Cellfina
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Danville and Pleasanton
Contents
What is Cellulite?
Warm weather means bikinis and shorts, but many women don’t feel comfortable baring skin because of cellulite dimples on their legs and buttocks. As many women have probably figured out, cellulite is extremely stubborn and does not disappear no matter how many hours spent at the gym. This is because cellulite is not fat. Adiposis edematosa, or cellulite, is the dimpling effect on the buttocks and legs caused by connective fibers pulling down on the skin. These fibers which are found just underneath the skin are a fixed length, so as surrounding fat deposits enlarge and push out against the skin, the connective fibers hold areas of skin down, causing cellulite depressions and dimples.
Cellulite can be categorized by 3 levels:
- Level 1: No clinical symptoms. Anatomical changes can only be detected by microscopic examination.
- Level 2: Low temperatures and/or pasty skin makes cellulite visible, as well as microscopic examination.
- Level 3: Visible contours on skin as well as Grade 2 symptoms.
Cellulite can appear due to a variety of factors, such as genetics, hormones, skin thickness, lack of physical activity, or slow metabolism. Cellulite only occurs in women. Men do not get the dimpled appearance because their connective tissue pattern lies parallel to their muscles, whereas women’s connective tissue pattern is perpendicular to the muscle.
A mistaken belief is that cellulite only appears on larger women. Cellulite can appear in women of any shape and size. It is true that the more fat you have under your skin, the more stress is put on the connective fibers and the more cellulite is noticeable. Regardless, even the leanest of women can still struggle with cellulite depressions that no amount of diet of working out can reduce.
What is Cellfina?
How Cellfina Works
Cellfina vs Liposuction
Cellfina offers a solution to the underlying cause of cellulite. Liposuction, on the other hand, only gets rid of fat underneath the skin. This, on rare occasions, may diminish the appearance of cellulite, but does not solve the underlying problem. It actually often times makes the appearance worse since Liposuction does not address skin tightening, so excess skin is left to dimple and sag. FDA approved Cellfina is the only minimally invasive procedure that actually treats the causal factor of cellulite formation. Cellfina is also a more cost effective, minimally invasive approach, while Liposuction is a surgical procedure which requires general anesthesia and multiple other expenses.
Cellfina vs Skin Creams
Some creams claim to get rid of cellulite; this is in no way true. No prescription or over-the-counter creams have been proven to reduce the appearance of dimpling permanently. Retinol has demonstrated its ability to temporarily reduce the appearance by thickening the skin, but this is just a cover up. An appropriate example would be using icing on a lumpy cake; it just fixes the appearance on the surface level. The only way to reduce cellulite dimples is by fixing the underlying structural cause, which the FDA has confirmed Cellfina accomplishes.
Areas That Can Be Treated
Cellfina is FDA approved to treat cellulite on the:
- Upper thighs
- Lower thighs
- Buttocks
Candidates
Good candidates for Cellfina are women in good health who experience cellulite dimples on their buttocks and/or thighs that do not diminish through diet and exercise. The only contraindications are diabetes, varicose veins on the treatment areas or an active skin infection.
Consultation
The first step on your cellulite removal journey is a private consultation with Cellfina expert Dr. Eric P. Bachelor, M.D. He will perform a detailed skin evaluation and assess which areas would benefit most from a Cellfina treatment. You will remain in a standing position while relaxing your muscles so he can precisely examine the depressions. This examination will ensure that the appropriate personalized treatment plan is devised to provide you with optimal results.
Dr. Bachelor will explain the treatment process from beginning to end so you are made fully aware of all aspects of your procedure. Any questions and concerns will gladly be answered at this time; this includes pricing inquiries. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable with your decision to undergo this treatment. An open line of communication between you, Dr. Bachelor, and his friendly staff is highly encouraged.
Preparation
Cellfina doesn’t require much preparation, but following the personalized instructions given will help provide you with optimal results. Generally, you will be asked to refrain from taking any anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements 2 weeks before your treatment as these can increase bleeding. Dr. Bachelor may give you antibiotics prior to your treatment depending on your specific case. Any further individual instructions should be precisely followed.
Treatment Process
Dr. Bachelor begins your procedure by sterilizing the treatment areas and then marking each dimple that will be treated. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the treatment area to make your treatment comfortable.
Once the designated spots are clearly identified, the device suction-stabilizes the skin to hold it firmly; this makes it easier for Dr. Bachelor to release the connective fibers.
Cellfina, a pocket-sized, handheld device, is then used to cut and release the problematic connective bands that lie just below the skin. This process of subcision releases and relaxes the connective fibers, letting the skin lie even and diminish the dimpled spot. Gauze pads are placed on the treatment sites and held with bandages or a compression garment.
A Cellfina treatment takes less than an hour and can release up to 25 dimples in a single session. While some patients choose to rest for the remainder of the day, the majority continue on with their daily routines or return back to work. You are able to start seeing results as early as 3 days.
Postoperative Care
Some patients may experience slight tenderness after their treatment; this is normal and will resolve quickly on its own. Some discomfort has been reported when pressure was applied to the treatment area during the first month, but this can easily be controlled with simple acetaminophen. Dr. Bachelor will place a compression garment around your thighs and/or buttocks. This should be worn as often as possible for 2 weeks. Do not partake in any strenuous activities the first month following your treatment. If you feel firm spots in the treated areas, you can use your fingertips to massage them. They should fully relax within 3 minutes.
Results
You can see results from Cellfina as early as 3 days following your treatment, and best results after 3-6 months. The results will last for up to 2 years. Some Cellfina patients have even claimed to experience results lasting even longer than 2 years. No matter shape or size, Cellfina is meant to provide all women with lasting smooth legs and buttocks.
Pricing
The price of the treatment varies since it is a very individualized procedure. The number of treatments needed is based on your body type and your specific desires. A quote will be given at the time of your initial visit. Take the first step to achieve beautiful smooth, cellulite free buttocks and legs by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Eric P. Bachelor, M.D.
1387 Santa Rita Rd
Pleasanton, CA 94566
919 San Ramon Valley Blvd #150
Danville, CA 94526