Cellulaze Patient Review - Durham, NC
I had Cellulaze and am pleased with the results. I...
I had Cellulaze and am pleased with the results. I am not one to buy into gimmicks, and this is the only treatment that I have ever tried for cellulite. I based the decision on the available trial data and the mechanism of action of the laser (i.e. "cutting" the bands that contribute to the lumpy texture of cellulite.) I still have some bruising at about 2 weeks out, but it has diminished enough for me to see results. Hopefully, these results will last!
Here is a summary of the experience:
Pre-procedure - the surgeon and his staff were very informative and comprehensive regarding preparation. I started a prophylactic antibiotic the night before and continued that for 7 days. Avoided alcohol and NSAIDs for a few weeks prior to the procedure.
Procedure - I took a sedative, pain medication and anti-nausea medication about an hour prior to the procedure (while in the clinic.) The sedative pretty much knocked me out... I don't recall many details after taking it, including having my legs marked up with three colors of Sharpie pen. During the procedure, the only discomfort was the injection of the lidocaine to numb my legs. I did not feel anything from the laser itself and I think I drifted in and out of sleep. After the procedure was over, the nurse helped me into the compression garment and I was taken home by my designated driver.
Post-procedure - I did not need to take any pain medication after the procedure. Not even Tylenol. The only discomfort felt like my muscles feel after a hard weight training work out - soreness that comes when I use the muscles to walk up stairs, etc. The drainage from the incisions lasted about 24 hours and I had to ensure that I had towels under me when I was laying down. I did spend that first afternoon and evening lying on the sofa and not doing much else. But, I was able to get around just fine the day after.
The bruising was particularly ugly for me, but I bruise very easily, so I was expecting this. The Sharpie markings were annoying and it took about 5 days for those to fade. The compression garment is also a pain, but I have been very compliant with it in order to ensure the best results. The surgeon requires the garment to be worn at all times for 7-10 days, but I plan to wear it until my bruising subsides completely. It is also recommended that a compression garmet is worn during exercise for several weeks, so I purchased an athletic wear garment for that purpose.
Bottom line: I am really surprised by how good the treated areas look. I do not have before and after photos and I am not really the kind of person who will post personal photos on line. I realize that some readers want more proof that the procedure is effective, but I can only offer my assessment as someone who has been through it. I hope this is helpful!
Replies (20)
One other note - I am experiencing some sensitivity to the skin and subcutaneous layer on the front of my thighs. When something rubs against them, it is an odd feeling - not painful, but sensitive. Based on the consent form, I believe this was a possible side effect (along with some numbness in the area.) But, it is a weird feeling. Exercise also feels weird without the compression garment, but as I noted in my post, my doctor asks that patients wear the garment during exercise for a month or more.
At this stage, I am still happy with the areas treated and I will re-post an update if I notice any changes or issues.
I was hoping you could comment on the incision scares? How many are there? Are they noticeable? Thanks!
Also how long after the consult did they schedule your treatment?
Thanks so much! I was so happy when I saw a local gal sharing her experience here :)
I was able to get my procedure done within a couple of weeks of my consultation, but I know he is getting busier and the wait times may now be longer. My experience with the surgeon and his staff was great - they are very informative, caring and thorough.
An update on my progress. After more than 3 weeks, I still have some bruising. It has taken on a mottled tone, but, it is getting better. The sensitivity and mild soreness in my thighs is still there, but it gets better each day. I am exercising every day without any problems, but I still use the compression garment for exercise. The treated areas still look really good in my opinion and once the mottled bruising is gone, I should have an even better view of the result.
I have seen a couple of posts in which the patients indicated that the procedure was painful. I still want to point out that, other than the injections for the lidocaine, there was no pain for me. The post procedure soreness is expected, but it is not "painful." I swear it is like heavy post-exercise muscle soreness. And if I didn't move, there was no discomfort at all, so you can just plan to sit on the couch for a day and you should feel fine.
Good luck!
I am now 9 weeks post-procedure and am doing well....
Bottom Line: I can absolutely state that I see an improvement in the cellulite. As a 45 year old woman, I certainly didn't expect to get the legs of a 22 year old bikini model, but the appearance of the cellulite is definitely improved, especially on the outer thighs.
I've read some reviews that I have found to be somewhat insulting to those of us who have been relatively pleased with our progress, so I feel compelled to respond:
1. I am NOT employed by a cosmetic surgeon and have no relationship with any surgeons or clinics. I do not appreciate the implication that the positive reviews have been posted by individuals who work for the surgeons. My review is meant to provide information and personal experience to other women who are considering making an investment in this relatively new procedure.
2. Prior to undergoing this procedure, I did my research and feel that my expectations were reasonable. If you reviewed the before and after photos provided in the clinical trial submission, you will see that none of the trial subjects ended up completely cellulite free. The goal of the procedure is improvement in the appearance of cellulite. It is important to note that my surgeon was very clear about the fact that results will vary and our hope was for an improvement. I do not know if baseline body type and weight may have an impact on the results, but I would certainly recommend that a prospective patient ask this question before they spend their money on this procedure.
3. The experience of the surgeon is critically important. My surgeon has significant experience with body contouring procedures and I felt comfortable that his experience would provide a good result. Based on the Realself reviews from the other patients in Durham, they also appear satisfied with their procedure. This leads me to believe that our surgeon is, in fact, very qualified and skilled, which translates into patients who are pleased with their results.
4. I stand by my comments regarding the discomfort during and after the procedure. As I noted in my review, the only significant discomfort came during the numbing process, which did not last long. Following that, I did not feel any pain during the procedure. My discomfort following the procedure was mild soreness during walking - similar to muscle soreness after a heavy weight workout (when you haven't trained your legs in months, then you suddenly lift heavy weight!) Pressure applied to the legs would cause discomfort, but I avoided applying any unnecessary pressure. Pain is relative, so I do not doubt that there are other patients out there who have a lower tolerance for pain and discomfort than I do, but I have in no way under reported my level of discomfort.
I have a follow-up appointment in mid-July and will provide another update on the appearance of the cellulite after that appointment. While I was originally not going to post photos, some of the other comments have compelled me to re-consider. So, if I can get the before and after photos from my surgeon, I will post them in July after my last follow-up appointment and "after" photos. Best of luck to all potential Cellulaze patients.
Replies (3)
Update now that I am 4 months out on the first...
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 (10)
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!
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.

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
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!
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.
Love hearing that you are seeing good results!! Good job on being diligent about wearing your compression garment - might as well give yourself the best odds possible!
Please keep us posted on how you are doing & what things are looking like. :)