Cellfina® Treatment for Cellulite

Cellulite is basically a skin condition where the skin is dimpled mainly in the buttocks and thighs, but it can also occur in other areas like the abdomen. It usually affects women (estimated to be at 85% and higher), but men are sometimes affected as well (about 10%). Skin is depressed at varying depths. It can be concentrated in a small zone or widespread over a large skin surface area. Cellulite can occur as early as the post-adolescent era and is more frequent with aging. It is seen in both thin and overweight individuals.

Cellulite is a benign cosmetic condition. Nevertheless, it is emotionally debilitating for many. These are individuals who find it difficult to wear swimsuits or high shorts due to the embarrassment that their skin appearance causes for them. Limitation of clothing during summer days or hot weather can be impractical, irritating, and frequently depressing, particularly when those who seek relief usually come up empty-handed. Fortunately, our plastic surgeon, Eric Okamoto, MD, offers a state-of-the-art treatment that has proven to effectively reduce the appearance of cellulite and give the skin a smoother look. Cellfina® is an advanced procedure that can address areas of cellulite without the need for major surgery.

What Is the Cause of Cellulite?

Cellulite is caused by fibrous bands that attach the skin from the undersurface of the skin to the muscle. These bands are analogous to the coils on a box-spring mattress and both cause a similar appearance to the surfaces to which they are attached. In the case of the mattress, the depressions are where the coils pull the surface closer to the bottom of the mattress. In a similar manner, the fibrous bands pull the skin down through the fatty layer to the muscle below. This is the mechanism that creates the irregular skin surface.

How Can Cellfina® Treat Cellulite?

In the past, many solutions have been offered to improve the look of cellulite, but almost all have fallen far short of satisfaction. Cellfina® was introduced as a therapeutic option for the treatment of cellulite at multiple study sites about two years ago. Since then, improvements – often complete resolution – of the cellulitic dimples have persisted without recurrence. There has been a 96% satisfaction rate shown amongst those who have been fortunate to have experienced the Cellfina® treatment.

The reason why Cellfina® has been so successful is due to the manner by which this treatment option is conducted. When someone undergoes a Cellfina® treatment, the bands causing the dimpling are selectively cut, which releases the skin so that it can rise to a level of the adjacent skin, ultimately smoothing out the surface. There is no competitive treatment modality that is similar to Cellfina®. It is the first company that has figured out a manner to address and correct the underlying cause of cellulite.

What Does the Cellfina® Procedure Involve?

The Cellfina® treatment is performed in the office of Dr. Eric Okamoto under local anesthesia. There is some discomfort during the anesthetic portion of the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated without any need for pain pills or sedation. However, for those who are unsettled and who request medications to calm them down before starting the treatment, this will be provided. It usually takes a couple of hours to complete the treatment.

*Photos provided by Cellfina®

What Can I Expect During Cellfina® Recovery?

The usual experience after a Cellfina® treatment involves bruising and swelling that is most symptomatic during the first three to five days. Usually, painkillers like Advil® will take care of the major portion of the discomfort. Those who undergo a treatment will wear a compressive garment for a variable period of time, perhaps as long as several weeks. Although it is advised to take about three days off from work to allow for diminishment of symptoms, there is usually no harm in returning to work the next day, as long as prolonged sitting can be avoided for those who have had their buttocks treated. Exercise should be limited for the first 3 weeks, sometimes longer for those who have been treated more extensively.

When Will Cellfina® Results Be Noticeable?

For most individuals, the results of Cellfina® become noticeable approximately three days after the procedure. The longevity of results typically varies; however, many patients experience the benefits of Cellfina® for three years or more.
To learn more about Cellfina®, or if you would like to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Okamoto, please contact our practice today.

*Individual results may vary