Cellfina

Latest update: July 14, 2024
Medically reviewed by: Jennifer Trent MD, FAAD

Details

Cellfina is a minimally invasive treatment that effectively treats the appearance of cellulite. It is an FDA-approved, non-surgical procedure that has proven successful in cellulite reduction. Cellfina is effective because it targets the root causes of cellulite, unlike some treatments.

Three different factors play a role in the development of cellulite, but the exact cause is unknown:
1.      
Fibrous bands, that connect the skin to the muscles, contract, tighten down and cause the fat to protrude.
2.      
Skin laxity allows the underlying fat to push outward between the fibrous bands.
3.      
Fat accumulates under the skin.

Cellulite creams and surface treatments cannot reach deep into the fat and fibrous bands, so they are only effective for mild issues. Cellfina can target these bands of tissue fibers through the use of subcision. During the treatment, the device suctions the skin while a small, thin needle cuts and releases the fibrous bands. Cellfina only targets the fibrous bands and not the fat bulges or skin laxity issues that also play a role in cellulite. 

Depending on the size of the treatment area, a typical Cellfina treatment will take 30-60  minutes to complete. Before the procedure, the doctor will mark the sites on the skin to make the incisions. The patient will receive a local anesthetic for a comfortable experience.

The Cellfina device has a circular disk that is positioned over the dimple. The disk suctions and elevates the skin, while a thin needle cuts the fibrous bands. The same process is then repeated for the whole targeted area. The incisions will not require stitches but must be bandaged during the healing process. Patients can go back to work the next day. Doctors recommend avoiding any strenuous activity during the healing period. Patients may also experience redness, swelling, and bruising that will subside after 1-3 weeks. Cellfina treatments may last at least a year. If the patient maintains their weight, results can even last up to 3 years. 
Anesthesia
local
Operation Time
1
Inpatient Period
n/a
Number of Appointments
1
Recovery Period
3-7 days
Invasiveness
minimal

Cellfina Animated Treatment Simulation

This video explains how the Cellfina treatment system works to treat the primary cause of cellulite in a safe way. The animated simulation shows the cause of cellulite in a cross-section of the skin. The treatment procedure is described and a simulation of the process is shown.

Cellfina for Cellulite Dimples - Dr Weiner Destin - One Treatment

Dr. Steven Weiner demonstrates the Cellfina treatment on a patient with cellulite. He explains the process and the impact of the device while applying the treatment. Dr. Weiner goes through the steps of the procedure. He discusses the candidates that can be treated with Cellfina and considers the satisfaction rates.