Unsplash/Manny Moreno  - Bye Bye Cellulite, Hello Avéli 

Being a woman has a lot of benefits; on average, we [live longer](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7829786/) and have a [higher pain threshold](https://nypost.com/2019/01/11/women-have-a-higher-pain-threshold-than-men-study/) (sorry, boys). But, there are plenty of negatives associated with being female. There’s the obvious: childbirth; the unjust: the gender pay gap; and then there’s the ugly… cellulite. And, while we hate to even mention the C word, [nearly 90%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10324940/) of us women experience it.

Even though cellulite is omnipresent, it’s been hidden and hushed about for years. But lately, celebs like [Demi Lovato, Olivia Munn, and Ashley Graham](https://people.com/health/celebrities-who-celebrate-stretch-marks-cellulite/) are showing off their natural bodies, cellulite and all. And, brands are also joining the body positivity movement to promote inclusion and acceptance of all body types and appearances. The topic has been so heavily discussed that sometimes the media makes us feel guilty if we don’t fully embrace our natural selves. But, even if we know cellulite is ubiquitous and a normal part of being a postpubertal woman, sometimes we just can’t (or don’t want to) accept it. That’s why doctors are excited about [Avéli®](https://aedit.com/procedure/avelir), one of the newest innovations in cellulite treatment, as a way to help restore their patients’ confidence. 

## **What is Cellulite?**
Cellulite is the dimpling or puckering that occurs around the thighs, buttocks, and hips. While it mostly affects women, about 10% of men suffer from cellulite too. While many find it unattractive, cellulite is completely harmless. It forms when fibrous bands of connective tissue (aka as the septa) contract, tethering the skin to the muscle and pushing the fat upward. Researchers are still trying to determine what causes cellulite, but it is commonly believed that hormones, skin elasticity, genetics, and weight distribution play a substantial role. 

## **There Hasn’t Been a Good Cellulite Treatment…Until Now** 
At times, it seems like plastic surgeons and dermatologists can do the impossible; they can smooth away fine lines and wrinkles, tighten trouble areas, or add volume when we need a little oomph. But, when it comes to cellulite, [professionals have been stumped](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/why-is-cellulite-so-hard-to-address-and-what-are-my-options) for decades.

Doctors have approached cellulite correction a number of different ways over the years: microneedling (Cellfina), radiofrequency (VelaShape and Emtone), laser (Cellulaze), and injectables (QWO). But, none of these treatments come without flaws. Some have intense bruising, others require multiple sessions, and, overall, aren’t the most efficacious. 

“Previous strategies were riddled with incomplete releases or not targeting the root cause,” Dr. Hustak adds. “This coupled with bruising and downtime without results, left patients dissatisfied.” 

Enter Avéli®, a recently FDA-cleared cellulite treatment that doctors are saying is a total game changer. 

## **The Technology has Advanced by Leaps and Bounds** 

With so much trial and error over the years, Avéli® seems to be the long-awaited answer for an effective cellulite treatment. Or, as [Kristi Hustak, MD, board-certified Plastic Surgeon, says](https://www.kristihustakmd.com/meet-dr-hustak/), “it’s a revolutionary piece to the puzzle as we look at cellulite.” 

According to [Mary-Margaret Kober, MD, FAAD, board-certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Dermatologist](https://www.jackzamoramd.com/dr-mary-margaret-kober), and Dr. Hustak, the two main advantages of Avéli® are its advanced precision and ability to verify the release of the dimple during the procedure. Furthermore, Avéli® minimizes downtime, provides proven results in a single treatment, and, so far, has shown significantly greater efficacy. 

“The ability to target specific fibrous bands causing cellulite and verify their removal sets Avéli® apart from the competition and offers a promising leap forward in the treatment of cellulite,” Dr. Kober tells us. “Having used multiple cellulite treatments in the past, I can confidently say that Avéli® is the first treatment for cellulite that truly works.” 

“Aveli® is unique among cellulite treatments in that it allows targeted incision and release of each individual septa causing a dimple,” says board certified Head & Neck Surgeon and fellowship trained Facial Plastic Surgeon, [Dr. William Kennedy, MD, board-certified Head & Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic Surgeon](https://aedit.com/provider/william-kennedy-md-26292), and Founder of AEDIT MedSpa™. “Although, unlike other techniques that use single-use thermal mechanism of septa release such as Cellulaze, Avéli® does not promote collagen production and is a simple release of tethering causing a dimple.”

So, how does Avéli® work? It’s a minimally-invasive hand-held device that has a light blade to cut the complex fibrous networks that are responsible for causing cellulite dimples. When a patient comes to the office for the Avéli® treatment, Dr. Kober says she marks the cellulite dimples and applies a numbing solution (tumescent anesthesia) to the targeted areas. From there, the Avéli® device is advanced under the skin and methodically releases the fibrous bands that cause each dimple. The unique thing about Avéli® is that physicians are able to confirm whether or not all of the offending fibrous bands have been cleared. This is what Dr. Kober and Dr. Hustak say really sets Avéli® apart and truly contributes to its exceptional results.

## **Most patients need a multimodal approach for smoother skin**

When it comes to treating cellulite with Avéli®, Dr. Hustak says that the ideal candidate has dimpled cellulite over the buttocks, back of thighs, or outer thighs even at their leanest. Unfortunately, this is the type of cellulite that isn’t going away with exercise or fat loss. 

More often than not, Dr. Hustak says patients are experiencing cellulite along with low skin elasticity, volume and muscle loss, and increasing fat pockets. “These aspects need to be addressed to improve results and that requires a multimodal approach,” Dr. Hustak tells The AEDITION. “Skin tightening devices, liposuction, biostimulatory fillers, and fat can all be used to improve results, and often at the same time.”

In Dr. Kober’s practice, the team often uses a combination of Avéli® for cellulite and [Attiva](https://www.attivarf.com/) for skin tightening, as a way to address skin laxity concerns. “Depending on the patient and her needs, we also employ liposuction to address fat pockets or fillers, such as [Sculptra](https://www.sculptrausa.com/?utm_campaign=2023paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Exact-CONS&utm_term=sculpta&utm_id=SCUL2023JVEPDZ99YO&c3apidt=p77177680451&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAcjEwDqiDoLqQ_m64VbZyEVQeqJ8F3s6G2PaBYfs3PsDn2v5q7gOexoCY5MQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds), to increase volume. We are able to combine multiple modalities in a single treatment,” Dr. Kober shares.

Because Avéli® solely targets cellulite, not skin laxity or volume, results will vary from person to person. Dr. Hustak says that the more severe and deep the dimples, the less dramatic the results overall. This is because some of the deeper dimples might have volume missing under them, which would benefit from a touch of filler. That being said, Dr. Hustak and Dr. Kober both report that their patients have been happy with the improvements and feel more confident in their skin.

## **Conclusion**

For those of us who have been wanting to say farewell to cellulite for years, Avéli® might be the final piece to the puzzle. While we support the media's messaging around loving our bodies "as-is," we also acknowledge that approach doesn't work for everyone and are firm believers that the pathway to becoming your most confident self should be solely up to you. Regardless of if plastic surgery is involved, we believe in empowering people in their desire to enhance their natural beauty. At the end of the day, shouldn’t we all feel happy and comfortable in our skin? 








Expert Opinion

Expert perspective on the distinctive qualities of Avéli® and its departure from conventional cellulite treatment approaches.

Understanding What Sets Avéli® Apart Fom Other Cellulite Treatments

Bye Bye Cellulite, Hello Avéli®

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Last summer, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Endo Aesthetics’ Qwo™, a first-of-its-kind injectable that improves the appearance of [cellulite](https://aedit.com/concern/cellulite), much to the delight of those dealing with dimpling. Statistically speaking, nine out of 10 women have cellulite they can’t shake, which makes sense when you consider it has nothing to do with diet or exercise.

There are plenty of topical treatments (think: lotions and scrubs) that claim to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, and there are a few surgical procedures (hi, [Cellfina®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cellfina) and [Cellulaze®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cellulaze)) that address the bands under the skin’s surface that can lead to dimpling. But, with the approval of Qwo™, there is now  a minimally invasive [cosmetic solution](https://aedit.com/procedure/cellulite-removal-solutions) that addresses the cause of cellulite. Read on to learn more about how Qwo™ works and hear from patients about what their experience was like.

## **What is Qwo?**
[Qwo™](https://aedit.com/aedition/qwo-cellulite-injectable-treatment-fda-approved) (a.k.a. collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) is the first-ever minimally invasive injectable procedure that releases fibrous septae enzymatically by specifically targeting types 1 and 3 collagen. Basically, Qwo™ targets the bands beneath the skin surface directly, which results in the surface-level smoothing effect. The enzymatic component is what differentiates the injectable from surgical procedures Cellfina® and Cellulaze®. While those two treatments also target the subcutaneous bands, they do so by severing the septae mechanically with either a knife or laser energy. 

## **Ideal Candidate for Qwo** 
Qwo™ is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe [cellulite](https://aedit.com/aedition/the-complete-guide-to-cellulite) of the buttocks in adult women. During the clinical trial process, investigators needed to ensure they were reporting a two-point improvement in cellulite severity, which means participants went from having a lot of noticeable cellulite to a noticeably smoother rear. Additionally, Endo included women of all [Fitzpatrick skin types](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-fitzpatrick-skin-types) in the trials, with nearly 30 percent of those treated with Qwo™ being Fitzpatrick IV, V, and VI. The treatment is considered safe and effective for women of all skin tones. It’s worth noting, however, that there are some groups of people who may not be candidates, including women who are [pregnant or breastfeeding](https://aedit.com/aedition/safety-of-cosmetic-procedures-during-pregnancy-breastfeeding) and those who have conditions that cause excess bleeding. 

## **Qwo Treatment Protocol**
Qwo™ requires two or three sessions, spaced 21 days apart. Each appointment takes about 30 minutes, and patients do not need anesthesia. Instead, they are marked up in the affected areas (i.e. where you have dimpling), and the provider injects into the markings. As with any injectable treatment, there is a strong likelihood of [swelling](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-minimize-swelling-after-cosmetic-surgery) and [bruising](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-prevent-bruising-after-lasers-filler-botox) at the injection site, which usually subsides in about two weeks. Post-Qwo™ bruising tends to be significant, so you will probably want to avoid scheduling your treatments around a vacation or warm-weather months. Results are known to last a year or more. 

## **Patient Perspective**
At this point, you’ve likely heard first-hand accounts of [Botox®](https://aedit.com/aedition/everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-botox-for-the-first-time) and [filler](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-to-know-before-getting-lip-filler-for-the-first-time), but all injectables are unique and come with their own unique experiences. To get a better sense of what to expect from Qwo™, we talked to two patients about what it’s really like to get the cellulite-minimizing injections.

### **Frankie, 29, Boston, MA**
*Frankie has felt insecure about the cellulite on her upper thighs and buttocks since her late teens. She went out of her way to avoid swimwear and clothing that exposed the areas, which impacted her quality of life. Qwo™ is the first professional cellulite treatment she has tried, and she is pleased with her results.*

<Dialogue>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    How did you find out about Qwo?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Frankie}>
    I read an article about the treatment last summer. I guess it found me just at the right time. I had gotten back from a trip with friends, and I’d felt pretty down about my body a lot of the time. I’d looked into treatment for cellulite before I heard about Qwo™, but I never pursued it because it would’ve needed a decent amount of downtime to recover. I left the article open on my phone’s browser for a few weeks and eventually decided to see if anyone near me was already offering the treatment. I found a doctor who I got on with, who understood the results I was looking for, and who was able to be honest with me with what was realistic in terms of achieving those results.
  </Response>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    Talk us through the procedure. Was there any discomfort?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Frankie}>
    My doctor told me I wouldn’t need any numbing treatment beforehand and she was right. It’s so painless. Maybe butt skin is tougher than face skin — it hurts a lot less than getting fillers! Before my first session, I had a consultation, so we had already discussed which areas were a priority for me. Each treatment session took around 15 minutes, and we were super relaxed, chatting throughout. I had some bruising a couple of days after each time, but it wasn’t enough to make me reconsider going back for my second and third appointments. My doctor told me to expect to see results around 10 days after the first injections. I would say I saw noticeable differences closer to the two-week post-injection mark, but the changes were showing before my second session for sure.
  </Response>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    How do you feel about the results?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Frankie}>
    I’ll be honest, I had some very high hopes for the treatment. You know how you see all these perfect butts all over Instagram? I was hoping this would take me to that level. But my doctor was an absolute gem at explaining what could be done realistically. Although I was gutted that I wouldn’t get the model butt of my dreams from such a straightforward procedure, I understood why and decided it was still the best option for me. In all reality though, now that I’ve completed my course of injections, the results are so good. Add in some self tanner, and I’m decently close to my dream butt, which is a big win in my books.
  </Response>
</Dialogue>

### **Flossie, 28, Boca Raton, FL**
*Despite being a professional swimmer and exercising six days a week for as long as she can remember, Flossie deals with stubborn cellulite. After hearing from a fellow swimmer about Qwo™, she decided to look into it and is currently waiting to receive her second round of treatment.*

<Dialogue>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    Why did you decide to get Qwo?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Flossie}>
    It all came down to recovery time. I’m an athlete and have taken time out from regular training over the past year because of a pandemic and an injury. I couldn’t justify taking more time out for anything more invasive. I hadn’t ever considered getting any cosmetic procedure before. It wasn’t on my radar until a friend of mine was speaking about how she’d had it done. She’s an athlete too, so I was able to ask her about whether it affected her training or not. Once my friend cleared that up, I’d more or less made up my mind that I was going to go for it.
  </Response>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    Was your first procedure in line with what you expected?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Flossie}>
    I have a pretty decent fear of needles, which getting my COVID-19 shot helped with. I was anxious, but not as worried as I could have been going into the appointment. My doctor offered to numb the area before injecting, which I was super grateful for. I was able to bring a friend with me too, so I held onto her hand pretty tightly throughout! There was very little pain during the procedure. It felt like little bug bites, nothing more than that. I didn’t get any noticeable swelling or bruising after, and just carried on with my routine. It was more or less precisely what I’d expected having spoken to someone who had already had the procedure.
  </Response>
  <Question party={The AEDITION}>
    How are you feeling ahead of your next session?
  </Question>
  <Response party={Flossie}>
    I’m so ready for it! I’m treating it as therapy against my needle phobia, too. I’m feeling a bit invincible because I’m proving to myself that I can do something scary without freaking out. I’m starting to see results from my first session now. I could see changes around a week after my first injections, but I plan to track my progress with photos after my next round. All around, it’s been a positive experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing the final results in time.
  </Response>
</Dialogue>

## **The Takeaway**
For women dealing with moderate to severe cellulite and looking for a minimally invasive way to smooth it, Qwo™ is a promising treatment option. Aside from some post-prick swelling and bruising, the procedure has little to no downtime. Consulting with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for Qwo™.

Patient Perspective

A year after it received FDA approval, two women share what it’s like to treat cellulite with the first-of-its-kind injectable.

What It's Like To Get Qwo Injections For Cellulite Removal

What It’s Really Like To Get Qwo Injections For Cellulite

marvin-meyer-i6o6Z1l n c-unsplash

Despite a regular exercise regimen and healthy diet, [cellulite](https://aedit.com/aedition/the-complete-guide-to-cellulite) is something that many women — nine out of 10 of us, to be precise — can’t shake. There are many topical treatments (think: lotions and scrubs) on the market that temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, and a few surgical procedures address the bands under the skin’s surface that can lead to dimpling. Now, there will be a minimally invasive cosmetic solution providing women an injectable option that goes below the surface of the skin to address the cause of cellulite.
 
Endo Aesthetics [recently received approval](https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8729551-endo-international-fda-approval/) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Qwo™ (a.k.a. collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes), becoming the first injectable indicated to treat moderate to severe cellulite of the buttocks in adult women. 
 
## **How Qwo™ Works**
So, how does the cellulite-smoothing injectable work? New York City-based board certified dermatologist and Qwo™ clinical investigator [Anne Chapas, MD](https://www.unionderm.com/about/dr-anne-chapas/), says Qwo™ is the first-ever minimally invasive injectable procedure that releases fibrous septae enzymatically by specifically targeting types 1 and 3 collagen. “This means the injectable is targeting the bands beneath the skin surface directly, which results in the smoothing of the skin for the improved appearance of cellulite,” she adds.  
 
## **The Qwo™ Treatment**
[Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD](https://www.moderndermct.com/deanne-mraz-robinson), a board certified dermatologist and Qwo™ clinical investigator in Westport, Connecticut, says that the process for Qwo™ is quick and easy. “The area is first marked up with a pen of the target areas and then your doctor will inject the marked up area,” she explains. Patients do not need anesthesia (the treatment is, reportedly, relatively painless), and they can leave their doctors’ offices and go about their day as they normally would. “During the trials, my patients said it hurt less than Botox®, which makes sense since your buttocks have more fat than your face,” Dr. Mraz Robinson notes.

## **Qwo™ Recovery & Results**
“Although there is no perfect, quick fix, viable adult women patients can expect a distinct difference in the appearance of cellulite on their buttocks,” Dr. Chapas shares. In order to get FDA approval, clinical trial participants and investigators needed to ensure they were reporting a two-point improvement in cellulite severity, ”which basically means going from having a lot of cellulite to a visibly smooth bum,” she says. Endo included women of all [Fitzpatrick skin types](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-fitzpatrick-skin-types) in the trial, with nearly 30 percent of those treated with Qwo™ being Fitzpatrick IV, V, and VI. “So, we know this works on women of all ethnicities, which is great because women of all ages, colors, and body types get cellulite,” Dr. Chapas explains.
 
How does Qwo™ compare to [Cellfina®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cellfina) and [Cellulaze®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cellulaze) — the two cellulite procedures currently on the market? “While Cellfina® and Cellulaze® also target the bands under the surface of the skin, they work by severing the septae mechanically, either by knife or with laser energy, and not showing significant results,” Dr. Mraz Robinson says. “Qwo™ is minimally invasive and injected into the skin, with a much simpler recovery and visible results.”

### **Side Effects**
Like any injectable treatment, there is a risk of swelling and bruising at the injection site. Dr. Mraz Robinson says patients can expect bruising to last up to two weeks, so she advises patients to plan their treatments accordingly. “You should not get this the week you are heading for a beach vacation,” she cautions. 

## **Qwo™ Cost & Maintenance**
Qwo™ requires a total of three sessions, spaced 21 days apart for a lasting result of a year or more. Each session takes about 30 minutes. While the cost of Qwo™ has not yet been determined, Endo Aesthetics aims to price it for widespread adoption. Dr. Mraz Robinson believes the market is ready for its arrival, for patients are eager for a cellulite treatment that actually works. “I expect that Qwo™ will be in high-demand when it launches in 2021,” she says.

Now Trending

The FDA just approved the first-ever injectable treatment for cellulite, Endo Aesthetics’ Qwo™, and early indications are that it’s going to be a game changer.

FDA Approval Of Qwo Injectable For Cellulite Treatment In Women

Here’s What You Need To Know About Qwo — The New Injectable For Cellulite

shutterstock 461208898-min

Cellulite is likely to affect more than 80 percent of women at some point in their lives. Commonly referred to as ‘cottage cheese skin,’ this condition creates lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and hips. It can happen to men and women but is much more common in women and female adolescents. Although cellulite is not a dangerous medical condition, it can be embarrassing and have a negative impact on self-confidence.

## **What is Cellulite?**

Cellulite is skin that is dimpled and uneven. Its appearance and texture are often compared to that of cottage cheese, an orange peel, or a lumpy mattress. It is often graded in terms of its severity. Mild cellulite is slightly sagging skin with an orange peel appearance and one to four superficial depressions, moderate cellulite shows draped skin with a cottage cheese appearance and five to nine medium-depth depressions, and severe cellulite is seriously draped skin with a mattress look and 10 or more deep depressions.

Mild cellulite can be difficult to detect without pinching the skin. More serious cases of cellulite fat deposits require no pinching to detect, creating obvious peaks and valleys on the surface of the skin. Cellulite most commonly develops on the buttocks, and thighs, but can occur on the abdomen, breasts, and upper arms too.

## **What Causes Cellulite?**

Scientists are not quite sure what causes cellulite, but it involves the interactions between the body fat tissue and connective tissues that lie beneath the surface of the skin. Fibrous cords that bind the skin to underlying muscle tissue form a matrix. When the fat tissue underneath increases in size and volume, it can push up through this connective tissue matrix, creating uneven skin dimples.

Some of the factors that are connected with the formation of cellulite include:
 
- Fluctuations in levels of hormones including estrogen, T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, insulin, prolactin, and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
- Genetic factors including the strength of the circulatory system, subdermal fat distribution, metabolic efficiency, and ethnicity,
- Lower levels of collagen and elastin that are common with aging. 
- High-fat, high-carbohydrate, high-sodium, low-fiber diets.
- Lack of physical exercise or a sedentary lifestyle.
- Excess fat from weight gain.
- Smoking.
 
Cellulite may also be more likely to develop in those who stand in one spot or sit down for long hours at their jobs and is most common in women over 25 years old who have excess body weight. However, people with a healthy weight and a good fitness regimen, teenagers, and men can also develop this skin dimpling condition.

The reason cellulite occurs more commonly in women lies in the differences between the connective tissue matrices in women and men, as well as how their bodies distribute muscle and fat tissue. Connective tissues are arranged in a repetitive vertical pattern in women, while men's connective tissues form a criss-cross design. The more complex design of this connective tissue in men is thought to make it more difficult for fat cells to penetrate upward to create cellulite depressions.

## **Cellulite Treatments and Procedures**

Cellulite is not considered dangerous and treatment of cellulite is not medically necessary. However, millions of people are concerned about its appearance. Board certified plastic surgeons and licensed dermatologists offer various surgical treatments for cellulite removal, including:

### [Cellfina®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cellfina)

Cellfina® is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved surgical treatment used to eliminate cellulite. It uses tiny blades to release the fibrous cords of the connective matrix that hold the skin down. Results can last up to three years for this outpatient procedure that costs between $3,500 to $6,500 per area treated. Most patients are fully recovered within two weeks.


### [Cellulaze®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cellulaze)

Cellulaze® is also approved by the FDA as a safe method for releasing the fibrous bands that connect the skin to muscle tissues below. This procedure uses laser energy to cut the connective cords, stimulate collagen production, increase skin thickness, and melt away some of the fat in the treatment area. It requires less recovery time than Cellfina®, but its results are shorter lasting.

### [Radiofrequency For Cellulite Treatment](https://aedit.com/procedure/radiofrequency-for-cellulite-treatment)

There are various non-invasive radiofrequency cellulite treatment options available, but all are designed to target and eliminate fat cells. This results in a healing response from the body that includes increased elastin and collagen production. The fat cells that are destroyed then travel through the lymphatic system for elimination from the body. Three popular types of radiofrequency (RF) cellulite treatments are BodyFX®, VelaSmooth®, and VelaShape®.
 
### [BodyFX®](https://aedit.com/procedure/bodyfx)

This RF cellulite treatment increases the temperature of deep tissues and reduces fat cells using a special temperature-sensing cannula. A single treatment takes between 30 to 60 minutes and costs between $1,800 to $2,400. Multiple sessions are needed to achieve optimal results. Upkeep treatments are needed every three to four months.
 
### [VelaSmooth®](https://aedit.com/procedure/velasmooth)

VelaSmooth® received FDA approval in 2005 and uses radiofrequency energy, infrared light rays, and tissue mobilization to soften connective tissues and reduce fat accumulations in targeted areas. Massage rollers and a vacuum help to mobilize the tissue and smooth out the fibrous strands that hold the skin down. The treatments take 30 to 45 minutes, cost between $60 to $350, and have no downtime.
 
### [VelaShape®](https://aedit.com/procedure/velashape)

Like its predecessor VelaSmooth®, VelaShape® enhances body contours using infrared light, RF energy, massage, and vacuuming. This helps to break down fat cells, increase circulation, stimulates collagen production, and encourages the lymphatic system to get rid of the cellular debris that results. Patients typically require four to six treatments to see the results they’re after. The cost is $800 to $2,400 per treatment.

### **Vacuum & Massage**

Various other cellulite treatments are available that do not use surgical blades, laser energy, or RF energy. Instead, they use combinations of massage, vacuum suction, and the subdermal injection of carbon dioxide to stimulate collagen production and smooth the skin.
 
### [Endermologie®](https://aedit.com/procedure/endermologie)

Endermologie® is FDA-approved for cellulite reduction and combines the powers of massage (to stimulate circulation) and suction (to smooth out skin dimples). It typically requires one day to recover from each treatment and costs between $50 to $300.
 
### [Carboxy Therapy](https://aedit.com/procedure/carboxy-therapy)

Carboxy therapy is a safe technique that is used to treat various ailments like dark circles under the eyes, poor circulation, stretch marks, and cellulite. CO2 is injected under the skin which stimulates blood flow as well as collagen production. Treatments cost up to $250 and cause no downtime.
 
### [Mesotherapy](https://aedit.com/procedure/mesotherapy)

Like carboxy therapy, mesotherapy involves subdermal injections. However, instead of injecting carbon dioxide gas, liquid solutions containing enzymes, hormones, vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts are used.
 
## **Home Remedies**

Numerous creams, scrubs, massage rollers, and essential oils are said to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, these products lack scientific evidence to support their use and may not be effective. Shop carefully and pay attention to previous user reviews if you are considering these at-home cellulite treatments.
 
### **Creams & Scrubs**

Various scrubs and [creams](https://aedit.com/aedition/9-ways-to-look-younger-without-surgery) are offered to help combat cellulite and smooth out the skin dimples it causes. These products contain different recipes of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, herbal extracts, and other compounds that may be helpful for reducing cellulite in some people. However, there have been no studies on these products and some are linked to possibilities for skin rashes and other adverse side effects.
 
### **Essential Oils**

A variety of essential oils are recommended for improving the appearance of cellulite including cinnamon, cypress, geranium, juniper, neroli, and rosemary. Be sure to choose non-GMO, organic essential oils that are certified by a third party to be free of contaminants and contain what they claim to. 
 
### **Massage & Rollers**

Massage roller products for cellulite treatment claim to increase circulation, stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, reduce fluid accumulations under the skin, and remove toxins from the body that contribute to the formation of cellulite. These products may provide some degree of improvement with regular use, but the results are typically short-lived and minimal.
 
Clearly, there are numerous treatments for cellulite dimples. However, aside from plastic surgery and radiofrequency energy treatments, most produce temporary and marginal results. Many of the cellulite treatment products for sale fail to meet their marketing claims and provide minimal if any benefits.
 
Healthy lifestyle choices when it comes to eating, drinking, aerobic exercises, strength training, and not smoking can go a long way toward inhibiting the development of cellulite, especially as you age. For everything else, talk to your board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

Aesthetics

Cellulite is likely to affect more than 80% of women at some point in their lives. Although cellulite is not a dangerous medical condition, it can be embarrassing and have a negative impact on self-confidence. Here's what you can do about it.