There are 64 million women in the United States between the ages of 18 and 54, and approximately 54 million of them have some degree of cellulite. That means 90% of the women in this country are suffering through bathing suit season with unsightly dimples on their buttocks, and thighs. Until recently, the only cellulite treatment options available were creams, lasers, and freezing that did not deliver long term results. Now there is true help in the form of Cellfina, the first FDA approved, minimally invasive treatment to deliver long-lasting results. Dr. Tiffany McCormack of Reno, NV talks about this game-changing new cellulite treatment and why it works.
by Katherine Stuart
and Tiffany McCormack, MD
What Causes Cellulite?
Diet, lifestyle, genetics, clothing and hormones are all thought to contribute to the appearance of cellulite, but it’s the underlying fibrous bands that run perpendicular between the fascia and the skin that actually causes the “dimpling” that is the bane of so many women’s existence. These connective bands typically have chambers of fat between them. As the bands become lax, thicken or stiffen, it pulls down on the surface of the skin, causing the fat to bulge up and the skin to pucker.
About 90% of women suffer from some degree of cellulite and, “it’s not always correlated with fat. Sometimes, it’s just genetic,” says Dr. McCormack. She sees many patients who are healthy, fit and thin who still have cellulite. It can can show though your gym clothes, your leggings, and your tight white pants. “It’s not just something that affects you on the beach,” she explains.
What is Cellfina?
Cellfina is the first FDA approved, minimally-invasive treatment that delivers effective results. It’s an out-patient procedure, performed in the office, and only takes about an hour with recovery/downtime of typically less than 3 days, if at all.
So far, Dr. McCormack’s patients have been really happy with their results. Many have been surprised by how easy the treatment is as well as the recovery. Patients may be tender to the touch for a week or two following their Cellfina treatment, but Dr. McCormack has never had to prescribe any pain medication. You can expect some bruising, redness or maybe a little bit of discoloration at the incision sites, but these are temporary and will completely resolve with time.
Any woman between the ages of 18 and 55 with a BMI less than 30 or 35, who is in relatively good shape, but who has cellulite on the buttocks and thighs that bothers them is a good candidate for Cellfina. “It’s a great option” says Dr. McCormack.