Many of us develop cellulite on our thighs or buttocks at some point in our lives, no matter how well we take care of ourselves. While this condition is frustrating and can cause low self-esteem, there are cellulite reduction treatments out there designed to reduce or even eliminate this issue. The safest and most effective, offered by Dr. Balogun and her team here at SkinMD in Seattle, WA, is called Cellfina. Read on to find out how this could help you.
Getting Rid of Cellulite
Over the decades, many solutions for cellulite have been proposed, and there is currently a wide range of creams and ointments available. These topical treatments are often expensive, but don’t always produce the promised results because they are unable to reach the deeper tissues where the issue originates. If you’ve used such treatments and been unsuccessful, you may wonder how Cellfina is different and whether you’ll see better results.
Unlike topical creams, this innovative solution changes the structure of your deep tissues, so that the fat cells and fibrous bands involved in creating cellulite will be altered. In many cases, Cellfina works for three years or longer, so it is a durable and effective way to get rid of your cellulite. Our patients also love the fact that the FDA-approved treatment is minimally invasive, efficient, and does not require a general anesthetic or extensive downtime.
Why Cellulite Develops
When you start developing cellulite, you may wonder why this is happening and whether you could have done anything to prevent it. Although lifestyle factors do play a role, the condition also occurs in people who take good care of themselves, as it is linked to your gender, age, and genetics. It occurs when the fibrous bands in your tissues put too much pressure on the skin, which creates the dimples and uneven texture.
Gender
Women have more fat in the buttock and thigh area than men, so they are much more likely to experience significant issues with cellulite. In fact, the condition tends to affect around 90% of women, but only 10% of men, in developed nations.
Age
A great number of women develop some level of cellulite after puberty, so it can be present in adults of any age. However, the condition is likely to worsen as you age due to the fact that your skin will lose elasticity. That’s why the dimples tend to be more visible in older people, and why so many women after the age of 40 struggle with excessive cellulite.
Genetics
Not every family has an equal prevalence of cellulite, as the likelihood of developing the condition is affected by your genetic makeup. If many of your female family members are struggling with the issue, you are likely to experience it at some point, as well.
Lifestyle Factors
The only factor that you can control is your diet and exercise pattern. While a certain level of cellulite is normal, the condition is likely to be much more visible in people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle by avoiding exercise and eating sugary and fatty foods on a daily basis. In particular, you are more likely to struggle with cellulite if you are overweight and sedentary.
Cellfina Cellulite Reduction
Luckily, there is a solution that can help you to get rid of cellulite effectively and easily. But how does Cellfina work and what does the process involve? In short, the Cellfina device breaks up the fibrous bands that cause your cellulite through a process called subcision.
During your treatment, we will mark all of the dimples you’d like to remove, then insert the device under your skin, where it will work to break up the relevant fibers. Subcision can also be used on people who experience scarring and wrinkling.
Preparing for Cellfina
The first step you can take towards getting rid of your cellulite for good is to contact our clinic. We will set up an initial appointment to discuss your struggle with this condition and come up with a plan of action. At your consultation, our team will review your medical records to make sure you are eligible for Cellfina, then we will explain the process to you and set a date for your first treatment.
There won’t be much you have to do to prepare, but we ask you not to wear any creams or lotions on the affected area on the day of treatment. You also shouldn’t shave your hair, and it’s advisable to come to the clinic in loose clothing, so you’ll be comfortable during the appointment and the area will be easily accessible. We may also advise you to avoid certain drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, in the days leading up to your treatment.
The Appointment
The actual appointment involves two steps and is expected to take around 45 minutes. Once you arrive in the clinic, we will mark the areas you’d like treatment on, so we’ll be able to target them effectively. At this stage, we will also apply a numbing cream to the area in order to make your experience easy and pain-free. We will wait for a few minutes for this to work, and make sure that your skin is fully numbed before proceeding.
Next, a small incision will be made in the area and the Cellfina device will be gently inserted into your body. There, it will work to break up the fibers that are causing your issues with cellulite. Depending on how large the treatment area is, the process may take more or less time, but you are likely to be in and out of the clinic within an hour.
Number of Treatments
The number of treatments recommended will depend on the extent of your cellulite and what you hope to achieve. In most cases, one appointment is enough to make a big difference, and well over 90% of patients are satisfied with their results after their treatment. However, in case the condition is quite severe, it may be advisable to visit us on several different occasions. This is especially true if the cellulite is present in many different areas of your body.
Once you’ve completed all of the necessary Cellfina treatments, you won’t need to return to the clinic for cellulite reduction in the next few years. The vast majority of patients are still happy with their results two to three years after their appointment, so it is a very long-lasting solution. When the body’s natural aging process has resulted in more cellulite, you can then return for a top-up, but this could be 3-5 years down the line.
After Treatment
The treatment is minimally invasive, so general anesthesia is not necessary and the numbing cream will be enough. That’s why you won’t have a lengthy recovery period, and many people who come to the clinic for this reason are able to drive themselves home afterward. It may be a good idea to rest for the rest of the day because you are likely to feel tired after your visit to the clinic. By the next day, you should be able to resume your normal activities.
Dr. Balogun and her team will give you some instructions about what to avoid in the days and weeks after Cellfina. You will be given a compression garment to wear, which will serve to protect your skin. It’s also important to avoid direct sunlight to the area, swimming, and using a hot tub in the week after your treatment. We can explain the best way to ensure a good outcome and rapid healing during your initial appointment.
Changes You Can Expect
As mentioned, Cellfina provides satisfying results for the vast majority of people who undergo treatment, and these results can stay in place for many years to come. But how long does it take for them to show up? In many cases, you’ll notice the first changes one to three days after your appointment. The change will gradually increase, and you can expect the full results to be visible around two weeks afterward.
Am I Eligible?
Most people who have been struggling with cellulite for a long time and are in good general health will be eligible for the treatment. Because it is minimally invasive the risk is very low and side effects are unlikely. The best results can usually be seen in people who have dimples due to cellulite, so if you are experiencing waves or streaks, you may not be the ideal candidate.
In addition, Cellfina is most effective if you are already at your target weight and not overweight. Other reasons why we may recommend a different course of action are if you have diabetes, severe varicose veins, or allergic reactions to ingredients in our topical numbing creams. If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, we will ask you to wait and undergo treatment once your child is a bit older. We may also advise you to quit smoking before treatment.
Regain Your Smooth Skin Now
Cellulite can be a frustrating and concerning issue for many people, and Cellfina offers the most effective solution possible. To get started, contact SkinMD in Seattle, WA, today and speak to our competent team about having cellulite reduction treatment. We will be happy to discuss this simple and non-invasive treatment with you and get you on the path to regaining your smooth, youthful skin.
