POSTED UNDER Cellulaze Reviews
Cellulaze on 5/15/12 in San Francisco Bay Area - Oakland, CA
UPDATED FROM Aging Maven
3 months post
I am 14 weeks post-procedure. I waited the full 3...
Aging MavenAugust 23, 2012
$5,000
I am 14 weeks post-procedure. I waited the full 3 months (plus a few weeks) before posting my "Was It Worth It?" response. For me? No. Not by a long shot.
While I'm sure I've had some mild improvement (I'll have to go back into my doc for some "after" shots), to the naked eye ... just looking in the mirror as opposed to comparing before and after shots ... the change has been minimal. Areas that were dimpled before are still dimpled. Perhaps a bit shallower, but the cellulite remains. The all over look is not a significant "smoothing" as shown in Cynosure's "before and after" photos. At all.
What I wish I knew beforehand?
- That 3.5 months later my legs (front and back) would be significantly discolored.
- That 3.5 months later my legs (front and back, but mostly the front) would still be quite tender.
- That 3.5 months later my legs would still have a numbness sensation ... in some areas, quite a bit.
I took a risk. I went with a well regarded and seasoned plastic surgeon with years of liposuction experience who was honest about his relative INexperience with Cellulaze and the "smart lipo triplex." My guess is the two things that contribute most to my lack of results are:
1) My physician's lack of experience with this particular technique
2) Perhaps I was not a good candidate for the procedure, but due to my physician's lack of experience ... he could not easily identify this. (Meaning, the cause of my cellulite or type of cellulite might be due to factors not helped or altered by the Cellulaze surgery.
My doctor is a nice man, a good man, and I don't fault him. I love that he is not one of those sleazy cosmetic derms who runs a surgical mill and is so transparently driven by profit. I love that he is also a well regarded plastic who serves at our local Children's Hospital. I also would have loved some results ... BUT ... I'm a grown up and made the choice to do the procedure. I was a perfect patient in terms of my compression garment, follow up care and I've even lost a few pounds and have been exercising more. So ... I fault myself for going with an inexperienced physician and also ... not waiting for a season to pass to watch reviews come in on Real Self so I didn't spend $5,000 that we really (honestly) didn't have to ultimately end up with discolored legs that I'm embarrassed of. My legs are worse off from than before (due to the underlying bruising or WHATEVER this pigment is), but I am trusting that their discolored appearance is transient and that by next summer, hopefully, it will have faded and returned to normal.
I long for my legs to no longer be tender. I long for the strange numbness sensation to fully subside. I long to rid every reminder that I made this choice. The ugly, patchy, discoloration is ALL OVER my upper legs and man ... is it unsightly.
What can I say? Live and learn. I had ugly legs covered in cellulite before. I have ugly, discolored legs covered in cellulite now. You know what I also have? Two functioning legs that are otherwise strong and have taken me walking, running, hiking, swimming, bike riding, dancing and surfing (for the first time!) this summer. So, I choose to focus on gratitude for two strong (but -- UGLY) legs that get the job done. I hope they serve me just as well for the next 41 years! ;) But was it worth it? Hell no! :) Best to you all.
While I'm sure I've had some mild improvement (I'll have to go back into my doc for some "after" shots), to the naked eye ... just looking in the mirror as opposed to comparing before and after shots ... the change has been minimal. Areas that were dimpled before are still dimpled. Perhaps a bit shallower, but the cellulite remains. The all over look is not a significant "smoothing" as shown in Cynosure's "before and after" photos. At all.
What I wish I knew beforehand?
- That 3.5 months later my legs (front and back) would be significantly discolored.
- That 3.5 months later my legs (front and back, but mostly the front) would still be quite tender.
- That 3.5 months later my legs would still have a numbness sensation ... in some areas, quite a bit.
I took a risk. I went with a well regarded and seasoned plastic surgeon with years of liposuction experience who was honest about his relative INexperience with Cellulaze and the "smart lipo triplex." My guess is the two things that contribute most to my lack of results are:
1) My physician's lack of experience with this particular technique
2) Perhaps I was not a good candidate for the procedure, but due to my physician's lack of experience ... he could not easily identify this. (Meaning, the cause of my cellulite or type of cellulite might be due to factors not helped or altered by the Cellulaze surgery.
My doctor is a nice man, a good man, and I don't fault him. I love that he is not one of those sleazy cosmetic derms who runs a surgical mill and is so transparently driven by profit. I love that he is also a well regarded plastic who serves at our local Children's Hospital. I also would have loved some results ... BUT ... I'm a grown up and made the choice to do the procedure. I was a perfect patient in terms of my compression garment, follow up care and I've even lost a few pounds and have been exercising more. So ... I fault myself for going with an inexperienced physician and also ... not waiting for a season to pass to watch reviews come in on Real Self so I didn't spend $5,000 that we really (honestly) didn't have to ultimately end up with discolored legs that I'm embarrassed of. My legs are worse off from than before (due to the underlying bruising or WHATEVER this pigment is), but I am trusting that their discolored appearance is transient and that by next summer, hopefully, it will have faded and returned to normal.
I long for my legs to no longer be tender. I long for the strange numbness sensation to fully subside. I long to rid every reminder that I made this choice. The ugly, patchy, discoloration is ALL OVER my upper legs and man ... is it unsightly.
What can I say? Live and learn. I had ugly legs covered in cellulite before. I have ugly, discolored legs covered in cellulite now. You know what I also have? Two functioning legs that are otherwise strong and have taken me walking, running, hiking, swimming, bike riding, dancing and surfing (for the first time!) this summer. So, I choose to focus on gratitude for two strong (but -- UGLY) legs that get the job done. I hope they serve me just as well for the next 41 years! ;) But was it worth it? Hell no! :) Best to you all.
Aging Maven's provider
Replies (5)
August 24, 2012
I love that you wrapped up your last update emphasizing how thankful you are to have functioning legs, even if they don't look exactly as you wish. I am disappointed to hear you didn't see good results from Cellulaze, but love that you still express gratitude for what you do have. Love that!!
I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures when you get them, and will be hoping the discoloration and odd sensations go away soon for you.
August 24, 2012
Sounds like it all goes away eventually, Megan, and the only thing permanent is the gaping hole in my bank account and a lesson learned. I'm guessing the ones who'll be helped the most from Cellulaze are folks who have good muscle tone in their legs and are fit/toned but have a few pesky dimples. Laurel C's results have been stunning.
4EverYoung, the thought of giving any more time or money to the issue of ugly thighs has lost appeal, but I appreciate your thoughts about Elixis and will look it up to see what it is. What was appealing to me about Cellulaze (as opposed to Velashape or Endermologie, etc.) was that it went after the structure and cause of the dimpling plus offered skin tightening and most importantly, results seem to be lasting and permanent. The Velashape and Endermologie approaches get results, but short lived ones.
Best to all of you. When I have some 3 month+ "after" photos, I'll post them. It'll also be interesting to see where I'm at before/after wise at 6 months. I don't expect much. :)
4EverYoung, the thought of giving any more time or money to the issue of ugly thighs has lost appeal, but I appreciate your thoughts about Elixis and will look it up to see what it is. What was appealing to me about Cellulaze (as opposed to Velashape or Endermologie, etc.) was that it went after the structure and cause of the dimpling plus offered skin tightening and most importantly, results seem to be lasting and permanent. The Velashape and Endermologie approaches get results, but short lived ones.
Best to all of you. When I have some 3 month+ "after" photos, I'll post them. It'll also be interesting to see where I'm at before/after wise at 6 months. I don't expect much. :)
August 25, 2012
Aging Maven, like Meg, you gratitude is lovely. I am confident the discoloration will go away. I haven't posted my experience yet but I'm just shy of 3 weeks out. I did go to one of the most experience doctors. I told her what I was reading about the discoloration, it does fade, different speeds for different people. I know you don't want to spend any more but just a thought that would be useful for more than just your legs, Clarisonic, it's great for your face but they have a body brush as well, it may help the numbness/tenderness.
As for the Vela/endermologie/smooth shapes, I am convinced those procedures made my cellulite worse! I would never do either during my healing! Why would I want any pulling, vacuuming, suction?! I would bet the doctors offering it had those machines before they started offering Cellulaze and just want to keep it busy. Gentle lymph drainage massage or the Clarisonic, self massage with Traumeel (arnica) cream but mechanical pulling, no!
I do think there is something to be said for the experience of the doctor, but there is also something to be said for time. I'm only glancing now, I'm doing my best not to compare anything at this point. I told my husband in advance not to let me make any comments about the success for 3 month with final opinion for 6! For my part, I'm eating clean, drinking tons of water and following all instructions.
I bet at the end of the day you will be happy. Since you are exercising more your legs will be gorgeous when the discoloration is gone and that new muscle tone shows up. That, and your great attitude, now THAT is attractive!
Warmest regards
As for the Vela/endermologie/smooth shapes, I am convinced those procedures made my cellulite worse! I would never do either during my healing! Why would I want any pulling, vacuuming, suction?! I would bet the doctors offering it had those machines before they started offering Cellulaze and just want to keep it busy. Gentle lymph drainage massage or the Clarisonic, self massage with Traumeel (arnica) cream but mechanical pulling, no!
I do think there is something to be said for the experience of the doctor, but there is also something to be said for time. I'm only glancing now, I'm doing my best not to compare anything at this point. I told my husband in advance not to let me make any comments about the success for 3 month with final opinion for 6! For my part, I'm eating clean, drinking tons of water and following all instructions.
I bet at the end of the day you will be happy. Since you are exercising more your legs will be gorgeous when the discoloration is gone and that new muscle tone shows up. That, and your great attitude, now THAT is attractive!
Warmest regards
August 25, 2012
Spin Check,
I appreciate your input to Aging Maven. I didn't mean that the doctor's experience with Cellulase wasn't important to the outcome - quite the opposite, I do think it's a factor.
I meant that the doctor's experience in distinguishing sagging skin vs underlying cellulite. Since I got 2 different opinions on mine, I think it can be hard to tell.
I had really bad luck with Accoustic Wave Therapy, it made mine worse for sure and it never reversed. The suction cups I recommended can be used for a very very light lymphatic massage - or for intense pulling, depending on the intensivity of the suction, which is completely under your control, since manual (you use it with olive oil on the skin). I was looking for an affordable way to help Aging Maven heal. But really, it's good to check with the doctor first.
The Clarisonic might help, or another idea is a loofah, which also does gentle lymphatic stimulation and helps exfoliation/skin cell turnover.
For sure for me, losing fat, and thus changing the fat to muscle proportion, makes a big difference. But not exercise alone (though important), I must actually lose the fat for a smoother look.
I hope you will keep us posted on your own thread. I may re-consider cellulase on the buttocks in the winter as a back-up if my other methods don't work. (I hope they do work).
I appreciate your input to Aging Maven. I didn't mean that the doctor's experience with Cellulase wasn't important to the outcome - quite the opposite, I do think it's a factor.
I meant that the doctor's experience in distinguishing sagging skin vs underlying cellulite. Since I got 2 different opinions on mine, I think it can be hard to tell.
I had really bad luck with Accoustic Wave Therapy, it made mine worse for sure and it never reversed. The suction cups I recommended can be used for a very very light lymphatic massage - or for intense pulling, depending on the intensivity of the suction, which is completely under your control, since manual (you use it with olive oil on the skin). I was looking for an affordable way to help Aging Maven heal. But really, it's good to check with the doctor first.
The Clarisonic might help, or another idea is a loofah, which also does gentle lymphatic stimulation and helps exfoliation/skin cell turnover.
For sure for me, losing fat, and thus changing the fat to muscle proportion, makes a big difference. But not exercise alone (though important), I must actually lose the fat for a smoother look.
I hope you will keep us posted on your own thread. I may re-consider cellulase on the buttocks in the winter as a back-up if my other methods don't work. (I hope they do work).
February 17, 2014
The lymphatic brushing is a bunch of bull. I did it got years and what it does is inflame the skin with water so that it hides the cellulite for a few hours. It has very little affect on the lymphatic system as they'd have us believe. It's more hype to make money. Cellulaze is the only thing that works and even those results are 50%. 5 weeks post op now. I see no real results yet but 10 pound water weight gain the day after surgery that will not go away!!!
UPDATED FROM Aging Maven
1 month post
ONE MONTH POST-OP REVIEW: I met with my doctor a...
Aging MavenJune 18, 2012
ONE MONTH POST-OP REVIEW:
I met with my doctor a few days ago. It'd been 4 weeks since my procedure and I'd felt that I'd seen absolutely no improvement. I was feeling fairly discouraged, especially on the heels of my last post-op appointment (see former review). Well, this time ... he took some post-op pictures. I'm so glad he did, as I truly felt there had been no change. While not the striking difference I'd hoped for by now, there does appear to be some smoothing (especially my left thigh) and I concede (gladly) that the dimples that remain (which I'm not happy about at all) are at the very least, visibly more shallow. At least I think they are. Or am I grasping for straws here? ;)
I know we've been told to wait three months for full results. I was so disappointed to not have any "initial improvement or smoothing" that so many report. But, perhaps I actually *have* had some initial improvement that is just very subtle, especially in light of my loose skin, etc. I'd appreciate any feedback on whether or not you happen to notice any difference. Tomorrow, I should get my 4-week post-op photos of the front and will post as well. I will see my doc in another 4 weeks, take another round of photos and post them then. Really hoping that while the dimpling wasn't cured, at 3-months post op I'll be smoother and tighter.
I met with my doctor a few days ago. It'd been 4 weeks since my procedure and I'd felt that I'd seen absolutely no improvement. I was feeling fairly discouraged, especially on the heels of my last post-op appointment (see former review). Well, this time ... he took some post-op pictures. I'm so glad he did, as I truly felt there had been no change. While not the striking difference I'd hoped for by now, there does appear to be some smoothing (especially my left thigh) and I concede (gladly) that the dimples that remain (which I'm not happy about at all) are at the very least, visibly more shallow. At least I think they are. Or am I grasping for straws here? ;)
I know we've been told to wait three months for full results. I was so disappointed to not have any "initial improvement or smoothing" that so many report. But, perhaps I actually *have* had some initial improvement that is just very subtle, especially in light of my loose skin, etc. I'd appreciate any feedback on whether or not you happen to notice any difference. Tomorrow, I should get my 4-week post-op photos of the front and will post as well. I will see my doc in another 4 weeks, take another round of photos and post them then. Really hoping that while the dimpling wasn't cured, at 3-months post op I'll be smoother and tighter.
Replies (5)
June 19, 2012
Thanks for posting the photos. I definitely see improvement and smoother skin in your post op photo. Hopefully, you will see continued progress over the next several months, but it is good to see your positive improvements so far!
June 19, 2012
Thanks for posting your photos. I see a lot of improvement! As you said, most noticeable on your left thigh but that's probably because the cellulite seemed a little worse on that side to begin with. I am thrilled for you...definitely seems to be working! Look forward to seeing your other pics.
June 19, 2012
I def see a difference on your right thigh!!!! I went for my 4 week yesterday too and he really loved my results so far but really enforced the 3 month rule since I still see it looking gross in my eyes. Even though mine was minor I can see the 2 dimples I've been most concerned about improving.
I can't make a judgement until my bruising is gone though as the discoloration makes it hard to tell. He said my swelling is fine and normal. I'm going to start working out again. That should tone me up!
I can't make a judgement until my bruising is gone though as the discoloration makes it hard to tell. He said my swelling is fine and normal. I'm going to start working out again. That should tone me up!
June 19, 2012
I definitely see a difference - your thighs look a lot smoother to me! You look fantastic for 4 weeks out! Tomorrow is 4 weeks for me and I still have this purplish mottled appearance under my skin (like deep bruising) that you don't have - I'm so jealous! At least you look back to "normal".
June 19, 2012
AgingMaven!! I definitely see improvement on both legs, and they are only going to continue to smooth out! Hooray!! Excited to see the difference at 3 months! Wooo wooo!
UPDATED FROM Aging Maven
22 days post
Really quick -- I realize that in my last update,...
Aging MavenJune 6, 2012
Really quick -- I realize that in my last update, I posted that "I chose to go with a physician that I was aware did not have a lot of experience." I should absolutely clarify that my physician is a very experienced and regarded plastic surgeon with over 20 years of body contouring experience in liposuction, etc. He just has not had much experience with Cellulaze or the Smart Lipo Triplex.
Replies (3)
June 8, 2012
Hi all I need some help! Is it still normal to be swollen at the 3 week mark? My one side leg like saddle bag side of thigh is much more swollen than my other. I'm getting worried. I just want to know if it's normal to still see swelling. I do think my dimples are improving actually today but the slight bruising make the discoloration tough to tell and have a nice even look.
I'm taking bromelin and arnica. Let me know I'm going to dr D Thursday for my 4 weeks so I'm hoping this swelling goes down!
Any advice would be great.
I also think that the antibiotic Keflex really messed with me. My stomach has been crazy for 3 weeks :(
I'm taking bromelin and arnica. Let me know I'm going to dr D Thursday for my 4 weeks so I'm hoping this swelling goes down!
Any advice would be great.
I also think that the antibiotic Keflex really messed with me. My stomach has been crazy for 3 weeks :(
June 9, 2012
I am 5 weeks out and i still feel a little numbness and a tiny pain and some minor swelling. I wouldnt worry and you are seeing your doc next week. I really think that cellulaze is getting a pretty bad review. This is my opinion: Overall, cellulaze is a very minor and painless procedure compared to any other cosmetic surgeries I have done, including, lipo, breasts, nose...I think we all have to give it 3-6 months to really see the results. I was told need to totally heal and has 3 stages of healing, which take the 3-6 months. Cellulaze is for cellulite, not fat. Only a tiny bit of fat is removed at the very end. So far my results are good. I, by no means, am cellulite free, but there is improvement. I am confident the cost will go down because to pay more than 5k for this procedure seems really crazy to me!!! It just seems like so much money on a procedure that is fairly quick, less than 2 hours and requires no real anestetia or full operating room. Hopefully we will all be satisfied in 3-6 months!!! ;-) figners crossed for all of us.
June 9, 2012
You're right I've just been worrisome about the swelling on my left side thigh. I understand it's 3 weeks out and I doubt it's permanent but of course is a concern.
Yet another thing to worry about!!!! I do think ill be able to see real improvement when that swelling is gone and the bruising under my butt is totally healed.
I'll let you know next week what he says.
Yet another thing to worry about!!!! I do think ill be able to see real improvement when that swelling is gone and the bruising under my butt is totally healed.
I'll let you know next week what he says.
June 17, 2012
AlmostFamousxo, don't forget to put your feet up a couple of times a day. This helped me when I couldn't see my ankles anymore.
I saw a plastic surgeon for Cellulase (didn't do it) and he said that the skin discoloration is normal (for lipo also) and takes typically 6 months to go away. You can go to the lipo questions here - they cover that - and probably learn more.
I don't think it is your doctor's inexperience. I went to the Cellulase doctor who thought Cellulase was the answer to my cellulite and an Exilis doctor that thinks my issue is just skin tightening.
I am going with Exilis because it's non-invasive and I don't want the downtime. You are right, we need more people on the board.
You may wish to check out the "VacuLifter - Body - large" or they have very inexpensive suction cups on ebay, to help improve circulation once the bruising is gone, that may accelerate the discoloration. I use it at home (like 'endermologie' but free at home) and felt it helped with my cellulite.
Another thought is for you to try Exilis on just one area, to see if the tightening works. That is what I am doing. I mean I'm doing it on multiple areas, but only one to reduce the look of cellulite. I will post on my own update link in a few months if it actually worked or not. I have no idea.
I am sorry for your result, but your comment on sagging really helped me make my own decision.
4everYoung,
I'm happy that you are not going to do the Cellulaze. It was the hardest thing I've ever done as far as pain, recovery and being disillusioned. I'm out exactly 3 months today and still have discoloration, numbness, itching and some broken capillaries, that better go away in the next 3 months or my surgeon is going to get an even bigger earful.
I have started back exercising and it has made a difference.
I do think in 6 months my legs will look great, but If I had kicked my ass with workouts and lost 10 lbs, I know my results would have been great without ALL THIS PAIN!!!
Boy have I learned a BIG lesson. Nothing beats hard works and what you put in your mouth.