What is Cellulite?
Cellulite forms when fat pushes against connective tissue beneath the skin, creating a dimpled appearance. Eliminating it can be challenging because it resides in the subcutaneous layer, just beneath the skin’s surface.
Over 90% of women and 10% of men have some degree of cellulite. It doesn’t discriminate, affecting even those who are physically fit. Due to their body structure, women are more prone to cellulite.
As fat tissue increases in women, the compartments expand vertically, pushing upward and creating bumps on the skin’s surface. In men, fat compartments are smaller and expand at a more angled orientation, making fat tissue less visible.
Several treatments work well for cellulite, and the type of treatment depends on your specific needs. We’ll cover four of the best treatment options so you can determine which one may be right for you.
Subcision for Cellulite
Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure used for years to treat cellulite. Dr. Hernandez first identifies and marks the cellulite dimples. Then, after numbing the area, she carefully cuts the fibrous bands under the skin with a specialized needle. This allows the dimples to relax, smoothing the skin’s appearance. The procedure is fast and requires minimal downtime, though patients may experience some bruising and mild discomfort for a few days.
Radiesse
Radiesse, a popular dermal filler, is a thick gel containing microscopic calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) particles. These particles stimulate collagen production in the skin. However, by diluting the gel with a local anesthetic, Dr. Hernandez can use it to treat cellulite effectively. Hyperdilute Radiesse works in two ways:
Firming the skin: It stimulates collagen production.
Adding volume: It plumps the treated areas.
This dual action helps improve wavy cellulite’s appearance and even stretch marks.
The results of Hyperdilute Radiesse can last 18 months or longer. After 18 months, the body fully metabolizes the CaHA particles, but the skin continues to improve due to ongoing collagen production. Patients can receive additional treatments as needed in the future.
Renuva
Renuva is a unique injectable dermal filler that differs from most others. While many fillers rely on hyaluronic acid to restore volume, Renuva comprises an allograft adipose matrix derived from human fat. This matrix contains natural growth factors that restore volume and stimulate the production of blood vessels and new fat cells in deeper skin layers. This dual action results in a smoother skin surface. Renuva can be an effective treatment option for smaller areas of dimpled cellulite.
Cellfina
Cellfina® is a more precise and advanced version of subcision. Instead of manually cutting the bands that cause cellulite, Dr. Hernandez uses a specialized handheld device with a vacuum-assisted microblade. This device precisely releases each band beneath the skin. Cellfina is the only FDA- pproved, one-time procedure clinically proven to improve the appearance of dimpled cellulite in the buttocks and thigh area for at least 5 years. Patients are delighted with the results. Treatment sessions typically take about 45 minutes.
Are you considering treating your cellulite? Book a consultation here!
