Cellulaze™
Many women simply avoid wearing bathing suits or shorts because they are embarrassed about the dimples and irregularities on their thighs and legs. Cellulite is a problem that almost exclusively affects women. This dimpling on the legs and/or buttock area is a result of fibrous bands beneath the skin. The result is a puckered look, surrounded by bulging and marked skin irregularity. Up until now, there has not been a successful long-term treatment for this condition. Cellulaze is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for long-term cellulite reduction. The laser is used to release the fibrous bands beneath the skin responsible for causing dimpling and cellulite. In addition, the laser’s energy is used to stimulate collagen production and has been clinically shown to increase the skin’s thickness and quality. Not only is it effective, but it also can be done in the office without the need for general anesthesia.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have mild to moderate cellulite on his or her thighs and/or buttock area. Because this procedure does not require general anesthesia, patients who are not in ideal health can still consider having it.
Procedure
The procedure is done in the office setting as an outpatient. The patient is usually given oral sedation and injected with a dilute numbing solution for the treatment. The treatment probe is very thin, only 3 mm wide, and easily is placed in position by making a small poke hole adjacent to the area treated. The treatment consists of 3 different steps.
Step 1: Once the laser probe is in place, the laser is then used to release the internal bands that cause cellulite.
Step 2: The laser is used to melt and destroy the fat that causes the bulging around the dimples.
Step 3: The same laser is used to tighten the skin by gently passing under the skin’s surface, which stimulates collagen. The result is significant improvement in the look and feel of the area and the tightness of the skin.
Costs
The total cost of the Cellulaze procedure depends on several factors, including the following:
- Facility/laser fees
- Anesthesia fees (for those that want a little extra comfort)
- Surgical fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Compression garments
Cellulaze is not covered by insurance because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks, such as scars, infection, bleeding, asymmetries, postoperative discomfort, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you don’t understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.
Recovery
As a rule, there is very little recovery needed for Cellulaze. Mild bruising and swelling is normal and usually goes away in a few days to a week. Most patients do not need much in the way of pain medicine; however, it will be made available for the patient’s comfort if needed. Because there are no incisions to heal, there are no post-procedure restrictions. The patient’s comfort will dictate how active he or she is, but most patients return to full activity, including high-impact working out, by 4 weeks.
Results
Cellulaze is very effective in treating cellulite. Patients will see that the results will gradually improve during the months following the procedure. The final results take about 6 months to fully see. Like all of the procedures that utilize laser energy to stimulate the skin, it takes this long for the skin to react and tighten.
We welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mancoll by calling (757) 305-9185 or filling out an online contact form. Dr. Mancoll is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and one of the only plastic surgeons in this area to offer the Cellulaze treatment. He looks forward to meeting you during your initial consultation.
