Would you pay $5,000 to get rid of cellulite?

Once upon a time, body contouring was only done by going under the knife. But cut to today, and the rise of non-invasive technology has completely changed the landscape of plastic surgery. Stimulation devices can occasionally replace tummy tucks, fat freezing has the power to help you shed stubborn pounds, and new advances have made non-surgical neck lifts a viable option. Cellulite, however, has historically been difficult to treat—until now.

Let me be clear: Skin dimples and ripples are a perfectly normal part of human biology—between 80 to 90 percent of women have cellulite. Cellulite is not painful or dangerous. There is absolutely no need to deal with it or, frankly, deal with it. But, for those who want a smoother behind (sign up), there’s now a viable treatment option. His name is Avéli.

The new treatment is already receiving high praise from dermatologists and patients alike, largely because it targets the root cause of cellulite rather than slapping a Band-Aid on the surface. “In my opinion, as a doctor who has tried almost every available method to treat cellulite on my patients, Avéli is the most impressive device we have ever had for the treatment of cellulite dimples,” says the board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Arash Akhavan. “It’s a genuine, long-term, one-stop solution.”

It comes with some pain and doctor’s orders to wear yoga pants for most of the week, but the machine can literally rip your butt off. To get the lowdown (read: cost, downtime, recovery, results), read ahead. Top doctors guide us through the entire process, up front.

What is this?

For one very For a long time, treatments for cellulite were pretty much non-existent. Topical creams, despite the claims made, although they can make tiny improvements, are not very effective in reducing cellulite. Cause: Cellulite forms under the skin. The collagen bands are pulled down, leaving a dimple on the surface. Knowing that’s what makes Avéli so special—it’s the first treatment to target the underlying problem.

While it’s only been available for about a year, dermatologists are singing the praises of the new technology. “It’s a minimally invasive device that treats cellulite dimples with just local anesthesia,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan. Unlike competing treatments, Avéli actually targets the root cause of cellulite dimpling, “the thickened and contracted bands of collagen that pull the skin down.”

How does it work

As with any treatment, the Avéli treatment begins with a consultation. “Areas with cellulite are marked before the procedure begins with the patient standing,” explains board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine. This not only allows the patient to visualize the transformation, but also provides the doctor with an accurate guide. Next, lidocaine comes into play to numb the treated areas. Although this is a minimally invasive procedure, the doctor will need to make a small incision, usually right in the crease of your buttock.

Now comes the fun part: A nifty device with a light attached to the end is inserted under the skin (sorry if you’re squeamish) while the doctor guides it over the sharp marks on your rub. “A small hook on the tip of the device secures the collagen band that causes the dimpling,” explains Dr. Akhavan. “Once the doctor is sure he has located the correct collagen band, a tiny blade on the tip of the Avéli device cuts the band to release the cellulite dimple.” Think of it like releasing a rubber band – it immediately snaps into a straight line.

This process is repeated for each suitable dimple. The device is then removed, you’ll be stitched up (no big shebang though, I promise) and prescribed a week of yoga pants to minimize swelling. You can return to your normal activities in just a few days, but wait to evaluate your full results for about a month.

Am I a Candidate?

If you can show a dimple of cellulite on your butt or thighs, you are most likely a candidate. You should be between 21 and 55 years old and also in good health, according to Dr. Akhavan.

The catch: Avéli only works on certain types of dimples. For many women, the increased laxity of the skin, as opposed to a pinched fibrous band, is what makes the skin appear wavy. This loss of collagen and elastin, and the resulting less-than-taught skin, can be due to age, weight loss or sun damage. “If you separate skin that is loose with Avéli, it can worsen the looseness,” explains Dr. Levine. The good news: Your board-certified physician will be able to determine the root cause of your dimples and advise you on treatments accordingly.

What are the risks and side effects?

Although it’s minimally invasive, you’re still signing up for more side effects than a cellulite cream would have on its warning label. “After the Avéli procedure, minor bruising in the treated areas is common,” says Dr. Akhavan. “The incision site in the buttock fold is very small and fades over time.” You will probably have some pain as well, but this should go away relatively quickly. As for more serious risks? Fortunately, infection and bleeding are rare, but they are a possibility.

How much?

Avéli isn’t cheap—it’ll be around $3,000 to $7,000 depending on location and provider. “The cost of the procedure will also depend on the number of pits being treated,” adds Dr. Levine. The good news: This is a unique treatment. Once the fibrous bands are cut, your cellulite—at least in this area—will not return.

Alternative options

If you’re researching cellulite treatments, you’ll likely come across Avéli (obviously), as well as Cellfina, which uses similar technology, and Qwo, an injectable cellulite treatment. While it may be an option for you, Dr. Akhavan notes that Avéli is both more expensive and less likely to cause complications than competitors.

However, if your cellulite is the result of sagging skin, none of these will be an option. Instead, you’ll look to skin-tightening and smoothing procedures like Ultherapy or EmSculpt.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Arash Akhavan

Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist in practice on 60th Street in Midtown Manhattan for the past decade. Winner of the Castle Connolly Top Doctor Award 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Dr. Akhavan is also on the faculty of The Mount Sinai Medical Center, where he trains dermatology residents in aesthetics and their medical clinics. The special areas of interest and expertise of Dr. Akhavan is in non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures of the face, neck and body, as well as in the detection and management of skin cancer and skin lesions.

Dr. Jennifer Levine

Dr. Jennifer Levine is one of the few surgeons who is dual board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery – giving her a unique knowledge of the face and its underlying structures.

Her philosophy is that every person has the right to results that improve their appearance and not create a new face. To bring harmony to their facial features, Dr. Levine works closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that focuses on their needs and unique facial features.

He is an expert in the latest invasive and non-invasive antiaging treatments that help achieve and maintain the look patients have always wanted.

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