Cellulite is tough to treat, and most of the available treatments do not work well. Cellulite (usually on the buttocks or thighs) is prevalent in women and is typically genetic and not necessarily related to being overweight. However, even very thin and fit women have cellulite! Some men have cellulite, but it is much less common in men.
The undesired dimpling of cellulite results from fibrous bands connecting the skin to the underlying more profound tissues, pulling it down and causing dimpling. Subcision works well because the fibrous bands are cut, freeing up the skin and resulting in a smoother appearance. Often this procedure is followed by treatment with Sculptra. This injectable product causes the body to produce collagen in a smooth, controlled fashion, adding volume and preventing the fibrous bands from reforming.
Subcision is a quick, in-office, minimally invasive procedure that Dr. Sherry Wehner has performed for many years with excellent results. The areas to be treated are numbed locally with injectable Lidocaine, and a particular needle is used to cut the bands. There is minimal downtime, with only some swelling and bruising afterward that may last several days up to possibly one to two weeks. The results are visible as soon as the swelling and bruising subside, and then Sculptra can be added if desired.
Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure to treat cellulite dimpling and acne scars. Scars adhere to deeper structures such as the fat tissue and even the surface of muscles. This occurs when the inflammation caused is deep enough to involve both the skin and the structures underneath the skin. Afterward, when the skin heals, uncontrolled collagen production occurs in all skin layers down into the facial fat, causing the scar to depress.
In those types of scars, the tethering needs to be broken down. This is done horizontally with a sharp needle and not vertically with a laser or a microneedling procedure. This type of acne scar can benefit from Subcision when the patient smiles and animates. Likewise, if the scar remains depressed while stretching out the skin, the scar is probably tethered and is likely to improve with Subcision.
After Subcision, dermal filler can further improve the scarred areas. Most patients have reported an improvement within 10-14 days after the first treatment.