Cellfina

Cellfina is an FDA-cleared minimally invasive procedure which is used to improve the appearance of cellulite for up to 3 years. Cellfina reduces the dimpling caused by cellulite by using a tiny blade to cut and release fibrous bands that pull down the skin.

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The Skinny

Cellfina

avg. recovery: 2 weeks
permanence: Temporary
Type: Minor Surgical Procedure
surgical: Yes
cost: $3500 - $6500

About the Procedure

Last Updated: 02.25.2021

Cellulite dimpling can be frustrating as it cannot be addressed by diet and exercise alone. Dimpling is caused by fibrous bands that pull down the skin and cause subcutaneous fat to bulge. Cellfina, an FDA approved procedure to eliminate cellulite, meticulously cuts and releases these bands to smooth skin and improve the contours of the butt, hips, and thighs. Other clinically proven methods to address cellulite include Cellulaze although Cellfina is longer lasting, with results persisting up to 3 years after 1 treatment. Areas with cellulite dimpling will be marked prior to the procedure. Next, the patient will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure optimal comfort throughout the procedure. The Cellfina treatment will then begin by treating individual or closely clustered dimples. The Cellfina instrument is comprised of a circular disk with a clear cover for visibility. Once the disk is placed over a dimple, the disk will vacuum up the skin, creating a suction that causes the skin to rise, stabilizing the area. Next, a small, motorized blade will be inserted just beneath the skin and moved back and forth to cut the fibrous bands, lasting several seconds. The blade will then be removed, the suction released, and the Cellfina disk positioned on the next dimple. This process will continue until all dimples have been addressed. Incisions will not require stitches although the area will be bandaged for compression and healing.

The goal of Cellfina is to improve and diminish the appearance of cellulite in the buttocks, hip area, and/or the back of the thighs.

What to Expect

Cellfina reduces the dimpling caused by cellulite by using a tiny blade to cut and release fibrous bands that pull down the skin. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after Cellfina treatment.

Before Treatment

No special measures need to be taken before a Cellfina treatment.

During Treatment

Cellulite dimpling marked prior to procedure
Local anesthetic administered
Cellfina disk placed over a dimple
Disk will suction skin to stabilize the area
Motorized blade is inserted and moved back and forth to cut fibrous bands
Blade is removed, suction released, and disk repositioned on next dimple
Incisions will not require stitches
Once complete, area will be bandaged for compression and healing

Recovery Notes

Patients usually return to work after one or two days of downtime, although bruising and swelling can last up to two weeks from Cellfina.

Ideal Candidate

Patients who are in generally good health and would like to treat cellulite in the buttocks and back of the thighs are candidates for Cellfina.

Not Recommended For

Cellfina is not recommended for patients who have an unstable weight or are looking to treat loose skin.

Side Effects

Side effects from Cellfina are minimal, but may include discomfort during and following treatment. Mild bruising, soreness, and tenderness are also possible.