Body Treatments

Cellulite has been a tricky skin condition to treat, particularly non-surgically, because, ironically even though it affects so many of us, we don’t really know exactly why it happens. We basically have the equivalent of cords that connect the skin to our muscles, and the fat between these cords and the muscle is typically the culprit behind cellulite. When the fat pushes up against the skin, those fibrous cords pull done causing the skin to dimple.

That being said, other factors, besides fat and your overall weight, also come into play when it comes to cellulite. Even individuals in great shape with toned muscles can have cellulite, and this could be due to fluctuating hormones, genetics, the natural aging process, as well as the loss of skin elasticity.

There are several treatments that we offer that address cellulite.

A thread lift using dissolvable threads (InstaLift) can be inserted just below the surface of the skin in target areas. These threads works to tighten the skin and smooth out textural irregularities. They’re inserted in a mesh-like pattern to really achieve maximum tightening, and they also stimulate the production of collagen, which will keep your skin firm and elastic.

We can also use fillers like Sculptra or Radiesse to address cellulite. These fillers aren’t like traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) based fillers we typically inject in the face. These are stimulatory fillers that kick-start collagen production in the body.

Sculptra is composed of a substance called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Although it does add volume to target areas, what it does more of is improve on the structure of the skin, building collagen but also creating new scar tissue. It’s a great way to address those textural irregularities caused by cellulite.

Radiesse is slightly different from Sculptra. It’s composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) and also stimulates collagen production, but is better suited for individuals who might need more volume added in order to fill out those skin dips and depressions caused by cellulite.

Morpheus8 Body can also be helpful in reducing the appearance of cellulite. Morpheus8 Body is a skin tightening and remodeling treatment that combines radiofrequency (RF) technology with deep microneedling. It has the capability to shrink skin tissue, giving the skin an overall tighter quality, melt fat, and build collagen, all super important factors when you want to remove cellulite.

Forma Body is also an RF treatment that can help with skin tightening which improves the overall look of cellulite. It doesn’t necessary target the cellulite specifically, but in firming up the skin it provides more structure, which can help to reduce the overall appearance of cellulite.

Depending on your anatomy and overall needs we can combine some of the treatments to offer you an individualized treatment plan. Some treatments can even be done on the same day. We can do threads and Sculptra/Radiesse on the same day. We can also do Morpheus8 Body and Forma Body on the same day.

Threads and/or Sculptra/Radiesse treatments should be done a minimum of one month apart from an energy based treatment like Morpheus8 Body or Forma Body.

We’ll go through all of this with you in your complimentary consultation and your patient coordinator will help you plan your treatments in a way that’s efficient for both your schedule and budget.

The Procedure

Your procedure and the amount of time you’ll need to spend at the clinic will vary depending on the type of treatment or combination of treatments you’re getting.

Threads can take anywhere from 45-60 minutes. You’ll have a local anesthetic administered to minimize any discomfort and your provider will insert and strategically adjust the threads just below the surface of the skin in the areas where you’re looking to target cellulite.

Sculptra/Radiesse can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes, and if you’ve had fillers for the face, the treatment is very similar, only that the injection area is wherever you have cellulite, typically around the thighs and/or buttocks.

For Morpheus8 Body you’ll also have a local anesthetic.  Once the area is numbed, RF heat will be administered through tiny injections, like with any traditional microneedling treatment. The treatment takes around an hour.

If you opt for Forma Body, the treatment takes about 30 minutes and is pretty low key involving RF heat administered over the skin with a kind of wand or smooth applicator.

Is there any downtime?

Most of these treatments do not require any downtime. Because cellulite is typically found around the bum and thigh area, these are usually areas of the body that tend to be easily covered up.

You’ll probably feel most tender following threads. You may have some bruising and swelling in the treated area and your skin might feel a little strange and tight. Any bruising and swelling should diminish within a few days of your treatment and the skin sensations should fade away after 2-3 weeks.

You may also experience some bruising and soreness following Morpheus8 Body, and your skin may develop tiny raised red bumps in the treatment area following the microneedling. Your skin may also itch following the treatment. Typically though any issues should resolve themselves with 24-48 hours.

Sculptra and Radiesse as well as Forma Body typically don’t require any downtime. With Sculptra and Radiesse you may feel a bit sore but not for longer than about 24-48 hours. Your provider may recommend not engaging in strenuous exercise for the first 24-48 hours.

Whichever treatment you undergo, rest assured that we’ll provide you with all the aftercare instructions that you’ll need.

Is cellulite treatment for you?

All of these treatments are great for anyone looking for cellulite removal. The most important part is identifying which treatment or combination of treatments will give you the best possible result and this really just depends on your anatomy and what you want to achieve. You’ll get a chance to discuss and assess all of this during your in person consultation with one of our providers.

Who should not have cellulite treatment?

Every treatment has different contraindications. But generally you should not have a cellulite treatment if you are pregnant or nursing. If you have a viral infection, or an infection at the treatment site, you should wait until this has been resolved. Typically anyone who has an autoimmune or bleeding disorder, should avoid these treatments, or anyone who is prone to keloid scars.

After taking your medical history, we will advise you as to whether or not these treatments are safe for you to undergo.

When can I expect to see results?

When you can expect to see the results of your treatment really depends on the type of cellulite removal treatment you’re getting.

With threads you’ll probably see an immediate difference, but you’ll notice a vast improvement within the 4-6 week mark and your results will only continue to improve.

Sculptra/Radiesse results require some patience and take some time to appear. You’ll definitely notice an immediate improvement, particularly with Radiesse, but the results of your treatment will appear about 3-4 weeks following your first treatment session and optimal results will appear within the weeks and months following your final treatment session.

For this treatment your body really needs time to build up collagen and scar tissue in order to improve the overall appearance of the cellulite.

With Morpheus8 Body you’ll see an improvement in the overall quality of the skin within a few days of treatment, but you’ll need to allow for about 3 weeks before you see an improvement in the tightness of the skin. Best results will be seen after your third and final treatment session. Forma Body follows a similar timeframe for results.

Will I need more than one treatment?

Cellulite is a tricky condition to treat, meaning that repeat treatments and maintenance treatments will definitely be necessary. Most of the treatments listed require on average a series of three treatment sessions spaced anywhere from 4-6 weeks apart in order to really see optimal results. And then we’ll typically recommend yearly maintenance treatments.