Cellfina for Cellulite Reduction

Cellulite dimples are small depressions under your skin. They occur when the connective tissue under your skin pulls your skin inward. This connective tissue is called a fibrous band.

These fibrous bands connect your skin to the tissue underneath. When the bands pull on your skin, your fat bulges. This creates the depressions that are known as cellulite dimples.

Cellfina targets these dimples. It has been approved by the FDA for treating cellulite on the thighs and buttocks.

The technology works using a method called subcision. Subcision uses a microblade technique to target cellulite. It’s also used to treat scars and wrinkles. The procedure uses a device the size of a needle to break up and loosen connective bands just under your skin.

What to expect during Cellfina treatment

There are several steps in the Cellfina treatment procedure. On average, it will take about an hour for every 25 cellulite dimples that are treated.

Here’s what you can expect during a Cellfina treatment:

1. Your dimples will be marked with a skin marker and a numbing fluid will be injected into your skin.
2. The Cellfina handheld device will be applied to each dimple, and a microneedle will break up the dimple.
3. The dimples will be pulled up and into the device and will allow your skin to stabilize.
4. The device will release the dimple to the selected depth on your skin.
5. The doctor will then move on to the next cellulite dimple.

You might feel some suction and pressure during the procedure, but there shouldn’t be any pain.

How long do results last?

Cellfina is intended as a one-treatment process. Most patients treated with Cellfina will experience swelling for the first 1 to 3 weeks following the procedure.

This can make it difficult to see your results, but by about the 1-month mark, most patients see a noticeable reduction in dimpling.

Results of Cellfina last for up to 3 years.

Cellfina before and after

Cellfina is proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite dimpling on the thighs and buttocks. Check out some results in the images below.

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The size of the treated area and the number of cellulite dimples determines the cost of the Cellfina treatment. Most treatments cost a few thousand dollars.

Factors such as your geographic location and your doctor will play into the cost. You should contact a Cellfina provider directly to get the most accurate quote.

Cellfina is a minimally invasive nonsurgical procedure, but it’s not right for everyone. Good candidates for Cellfina include those who:

• are between 20 and 60 years of age
• have a stable weight
• have minimal skin laxity, or looseness
• Have cellulite on their thighs or buttocks

Cellfina isn’t the best option for you if you:

• are pregnant
• are a smoker
• have an infection in your thighs or buttocks
• have varicose veins or another vascular condition in your thighs or buttocks
• have diabetes that is not well managed
• have a condition or take a medication that impacts blood clotting
• have active cancer
• have class 3 (morbid) obesity
• are allergic to lidocaine or epinephrine
• want to treat cellulite in any area other than your thighs or buttocks
• want to treat lipedema

Cellfina is generally considered safe. However, there are some side effects you should know about.

Most side effects are minor and will subside on their own after a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage them.

Common side effects include:

• minor pain
• bruising
• tenderness
• swelling
• bleeding
• hardness

Although rare, more serious complications can occur. It’s important to contact a medical professional right away if you experience any of these complications:

• an allergic reaction to lidocaine or epinephrine
• infection
• scarring
• hematomas
• fluid buildup under your skin (seromas)
• skin inflammation
• changes to skin color
• skin cell death
• abnormalities on the skin surface

There was a Cellfina recall in 2016 related to a non-sterile vacuum tube that was included in a shipped kit, but this has been resolved.

Cellulaze is another option for treating cellulite dimples. It’s been around a little longer than Cellfina.

The FDA approved Cellulaze in 2012. While both procedures treat cellulite, they take different approaches. Cellulaze treatment uses a laser device and heat energy to cut the connective bands. Cellfina uses a microblade. Additionally, Cellulaze has been shown to support collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

However, there are definite advantages to Cellfina. Cellfina has a lower cost, fewer risks, and results last longer.

Since Cellfina is still relatively new, studies are still being conducted to determine the long-term effects of the procedure, but early studies show that it is effective at reducing skin dimpling for up to 3 years. Additionally, patients who’ve received Cellfina report high satisfaction with their results.

Cellfina is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require general anesthesia. There is limited downtime associated with the procedure.

You will most likely be able to drive home and can resume normal activities after 24 to 48 hours. You’ll likely be able to exercise again after 1 to 2 weeks.

Your doctor will let you know if you need to wear special clothes or take precautions following your treatment. You might need to wear compressive garments for the first week and avoid sun exposure.

You can manage any pain and swelling you experience after your treatment with over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you experience signs that could indicate a serious complication, such as itching, pus or draining, severe pain, or changes to the color of your skin, contact your doctor right away.

Cellfina is a proven treatment for cellulite dimpling on the legs and buttocks. It’s been shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite dimples for up to 3 years.

Cellfina uses a microblade to break up the connective tissue that can cause skin dimpling. The procedure is noninvasive and there is minimal recovery time. Results are normally visible within 1 month after treatment.

Cellfina is generally considered safe. Serious side effects, such as infection, deep, painful bruising, or fluid buildup, are rare. It’s important to contact your doctor right away if you experience these side effects.