The weather is continuing to warm up, which means shorts, sundress, and swimsuit weather is near. When you’re at the store trying on a new vacation outfit and you look at your body in the mirror, do you notice dimpling in your skin on your thighs? That dimpling is cellulite and it can be a cosmetic concern and make some women self-conscious. So how do you smooth out the appearance of those dimples and get your skin closer to looking the way you want it to? This is where a procedure like Cellfina™ can help. This FDA-approved procedure is clinically shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite with results lasting one year and longer. To help you better understand Cellfina™, we’ve put together some information about cellulite and how Cellfina™ can smooth out your skin in those trouble areas.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is often referred to as cottage cheese skin or orange-peel skin, due to its comparable texture. You may have noticed cellulite on yourself, on other people, or have heard of some of these terms, but do you know what cellulite is and where it comes from? Cellulite is a formation of lumps or dimples on the surface of the skin and typically occurs on the arms, hips, thighs, and buttocks. When the layer of fat beneath your skin is pressed up against connective tissue, or fibrous bands, it bulges and causes that dimpled or orange-peel appearance.

Cellulite is annoying, but it’s common, particularly with women. In fact, about 80 to 90 percent of women will experience cellulite at some point during their lifetime. Cellulite is less common in men and only affects about 10 percent of males during the course of their life. Fortunately, it is not dangerous and only remains a cosmetic concern for many. If you are having trouble getting rid of cellulite, remember that you are not alone in your struggle!

Cellulite Causes

While the exact cause of cellulite is unknown, there are a number of factors that have something to do with it. The fibrous bands, also known as the connective tissues that connect your skin to the tissue layer underneath, are one of the main causes. Hormonal changes, particularly estrogen, can lead to imbalances and affect collagen production. Because estrogen is typically involved, more women experience problems with cellulite than men. If fat cells are increasing, but your skin is becoming thinner due to the lack of collagen, cellulite can appear. Other factors may include insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin. There is also speculation that lower circulation has something to do with the formation of cellulite, as that can lead collagen production to decrease.

How Cellfina™ Works

If you’re tired of your cellulite and want to start improving the way your skin looks, it may be time to pay a visit to Dr. Krant and learn more about Cellfina™. While it cannot smooth out the area entirely, and it should not be used on the outer thighs or front of the thighs, this procedure can correct problems on the buttocks and posterior thighs. This procedure can reduce the appearance of cellulite through controlled-depth subcision, which is also known for treating scars and wrinkles. Cellfina™ works by breaking up the connective tissue that causes the dimples in your skin to form. It pulls the skin down in certain areas to ensure the tissues are broken up. Once that is done, the skin will bounce back, regain elasticity, and leave you with smoother skin in less than three days after the procedure.

When you’re considering Cellfina™, be sure to speak with Dr. Krant about your concerns and to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Because it is not a major surgical procedure, there will not be too much for you to prepare. Ideal candidates will be between the ages of 20 and 60 and in relatively good health. But, if you are outside that age bracket and want to correct your cellulite problems, consult with Dr. Krant to receive an evaluation.

Once you are cleared to receive Cellfina™, Dr. Krant will ask you to stand and mark the cellulite-prominent areas of your skin. Your skin will then be numbed and ready for the subcision procedure. A microblade will be inserted into the skin and Dr. Krant will use a fanning motion to begin releasing those fibrous bands.

Side effects are minimal. Within the hour after receiving the treatment, you can resume your daily activities. Some side effects may include minor pain, tenderness, bruising or swelling, which can last for a week or two. If you notice side effects lingering for more than two or three weeks, be sure to schedule an appointment for follow up. The procedure takes roughly one hour for every 25 dimples, and works best to target defined single dimples rather than the frustratingly common general “ripple”. This will all depend on how many you have or want to correct.

While the procedure cannot rid your body of cellulite, Cellfina™ can reduce its appearance and leave you with smooth, dimple-free skin just in time for the warm weather. If you are having cellulite concerns, want to learn more about Cellfina™, or want to address another skin concern, we can help. Dr. Jessica Krant can complete the Cellfina™ procedure and help you out with your other skincare problems. To speak with Dr. Krant about Cellfina™ and to get on the right track to getting your confidence back, be sure to schedule an appointment today!