Meet the Cellulite Triple-Threat that Dr. Gallus Swears By

For many people, cellulite feels like an impossible battle. Even the most health-conscious diets and strict exercise regimens may not be enough to smooth those stubborn dimples!

That’s why Dr. Katerina Gallus, a top plastic surgeon in San Diego, may recommend an advanced, multi-treatment approach with Avéli cellulite treatment, SAFElipo, and Renuvion skin tightening to help you achieve the firmest, smoothest skin possible. 

Why do we get cellulite?

Cellulite occurs when fibrous bands (called septa) pull down on the skin’s surface, creating dimples and depressions. These bands tighten over time and trap fat between the bands and the skin. This trapped fat creates that puckered, “cottage cheese” appearance most often seen on the thighs and buttocks. 

Because cellulite is a structural issue beneath the skin, even healthy, fit individuals can struggle with cellulite. 

How does Avéli target cellulite?

Avéli is a minimally invasive cellulite treatment that directly addresses the root cause: fibrous septa bands. Unlike creams or surface-level treatments, Avéli precisely targets and releases these bands under the skin.

During the procedure, Dr. Gallus uses the Avéli device to manually cut the fibrous bands through a small incision. The procedure is quick and requires only local anesthesia to keep you comfortable so you can resume your normal routine soon after treatment. 

Why add SAFElipo to the mix?

While Avéli directly targets cellulite dimples, liposuction complements the results by removing excess fat deposits that contribute to uneven contours. SAFElipo is a gentle yet effective liposuction technique that provides smoother, natural-looking results.

Here’s how SAFElipo works:

• A specialized probe breaks apart stubborn fat deposits.
• Fat is carefully removed with a small cannula to contour and sculpt the area.
• Once the ideal amount of fat is removed, Dr. Gallus distributes a thin layer of fat between the skin and fascia to ensure a smooth, refined surface.

SAFElipo works deeper beneath the skin than Avéli to improve the overall shape of your thighs and buttocks while helping minimize irregularities that can make dimpling more noticeable.

Loose skin? Enter: Renuvion

For patients concerned about loose skin, Renuvion skin tightening uses radiofrequency energy and helium plasma to tighten the skin from the inside out. Dr. Gallus inserts the Renuvion device, often using the same access points as liposuction, to carefully heat the tissue with RF energy and then cool it with helium plasma. This contracts skin cells for significantly tighter skin without a surgical lifting procedure. 

Renuvion is often combined with liposuction, as fat removal can cause the skin to appear loose or sag once the underlying fat supporting it is removed. When treating cellulite, it’s important to remember that neither Avéli nor liposuction can improve skin laxity. But once the septa bands are released and the area is fine-tuned with targeted fat removal, Renuvion can complete your transformation by firming and tightening the treatment area. 

Good candidates for a multistep approach

If cellulite is your only aesthetic woe, then Avéli may be the only treatment you need! But if you’d like to sculpt more defined contours and treat cellulite, pairing liposuction with Avéli is just the ticket. And for those who want to treat cellulite, reshape their thighs and buttocks, and tighten their skin without a surgical lift, Avéli, SAFElipo, and Renuvion is the ultimate trifecta for a smooth, firm backside. 

Patients taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy are often good candidates for combination treatments, as rapid weight loss can sometimes leave behind uneven pockets of fat and skin irregularities—especially in the thighs, so addressing each aesthetic concern individually provides stronger overall results. Still, for those who have lost massive amounts of weight, a surgical thigh lift may better achieve your goals. Dr. Gallus can explain which approach will deliver ideal results during a one-on-one consultation. 

Avéli, SAFElipo, and Renuvion work together to smooth, tighten, and contour the thighs with minimal downtime.

What to expect after treatment

Because all three of these treatments are minimally invasive, your recovery will be quick and easily manageable. Here’s a general timeline for each procedure:

• Avéli: Expect mild swelling and bruising for a few weeks, with smoother skin visible within about 4 weeks.
• SAFElipo: See immediate fat reduction after treatment with mild soreness and swelling for a week or two.
• Renuvion: Initial Renuvion results are visible within a few weeks and the skin will continue to tighten over the following months as you heal and new collagen layers form beneath the skin, usually between six weeks to six months.

Are you interested in cellulite reduction treatments in the San Diego area? Let’s talk! 

Cellulite doesn’t have to be a lifelong frustration, and female board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus can help you decide which treatment or treatment combination is best for your body. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gallus by calling our La Jolla plastic surgery practice at 858-224-2281 or fill out our online form to get started today!