Though an estimated 85 percent of women experience cellulite, the pesky cosmetic concern is far from effectively tackled.
Current cellulite treatments, unfortunately, bear some of the lowest satisfaction ratings on such popular patient platforms as RealSelf.com.
Since cellulite, a cosmetic concern with no adverse health consequences, is intimately connected with tough subdermal fibers called fibrous septae, treatments addressing it have uniformly revolved around releasing the fibrous bands in various ways, allowing the skin to return to a smoother and less dimpled surface.
One existing treatment aims to accomplish this with injections that dissolve the bands alone while leaving surrounding tissue intact and unaffected, another uses sound waves, and still another uses a reciprocating blade to sever the connections between skin surface and subdermal collagen bands, aka, fibrous septae.
As far as what it addresses and the core concepts that support it, Revelle Aesthetics’ Avéli follows suit, albeit on a new and improved angle.
Greater precision. Greater control. Real-time feedback. Less bruising. Less collateral collagen damage.
Avéli, a “smart innovation with real results,” is as yet unavailable broadly but early indications suggest it is creating a buzz in the aesthetic space, with some of its earliest adopters taking to Instagram to share a glimpse into the soon to be available treatment.
Greater precision. Greater control. Real-time feedback. Less bruising. Less collateral collagen damage.
Here’s all we were able to gather, from company releases, FDA clearance information, and the glimpses shared by a few privileged providers.
Table of Contents
Guided by the Light
Avéli’s precision cellulite release device consists of a handle held by the provider, to which is attached a cannula-like “distal end.”
This thin cannula or rod is inserted into a small and carefully-hidden incision through which it is then light-guided beneath the surface of the skin toward specific fibrous septae that are causing the dimples seen in a patient’s cellulite.
These dimples have been marked beforehand while the patient was standing, since the dimples and depressions will be less visible or invisible while the patient is lying prone for treatment.
The marked dimples are treated individually: The distal end of the device contains a blade, housed safely within the device, until the provider has positioned it right next to a fibrous band in need of detachment.
When the right band or bands have been cut, the skin above it, no longer tethered to underlying muscle, will return to a smoother and less dimpled complexion.
Areas of Attack
The thighs and buttocks are the areas of the body most commonly affected by cellulite, and it is these areas that the device is indicated for treating cellulite in.
A Single, Pain-Free Treatment
To make treatment as pleasant and pain-free as possible, Avéli is done under local anesthesia. As for how many times patients have to be treated, in the pivotal clinical study, patients were treated just once and they experienced a marked improvement in their cellulite within three months of treatment.
Long-Lasting Results
Follow up with patients who had undergone treatment as part of the pivotal study was last reported at the three-month mark. Tangible improvement in the appearance of their cellulite was noted.
The results should last for a considerable length of time, assuming the bands causing cellulite dimples were all effectively targeted, but we do note that the available literature thus far suggests the device is indicated for “temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite.”
Noticeable Improvement in Cellulite
When bruising has subsided, patients can expect noticeable improvement in the treated area, and the reduced appearance of cellulite dimples.
Beyond that, pain and discomfort are mild but may occur during the days immediately following treatment.
The most commonly reported side effect is a discoloration of the skin in the treated area, which occurs due to bleeding.
Tenderness of the skin may last for approximately 16 days, and bruising/discoloration may last for 25 days.
Thickening of the skin in the treated area was experienced by 34 percent of patients, for some of whom it lasted 59 days.
No unanticipated or serious adverse events were noted in studies, and the device safely and effectively treats cellulite.
Resume Normal Activities in One Day
Some pain and discomfort should be expected during the first days following treatment.
Patients can continue performing light physical activity at all times, but should postpone extreme exercise and/or extreme physical activity throughout the healing phase.
In the pivotal study involving more than 70 women treated at multiple practices, 75% of them returned to their normal activities within one day of the procedure.
Price and Availability
Some 40 select providers throughout the U.S. are currently offering Avéli, which is slated for a broader roll out later this year. As far as a pricepoint, not much is known so far but Dr. Ashley Gordon tells RealSelf the procedure is likely to cost between $3,500 and $4,500.
Since cellulite is typically considered only a cosmetic concern, insurance will likely not cover the treatment.
Avéli vs Qwo
Qwo, released in the Spring of 2021, is an injectable that treats cellulite. Injected into the skin at three angles around each of the dimples causing visible cellulite, the product physically breaks down the specific form of collagen that forms fibrous septa.
Qwo, which thus far has netted an average patient “Worth It” rating on RealSelf of 51%, sought to provide relief from cellulite in much the same way as past cellulite treatments, though this time in an injectable format.
Avéli’s precision cellulite release device may be a superior option, since it provides real-time feedback to the provider that the targeted fibrous bands have indeed been severed.
And that severance has been the key to most current cellulite treatments.
Cellulite is patently problematic.
The promising precision of Avéli could change that tune for the better.
