A Multicenter, Retrospective Evaluation of Tissue Stabilized-Guided Subcision in the Management of Cellulite

Abstract

Background The first FDA-cleared, long-lasting, minimally invasive device for improving the appearance of cellulite was recently launched in Canada as a novel, tissue stabilized–guided subcision (TS-GS) system (Cellfina, Merz North America, Inc., Raleigh, NC). Clinicians from 2 of the first Canadian sites offering this procedure were interested in evaluating treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction after its first year on the market. Objectives The authors sought to evaluate the efficacy of TS-GS and the level of patient satisfaction associated with the procedure. Methods Medical charts of female patients treated with the TS-GS system in 2017 were retrospectively analyzed at 2 Canadian centers. Measurements at baseline and 3 months posttreatment were assessed for patient satisfaction and physician-rated efficacy. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a 5-point Likert-type scale, and efficacy was evaluated through physician review of 2-deminsional and 3-dimensional photography, the Nürnberger-Müller Scale for cellulite, and the Global Assessment of Improvement Scale. Results We reviewed 25 patient charts. At month 3, 95.6% of patients were satisfied with treatment results and physician evaluations revealed that on average, patients displayed a 1-point improvement in their cellulite grades. Moreover, Global Assessment of Improvement Scale scores indicated that all patients had visible improvement in the global appearance of cellulite. No serious adverse events were observed within 3 months postprocedure. Conclusions The physician ratings, patient satisfaction, and photographic evidence support the efficacy of the TS-GS system to manage grades 1 to 3 cellulite in women’s thighs and buttocks. These findings indicate the safety of the TS-GS system. Level of Evidence: 4

A Study of a Novel Controlled Focal Septa Release Method for Improving Cellulite

“…Subcision is a minor surgical procedure that has been used to treat cellulite for many years. 14 Subcision can also improve the appearance of cellulite by releasing the dermis from underlying fibrous septa 15 and is usually performed by advancing a triangular needle into the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer to disrupt the fibrous septa; however, this method does not permit targeting the specific septa causing cellulite depressions. Another disadvantage of existing subcision techniques include the need for multiple needle insertions for treating multiple depressions, increasing the likelihood of adverse events, such as pain, numbness, nodules, hyperpigmentation, seroma, and skin irregularities.…”

The Anatomical Basis of Cellulite Dimple Formation: An Ultrasound-Based Examination

“…12,13 Several proposed treatments, especially minimally invasive options, have been used with limited success likely because of the uncertainty regarding the underlying anatomical structural causes of cellulite. 14 Despite this gap in knowledge, various treatment options continue to be used with varying efficacy because of the lack of comprehensive data regarding patient-specific anatomy and cellulite morphology. 13 This study aimed to demonstrate the use of ultrasound as a reliable, point-of-care tool for the anatomical analysis of cellulite to aid in the understanding of its subcutaneous composition, which can be used to further the development and evaluation of treatment options.…”

Subcision™ plus poly‐l‐lactic acid for the treatment of cellulite associated to flaccidity in the buttocks and thighs

“…Cellfina™ (Merz North America, Inc, Raleigh, NC) is a novel tissue stabilized–guided subcision (TS‐GS™) system, recently approved by the FDA, which can be used to treat deep cellulite depressions. Similar to regular Subcision™, it treats the primary structural cause of cellulite (ie, the fibrous connective septa which retain the skin), while also allowing standardization of the procedure …”