How Much Does Cellulaze Cost?
Cellulaze, a laser cellulite removal procedure created by Cynosure, Inc., was approved by the FDA in early 2012.
This minimally invasive procedure uses a laser that is designed to target any bulging pockets of fat causing the cellulite to form in the first place.
How much does Cellulaze cost?
The costs of the Cellulaze treatment procedure will depend on the size of the area that needs to be treated, type of anesthesia used (local vs. general), the doctor you choose and your geographical area, and based on these factors, the costs of the procedure can range anywhere from $2,500 to $7,800, an average we found while compiling the many quotes we found online via people who had the procedure done in the past. As it is considered to be a cosmetic and elective procedure, health insurance companies will not cover the procedure, meaning you need to be prepared to pay out of pocket 100%.
To budget properly, a small treatment area, about less than a size of a piece of paper, can cost about $2,500, on average, while a full treatment option of the buttocks or thighs, for instance, can cost upwards of $5,000 to $7,500+.
Robert M. Lowen, MD, a Mountain View, California, plastic surgeon, stated this his practice would charge anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000, with the costs based upon the time required to treat and the degree of the cellulite. A treatment area that is the size of a piece of paper, for instance, could cost $4,000 bilaterally, while the second area could be about $2,500, according to his response.
How does the Cellulaze procedure work?
Before the procedure is even considered, your doctor will first want to see what kind of results you’re expecting and answer any questions you may have to see if this is the right procedure for your specific situation as well as take a glance at your medical history. If he or she deems you are considered a candidate for the procedure, then your doctor will set up a future appointment, where they will first mark the areas of cellulite for you to confirm, followed by starting the procedure the day of.
During the actual procedure, the area in question is first numbed via an anesthetic and is then followed by inserting a small laser tube beneath the skin in order to heat the lumpy pockets of fat, followed by cutting through the fiber bands that are responsible for pulling the skin, which are causing the dimples in the first place. From there, the laser heats the skin to trigger new collagen growth, effectively leading to better elasticity and thickness in the future.
Healing and the risks are known to be minimal, almost always performed in an outpatient setting and will take less than one hour to perform per thigh-sized area. Since the size of the incision is so small, it will require no stitches and minimal scarring will be noted after the procedure completes.
The expected results, after the procedure completes, can take anywhere from six to 12 months to see improvements, according to Dr. Stevens via Realself.com.
As for the recovery period, your doctor may ask you to take it easy for the next 24 to 48 hours, with strenuous activity avoided for the next week, all while wearing a compression garment for close to six weeks to help with the bruising. For most, patients will be able to return to work and normal activities within the week.
Cellulaze side effects
Side effects are known to be minimal; however, as with any procedure, side effects can exist, including swelling, bruising and/or soreness at the affected site. This risk of infection, as an anesthesia is used, can present itself as well. However, these side effects generally subside a few days after the procedure completes, allowing patients to resume normal activities.
Tips to know
The results will not be considered permanent, with most people seeing spots gone for up to a year or more, all depending on the individual patient. If the dimples/cellulite comes back in the future, usually by avoiding a healthy lifestyle, then you should be prepared for more treatments if the dimples come back.
Good candidates for the procedure are for those who are not deemed overweight and only have moderate cellulite on either the hips, thighs and/or buttocks.
It’s best to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has had experience with this procedure in the past. Be sure to ask about their experience, how long they have performed the procedure and what their credentials are.
Since the incision is less than 1/16th of an inch, according to Dr. Zubowski, no stitches are required, meaning the scarring is minimal.
Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.
Average Reported Cost: $0
