ask the doctor let’s talk cellulite

Q & A WITH PLASTIC SURGEON DR. ASHLEY AMALFI

Instagram: @DrAshleyAmalfi & @QuatelaCenter_PlasticSurgery

Youtube: Lipstick & Lipo

What exactly causes cellulite?

Cellulite is something that almost all women can relate to. Both curvy and thin women can experience cellulite, as it is typically a genetic trait and has nothing to do with diet, exercise, or your weight. These dimples we all hate are actually caused by the tight septal bands that exist between our fat cells. So, it’s not the fat itself, but the tight septal bands between the cells that pulls down on the skin, creating a visible dent in the surface of the skin. Common areas for women to have cellulite are the buttocks and thighs. This can make people self-conscious come bikini season, and even bother them in their yoga pants.

What can I do to treat cellulite?

Fact Check: The lotions and potions don’t work. There are so many topical treatments that claim to improve the appearance of cellulite. But if you understand the anatomy, the only thing that can truly treat cellulite at its source has to target and release the bands that cause the dimples. I am so excited to have been approached by Revelle Aesthetics to be the only plastic surgeon in Upstate New York to offer a new treatment for cellulite called Avéli.™ In this FDAcleared, minimally invasive procedure, the Avéli™ device is inserted just below the skin to actually completely release the bands in a given area that are causing a dimple. This will cause a noticeable reduction in the appearance of cellulite and the best part is that you need just one treatment, and we can do it right in the office!

Wow- that sounds great. What’s the downtime?

That’s the best part! The Avéli™ treatment for lower extremity cellulite is minimally invasive, meaning that there is little to no downtime. The areas treated will be swollen, sore and bruised for the first few weeks. So, don’t schedule this immediately before a beach vacation. But most patients take over-the-counter pain medications for comfort and get right back to work the next day. Compression, like tight yoga pants or Spanx, can help reduce the swelling after the procedure for the first week or two

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Avéli™?

If you are bothered by cellulite and think you might be a candidate, come in for a consultation and I will evaluate your skin and contour. In some patients, skin laxity that occurs with aging can cause similar indentations, and we want to make sure you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure and truly have cellulite that can be treated with this technique.

This sounds like something I would really benefit from. How do I book an appointment?

I am proud to be the only provider in Upstate New York offering this procedure. When you call the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery, we can schedule your personal consultation for an evaluation. I will look at your contour and your skin and determine if you would benefit from the procedure. We can either perform your procedure right in the office, or some people are combining their AvéliTM treatment with additional surgery under general anesthesia. I am really excited to have something to offer patients to improve the appearance of cellulite and honored to be the only provider in Upstate New York offering Avéli™.