Now FDA-cleared up to five years!

Cellulite is one of the most frustrating conditions most women will have to deal with at some point in their lives in at least one part of their body. What makes it so frustrating is that it seems like no matter how much you diet or exercise, you just can’t seem to get rid of those cellulite lumps. So what can you do? You can get a Cellfina treatment.

Created as a treatment to combat the unsightly look of cellulite in a women’s thighs, buttocks, and other areas, Cellfina is one of the many procedures offered here at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland.

With bikini season on its way, Dr. Ashruf can help you look your best! Contact our office today and schedule a consultation.

About Cellulite

So what exactly is cellulite, anyway? Cellulite is the name given to the condition in which your skin appears lumpy due to fat deposits pushing through the tissues beneath the skin. The fat underneath the skin causes tension among the tissues, and since they do not stretch, the fat will protrude through and cause the lumpy appearance because it has nowhere else to go.

These embarrassing dimples tend to target the thigh and buttocks area, but can be seen elsewhere in the body as well. Though it mainly affects women, cellulite can be seen in men as well.

Causes

Cellulite can appear for many reasons but typically is because of a combination of slow metabolism, genetics, and a general lack of physical activity. Age can even play a role, as our bodies will produce less collagen and elastin as we age. Remaining active and avoiding carbohydrates and sugars is the best way to help prevent the appearance of cellulite, but once it has appeared, it can be very difficult to get rid of.

Grading of Cellulite

There are different grades of cellulite that the body may encounter. Listed below are the three different grades that cellulite can be categorized as:

  • Grade 1 – The connective tissues experience slight tension and undergo structural changes. However, no visible dimpling of lumping will appear on the surface. It can be noticed when the skin is pinched together.
  • Grade 2 – The tension in the tissues has grown, revealing visible lumps when standing.
  • Grade 3 – The tension has reached the level that you can notice changes in your skin texture, even to the point it resembles an orange peel. Lumps and dimples will be visible when standing or sitting.

Gender

As we mentioned previously, cellulite more commonly affects women, but it can also be seen in men. As to why that is, it’s because of differences in body composition between men and women. Men have a crisscrossed fibrous tissue pattern, going horizontally along the muscle, which means it does not pull down on the skin. Meanwhile, women’s fibrous tissue pattern is only vertical, which makes them more susceptible to cellulite pushing through. Women also have a higher fat percentage than men in their bodies, and women tend to store that extra fat in their hips, legs, and buttocks.

Quick Facts About Cellulite

  • There are non-surgical options available to treat cellulite
  • Most women will experience some level of cellulite
  • Biological makeup is a significant factor in the appearance of cellulite
  • Cellulite is more commonly seen in women than in men
  • Diet and exercise can indeed help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but may not be able to eliminate it entirely

What is Cellfina?

Cellfina is an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment that reduces the appearance of cellulite on the thighs and buttocks. Cellfina uses advanced technology to target specific areas of fat deposits and cuts through the connective tissue that is responsible for the appearance of cellulite.

The treatment uses a pocket-sized applicator to cut through the tissues, which stops them from pulling on the skin, creating a smoother-looking surface. Cellfina is fast and efficient, minimally invasive, completely safe, and provides long-lasting results.

Treatment Areas

Cellfina was specifically created to target the cellulite in an adult woman’s thigh area and buttocks. Only available through a licensed physician like Dr. Ashruf, Cellfina attacks these two regions that are most commonly associated with cellulite. It breaks through the fibrous bands that pull down on the skin, leaving behind a smooth surface, free of lumps and dimples.

The only side effects reported have been some minor soreness, tenderness, and/or bruising. Cellfina has yet to be approved for the treatment of other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, which is commonly an area where cellulite resides for men.

Good Candidates

Cellfina is a safe treatment for almost anyone. Candidates must simply be in good health and have no underlying conditions that may affect the results of the treatment. There are no incisions involved in the non-surgical procedure, so the treatment is ideal for anyone who wants to get rid of their unsightly cellulite without adding any scars.

A common misconception is that skinny women don’t get cellulite, but this isn’t true. Since genetics play a role in who might develop cellulite, women of any body shape and size can get it. Luckily, women of all shapes and sizes are candidates for Cellfina.

It is important that anyone who undergoes the treatment maintains a healthy lifestyle afterward so they can maintain their results. Cellfina will not be permanent on its own — it will take careful diet and exercise to help ensure the cellulite does not return to the area.

Cellfina Treatment Process

The first step of a Cellfina treatment procedure is to come in for a consultation. Dr. Ashruf will discuss the procedure with you and go over your goals to determine if it is the appropriate treatment path. He will examine the area and mark the areas where he will place the Cellfina applicator.

The applicator works through suction — it pulls the skin into it like a vacuum — and then a needle is inserted into the suctioned skin. A local anesthetic will be injected into the area to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure.

The applicator then uses a microblade to cut the fibrous bands that pull down on your skin and cause the cellulite to appear. The Cellfina devices cause minimal marking to your skin and does no damage to your surrounding tissues. Treatment should only take around 45 minutes to complete, and there will be minimal recovery time.

Recovery

Cellfina patients can leave immediately after their treatment is complete. There is no downtime required after a Cellfina treatment either, although it may be a good idea to rest for the remainder of the day. The night of a patient’s treatment, it is recommended to take a brief walk to speed up the healing process by improving blood flow to the treated area.

There may be some bruising, drainage and swelling in the area after treatment, which is normal and not a cause for concern. It should subside on its own in a matter of a few days. If the patient has any discomfort, some over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, Advil, or Tylenol should be all that is required.

Results

Cellfina takes away a person’s cellulite without having to undergo a surgical procedure. The results of the procedure will be visible soon after treatment, and will continue to improve for at least three years, though results may vary. In fact, patients have reported an 85% rate of satisfaction after three months, then 93% after a year, showing the growing improvement.

Patients should see smoother thighs and buttocks after the procedure. Since there will be some minor bruising and swelling, it is probably best to schedule your treatment at least a couple weeks before you plan to be in a bikini, so things are looking your best.

It’s worth repeating that the results need to be maintained through a healthy and active lifestyle, as weight gains and fluctuations can negatively affect the treatment.

Pricing

The pricing of a Cellfina treatment will vary depending on how large the treatment area is as well as if any procedures must be performed in addition to achieve the desired results. Dr. Ashruf will give you an estimate during your consultation as well as your treatment plan.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’d like to learn more about the Cellfina treatment or to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at 410-590-4313 or request a consultation online and one of our associates will get in contact with you shortly. At the time of this appointment, Dr. Ashruf will review your medical background, routine medications, and current health to help determine if you are a candidate. He will also perform a physical examination to ensure that this treatment would be best for your particular case. Once deemed fit, you will be able to schedule your Cellfina treatment.