RESHAPE
Avéli™ Cellulite Treatment
Smoother Skin, Lasting Results: The Avéli™ Difference
Summary: Avéli is a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared procedure that releases the fibrous bands beneath the skin responsible for cellulite dimples, on the buttocks and thighs, in a single treatment session performed under local anesthesia. Clinical data show results last for multiple years.
Cellulite Isn’t a Surface Problem, So Surface Treatments Will Always Fall Short
Beneath the skin of your thighs and buttocks, a network of fibrous bands, called septa, connects the dermis to the deeper tissue layers below. In women, these bands tend to run vertically, pulling the skin downward like tethers while fat pushes outward against them. The result is the characteristic dimpling pattern that no amount of exercise, nutrition, or topical product can undo, because none of those approaches reach the structure causing it. Lasting improvement requires releasing those bands with accuracy, at the exact points responsible for each individual dimple.
For years, the primary options for cellulite were energy-based devices, acoustic wave therapy, and topical formulations, all working at or near the skin surface to soften the appearance of dimpling by stimulating collagen, dispersing fluid, or temporarily tightening skin. These approaches are well-studied, widely used, and genuinely produce improvements for many patients. Subcision, the technique of mechanically cutting fibrous bands beneath the skin, has been performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for decades and has consistently demonstrated better durability than surface-level approaches in head-to-head comparisons. The results are real, and the science is well-established.
Subcision, however, has historically been performed without a way to confirm, in real time, that each band released was the specific band responsible for each dimple, and at Bucky Body Center, Dr. Bucky and clinical providers do not perform a technique that relies on approximation when one built on verifiable precision now exists.
Avéli is an FDA-cleared device that performs Targeted Verifiable Subcision, a method in which each fibrous band is individually tested and confirmed as the structural cause of a specific dimple before it is released, in a single outpatient session under local anesthesia. It addresses the same root anatomy that has always driven cellulite, the vertically oriented septa tethering your skin downward, but with a level of intraoperative confirmation that conventional subcision does not provide. The CONFFIRM pivotal trial demonstrated that a single treatment produced meaningful, measurable improvement in cellulite severity at three, six, and twelve months, with durable efficacy confirmed out to 12 months in the multicenter pivotal study. Not a rebranded version of what came before. A structural distinction grounded in outcomes.
Despite exercise, a healthy diet, and a healthy BMI, many people struggle with areas of cellulite on the buttocks and thighs. At Bucky Body Center, serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding communities, we know how frustrating this can be, and we’re proud to offer Avéli for patients who are ready to address cellulite where it actually begins.
What Is Avéli?
The puckered or “cottage cheese” appearance of cellulite is formed when the fibrous bands that connect the skin to muscle tighten irregularly and pull down on the skin while the layer of fat below the skin is pushed upward. Avéli works by allowing the provider to identify and target these fibrous bands and release them from the surrounding tissues in real-time leaving behind smoother skin with no dimples.
This advanced and effective treatment is performed in just one, in-office procedure that can take less than an hour, depending on how many areas are treated. While visibly smoother skin can be seen quickly after initial swelling subsides, most women see final results at approximately three months following treatment.
Benefits of Avéli Cellulite Treatment
Many patients love Avéli cellulite treatment because it can:
Is a minimally invasive treatment option for cellulite reduction
Requires little to no downtime
Reduce the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks and thighs
Smooth the skin in treated areas
Offer long-lasting results
Why Cellulite Doesn’t Respond to Diet and Exercise
Cellulite isn’t a fat problem, it’s a structural one. Beneath the surface of the skin,fibrous bands called septa connect the dermis to deeper tissue layers. In women, these bands tend to run vertically, like tethers pulling the skin downward. When fat pushes outward against those tethers, the skin buckles, creating the characteristic dimpling pattern of cellulite.
This architecture is why losing weight often doesn’t eliminate cellulite and can sometimes make dimples more visible. It’s also why creams, massages, and even some energy-based devices produce only modest, short-lived improvements.Treatments that directly target and release these structural bands produce more consistent, lasting results compared to approaches that only address the surrounding fat or skin.
Avéli goes directly to the source.
The Three Types of Cellulite
Not all cellulite looks or behaves the same way. Understanding the type can help set appropriate expectations for treatment.
Type | Appearance | Characteristics |
Grade 1 (Mild) | Smooth at rest; visible only when skin is pinched | Subtle dimpling, early structural changes |
Grade 2 (Moderate) | Dimpling visible in standing position | More pronounced bands, visible at rest |
Grade 3 (Severe) | Dimpling visible standing and lying down | Deep depressions, significant septal involvement |
Avéli is clinically studied and FDA-cleared for moderate to severe cellulite on the buttocks and thighs. During your consultation, our clinical provider will assess your specific presentation and help determine whether Avéli is the right fit.
Candidates For Avéli Cellulite Treatment
Good candidates for Avéli are individuals with specific concerns about cellulite in the buttocks and/or thigh regions. It’s important that patients understand that Avéli is specifically intended to treat cellulite, and not skin laxity or localized adipose tissue or the bulges and/or pockets of fat that can be found in the thighs and/or buttocks. However, while Avéli does not treat skin laxity or fat deposits, it is complementary with treatments that do treat those common concerns such as microsuction, BodyTite, or AccuTite, which are offered and often performed in tandem with Aveli for total body rejuvenation.
Preparing For Avéli
In general, there is no preparation required for Avéli. During your consultation, your nurse or clinician will review all pre-treatment instructions which can include medications and supplements to avoid before and after treatment as well as additional medications and supplements to aid with recovery.
Avéli Recovery
Directly following the procedure, each patient is given instructions to follow that may include the following:
- Plan to have a friend or family member drive you home
- You can shower the day after your procedure, but bandages should remain on incisions for at least 48 hrs following
- Avoid exercise or strenuous activity for one to two weeks following the procedure and return to activity progressively, at a rate that feels normal to you. Always remember: If it hurts, don’t do it.
- We will provide compression garments to wear during the recovery – your provider will detail how long you should wear these for based on the area treated for optimal results.
Avéli Results
Avéli shows results on all types of cellulite—soft cellulite, hard cellulite, and edematous cellulite—and visibly reduces the appearance of cellulite in the buttocks and thighs with full results seen three months post-procedure.
In the pivotal multicenter clinical trial, a single Avéli treatment demonstrated durable efficacy and safety out to 12 months. The mean improvement in cellulite severity scores was approximately 1.5 points at three, six, and twelve months, and 73.8% of patients maintained meaningful improvement at the one-year mark. Because the fibrous bands causing dimples are physically severed, not dissolved or temporarily disrupted, results are expected to be long-lasting.
Why Dr. Bucky and Bucky Body Center — and Why It Matters
Avéli requires precision, an intimate understanding of subcutaneous anatomy, and surgical judgment. That’s where Dr. Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS and his team of highly-qualified Physician Assistants bring a depth of training that is uniquely relevant.
- Medical degree from Harvard Medical School
- Residencies in general and plastic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital
- Fellowship in Breast Cancer Reconstruction at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery, Miami Children’s Hospital
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (certified since 1997)
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Clinical Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
- Over 100 published research articles in plastic surgery
- Recognized yearly as a Top Doctor by Philadelphia Magazine since 1999
- Named “America’s Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly
- Former President, Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Former Chairman, Allergan Breast Aesthetics Executive Council
At Bucky Body Center, Dr. Bucky brings this depth of training and surgical experience directly to body treatments like Avéli, ensuring that every step, from marking to releasing, is performed with the precision the procedure demands.
Explore
PACKAGES
Our experts at Bucky Body Center have designed goal-oriented packages that target specific body goals and include full-body fitness programs, non-invasive body shaping, recovery, relaxation, and postpartum plans.
- Non-surgical Modern Mommy Makeover
- GolfFit Performance Program
- Evolve PLUS
- CoolSculpting PLUS
- Functional Training & Core Fusion Training Packages
- EmpowerRF For Women’s Wellness
FAQs About Avéli Cellulite Treatment
- Is any downtime required after Avéli? For most individuals, there is very little downtime necessary. In fact, most return to normal activities in 24-48 hours.
- How soon can I start exercising after Avéli? We recommend avoiding strenuous activities for at least two weeks following Avéli cellulite treatment to allow the area to fully heal.
- Does Avéli have any side effects? The most common side effects are mild pain lasting up to 24 hours as well as tenderness to the touch accompanied by bruising which subsides within approximately 30 days. Firmness to the touch in small areas, that is not painful or visible, can occur by typically resolves on its own over several months.
- How soon will my cellulite improve after my Avéli treatment? You can expect to see results in the form of skin smoothing almost immediately following Avéli, once the initial bruising and swelling subsides. Full results are generally visible one to three months post-procedure.
- How Many Avéli Treatments Will I Need? Avéli is designed as a single-session treatment. Clinical studies demonstrating lasting results were based on one procedure. In most cases, one session is sufficient. If you develop new dimples over time due to aging or other factors, additional treatment could be considered, but retreatment is not routinely expected.
- How Is Avéli Different from Other Cellulite Treatments? Most non-surgical cellulite treatments, including radiofrequency, ultrasound, and topicals, work on the surface layers of skin or attempt to dissolve fat. They don’t directly address the fibrous bands causing dimples, which is why their results are often modest and short-lived. Avéli physically severs the bands responsible for each specific dimple and confirms the release before moving on. This targeted, structural approach is why results tend to be more pronounced and longer-lasting.
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Can Avéli Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes. Because Avéli addresses only the fibrous bands responsible for dimpling, it pairs well with treatments that target the surrounding concerns. Procedures likemicrosuction, BodyTite™, or AccuTite™ are commonly performed alongside Avéli when patients want to address skin laxity or unwanted fat in the same area. Dr. Bucky will help you determine the right combination and sequencing based on your goals.
- Will Cellulite Come Back After Avéli? The fibrous bands that are physically released don’t regenerate. The dimples treated by Avéli are expected to remain improved long-term. New dimples can develop over time due to aging or significant weight changes, but the treated dimples themselves should not return.
Source Index
- Kaminer MS, Weiss RA, Newman J, et al. Durable efficacy and safety of targeted verifiable subcision for treating cellulite: 12-month results of a multicenter pivotal trial. Aesthet Surg J. 2023;43(4):432-443.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10053649/
- Kaminer MS, Weiss RA, Newman J, et al. A pivotal clinical trial of targeted verifiable subcision for the treatment of cellulite (CONFFIRM): primary results at 3 months. Aesthet Surg J. 2023;43(1):94-104.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9897188/
- Hexsel D, Dal’Forno T, Hexsel C, et al. Insights into the pathophysiology of cellulite: a narrative review. Int J Dermatol. 2021;60(3):264-270.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7515470/
- Kaminer MS, Weiss RA, Newman J, et al. Targeted verifiable subcision for the treatment of cellulite: 12-month final results. Aesthet Surg J. 2023;43(4):455-466.https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/43/4/455/6815706
- Hexsel D, Soirefmann M. Cosmeceuticals for cellulite. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2011;30(3):167-170.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6374708/
- Kaminer MS, Weiss RA, Newman J, et al. Targeted verifiable subcision: an open-label multicenter feasibility study for the treatment of cellulite. Aesthet Surg J. 2022;42(10):1181-1190.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9342681/