A modern, layered approach to treating cellulite

For decades, companies have promoted treatments to eliminate those dreaded dimples known as cellulite. Devices, machines, potions, and lotions have been prescribed. However, there has been little improvement. Many women are embarrassed about their cellulite to the extent they will not wear shorts or bathing suits.

What is cellulite? Cellulite is the dimpled or “orange peel” appearance that commonly develops on the thighs and buttocks. It affects the vast majority of women at some point, regardless of weight or fitness level. Many people assume cellulite is simply excess fat, but that’s not entirely accurate. In reality, cellulite forms because small bands of connective tissue beneath the skin pull downward while normal fat pushes upward. This combination creates the uneven surface that so many find frustrating. Creams and massages may temporarily smooth the skin, but they do not correct the deeper structural cause.

Today, treatment has progressed beyond surface-level fixes. A more effective strategy focuses on correcting cellulite in layers — addressing what’s happening underneath the skin first, then refining what remains.

The first step is releasing the tight connective bands that cause the dimples. A minimally invasive treatment instrument called Avéli allows physicians to precisely identify and release the specific bands responsible for pulling each dimple inward. By freeing these tension fibers, the dimple is released. This is typically performed in a single session under local anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days, although bruising and swelling usually occur.

Often, after releasing the fibrous bands that created the dimple, there is still a diminished amount of fat, leaving a slight depression. If this is the case, an injectable product called Renuva is injected into the depression. This stimulates fat production to elevate the depression. Renuva lasts five years or more.

Finally, in the strategy of correcting the cellulite problem, attention turns to skin quality and tightness. If the skin itself has thinned or loosened, tightening or resurfacing treatments will enhance the result. Technologies such as UltraClear laser or the Helix laser will improve skin texture, stimulate collagen, and even tighten the skin moderately.

In patients with more significant looseness, devices like Renuvion will provide deeper tightening beneath the surface.

Dr. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates.com.