Surgical Treatment of Cellulite and its Results

Abstract

Introduction:

Studies have demonstrated that the physiopathological cause of cellulite is fibrous “bridges” originating from the herniation of subcutaneous fat into the connective tissue zone that produce irregularities and unsightly patterns on the skin. This paper describes a treatment that separates the fibrosis of connective tissue from the dermis using liposuction cannulas, producing a homogenous tissue by breaking the bridges.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty Caucasian female patients with cellulite in the superior aspect of the lower extremities, characterized mainly by multiple irregularities and depressions, participated in this study. Six of the patients were obese and 14 were not overweight. The patients' ages ranged from 21 to 50 years, and their weights ranged from 50 to 84 kg (110–185 lb). The 6 overweight patients underwent surgical treatment that involved liposuction of the anterior, posterior, and lateral thighs with the release of the fibrous tissue bridges from the anterior area of the thigh with blunt thin cannulas. The other 14 patients underwent only separation of the bridges, without any fat aspiration. For all patients, liposculpture was performed in all of the deformed and bulging areas. All patients used compression garments, massage therapy, and exercise after the procedure.

Results:

Of the 20 patients, 14 exhibited clinical disappearance of the visible irregularities of cellulite. In 4 patients, visible but insufficient improvement was seen, and in 2 of the obese patients, the improvement was minimal. For the 6 patients with less-than-satisfactory results, it was necessary to repeat the treatment after 4 months, with removal of more fat, and then optimal results were observed.

Discussion:

The surgical treatment using liposuction with the release of the fibrous tissue bridges with blunt thin cannulas resolves the cellulite deformity, producing results that are satisfactory to both the physician and the patient.

Conclusions:

Separation of the fibrosis of connective tissue from the dermis using liposuction cannulas with local tumescent anesthesia is the treatment indicated for cellulite, since it resolves the problem. The procedure is extremely safe and causes no harm. It should be the first choice when treating cellulite.