Is it actually possible to get rid of cellulite?

Woman touching her thigh after cellulite reduction treatment

Cellulite: Can it truly be eliminated? Not always completely, but it can be reliably reduced with the right treatment options that target its root cause. Below, we explain why cellulite is so hard to get rid of and how Avéli cellulite reduction achieves long-lasting results.

Anatomy of a cellulite dimple

Understanding the anatomy of a cellulite dimple is crucial in addressing it effectively. Below your skin are layers of fat and connective tissue, and below those layers is muscle. Fibrous connective tissue bands, also called septae, tether the skin to underlying muscles in a pattern, much like buttons on a cushion or mattress surface. In areas where these bands are tight or inflexible, they pull down the skin, creating dimples as fat cells push up against the skin in the areas surrounding the bands. The interplay of skin, fat, and connective tissue is what creates the appearance of dimpling, and its complexity makes treating cellulite challenging.

Cellulite is what you see when the fibrous connective tissue bands between the skin and muscle are tight, pulling in the skin in those areas to create a puckered or dimpled skin appearance.

The Avéli cellulite reduction procedure

Avéli is a groundbreaking cellulite reduction technique offered by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi. This FDA-cleared, minimally invasive procedure directly targets the fibrous septae bands one at a time in areas like the buttocks and thighs. By releasing the fibrous bands beneath the skin, Avéli not only smooths out cellulite but does so with lasting results and minimal downtime.

Ideal for those seeking an efficient and effective solution, Avéli redefines the approach to cellulite treatment, offering a blend of scientific innovation and personalized care. 

The Avéli device allows Dr. Movassaghi to (1) precisely identify and (2) fully sever these bands: he makes a small incision, inserts the device beneath the skin, and tests the band using a tiny lever at the end of the Avéli wand to see if it is the one causing the dimple. Once he has visualized the band causing the chosen cellulite dimple, he manually severs it using the wand’s lever.

This video demonstrates how Avéli works to treat and reduce cellulite.

What doesn’t work to treat cellulite

Many treatments claim to eliminate cellulite, but not all are effective. Topical creams and lotions, for instance, may hydrate the skin but cannot reach the underlying structural causes of cellulite. Similarly, massages and brushes might temporarily improve circulation and appearance, but these changes are superficial. Recently, an injectable enzyme for dissolving septae bands (Qwo) was taken off the market due to excessive, long-lasting bruising. And, as you may imagine, dietary supplements and other “miracle” solutions lack scientific backing and fail to deliver lasting results. These methods, while popular, often lead to disappointment due to their inability to address the fibrous bands beneath the skin, which are key to the formation of cellulite dimples.


Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kiya Movassaghi

Are you interested in treating your cellulite for good? To learn more and get answers to your remaining questions, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Eugene board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi: call (541) 686-8700 or schedule a consultation online. Along with Ziba Medical Spa, Movassaghi Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients in Eugene, Oregon and the surrounding areas.

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