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It seems like every day there is a new “magical cure” on the market for cellulite. Unfortunately, none of them actually seem to work –, especially in the long-term. This is because they only address the outer appearance of cellulite and not the root cause of it. Cellulaze, on the other hand, is different. Cellulaze fights the actual underlying structure of cellulite and delivers long-lasting results.
About Cellulaze
If you are like so many other women and have tried the myriad creams and potions that promise to relieve you of those lumpy, bumpy areas that drive you crazy and have been disappointed with the results, the answer to your problem has arrived: Cellulaze. Finally, an FDA approved, minimally invasive treatment for cellulite has been clinically proven to last for years. This minimally invasive, in-office laser procedure works by attacking the problem at its core. Plus, it is created by Cynosure, the same company that’s produced other powerful products.
How Cellulaze it Works
Cellulite is caused by enlarged fat pockets just beneath the skin that is bound in position by cords of connective tissue, much in the same way a couch is “tufted.” This becomes even worse with age as the skin begins to thin. To smooth these areas, the fibrous bands must be released and the bulging fat reduced. Cellulaze does just this, using a patented side-firing laser light fiber the size of a pencil lead. This fiber is inserted just beneath the skin after it is made numb and is guided to the area with cellulite. The doctor heats the fat, causing it to shrink where needed in the raised problem areas, allowing the overall contour of the skin to be flatter. Then, the laser will break the cords of connective tissue, counteracting the “cottage cheese” appearance of the skin. Finally, the skin itself is treated from below to promote collagen production, which thickens the skin and promotes elasticity for a smoother, younger appearance. Best of all: just one treatment can produce incredible results!
This surgical therapy is newly available and requires special training. Dr. Richards, Dr. Magge, and Dr. Jabs are all trained and offer this treatment in the comfort of our office using the latest Cellulaze equipment.
Benefits of Cellulaze
Cynosure is an FDA approved, a minimally invasive laser procedure that can tighten skin and break up bands of connective tissue underneath the skin.
It is a breakthrough in cosmetic enhancement, providing effective treatment for the appearance of cellulite Some of the other many benefits of Cellulaze include:
- Melts Fat: Cellulaze uses a unique SideLaze3D laser fiber that is positioned to specifically target pockets of herniated fat.
- Targets Fibrous Bands: The SideLaze3D laser fiber then reorients in order to target the cords of connective tissue that are binding the fat and skin, causing the appearance of cellulite.
- Tightens Skin: Thermal energy stimulates collagen production to help thicken the skin and improve elasticity.
- Local anesthesia: Local anesthesia keeps the patient comfortable, while also decreasing cost and downtime often associated with body contouring procedures.
- Short Recovery: Patients are typically free to return to their routine after just 1-2 days of rest.
- Little to No Scarring: The procedure is minimally invasive, which means that the incisions are very small and will be placed discreetly.
- Fast Results: Patients can enjoy long-lasting results, sometimes within just a few weeks, after just one treatment. Plus results can continue to improve up to one year.
Ideal Candidates
Good candidates for Cellulaze are patients who are at healthy and stable body weight but have mild to moderate cellulite depressions. It works best for patients who possess cellulite on their thighs, buttocks, and hips. However, patients with cellulite on other parts of their body may also be considered.
Good candidates for Cellulaze are patients who are at a healthy and stable body weight but have mild to moderate cellulite depressions. It works best for patients who possess cellulite on their thighs, buttocks, and hips. However, patients with cellulite on other parts of their body may also be considered.
In general, the majority of patients would be good candidates for Cellulaze, assuming they are in good health and have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure. However, some patients will experience better results than others. Patients should have some elasticity remaining in their skin, allowing the skin to tighten and contract to a firmer shape. This means that older patients with poor skin elasticity may not be as well suited for Cellulaze and may want to consider an alternative procedure, such as thigh lift.
By scheduling a consultation with one of our doctors, Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge, we can help determine the best procedure for your body and goals.
Preparation
Since Cellulaze is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, it requires relatively little preparation. However, this does not mean that it is not a serious procedure and it should be performed by a doctor trained in Cellulaze.
We ask that patients also take the procedure seriously and prepare for their Cellulaze treatment in the following ways (additional custom preparation instructions may also be provided):
- If the patient smokes, then they will be asked to quit at least two weeks before their treatment. They will also have to continue to not smoke for two weeks minimum following the treatment. Smoking can negatively impact results.
- Stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements that can increase bleeding in the weeks leading up to the treatment.
- Patients may be asked to alter medications that they currently take.
Procedure & Recovery
The Cellulaze procedure is performed using local anesthesia and typically takes about 1-3 hours, depending on the treatment size.
First, the doctor will begin by making a small discreet incision, approximately the size of a pen point, at the treatment site. After the area has been numbed, a thin cannula containing laser fiber will be threaded through the small incision. The doctor will maneuver this cannula around the affected area to shrink the fat and break down connective fibrous bands, creating a smoother appearance. As the fat cells continue to shrink and collagen is produced, the skin will continue to smoothen the appearance cellulite will improve over the course of a few weeks to a year.
Following the procedure, the doctor will bandage the incisions and wrap the areas as appropriate. It is recommended that the patient ask a responsible adult to pick them up following the treatment and drive them home.
Cellulaze Recovery
Patients should plan on taking approximately 1-2 days off from work in order to recuperate. For this reason, many patients often request to have it performed at the end of the week so that they have the weekend to recover and do not need to take time off from work.
Following treatment, patients may experience some swelling and bruises around the treatment site. This is normal and should resolve itself in a timely manner.
In order to help keep bruising and swelling to a minimum, patients will be provided with a compression garment to wrap the area. This will also help improve contour.
Patients may be asked to wear this garment for a couple of weeks to help ensure long-lasting results. However, it can easily be hidden under clothing. Any discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter medication.
Even though the recovery period is short, it is still an important period in order to achieve optimal results. Here are a few more recovery tips that should be followed to get the most out of the treatment:
- Patients are free to return to work after 1-2 days. However, strenuous work or exercise is not recommended for a week or more following treatment. Light work and easy exercise should be performed until the body feels back to full strength.
- Stretching and light exercise can help speed up recovery and improve results. It is important to have a stable diet and exercise routine.
- Feel free to contact our offices at any time regarding questions during the recovery period and in the long-term about the treatment.
Consultation
A consultation at our Bethesda, MD office with Dr. Richards, Dr. Magge, or Dr. Jabs is necessary prior to scheduling treatment. The consultation is key in order to ensure that the patient has realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure and that their goals can be achieved.
During the consultation, one of our three certifiably trained Cellulaze doctors will meet with the patient personally. During this time, the doctor will discuss the patient’s concerns and goals. They will also analyze their areas of cellulite to determine whether or not they would benefit from the procedure.
If the patient does not have enough elasticity in their skin, then the doctors may recommend an alternative procedure that is designed to help with poor elasticity and sagging skin, such as a thigh lift. The patient may also benefit from liposuction. All of these options may be discussed at the time of the consultation. Please feel free to come with any questions about other treatments we offer.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Liposuction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure incorporated with many body contouring surgeries. Using various advanced techniques and medical technologies, stubborn fat can be eliminated from almost any area, including the stomach, thighs, back, and hips.
Thigh Lift
The thigh lift creates more toned, slimmer thighs and reduces painful chaffing, offering many benefits to patients with excess skin and fat. This procedure can be combined with other body contouring procedures to address signs of aging or bodily changes after significant weight loss.
Non-Surgical Brazilian Butt Lift
Pairing perfectly with Cellulaze, the non-surgical BBL uses fillers like Sculptra or Radiesse to add volume and lift for a smooth, contoured silhouette—all with minimal downtime.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
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