Cellfina is the first and only minimally invasive procedure to receive FDA clearance for improving the appearance of cellulite dimples on the thighs and buttocks. Requiring just one treatment, Cellfina has been clinically proven to reduce cellulite for at least three years.
Cellfina is effective because it treats the fibrous bands (also known as connective tissue) that lead to cellulite. By releasing these bands, the skin on the thighs and buttocks does not pucker or dimple as easily.
Who is a Cellfina Candidate?
Cellfina candidates should have visible cellulite on their thighs and/or buttocks that they would like to reduce. Patients should have minimal skin laxity since Cellfina is not effective on loose skin and can even make sagging skin look worse. The experts at Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics can confirm that you are in good health and have sufficient skin elasticity to undergo Cellfina during a consultation. It may be possible to incorporate a skin tightening procedure to improve the tone and texture of your skin.
Although Cellfina is appropriate for both men and women, women are much more likely to seek this treatment due to biological differences that can cause cellulite. Nearly 90% of women will develop cellulite at some point (even many who have a healthy body weight) because their fibrous bands are weaker than men’s.
Cellfina is not recommended for patients who are on blood thinners or are allergic to lidocaine (an anesthetic that keeps patients comfortable during the treatment).
Does the Procedure Hurt?
Some patients do experience some level of discomfort while the areas being treated are numbed. There will also be some soreness for a few days after your procedure, which can usually be controlled with over the counter pain medication like Tylenol.
What Causes Cellulite?
It is estimated that more than three quarters of adult women experience cellulite, a change in the skin on the buttocks and thighs that leaves an uneven, dimpled look. Whether you develop cellulite depends on the strength and flexibility of your skin, and that in turn is governed by genetics, environment and lifestyle, including diet and frequency of physical activity.
Poor circulation is also a cause, which is why exercise helps prevent or improve the appearance of cellulite. Your weight plays a role too. Women of normal weight with a slim profile tend to have less cellulite. Fat cells are by nature lumpy, and the closer they are to the surface of your skin the more likely it is they will give it an uneven look.
Above all, the bands of connective tissue beneath your skin have a great deal to do with the development of cellulite, and it is this fundamental cause that Mt. Vernon facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Grant so effectively targets with the proven Cellfina procedure.
Is Cellfina Surgery?
Cellfina is a minimally invasive procedure that was developed to sever the fibrous connective tissue that attaches to your skin from below the surface and creates dimpling, depressions or a knotty, irregular texture on the surface. It is the first such minimally invasive solution that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cellulite.
To sever these subcutaneous bands of connective tissue, experienced Mt. Vernon plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Grant uses a fine needle to probe under the skin and cut the fibers that bind the skin to deeper anatomical structures in the thighs and buttocks. As a minimally invasive treatment, only a local anesthetic is necessary to numb the target area. Dr. Grant lifts the skin using a suction device to allow precise cutting of the connective tissue. The entire procedure is performed in the office, and generally lasts about an hour.
The procedure and recovery both involve minimal discomfort. You will experience swelling and redness that will last for a few days. Sitting may be uncomfortable for your first day at home. As long as you take it easy for approximately three days, healing will be rapid and you will be back to normal activities quickly.
How Enduring are Cellfina Results?
Cellfina’s results may not be visible immediately. Because some swelling is common after the treatment, it can take a few days or weeks to see Cellfina’s benefits in full. The results can last for up to three years before some dimpling may return. This makes Cellfina the longest-lasting cellulite treatment currently available.
Cellfina is rated highly by patients, which is a testament to its effectiveness. In one recent study, 96 percent of women who chose Cellfina as a solution for cellulite were still satisfied with the outcome after three years. In October of 2019 the FDA approved an indication statement that allows the manufacturer to maintain that the benefits of Cellfina are still appreciable five years after treatment.
How Much Does Cellfina Cost?
The price depends on the number of areas being treated and the size of these treatment areas. During a consultation, our team can provide you with a complete price — you can also request a quote from us online. Since Cellfina is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance plans. However, we do accept financing options for patients who wish to make payments toward the total cost of the treatment.
Will Weight Fluctuation Affect My Cellfina Results?
Fortunately, gaining or losing a significant amount of weight should have no impact on your Cellfina results since the fibrous bands have been cut. However, to prevent cellulite from reappearing, patients are advised to keep a steady weight.
Can Cellfina Treat My Stretch Marks?
Although stretch marks are often conflated with cellulite, these are two separate (and harmless) cosmetic issues. Stretch marks are longer, thin lines, usually red or purple, that streak across the skin. They appear when the skin has stretched following weight fluctuation. Treatments other than Cellfina are more suitable for stretch marks.
Why Can’t Cellfina Treat Cellulite on Other Areas of My Body?
There is more than one kind of cellulite. Primary cellulite, which is the dimply kind of cellulite that appears on the buttocks and the back of the thighs, is the only type that is positively affected by this treatment. Patients who have tried to treat other areas with Cellfina have found it to be a waste of time and money.
FAQs
What is the Cellfina System?
FDA-cleared Cellfina is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to dramatically decrease cellulite, improving the appearance of the treated skin. Results from Cellfina can last for three years or more, effectively setting it apart from other cellulite treatment options.
How does Cellfina work?
Cellfina involves the use of a small device to release the connective bands that are interspersed throughout fatty areas of the body. These bands are responsible for the dimpled skin appearance of cellulite, and once they are released, a smooth skin appearance is restored. Patients may notice a consistent improvement in the look of their cellulite following the procedure, and the results are long-lasting.
What are the side effects?
Many patients seek out Cellfina for its safe and effective approach to cellulite reduction. There are no serious side effects associated with the treatment, but some patients may experience the following at and near the treatment area:
- Some bruising and swelling
- Tenderness
- Discomfort
These effects improve quickly, and any pain can be easily managed.
What are cellulite grades?
Cellulite is characterized by four primary grades, ranging from no cellulite to severe skin dimpling. They are as follows:
Grade 0: No cellulite is observed. The skin appears smooth at all times.
Grade 1: Cellulite is not observed when standing, but some dimples become visible when sitting.
Grade 2: Skin dimpling is apparent when standing or sitting.
Grade 3: Deep, severe dimples and a bulging or lumpy appearance can be observed whether sitting or standing.
How long does the treatment take?
Cellfina can be completed in as little as 45 minutes; after only one treatment, a marked improvement in the appearance of cellulite can be observed (after swelling subsides).
What should I expect during my consultation?
During your Cellfina consultation, you will be given a thorough examination to determine which areas may benefit from treatment. At this time, you will also have the opportunity to discuss your expectations and ask any questions about the procedure.
How should I prepare for my Cellfina treatment?
To prepare for your procedure, consider the following:
- Be in good physical health
- Have realistic expectations
- Avoid taking blood-thinners ahead of the procedure
- Do not smoke
How do I know if this treatment is right for me?
It is common for some patients to desire improvement without knowing exactly which procedure — or combination of procedures — will best help them achieve their aesthetic goals. Our experts take into account your expectations and will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
Will I need downtime?
Although some patients experience minor discomfort after Cellfina, there is minimal downtime associated with the procedure, allowing you to improve your appearance without surgery and an extensive recovery period. Many patients will feel up to resuming their regular daily activities after a day or two.
How much does Cellfina cost?
Though many people have cellulite, no two patients are alike. Body composition, cellulite grade, and specific treatment plans are all factored into the cost of the procedure. At Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics, Cellfina is performed as a personalized treatment; therefore, to obtain an accurate quote, contact our office or schedule a consultation with an experienced member of our team.
If you want to know more about Cellfina, and how it may be an effective solution to treat cellulite on your thighs or buttocks, call Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics today at (360) 336-1947 or contact us online.
