To date, the longest studies & follow ups are just past the 5 -year mark. This applies to surgical procedures such as subcision. A realistic guide is as follows-

• Subcision: Probably permanent, or at least 3-5 years. More data to come.
• Dermal fillers: 2-5 years, however they do stimulate your own cells to produce collagen. How fast your body degrades collagen is part of your genetic make-up / DNA.
• RF/ Shock Wave/ Electromagnetic devices: work by thickening the dermis, reducing the effects of extrusion forces. How fast you degrade collagen varies from person to person. Possibly ‘top ups’ required annually.

Much like life itself, there are no permanent solutions to stop aging. However, effective treatments are available & the future looks bright.

Cellulite is multifactorial. Dermal fillers support the junction between the lower dermal zone & the fat. Other factors that contribute to dimpling include fibrous bands & septae that pull the overlying skin down. Subcision can release these bands, in turn reducing the look of cellulite.

Devices including multipolar radiofrequency stimulates more collagen production & improves circulation, further improving cellulite. Suction devices deliver pulses, in turn improving lymphatic circulation. This can further decrease cellulite.

In 2021 the first FDA-sanctioned injectable treatment for cellulite was launched in the United States.  The name is Qwo & is made up of  two types of collagen-degrading enzymes that dissolve the fibrous bands (or fibrous septae) connecting skin to the deeper fat & muscle layer.

Septae are regarded as the root cause of cellulite, since they tug the skin down, causing surrounding fat to visibly bulge under the surface. These injections are non- invasive and consist of three rounds of injections, spaced 3 weeks apart. Studies have shown that results have lasted over 12 months (not great).

Patient selection is critical for optimal outcomes. Ideal candidates for the new treatment have distinct “tight” cellulite divots, directly caused by fibrous bands of connective tissue; the same type that responds well to subcision & dermal fillers. 

Unsuitable patterns include generalized cellulite & laxity. It is important to note that this injection is not designed to treat laxity or sagging.

Cellfina is basically subcision for people who don’t know how to subcise. This treatment uses a vacuum to lift the underlying skin & fibrous bands closer to the surface.  A knife is then used to cut the bands in 2 levels.

I prefer to manually subcise as I can feel the bands much better (much like acne scar subcision). I am more precise with my hands. I also combine dermal fillers with subcision in suitable cases.

Note: Patient selection is paramount – best results are seen with divots & depressions. Generalised cellulite, characterised by waves are poor candidates for subcision & or dermal fillers – injectables. This includes Qwo. 

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen by conversely stores more fat. As a guide we lose 1% of collagen per year after the age of 25. This leads to visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles, sagging, cellulite & fine lines.

Multi polar radiofrequency body contouring techniques employ handheld systems that emit RF & electromagnetic energy below the surface of the skin. This gently heats the under-surface, in turn shrinking fat deposits whilst boosting collagen production. These devices target 2 out of 3 causes of cellulite, namely providing support to the dermal-epidermal junction (collagen stimulation), & reducing adipocyte-fat volume. RF & electromagnetic energy can also improve lymphatic circulation.

The results? Smoothing of cellulite, with better elastic recoil, & improved skin tone. 

Here’s the truth about devices & cellulite. Radiofrequency devices including Venus Legacy, Velashape, Genius RFM, Profound RFM, Tempsure, NuEra & many others can give good results in about 20-30% of patients if used as a standalone modality. Generalised or wavy cellulite cases respond best to devices.

Devices should ideally be combined with dermal fillers & surgical techniques as this gives the best results.

1-4, depending on the extent of cellulite. For small areas you can expect a good outcome with one treatment.

For multiple sessions, I normally space the treatments between 6 to 12 weeks apart. The type of dermal filler I use takes several months before collagen stimulation is maximal- timing is important.

This depends on the complexity & extent of cellulite. 

• Surgical procedures & dermal fillers take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to perform.
• RF devices take between 60 to 120 min to perform.

No. I mix the fillers with local anaesthetic. For large areas I typically give patients mild sedation or anesthetic gas. 

As a guide (includes 2 sides, includes dermal fillers)-

Small area- $1900 to $2990

Medium area – $ 2900 – $4990

Large areas – $4990 to $7990

Cellulite treatment includes planning, photography, marking and post procedure care.

The costs are compounded with large volumes of dermal fillers (approximately 4-8 times the volume required for facial rejuvenation). Additionally we use the very latest technology & devices to ensure that you have the best possible results.

As with any procedure, side effects can occur. An accurate breakdown to potential side effects are-

• Bruising, often up to 2 weeks. Seen in the majority of cases.
• Iron staining due to hemosiderin, seen in 10-15% of cases. May last 6+ months.
• Lumps & nodules, seen in 5% of cases. May last 3-7 months.
• Persistent lumps, seen in less than 2% of cases.
• Transient numbness (common)
• Persistent cases of numbness (rare, less than 3% of cases)
• Partial response
• No response (rare)
• infection  – very rare.