Nearly 90% of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives. Although cellulite is incredibly common, that doesn’t make it any less frustrating—especially when you’ve done everything “right” in regards to diet and exercise and those stubborn dimples and depressions on your thighs and buttocks still won’t budge. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious in a swimsuit or avoided wearing shorts because of cellulite, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s now a real solution that’s helping women feel more confident in their skin and clothes – Avéli™. Edina Plastic Surgery is among the first practices in the Twin Cities area to offer this long-lasting, cutting-edge treatment designed to target the root cause of cellulite in a single, minimally invasive session—with real, lasting results.
What Exactly Is Cellulite?
“In regards to cellulite, let’s clear a few things up right away,” says Dr. Christine Stewart, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery. “First and foremost, cellulite isn’t your fault. It affects women of all different shapes, sizes, ages, weights, and fitness levels. So don’t blame yourself,” she stresses. “Cellulite is actually a structural issue beneath the surface of your skin. Fibrous bands called septa tether the skin to underlying tissue. When these bands become stiff or shrink, they pull the skin downward while fat pushes upward—creating the puckered, dimpled appearance we know as cellulite. It most commonly shows up on the thighs, hips, and buttocks and affects women far more than men. Because the root cause of cellulite lies beneath the skin, no amount of topical creams or treatments that massage the skin’s surface will make much of a difference. To have an impact, you need to address the problem septa, like Avéli™ does.”
What Causes Cellulite?
“There are several key factors that may contribute to the development of cellulite,” explains Dr. Stewart. “Genetics play a significant role, influencing skin structure, fat distribution, and circulation—each of which can predispose a woman to form cellulite. Hormonal factors, especially fluctuations in estrogen, may also contribute to cellulite’s development by affecting blood flow, fat storage, and collagen production. Estrogen decline, particularly when a woman is going through perimenopause and menopause, can also weaken connective tissues and reduce skin elasticity, making dimpling more pronounced.”
“Lifestyle may also play a role in the development of cellulite,” adds Dr. Stewart. “A sedentary routine, poor diet, dehydration, and smoking can all impair circulation, lymphatic drainage, and collagen integrity, exacerbating the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, age-related changes in skin thickness and firmness can make cellulite more visible over time as a woman ages. While body weight is not a direct cause, an increase in fat cells beneath the skin can intensify the tension between fat and connective tissue, which further contributes to the dimpled effect. This is why it’s important for us, as plastic surgeons, to discuss lifestyle modifications during your consultation because they may be directly influencing the appearance and severity of your cellulite.”
How Avéli™ Works, And Why It’s So Unique
Unlike some surface-level treatments available today, Avéli™ addresses cellulite from the inside out, not the outside in. It is an FDA-cleared procedure that uses a specialized handpiece that goes beneath the skin and then identifies and releases the specific septa bands responsible for dimples and depressions. Your plastic surgeon will be able to work in real-time and see depressions of cellulite improve as each problem septa band is cut and released.
Here’s how Avéli™ works:
- Target – A specialized handheld device is guided under the skin to pinpoint the exact septa causing the dimples.
- Release – Those bands are carefully released to eliminate the tension pulling your skin down.
- Confirm – The release is verified during the procedure, so results are visible almost immediately.
All of this completed in a single, in-office session with minimal downtime.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Avéli™ Cellulite Reduction?
“Avéli™ is ideal for any woman who is bothered by cellulite on her thighs, buttocks, or abdomen and wants a minimally invasive, long-lasting solution,” advises Dr. Stewart. “A few health considerations may affect candidacy, such as certain medical conditions or recent surgeries. That’s why your first step is to schedule a complimentary consultation at Edina Plastic Surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will evaluate your skin and anatomy during this appointment, explain your options, and create a personalized treatment plan to ensure the smoothest and safest results.”
What to Expect from Your Avéli™ Procedure
An Avéli™ treatment takes about an hour to perform and is typically done under local anesthesia. It can also be combined with other procedures like a thigh lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction if your plastic surgeon recommends it as a safe and beneficial combination to enhance your overall results. In this case, you will be under general anesthesia when the procedure is done.
“It’s important to note that Avéli™ focuses on smoothing the surface of the skin by releasing specific septa bands beneath it, but it will not tighten or lift the skin,” stresses Dr. Stewart. “If there is excess sagging skin on the buttocks or thighs, in addition to the presence of cellulite, your surgeon may recommend combining a thigh lift or butt lift with Avéli™ to achieve a more complete, harmonious result. Liposuction can also be an excellent complementary procedure to Avéli™ because it removes stubborn pockets of fat and can improve the contour of the thighs and buttocks.”
Real Results. Real Confidence.
When performed as a standalone procedure, recovery is relatively quick from Avéli™ cellulite treatment. Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours. Some mild bruising and tenderness are normal and temporary. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks after Avéli™ to allow the skin time to heal.
“You’ll see significant improvements in the first few weeks following an Avéli™ treatment,” says Dr. Stewart. “Expect full results about a month after your procedure. Clinical studies show that most women continue to enjoy their smoother skin a year or more after treatment. However, the biggest change I see after this cellulite treatment is confidence. Our patients often say they not only see a difference in their skin, but feel more comfortable and at ease in their bodies—especially in those moments that used to make them feel self-conscious.”
Scheduling Avéli™ Long-Term Cellulite Reduction at Edina Plastic Surgery
At Edina Plastic Surgery, we believe confidence is powerful—and it starts with feeling great in your skin. Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss Avéli™ cellulite treatment with Dr. Christine Stewart or another board-certified plastic surgeon at our practice by calling (952) 592-5871, texting (952) 925-4987, or CLICKING HERE. We can’t wait to partner with you and help you achieve your goals!
