Over the past few years, a deeper understanding of cellulite has given us a clearer understanding of cellulite and its underlying causes. Cellulite is caused by fibrous bands beneath the skin which makes it difficult to address with creams, exercise, or dietary changes alone. At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Rosemont and Chicago, we offer a one-of-a-kind treatment to treat cellulite dimples. Avéli is a minimally invasive option that gets right to the root of cellulite. Patients looking for an option that goes beyond temporary fixes may find Avéli to be an excellent choice for tackling the challenges of cellulite.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is the dimpling or lumpy texture that appears on the thighs, buttocks, and other areas of the body. It affects a significant portion of the population, with studies showing that up to 90% of women experience some degree of cellulite during their lifetime. While men can also develop cellulite, it is much more prevalent in women due to differences in skin structure, fat distribution, and hormonal factors.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite forms when fat beneath the skin presses against connective tissues, creating a dimpled appearance. This process can happen for a variety of reasons including genetics, hormonal changes, and natural aging, all of which may affect how connective tissues behave. Lifestyle factors like activity levels and diet can influence its development, but these alone rarely cause, prevent, or eliminate cellulite.
What Is Avéli?
Avéli is a treatment that targets the structural cause of cellulite dimples, the fibrous bands. This minimally invasive treatment has been developed to release these bands and smooth away the dimpled appearance without affecting any other fibrous bands or surrounding tissues. It is the perfect solution for patients looking for longer-lasting results.
How Does Avéli Work?
Avéli uses a device to manually locate and release the fibrous bands beneath the skin. During the treatment, we guide the device just below the skin to the target area. Once we pinpoint the right bands, we use the device to cut them, leaving the skin above instantly smoother. The process is usually performed in our office and does not usually require general anesthesia when performed on its own without other surgical procedures.
What Areas Can Avéli Treat?
Avéli treats cellulite dimples on the thighs and buttocks, the areas most commonly affected by cellulite. These regions are more prone to developing cellulite because of the way fat is stored and connective tissue is structured in these parts of the body. For women especially, hormonal factors and thinner connective tissue layers make these areas more likely to show dimpling. Women also commonly store more fat in these areas which can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite.
Benefits of Avéli
Immediate and Long-Term Benefits
Avéli delivers noticeable improvements in the appearance of cellulite dimples soon after treatment. Because it directly addresses the fibrous bands beneath the skin, the treatment can provide smoother skin for months or even years. By targeting the structural cause of cellulite, Avéli offers both quick visible changes and prolonged benefits that make it superior to surface-level treatments like creams or lotions, and more reliable than treatments that focus on skin quality or fat reduction alone.
Minimally Invasive Cellulite Solution
This approach uses a small handheld device to treat cellulite dimples without large incisions or long recovery times. With this precise treatment there is minimal disruption to surrounding tissues so recovery is easier and more comfortable.
Precise Treatments
The technology behind Avéli allows providers to pinpoint the exact fibrous bands, also called septae, causing the dimpled appearance. This precision means that only the areas contributing to cellulite are treated. Because the septae are important and anchor your skin to your muscles and surrounding tissue for structure and movability, we are careful to treat only the bands that are causing dimples. Avéli makes precision easy for the provider and improves patient results and experience.
Long-Lasting Outcomes
After treating the fibrous bands responsible for cellulite, the improvements achieved with Avéli can last. While the natural aging process continues, many patients find that the treated areas remain smoother long after the session. Once the fibrous bands are severed, they don’t grow back or tether the skin again. While Avéli doesn’t guarantee that additional cellulite will not appear, treated dimples tend to stay smooth.
Minimally Invasive and Quick Treatments
As a non-surgical cellulite treatment, Avéli is performed in-office with local anesthesia, allowing patients to return to their routines quickly. There’s no need for extended recovery time or significant lifestyle adjustments. This approach is ideal for those who want effective results without the commitment or downtime of surgery.
The Treatment Process With Avéli
Small Incisions Are Made in the Skin Near the Dimple
To access the fibrous bands, incisions are made near the cellulite dimples being treated. These incisions are tiny and placed strategically in natural folds to prevent scarring and to allow the device to work effectively without causing unnecessary trauma to the skin.
The Device Is Guided Under the Skin
Avéli uses a device with a long probe that is carefully inserted through the incisions and guided beneath the skin. The device includes a light that helps identify the correct position and helps us stay in the correct layer of skin while targeting the cellulite dimples. This feature allows us to have a more accurate and effective result.
Confirmation of Correct Cellulite Bands
The fibrous bands are identified by gently hooking the device onto them and applying a small tug to confirm that they are causing the dimple. This step is important for making sure that only the bands contributing to cellulite are treated, avoiding unnecessary disruption to nearby tissues.
The Cellulite Band Is Severed
Once the correct fibrous band is identified, the device deploys a small blade to sever it. Cutting the band releases the tension that pulls the skin downward, allowing the treated area to immediately smooth out. The process of hooking onto bands and severing them may be repeated several times per section until the dimple is completely treated. After treatment, incisions may be sutured or secured with a bandage to allow them to effectively heal with as little scarring as possible.
Recovery After the Procedure
With an Avéli treatment, you should be able to resume most of your normal activities right away. You may notice mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the treated areas, which is a normal part of the healing process and usually resolves within a week or two. The incisions may also feel sore, but will heal quickly. While strenuous activities should be avoided for a short time, light movement and daily tasks are fine right away. To support healing, we may recommend wearing compression garments, which can help reduce swelling and enhance comfort. Regular follow-ups allow us to monitor your progress and promote optimal results as your skin continues to smooth out. Contact us if you notice any redness at the incision sites or any other signs that concern you.
Is Avéli Right for You?
Avéli is ideal for patients with moderate to severe cellulite dimples on the thighs or buttocks who are seeking a targeted, minimally invasive solution. It works best for individuals with good skin elasticity since this can provide smoother results once the fibrous bands are released. It may not be suitable for those with more generalized skin laxity, sagging skin in the desired treatment area, or certain medical conditions affecting wound healing. A consultation allows us to assess your unique concerns and determine whether Avéli is the best option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
An Avéli treatment typically takes about an hour to complete, depending on the number of cellulite dimples being treated. This minimally invasive cellulite solution is designed to be efficient and not take too much time away from your regular routine.
Are Avéli Results Permanent?
Avéli targets the fibrous bands that cause cellulite, and once these are severed, they do not grow back. However, the natural aging process and changes in skin elasticity over time may influence the appearance of the skin. For most patients, the improvements are long-lasting.
How Soon Can I See Results After Avéli?
One of the benefits of this treatment is that you can see changes in the treated cellulite right away. While swelling and redness can mask the full results, you will be able to see that the skin in the treated area is smooth rather than dimpled. Once the area completely heals, after several weeks, you can enjoy your new cellulite-free skin.
How Does Avéli Compare to Other Cellulite Treatments?
Many treatments and methods have been used to treat cellulite. Many topical products claim to smooth away cellulite. While these products may improve the quality of the skin, they can do little to resolve fibrous bands. Other treatments such as energy-based treatments can be effective at making cellulite less noticeable, but still doesn’t resolve the underlying cause. Because this treatment directly addresses septae, it is one of the most effective ways to get the smooth skin you want.
How Much Does Avéli Cost?
The cost of an Avéli non-surgical cellulite treatment varies depending on the extent of the areas being treated. During a consultation, we provide a quote based on your specific situation. While Avéli may have a higher upfront cost compared to temporary solutions, its long-lasting results often make it a more economical option over time.
Can Avéli Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Certain treatments, such as skin-tightening procedures or liposuction can often be performed alongside Avéli to enhance results. However, some procedures such as a Brazilian butt lift may need to be scheduled separately to avoid creating a bulging texture or uneven appearance. We’ll guide you on the best timeline if you’re considering combining Avéli with other cosmetic options.
About Our Practice
At the Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, we’re dedicated to making sure every patient feels informed, comfortable, and cared for throughout their experience. Dr. Stefan Szczerba, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, leads our team with extensive training from institutions like Emory University and Northwestern. Known for his precision and dedication, Dr. Szczerba combines his expertise with a friendly, approachable demeanor and he always makes sure each patient gets the attention they deserve.
We understand that choosing a treatment is an important decision, and we aim to make the process clear and supportive. From our experienced board-certified anesthesiologists to our transparent pricing, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Our large facility is accredited by The Joint Commission to provide a safe and comfortable location for every procedure.
Enjoy Smooth Skin Again With Avéli Cellulite Treatments
At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, our Avéli treatments can give you a better solution for addressing cellulite dimples. With locations in Chicago, IL, Rosemont, IL, and Hoffman Estates, IL, we provide patients across the Greater Chicago area with access to this treatment. If you have cellulite on your buttocks or thighs and you’re ready to learn more about Avéli and see how it can work for you, contact us today online or at (847) 853-9900 to schedule a consultation.