Cellulite is extremely common and can affect even healthy, active patients. At Toronto Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced cellulite treatment options designed to improve skin texture, support collagen remodeling, and reduce the appearance of dimpling.

If you were searching for Cellfina treatment in Toronto, our team now offers modern non-surgical alternatives including Endymed 3DEEP radiofrequency and DP4 microneedling.

Non-Surgical Alternatives to Cellfina

Endymed 3DEEP RF

Best for:

• mild to moderate cellulite
• skin laxity
• areas with crepey or loose texture
• collagen support

Why it works:

Radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen and improve firmness, helping smooth the uneven surface associated with cellulite.

Explore Endymed 3DEEP →

DP4 Microneedling

Best for:

• superficial texture irregularities
• skin quality
• collagen remodeling
• combination treatment plans

Why it works:

DP4 microneedling creates controlled micro-channels that stimulate natural collagen renewal, helping improve the skin’s overall texture and appearance.

Explore DP4 Microneedling →

Which Cellulite Treatment Is Best?

Some patients respond best to radiofrequency tightening, while others benefit from collagen stimulation through microneedling.

In many cases, combining treatments can provide better improvement in texture and firmness than a single modality alone.

A consultation helps determine the most effective approach based on:

• skin thickness
• cellulite depth
• laxity
• body area
• your recovery preferences

FAQ

What happened to Cellfina?

Cellfina was previously a well-known cellulite treatment. Today, Toronto Plastic Surgery offers non-surgical alternatives that improve skin firmness, collagen support, and surface texture.

What is the best alternative to Cellfina?

For many patients, Endymed 3DEEP and DP4 microneedling are excellent options depending on skin laxity and texture concerns.

Can cellulite be treated without surgery?

Yes. Modern radiofrequency and microneedling treatments can improve the appearance of cellulite with little to no downtime.

The post Cellulite Treatment in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

But alongside significant weight loss, another pattern is emerging.

Patients are telling us:

I feel great. I’m healthier. But my face looks older.

This is sometimes referred to online as “Ozempic face,” but the issue is not limited to one medication. It is largely related to rapid weight loss, especially when 20-30% of body weight is lost in a short period of time.

Why GLP-1 Weight Loss Can Cause Loose Skin and Facial Volume Loss

When the body loses weight quickly, it also loses facial fat. Fat provides structure and soft support under the skin. As volume decreases, several changes can appear:

• Flattened or hollow cheeks
• More visible under-eye depressions
• Deepened smile lines
• Increased jowling
• Looser skin along the jawline and neck
• Dull or crepey skin texture

These changes can feel sudden. In some cases, the skin does not “snap back” the way patients expect.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have also raised another possibility. Early research suggests that GLP-1 medications may affect how the skin maintains collagen and elastin — the proteins that give skin strength and elasticity. Some patients may also experience lower intake of key nutrients such as protein, vitamin D, and B12, which are important for skin health.

The result can be skin that behaves “older” than the patient’s age.

The good news is that there are effective, non-surgical options to support the skin during and after weight loss.

The Role of Light-Based and Laser Treatments

At Toronto Plastic Surgery, we focus on non-invasive light-based skin treatments that improve skin quality at multiple levels.

These treatments do not replace lost volume. Instead, they help the skin look firmer, brighter, and more refined.

1. BroadBand Light (BBL)

Sciton BBL is an advanced light treatment designed to improve:

• Redness
• Sun damage
• Uneven pigmentation
• Overall tone and clarity

BBL also stimulates collagen production over time. This makes it helpful for patients who notice dullness or thinning skin after weight loss.

Treatment is quick and requires minimal downtime. Results build gradually with a series.

Explore Sciton BBL

2. HALO® Hybrid Fractional Laser

HALO is a resurfacing laser that works at different depths of the skin. It addresses:

• Fine lines
• Texture irregularities
• Early laxity
• Pigmentation

For patients who have experienced significant changes in skin structure, HALO can help stimulate deeper collagen remodeling. This improves firmness and smoothness over time.

Explore HALO

3. DP4 Microneedling (Dermapen)

DP4 microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that uses controlled micro-channels to trigger the skin’s natural repair process.

As facial fat decreases with weight loss, patients may notice crepey texture, fine lines, or thinning skin — especially around the mouth, eyes, and jawline. Microneedling helps strengthen the dermal structure by encouraging new collagen and elastin production.

Over a series of treatments, skin can appear:

• Firmer
• Smoother
• More resilient
• More evenly textured

DP4 is a versatile option for patients who want gradual improvement with minimal downtime. It can also be combined with light-based treatments like BBL or resurfacing lasers for a more comprehensive approach to post-weight-loss skin changes.

Explore DermaPen 4 Microneedling

Why Timing Matters

One of the most important steps is starting the conversation early.

If you are beginning GLP-1 treatment — or are in the middle of your weight-loss journey — we can discuss a proactive plan to support your skin as changes occur.

In many cases, combining treatments produces the most natural result. Light-based treatments can improve tone and texture, while other options such as fillers, skin tightening, or surgical procedures may be considered when appropriate.

Every patient is different. Some notice minimal change. Others experience more significant laxity or hollowing. A consultation allows us to assess your skin quality, elasticity, and facial structure before recommending treatment.

Looking Like Yourself — Just Healthier

The goal is not to reverse your weight loss. It is to help your face reflect how strong and healthy you feel.

When skin quality improves, patients often tell us they feel more balanced. Their facial appearance matches their overall transformation.

GLP-1 medications have created new opportunities in medicine. They have also created new aesthetic questions.

If you are noticing changes in your skin after weight loss, we can support your skin safely and effectively with modern, non-invasive light and laser treatments — without surgery and with minimal downtime.

To learn more about your options, book a consultation at Toronto Plastic Surgery. We will help you create a plan tailored to your skin, your goals, and your weight-loss journey.

The post GLP-1 Weight Loss and Loose Skin: How Light-Based Treatments Can Help appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

A BBL treatment is performed in-office at our downtown Toronto medical spa and typically takes about 30 minutes for areas such as the face or chest. During treatment, patients wear protective eyewear while controlled pulses of light are applied to the skin. Different wavelengths are used to target multiple concerns in a single session, including sun damage, redness, and uneven tone.

Following treatment, it is common to experience temporary redness or darkening of existing pigmentation as the skin begins its natural renewal process. Over the following one to two weeks, patients typically notice clearer tone, smoother texture, and a brighter overall appearance.

How Results Build Over Time

What sets BBL apart is that its effects are not limited to surface-level changes.

Rather than producing a short-lived cosmetic effect, regular BBL treatments support gradual, cumulative improvements in skin quality. This research helps explain why patients who undergo BBL on a consistent basis tend to maintain their results and see continued improvement rather than regression, often supporting skin quality for longer before more intensive treatments are needed.

Key Takeaways

Consistency Matters

Regular, well-spaced treatments produce stronger long-term results.

Consistency Over Intensity

Skin responds better to steady maintenance than occasional aggressive sessions.

Technology Matters

The long-term Stanford research was conducted using Sciton BBL technology, highlighting the role that device precision and energy control play in achieving consistent long-term results.

The post Sciton BBL / IPL Special Offer: The Science Behind Results That Build, Not Fade appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is not your typical filler. It’s a biostimulator, made of poly‑L‑lactic acid (PLLA), that works with your skin – not on it – to awaken collagen production deep in your dermis.

The Slow Glow

Unlike hyaluronic fillers, which give instant volume, Sculptra is more like planting seeds. It takes 6-12 weeks to “bloom”, and full results often arrive around six months post-treatment. The payoff is incredible: subtle volume, skin bounce, improved texture and pigmentation, and that coveted “Sculptra Glow” that lasts up to two years.

What Can It Treat?

Primarily used on the face – temples, cheeks, jawline, nasolabial and marionette lines – but its reach is expanding. Branching into neck, decolletage, knees, thighs… even non-surgical butts (a luxe alternative to BBL, sans downtime).

The Experience

Prep

Numbing cream, ice, and you’re good to go.

During injections

Quick “pinchy” moments as the cannula or needle works its magic

Post-care

The Rule of Five – massage five minutes, five times a day, for five days – ensures smooth, lump-free coverage

Downtime

Light bruising possible, but you can resume daily life the next day

How Many Sessions?

Typically two to three sessions over several months. Spacing treatments 4-8 weeks apart gives the collagen cascade time to build. After your initial series, an annual top-up keeps that soft-focus lift intact.

Why Choose Sculptra Over Fillers?

If you want instant plump and shape-shift, classic hyaluronic fillers are your go-to. But for a slow reveal, authentically you, Sculptra is the ticket.

What You Should Know

• Commitment required: The wait is real; you’re building from within.
• Expert injector essential: Technique and placement matter – lump avoidance depends on it.

Final Word

Think of Sculptra as your skin’s slow-living supplement. If you’re after a natural, youthful lift that feels effortless and grows with time, it’s the star of aesthetic treatments.

The post Sculptra 101: The Collagen Revolution appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

As the mother of the bride and a seasoned skincare enthusiast, the approach to my daughter’s wedding was a whirlwind of emotions: overwhelming happiness, excitement, and a desire to feel my best on this significant day.

The lead-up to my daughter’s wedding became more than selecting the perfect dress or finalizing the venue. As the founder of Soke Beauty, my skincare routine has always been a priority, but this was different. It was about cherishing every moment and finding the best non-surgical treatment options, so I would feel good in my skin.

My Skincare and Non-Surgical Treatment Countdown

Endymed 3DEEP Skin Tightening, 6 months to one year before the Big Day

As our skin ages, its collagen fibers break down to become less structured and less elastic. Unfortunately, our bodies also become less efficient at repairing and replacing these fibers.

As a result, our skin tissue changes, and we suffer from more wrinkles and skin laxity.

Endymed non-surgical skin tightening uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to penetrate deep into the skin, heating it up to encourage natural collagen cells to be produced, contracted, and tightened. In the long term, stimulating our collagen cells with RF waves improves our underlying skin structure for a firmer, tauter and healthier-looking appearance.

The Endymed treatment felt like a warm, hot stone massage on my skin and was quite relaxing.

I started these treatments 6 months before the wedding. This treatment wonderfully reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making my skin look and feel firmer. The magic lies in its ability to naturally stimulate collagen growth, bringing back that firm, smooth, and fresh look to my skin.

The great thing about Endymed 3DEEP is that it can be used on the face and the body, on areas such as the arms, allowing you to once again confidently wear sleeveless dresses and tops.

Before & After Endymed 3DEEP Treatment on the Arms

HALO by Sciton Laser & Light Facial, 6 months before the Big Day

Next up is the HALO laser. This hybrid fractional laser treatment targets skin damage, improving texture, tone, and luminosity. It was like hitting a reset button, giving my skin a fresh, rejuvenated start. There is a few days of downtime involved, but it is so worth the result.

Sculptra and Botox, start 6 months before, with Botox a few weeks after Sculptra

Next in my skincare countdown were Sculptra and Botox, each playing a unique role in enhancing my skin’s appearance. Sculptra is an injectable that contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic substance that stimulates collagen production.

Beginning 6 months before the wedding, I had a series of three Sculptra treatments, each spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart. This treatment gradually helped reshape and refine my facial contours, giving me a natural, more youthful look.

Botox was then scheduled a few weeks after the last Sculptra treatment, around the 2-month mark before the wedding. Botox complemented Sculptra by smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, ensuring my facial expressions remained natural and relaxed. This strategic timing allowed each treatment to work its magic without interference, resulting in a beautifully balanced and rejuvenated appearance.

Skin Boosters, start 4 months before the Big Day

And finally, the secret sauce – skin boosters. These incredible, non-surgical treatments work wonders for hydrating and revitalizing the Skin. Unlike traditional fillers, skin boosters don’t add volume; they deeply hydrate the Skin, giving it a plumper, more youthful appearance. These treatments involve a series of micro-injections that deliver a hyaluronic acid-based solution directly into the skin. Starting these 4 months before the wedding truly sealed the deal on my skincare journey.

Regular Facials

Monthly facials were non-negotiable. Regular facials kept my skin balanced and hydrated. This was the hardest for me to personally keep up. While I value the benefits of regular facials, managing a skincare brand can make it challenging to stick to a monthly schedule. That’s where Soke Beauty’s multi-peptide-infused hydrogel treatment masks come in, as they provide a fantastic boost during an aesthetic treatment and can also bridge the gap between professional facials if used at least twice weekly.

Our Soke Beauty Treatment masks, enriched with advanced gel technology, support collagen building, brighten the skin, and help to tighten and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. By incorporating Soke treatments into my routine, I can comfortably extend the time between professional facials to every 6-8 weeks. This saves time and ensures my skin remains in top condition, continually receiving the nourishment and care it needs to stay radiant.

Post-Soke Glam

Reflecting on my journey to my daughter’s wedding, I realize that every step in my skincare regimen was a choice I made for myself. It was about taking a moment in my busy life to care for me, which we all deserve, especially during such significant times. Whether indulging in advanced treatments like Halo and Endymed or simply unwinding with Soke Beauty masks at home, each step celebrated the upcoming big day.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about finding what works for you, embracing your beauty journey, and enjoying some “me-time.” Let’s cherish our roles, not just as mothers but as women who deserve to feel confident.

Amy Newman Brown
CEO and Founder of SOKE
https://sokebeauty.com/

The post Guest Post: “The Ultimate Pre-Wedding Skincare Guide: Non-Surgical Treatments for Radiant Skin for the Mother of the Bride” appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

With the aesthetic market flooded with various injectables (over 150+ at last count!), it can get confusing to distinguish one from another. However, Sculptra firmly holds its niche within the emerging “no filler” trend, appealing to those who desire subtle, natural-looking enhancements rather than immediate, dramatic, high-volume changes. Sculptra is gaining traction among all ages, those in their 30s to those stepping into their 40s and beyond, offering a versatile solution to address the signs of aging.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is not a filler, it is a unique product referred to as a biostimulator that functions by getting the body to produce its own collagen. Unlike traditional fillers that immediately plump up the skin, Sculptra works by gradually enhancing your skin’s natural collagen production. Made from poly-L-lactic acid, it rebuilds lost collagen and restores facial volume over time, leading to a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance – naturally.

What is poly-L-lactic acid?

Poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA, is a kind of biodegradable polymer that’s used in some cosmetic treatments like Sculptra. It’s remarkable because instead of filling in lines or adding volume right away, like most fillers, the microscopic PLLA beads each promote growth of new collagen around them. That means over a few months, you see a more youthful look naturally unfolding. Compared to traditional fillers, the effects of Sculptra are more long-lasting!

How fast does Sculptra work?

Sculptra works by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production process – and that doesn’t happen overnight. Typically, patients begin to see noticeable improvements within the first few weeks after treatment, but the full effects of collagen rebuilding can take about 4 to 6 months. This timeline can vary based on individual factors, including age, skin condition, and lifestyle. The gradual nature of the result is part of what makes Sculptra a sought-after option for those looking for natural-looking rejuvenation.

When should you get Sculptra?

Whether you’re starting to see the first hints of aging or want to restore the volume that has slowly been lost through aging or weight changes, Sculptra is a product that brings back the radiant, supple skin, no matter your age. Patients often begin in their 30s and depending on your skin quality, benefits are seen in patients in their 70s.

Can Sculptra be combined with other injectables and aesthetic treatments?

Yes! One of the great things about Sculptra is its ability to complement other aesthetic treatments. Whether you’re considering wrinkle injections, chemical peels, or microneedling, Sculptra can enhance the results of those treatments. The only caveat is that depending on the types of treatment you wish to combine with Sculptra, it may be necessary to adjust the order. Our aesthetics team will help to recommend a suitable plan. 

I’m in my 20s and 30s. Can Sculptra do anything for me?

As the saying goes, prevention is key. Starting Sculptra in your 20s or early 30s can help maintain your skin’s youthful bounce and prevent the formation of deep lines and wrinkles. By starting Sculptra early, you will be laying a strong foundation for your skin that will pay off as you age, keeping your complexion plump, fresh, and radiant.

In your 40s, 50s and beyond

As we step into our 40s and beyond, our skin’s natural collagen production significantly decreases, leading to blurring of our features, visible volume loss and more pronounced wrinkles. By stimulating collagen production, Sculptra restores facial volume, smooths out wrinkles, and brings back that youthful contour that time has diminished.

How much Sculptra will I need?

A golden rule often suggested is using one syringe of Sculptra for each decade of life. So, a patient in their 30s might start with three syringes, while someone in their 50s might consider five. This guideline helps ensure natural-looking, gradual results, but remember, personalization is key. Our aesthetic injectors will tailor the dosage to meet your specific needs and desired outcomes.

Is Sculptra safe?

Yes, Sculptra is safe and should be administered by a qualified and experienced professional. It is FDA and Health Canada approved for treating wrinkles and facial volume loss. Like any medical treatment, there can be side effects, such as swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site, but these are typically mild and temporary. Sculptra is not injected like traditional fillers so it is important that treatments be provided by an injector who has experience specifically with Sculptra.

Ready to see if Sculptra is right for you? Schedule a complimentary consultation with our aesthetic experts today and take the first step towards a smoother and more youthful complexion.

The post Restore Collagen with Sculptra: What is it, who is it good for, and when is the right time to get it? appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

In Canada, Health Canada had taken action in advance of this decision by Allergan when they announced the suspension of Allergan’s license for its BIOCELL breast implants on May 28, 2019.

The primary reason for this suspension and recall has been a recognized association between a rare type of lymphoma and textured surface medical devices. We initially wrote about Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in our blog post of December 12, 2018.

See blog post: Update on Breast Implant Safety and ALCL – Dec 2018

It is important to know that to date, due to the low risk of developing BIA-ALCL, there has been no recommendation from regulatory agencies including Health Canada and the FDA to remove or replace textured breast implants or tissue expanders in women who are asymptomatic and have a normal examination.

I would like to provide some background and share some information regarding these recent events. In Canada, most breast implants and tissue expanders have been made and distributed by two companies (Allergan and Mentor). Both companies make implants and expanders that have one of two surfaces: smooth and textured.

Why might you have a textured surface breast implant?

There are several advantages to a textured surface implant. When using a shaped (teardrop, anatomic) implant or expander, the texturing assists in holding the implant in position so that it does not rotate. In fact, all shaped implants are textured. In the past, texturing has also been felt to decrease the incidence of some of the more common complications associated with breast implants including hardening (capsular contracture) and implants shifting out of position (malposition).

The actual cause of BIA-ALCL remains unclear but one of the most accepted theories is that bacteria may find their way into the crevices or spaces within the textured surface and stimulate an inflammatory response that in a small number of patients may eventually lead to lymphoma.

What do we suggest for our patients?

Late in 2018, our office began a process of trying to contact all of our patients with textured surface breast implants to notify them of this new information, explain what patients should look out for and to suggest that they contact our office to come for a follow-up visit that would include a discussion of patient options. This approach has been helpful in allowing us to speak to and assess many of our previous patients dating back to 2002.

If you are a patient of Dr. Brown and you have not received an email from us, it may be because you have smooth surfaced implants or it may be that we were unable to find updated contact information for you.

We encourage all of our patients to contact the office so that we can confirm for you the type of implant that you have. If you have a textured surface implant we would like to assist you in arranging a follow-up visit or if not possible for you to attend in person, then it will give us an opportunity to provide you with necessary information and to answer your questions. Additionally, all women with breast implants, regardless of the type, benefit from ongoing follow-up of their medical devices and we hope that you will continue to come for complimentary annual or biannual assessments at our office.

Please contact us with any questions or to arrange an appointment.

Dr. Mitchell Brown

Links

Allergan Voluntarily Recalls BIOCELL® Textured Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders
https://www.allergan.com/news/news/thomson-reuters/allergan-voluntarily-recalls-biocell-textured-brea

Health Canada suspends Allergan’s licences for its Biocell breast implants after safety review concludes an increased risk of cancer
https://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2019/70045a-eng.php

The post Update from Dr. Brown on Breast Implant Safety and ALCL – August 2019 appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

In this video, Dr. Mitchell Brown discusses cellulite: how it is formed, whether lifestyle changes can help, and surgical treatment options, including Cellfina.

Cellfina is an FDA and Health Canada-approved treatment for cellulite that has been shown to produce results that last for at least two years. Book a consultation with Dr. Brown to determine if you are a candidate for Cellfina.

The post Dr. Brown Talks About Cellulite and Cellfina appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

BRA Day events are held in communities across Canada in October. This year’s Toronto event takes place on October 17th, 2018. Dr. Brown and the Canadian Cancer Society are also hosting a free BRA Day event at Toronto Plastic Surgery on October 24th, 2018.

During these events, leading plastic surgeons have the opportunity to provide breast reconstruction education and answer patient questions. Attendees are given the opportunity to hear patient stories and connect with women who have been through it, and in the Show & Tell Lounge, volunteers share the real-life results of their breast reconstruction.

Leading up to this year’s BRA Day event, Dr. Brown has taken the time to answer some common questions about this event and why it is so meaningful to him.

1. First, what is BRA day?

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is an initiative that promotes education, awareness and access for women considering post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Today, hundreds of educational events are held across the world on and around BRA Day, which typically occurs on the third Wednesday of October. These events bring physicians, surgeons, nurses, support staff and, especially, patients together to improve education and awareness around options for breast reconstruction.

2. Why is this event so important to you?

I am so lucky to have many great reconstructive options for breast cancer patients. Unfortunately, there are still far too many women that are never presented with these options. Education and awareness are the first steps to ensure that women with breast cancer can make the best choice about whether or not to undergo reconstruction and what type of reconstruction is best for them.

3. Dr. Brown, tell us a bit about why you founded the event.

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day was founded in 2011 to address a clear need for better access, education and awareness for options related to breast reconstruction. Over the many years of my career, I had been meeting with women who had previously undergone mastectomy and went years without knowing that breast reconstruction was even an option. To me, this was unthinkable, especially in an advanced country like Canada. The message certainly has grown and since 2011 BRA Day is now celebrated in over 30 countries worldwide.

4. Who can benefit from this event?

Breast cancer patients, their families and support networks, physicians, surgeons and other healthcare workers that look after breast cancer patients can all benefit from BRA Day events. This event will provide an overview of current options for reconstruction both in the immediate (same time as mastectomy surgery) and delayed (months or years later) settings. It will provide an opportunity to ask questions of the surgeons involved as well as from recent patients that have undergone reconstruction or even those that have chosen not to.

5. What effect have you seen the event have on attendees over the years?

Feedback from the BRA Day events has been excellent. Women frequently report having had an opportunity to be educated in an environment that is comfortable and safe. The ability for women to network with their health care professionals as well as other women who have undergone the reconstruction process is unique and incredibly beneficial. Attendance has continually increased over the years and this has stimulated educational events that are now held throughout the year.

6. What can people expect at this year’s event?

This year, in an intimate, informal setting, we will review current options for breast reconstruction, provide a list of questions for patients to consider while deciding on options for breast reconstruction and spend as much time as possible answering questions from patients and families. We have a number of excellent patients attending who will be able to share their story and answer questions first hand.

7. If someone cannot attend this year’s BRA Day event, but is interested in learning more about breast reconstruction options, what do you suggest?

Fortunately, through the efforts of BRA Day around the world, more and more resources have become available. First, there is likely another event near you that you may be able to attend. Most events are listed here. You can find excellent comprehensive information on the Toronto Plastic Surgery website, or from organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Canadian Collaboration on Breast Reconstruction. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare provider to organize a consultation with a plastic surgeon that performs reconstructive breast surgery.

The post All About BRA Day in Toronto with Dr. Brown appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.

by Katherine Lalancette

I’m shuffling down the hallway of a posh plastic surgery clinic in white socks and a paper gown, clutching the back slit so I don’t inadvertently moon anyone. Stephanie, the doctor’s assistant, directs me toward a pedestal in the photography room where I turn to face the wall, relieved I don’t have to make eye contact for this next part. She proceeds to give my behind a full-on photo shoot, capturing it from every angle and dimming the lights midway to emphasize each lump and bump.

The only thing getting me through this festival of awkwardness is a glimmer of hope I’m holding onto with the same tight grip that kept my gown closed. At the end of this humbling tunnel lies the possibility that I will be cured of that most pesky of female ailments, cellulite.

Too good to be true?

Toronto Plastic Surgery is one of only four Canadian clinics offering Cellfina, a cellulite-banishing treatment launched in the U.S. about three years ago. With the help of a tiny blade, it slices the bands that pull down on skin and create the divots known as cellulite. It requires a single hour-long procedure, involves zero downtime and smoothes dimples for at least three years.

“That’s how long the FDA trials ran, but my particular feeling is it that it should be a pretty permanent result,” says Dr. Mitchell Brown, a plastic surgeon and the clinic’s co-founder.

He first heard of Cellfina a few years ago and immediately reached out to its makers to bring it up north. For years, his patients had asked if there was anything he could do to iron out the dents that made them self-conscious at the beach or sometimes peeked through their skinny jeans.

“Everything else previously didn’t work well,” he says. “This works.”

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for all women. Cellfina treats only a very specific kind of cellulite, namely localized dips, like those of a golf ball, rather than what is charmingly called “a generalized cottage cheese appearance.” Because of this, almost 60 per cent of patients who come in wanting the treatment get turned down.

“At the end of this humbling tunnel lies the possibility that I will be cured of that most pesky of female ailments, cellulite.”

As Stephanie shows me photos of my bum in a hot pink thong (should have thought my underwear choice through), she announces that I am unfortunately of the untreatable cottage cheese variety. My hopes are as crumpled as the skin on my thighs.

Who does it actually work on?

Ann Spenceley*, on the other hand, was one of the lucky few to get the green light. She flipped through a Cellfina pamphlet one day while waiting to get another procedure in Brown’s office and was instantly intrigued. Following a consultation shortly after, she decided to take the $4,500 plunge toward smoothness.

“I’m 54 years old and have probably had cellulite for 40 years, just like my mom,” Spenceley says. “I work out avidly five days a week. You know when they say in Pilates ‘What area do you want to work?’ I’m always the one who says ‘glutes!’ I eat extremely well. I’ve had the same body weight most of my life, and I’ve never found anything made a difference. It was still always there and always embarrassing in a swimsuit.”

The morning after the procedure, Spenceley gingerly rolled down the compression shorts she was instructed to wear overnight and was amazed to find the dimples already seemed lifted. Her bum was bruised for about two weeks and she had some trouble driving, likening the pain to “a very bad sunburn,” but says she’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

“All those years tugging my swimsuit bottoms down to hide the cellulite…I don’t think I’ll be doing that this summer,” she says. “I wish I could have done this earlier.”

What about the rest of us?

The figures vary, but most studies estimate between 89 and 98 per cent of women will have cellulite at some point in their life, a fact attributable to the way fat attaches to our muscles, says Brown. So what can my cottage cheese sisters and I do about it?

“Other solutions that I believe as a clinician are worth the money and are likely to work? None,” declares the doctor. “It’s like asking for a solution for stretch marks. We haven’t figured that out yet.”

Perhaps sensing my despair, he offers up some reassurance. “Genetics and the way we’re made are what make us unique. We’ve figured out so far how to change certain things and not others. Five years ago, Cellfina didn’t exist, so we have to hope that five years from now, someone will come up with a good idea that will treat other types of cellulite.”

Until then, every time I feel that urge to tug on my bikini, I’ll try to remember I’m far from alone in this predicament. And since there’s nothing to be done, there really is no use obsessing about it. Here’s to enjoying the summer, dimples and all.

*Name has been changed

Original publication: https://thekit.ca/beauty/body/get-rid-of-cellulite/

The post Can You Really Get Rid of Cellulite with Cellfina? Dr. Brown Says Yes appeared first on Toronto Plastic Surgery.