Cellulaze: An invasive approach to cellulite treatment. Does it really work or could it do more harm than good?

September 11, 2024

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We aim to provide you with the resources and methods to help your self-confidence grow, so you can feel your inner glow and shine from the inside out. Join our supportive community as we embark on this journey together.

Much love,
Bree XoXo

Hello, my beautiful friends,

Welcome back to another empowering podcast.

Alright, friends – today’s podcast might stir up some strong feelings among Cellulaze supporters. But hey, don’t shoot the messenger! My job here is to present the findings, I’m simply relaying and providing you with the information you need to make your own informed decisions!

For those of you who don’t know, I also host a local morning TV show, and in both that role and this one, I make it a point to keep my personal opinions out of the mix and stick to the facts.

So, as we dive into the pros, cons, and the reality behind Cellulaze, or whether Cellulaze is your cellulite savior or a smooth-talking menace, I’m here to give you the lowdown – no bias, just the facts. You decide whether it’s a hit or miss!

Cellulaze was introduced to the U.S. market in 2011. It received FDA approval in the same year, marking its entry as a specialized laser treatment for cellulite.

As treatment providers and women alike continue their quest for a permanent solution to reduce or remove cellulite; Cellulaze has emerged as a technology that goes beyond surface-level treatments by targeting the structural causes beneath the skin. But does it deliver on these promises, or is there potential for it to cause more harm than good?

Let’s explore the specifics – What Is Cellulaze?

Cellulaze is a laser treatment specifically designed to target and reduce cellulite. Unlike traditional topical treatments or non-invasive procedures, Cellulaze involves an invasion below the skin’s surface, categorizing it more invasive than purely topical or non-invasive treatments.

Cellulaze is considered a minimally invasive procedure rather than a full surgical operation. Although it involves going beneath the skin with a laser fiber, it does not require major incisions or extensive surgical techniques.

The process involves small incisions in the skin through which the laser fiber is inserted to target and treat the underlying causes of cellulite.

This laser heats and cuts the fibrous bands, known as fibrous septae, which are connective tissue structures that pull the skin down and create the dimpled appearance of cellulite.

Simultaneously, it melts the fat pockets trapped between the fibrous septae, smoothing out the skin’s surface. Additionally, the laser stimulates collagen production, which is said to improve the thickness and elasticity of the skin, making it more resilient and firm.

Essentially, Cellulaze is designed to address the three main structural issues associated with cellulite:

releasing fibrous septae,
melting fat pockets
enhancing skin thickness and elasticity.

What is its Effectiveness in Reducing Cellulite?

The key advantage or disadvantage – depending on the outcome of Cellulaze is its approach – it targets the underlying structure of cellulite rather than just the skin’s surface. It’s claimed that this method offers a more permanent solution than many other treatments. Patients have witnessed notice smoother, firmer skin with improved texture.

However, it’s important to note that Cellulaze is not a miracle cure. Results may vary depending on factors such as skin type, severity of cellulite, and the body’s response to the laser. While many patients are satisfied with their outcomes, some report only modest improvements to severe irregularities.

Risks and Potential for Permanent Damage

As with any invasive procedure, there are risks. While Cellulaze is generally considered safe, I say that with hesitation and you will find out why if you stay with me. Side effects such as swelling, bruising, and numbness are common. In reported cases, patients may experience permanent scarring, nerve damage, or uneven skin texture.

Since the laser operates beneath the skin, there’s a possibility of damaging surrounding tissues. Although these instances are rare, they are important factors to consider when evaluating Cellulaze as a treatment option.

It’s essential for patients to understand that while Cellulaze can reduce the appearance of cellulite, there are significant risks to consider—risks that some patients feel are not always fully explained by doctors. One of the most important factors to be aware of is the potential impact of weight gain after the procedure.

According to many reviews online, some patients find that their cellulite can actually look worse if they gain weight following the treatment. As we age, maintaining a steady weight can become increasingly difficult, especially without a highly active lifestyle.

The weight gain can cause the remaining fat cells to expand and settle unevenly in areas where the fibrous bands were cut, leading to a potentially more uneven appearance than before. While some doctors claim that cutting the fibrous bands should prevent cellulite from returning, the reality is that weight fluctuations, skin aging, and changes in body composition can still affect the results. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain realistic expectations and understand that long-term results may vary.

However, according to Dr. Pittman, a Washington D.C. based plastic surgeon, The challenge with Cellulaze, is that “you need to hit those little rubber band-size fibrous bands, right on target with the energy” or else the band won’t be cut effectively, and the dimples will still be visible. Many surgeons I know like Cellulaze better than Cellfina,” says Dr. Pittman. “But they’re not going crazy over the results.”

In my next podcast, I’ll be focused on Cellfina, another innovative and minimally invasive cellulite treatment. To make it easy for listeners who want to learn more, I’ll add a link to the Cellfina podcast at the end of this episode, so you can seamlessly continue exploring your options for cellulite reduction.

How Many Sessions Are Required to See Results?

One of the appealing aspects of Cellulaze is that it typically requires only a single treatment. However, patience is key—results may take three to six months to fully materialize as the body heals and new collagen forms. For some patients, a follow-up session may be needed if the desired results are not achieved initially.

What Are Online Reviews Indicating?

Online reviews for Cellulaze are mixed, but lean on generally positive, with many patients reporting significant improvements in their skin’s appearance. Satisfied customers praise the treatment for providing long-lasting results and a noticeable reduction in cellulite. Overall, the results are 83% positive on Real Self. I’m not sure how they calculate those results, as that is based on 6 reviews. There are actually 169 reviews that seem unaccounted for.

These photos are taken from Cellulaze.com and are the only before and after photos provided. Courtesy of https://www.newjerseyplasticsurgery.com/about/dr-barry-dibernardo/

That said, there are also reviews that report just the opposite. Some patients have experienced minimal improvement, feeling that the results didn’t justify the high cost and recovery time. Others express frustration with uneven skin or lingering side effects like numbness. As with any treatment, individual experiences vary, so it’s essential to manage expectations.

However, the complaints on RealSelf indicate some serious concerns, with reports of severe negative mental and physical reactions to Cellulaze from certain women. It’s challenging to ascertain whether the issues stem from the qualifications of the physicians who performed the treatments. This variability in results might be linked to differences in physician expertise and technique, which could explain why some doctors achieve excellent outcomes while others do not.

According to the Real Self article, Dr. Rigo J. Mendoza, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Brandon, Florida, cautions that “nerve irritation or hypersensitivity can last from weeks to months, sometimes even up to a year.”

In inexperienced hands, Cellulaze can also leave lumps and contour irregularities.

One of the most common complaints is that the entry scars are visible even years after the treatment.

However, according to some reviews, if that were the only complaint, I think some would overlook it. Here’s what one woman had to say, which re-iterates the statement made by Dr. Mendoza.

“Cellulaze does not work. It has made me more most self-conscious and has caused more dimpling and irregularities than before I had the treatment, My legs are a total disaster and it is only getting worse as the swelling is diminishing, I am so embarrassed I don’t know where to turn to, who to trust or what to do. Just hide it until I die, I guess.”

The before and after photos are a strong indication that there are significantly more irregularities and more lumps and bumps 3 months post op than before the procedure. That seems interesting, as conditions are supposed to improve over time.

This review was quite a few years ago, and there’s not a recent update, but the patient went on to answer a question posted by a viewer – along with these images.

“This is me before, when I thought I had cellulite! As you can see, I didn’t really develop a problem until after the procedure. Would you believe that my doctor gave these excuses, in this order……

1. I caused the lumps and bumps to appear by riding on an ATV, (three months after the procedure, when I was completely cleared from needing to wear the compression garment that I wore religiously for 6 weeks)

2. I’ve lost weight; and if I would gain the weight back, the lumps would disappear.

3. I should have been working out. Wonder if he knows how painful the procedure is and after 4 months I can just now put weight on my knees in yoga or Pilates.

I’m also told the “paint is still drying” or the “cake is still baking” and that I need to be patient to allow the procedure to work. So, if this is the case and I am completely overreacting, I will post photos in another month if there is improvement.”

Friends, the reason I’ve created The Cellulite Site and dedicate my time to sharing this information is because it’s my goal and passion to empower you with the knowledge you need. Many women struggle with self-confidence due to cellulite, and hearing stories of distress and disappointment is truly heartbreaking.

You shouldn’t have to navigate a rollercoaster of emotions—despair, excitement, frustration, and embarrassment—when seeking solutions. My mission is to provide you with clear, reliable information to help you make informed decisions and regain your confidence.

Whether you choose to self-treat with at-home or holistic methods, or you’re considering non-invasive or minimally invasive options, my aim is to ensure you’re mentally equipped to make informed decisions.

By understanding the full spectrum of treatments, you’ll be confident in choosing what’s right for your body and lifestyle, driven by facts and not just trends.

If you have cellulite that bothers you, and you would like to begin a treatment regimen that isn’t going to cost you thousands of dollars, downtime and uncertainty, please check out The Cellulite Circuit. You can get started today, for a few dollars, in the privacy of your own home. I’ll add a link to the description.

Conclusion

The takeaway here is simple: when it comes to Cellulaze, this isn’t the time to shop around for discounts or deals. Stay away from the Groupons, ladies!! Our health and the quality of your results are at stake, so it’s crucial to prioritize expertise over price. For the best possible outcome—and to avoid potential complications—make sure to trust only a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience in performing this procedure.

The doctor’s expertise and experience play a crucial role in determining the appropriate depth for laser insertion. Skilled practitioners use their knowledge of anatomy and the specific characteristics of the cellulite to guide the laser accurately.

Take the time to study reviews and find a provider who is not only highly referenced but also has a proven track record of delivering successful results. Investing in a qualified professional can make all the difference in ensuring a safer process and a more satisfying outcome.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend! If you have a moment to leave a rating and review—it really helps! Don’t forget to explore other episodes on my podcast, available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube.

I’d also love to hear from you—if there’s a topic you’d like me to research, podcast and blog about, drop me a comment and let’s keep the conversation going!