We might be heading into the start of winter now, but swimsuit season is closer than you would think. If there was ever a perfect time to sort out your body treatments to obtain your desired aesthetic results, then that time is now, and for the treatment of cellulite, the sooner the better. If your aesthetic goals include finally smoothing out cellulite dimpling, then you should know that Eastbay Aesthetic Surgery has a revolutionary treatment for you called Cellfina. Now, let’s see is Cellfina permanent?
Is Cellfina Permanent?
When it comes to cellulite treatment, there tends to be a lot of lofty promises followed by a lot of lackluster results. Fortunately, Cellfina is different, especially in terms of the longevity of the treatment. Not only will this treatment effectively smooth away the appearance of cellulite dimpling, but the results are proven to last for over two years.
In fact, there are some current studies that suggest the results of this treatment can last for three years or longer. The general consensus seems to be that this treatment, when paired with healthy lifestyle decisions, can create permanent results for patients by eliminating the appearance of cellulite for good. At the very least, even if this treatment does not end up lasting forever, the majority of patients can enjoy two to three years of results – and that’s nothing to sneeze at!
Why Is This Treatment Permanent?
The trick to this treatment lasting so long is the method of the treatment itself. Other treatments for cellulite have a habit of treating only the portions of cellulite that are visible, namely the dimpling of the skin surface. For example, the use of Retinol or other topical creams only thickens the skin to temporarily tighten tissues and smooth the appearance of cellulite, but this doesn’t treat the cellulite itself and eventually, the results of these topical treatments will fade.
The permanence of this treatment can be attributed to the fact that the special patented treatment device cuts the dysfunctional connective cords deep in the sub-dermal layers of your skin that contribute to the appearance of cellulite. When those connective tissues are broken, the root cause of cellulite is treated, and that tends to produce long-lasting results.
How Quickly Can You See Results?
In addition to the longevity of these results, patients can also see these results very quickly. Within three days of your first treatment appointment, you will be able to see a marked improvement in the appearance of the cellulite on your body, with most patients reporting that skin is visually more smooth and less dimpled.
These results will continue to improve over the next two to three months as your body continues to respond to the release of the tension caused by the connective tissues in the sub-dermal layers of your skin. Your final results will last for a few years, as mentioned before.
How Does This Treatment Work?
This is a minimally invasive treatment that does not involve the use of any anesthesia or sedation. This treatment is performed with a special patented single-use handheld device that uses subcision to cut directly through the connective bands found in fatty tissue that pull on the surface of the skin to create the appearance of cellulite dimples and waves. Your treatment will have several steps involved, such as:
Consultation
Your first appointment will be a consultation where we will examine the cellulite on your body to determine if you are a qualified candidate. Ideally, your cellulite should be isolated simples and not “waves” of cellulite, meaning your treatment areas are relatively moderate.
We will gather some relevant information about you, such as previous cellulite treatments you have tried, certain lifestyle factors, and your general medical history. If you are determined to be a good candidate for this treatment, then we will also go over reasonable expectations for this treatment and provide you with ways you can prepare for treatment, such as:
- Temporarily discontinue anti-inflammatory medications
- Temporarily discontinue blood-thinning medications
- Take antibiotics as prescribed
- Follow specific clinic directions given to you
Step One: Map Dimples
On the day of your treatment appointment, you should arrive wearing loose-fitting clothing, such as a skirt. The first step of your treatment will be to map the cellulite dimples you wish to have removed. For the dimple mapping, you will be asked to stand while Dr. Bachelor marks the specific dimples that will be targeted with this treatment.
Step Two: Numb
After your cellulite dimples have been marked, you will be asked to lay down while a topical numbing cream is applied to your treatment area. We usually give this topical numbing cream about 20 to 30 minutes to become fully effective before your treatment begins.
Step Three: Subcision Process
Your treatment will be performed by Dr. Bachelor, who will use the handheld device to treat the dimples that have been marked for treatment. The subcision technique will cut through connective bands and fatty tissues, but most patients don’t feel much sensation for the duration of the treatment.
Step Four: Bandage
After all of your cellulite dimples have been treated, sterile gauze will be placed over the treatment area and you will be given compression garments to wear during your immediate recovery period, as well as additional aftercare instructions. Your treatment appointment will take about 60 minutes to complete or more, depending on the number of areas that are being treated.
Aftercare and Recovery
Your aftercare instructions will include simple directions on how to ice the treatment area, how to cleanse the treatment area and directions on how to wear your compression garments for 2 weeks after your treatment. Other instructions to follow include:
- Avoiding strenuous exercise
- Massaging treatment area
- Using over-the-counter pain medication
- Using prescribed medication as needed
Your recovery period will be between one and two months long. Most patients are recovered enough to return to all normal daily activities about two to three weeks after treatment, but those who had larger areas of treatment or who have sensitive skin may find they need a full month to return to normal activities.
Where Can This Treatment Be Used?
As of right now, the FDA has only cleared this treatment to be used on the buttocks, upper thighs, and lower thighs, the three areas where cellulite is most likely to form. The majority of patients use this treatment to reduce the appearance of cellulite in one or more of these treatment areas.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Cellfina
1. What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is a naturally-occurring by-product of aging. Cellulite is characterized by waves or dimples of uneven skin on fleshy areas of the body, particularly areas that are more likely to store fatty tissues, such as the buttocks and thighs. Cellulite is generally found in women, with an estimated 85% to 90% of women over the age of 20 having some amount of cellulite.
The causes of cellulite are well-known and include factors such as:
- Collagen production
- Weight
- Age
- Hormones
- Connective tissue pattern
As a skin condition, cellulite seems tailor-made for women, who naturally produce less collagen than men, store more fat than men, and whose bodies are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations than men. Even the way a woman’s connective tissue grows is a cause for cellulite, as the X pattern of the connective bands in the sub-dermal layers of the skin creates more of a pull against the skin surface than a man’s connective tissue pattern does.
2. Can You Get Rid of Cellulite by Yourself?
Yes and no. It’s possible through hard work, dieting, and exercise that you can reduce the amount of cellulite that can form on your body. When you can reduce your body fat percentage and maintain a toned shape, you will be less likely to form cellulite in the first place.
However, getting rid of cellulite involves more than simple weight management and body training. It may not be possible for you to get rid of cellulite on your body by yourself, which is why certain aesthetic treatments and products might be necessary to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
3. Why Is Cellfina Better Than Other Treatments?
For the treatment of cellulite, there are two classic treatments: liposuction to literally suck the fatty tissues out of the body to reduce cellulite that way, and topical treatments to firm and thicken the skin. However, neither of these classic treatments are capable of treating the root cause of cellulite, which means that those treatments are ineffective.
4. Does Cellulite Happen at a Certain Age?
Some women believe that cellulite only happens as a result of extreme weight gain or after your biological clock ticks over some imaginary number – but the truth is that cellulite can happen at any age, including to women in their 20s. Cellulite is more commonly found in women who are closer to 40, however, and often continues to worsen as a result of increased skin laxity associated with aging.
5. Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes. This treatment has been cleared by the FDA and is safe for the majority of patients who are deemed healthy enough for treatment. This cellulite treatment is safe for both women and men, as well as for those with all skin tones and skin types.
6. How Many Treatments Will You Need?
One of the highlights of this treatment is the fact that it requires only one treatment session to produce the desired results. You will not need another treatment appointment unless you desired to treat new areas of cellulite in the future.
7. Can Cellulite Come Back?
Yes and no. The thing about this treatment is that it specifically targets the connective tissues currently causing cellulite – but that doesn’t mean new cellulite in other areas can’t form. While cellulite is not likely to return in a specific area that has been treated, the fact is that cellulite often does continue to develop in other non-treated areas.
Cellulite is inevitable for most women, which means the best treatment for cellulite is prevention. While there are several factors outside of your control, such as your age, you can reduce the amount of cellulite that will eventually form on your body by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.
8. Who Are Good Candidates for Treatment?
Most patients who have mild to moderate amounts of cellulite dimpling on their buttocks and thighs are ideal candidates for this treatment. Good candidates for this cellulite reduction treatment include those who have:
- Stable weight
- Healthy lifestyle factors
- Cellulite dimpling
- Moderate cellulite
- Cellulite on thighs and buttocks
Say Bye-Bye to Cellulite Dimpling With Cellfina Treatment Today!
It’s time to start preparing for your future swimsuit season today by getting rid of cellulite dimpling on your buttocks and thighs. If you think Cellfina might be an ideal treatment for you, contact the experts at Eastbay Aesthetic Surgery in Pleasanton, CA and Danville, CA to schedule your treatment appointment today!