
I had the back of my thighs done 2.5 months ago and want to get my sides and front of thighs done as well. It is interesting how the front and back of thighs are recovering differently to the procedure. Seeing your pictures of the front of your thighs gives me a lot of hope!
It seems like we are similar in recovery. When did the bruising go away with your first Cellulaze? My bruising is still quite noticeable and incision marks are dark. I can see your incision marks in the pictures and wondering how they look in real life? The backs of my thighs are tender to touch too.
Your 4 month pictures look great!!
I had the back of my thighs done 2.5 months ago and want to get my sides and front of thighs done as well. It is interesting how the front and back of thighs are recovering differently to the procedure. Seeing your pictures of the front of your thighs gives me a lot of hope!
It seems like we are similar in recovery. When did the bruising go away with your first Cellulaze? My bruising is still quite noticeable and incision marks are dark. I can see your incision marks in the pictures and wondering how they look in real life? The backs of my thighs are tender to touch too.
August 23, 2012
Hi, my bruising finally went away in the last month. I still have tenderness upon pressure, especially on the back of my legs, but certainly nothing painful. The incision scars are still dark red and it is obvious that "something" happened in those areas, but I am not sharing those details with my friends! Funny how I will post anonymously (with photos even) but won't tell my friends that I got this done. It's my way of avoiding judgmental comments. Hope you continue to heal well and improve!
Replies (5)