Almost every woman knows the frustration of cellulite — those stubborn dimples and depressions that appear on thighs and buttocks regardless of diet or exercise habits. While many treatments promise impressive results (looking at you, anti-cellulite creams, body wraps and vacuum cups), few deliver lasting improvements. Enter Avéli, a minimally invasive procedure that's changing how we approach cellulite reduction — and yes, it actually works. Here’s why.

First: What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a fact of life. It affects upwards of 90% of women regardless of weight or fitness level, appearing most commonly on the hips, thighs and buttocks. Despite its prevalence, there are many misconceptions about what causes these characteristic dimples and depressions. 

The truth is that cellulite has little to nothing to do with your weight. It develops when fibrous connective cords called septa pull down on the skin, creating an uneven surface. At the same time, compartments of fat cells push up against the skin, causing the appearance of cellulite. 

Losing weight can help improve the appearance of cellulite to some extent, but several factors contribute to its development, including aging, genetics and hormones. As we get older, our skin naturally loses its youthful elasticity, making cellulite more pronounced. Hormonal changes, particularly those involving estrogen, can also increase its visibility.

Why Traditional Cellulite Treatments Fall Short

For decades, women have tried countless methods to reduce cellulite — from topical creams and massage techniques to radiofrequency treatments and laser therapy. While some provide temporary improvement, the results are often minimal and short-lived.

Many treatments target only the superficial components of cellulite without addressing the primary cause: those fibrous bands pulling down on the skin. This structural issue is why even women who are physically fit and maintain a healthy weight still often experience cellulite.

Things that don't target the structural foundation of cellulite simply cannot deliver significant improvements, leaving many women feeling frustrated after investing time and money in countless ineffective treatments and over-the-counter products with nothing to show for it.

The Avéli Difference

Avéli is different from other cellulite treatments because it directly targets the actual cause of cellulite: the septa bands that pull down on the skin. This FDA-cleared device is designed to identify and release the bands causing each dimple, providing precise and long-lasting results.

It works by inserting a thin probe with a retractable, hook-like blade beneath the skin through small entry points. The device is then used to locate the bands causing cellulite dimples and release them, relieving tension on the skin. Afterward, the device is used to confirm the release of the fibrous bands in real time, allowing for an incredibly precise and effective treatment.

Avéli joins a number of other septa-targeting devices like Cellfina, Cellulaze and VelaShape, but provides better results with less bruising and trauma to the surrounding skin. It also eliminates the guesswork common with other treatments, leading to more predictable outcomes. 

What is the Avéli Treatment Process Like?

The Avéli treatment experience at Simple Aesthetics is relatively straightforward. The procedure begins with the application of a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout. Your provider then inserts the Avéli device through a small entry point, its slim profile allowing it to glide smoothly beneath the skin. As each band is released, your provider receives real-time confirmation that the treatment is working.

Treatment times vary depending on the size of the number of dimples being addressed, but most sessions last between 30 minutes to an hour. The precision-guided approach means minimal trauma to surrounding tissues and a quick recovery with little downtime. 

Could Avéli Work for Me?

Avéli is ideal for people with cellulite in the hips, thighs and buttocks. Because it releases the septa bands pulling down on the skin, it works best for dimples rather than a wavy or rolling texture, which is caused by pockets of fat and (in some cases) loose skin. 

If you’re frustrated by stubborn cellulite and want to restore your skin’s smoothness, this treatment may be right for you if:

• You’re tired of creams, wraps and other cellulite treatments that don’t work
• Your weight is healthy and stable
• You have dimpled cellulite (instead of rolling or wavy areas of fat)
• Your skin is firm and tight, as skin laxity can be mistaken for cellulite
• You want lasting results after a single treatment 
• You have realistic goals and expectations

During your consultation at Simple Aesthetics, our experienced team will evaluate your needs, concerns and treatment goals to determine if Avéli is right for you. 

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

Avéli is typically considered a one-and-done treatment, designed to achieve significant cellulite reduction after a single session. Studies show that most patients (80%) saw a substantial improvement in cellulite three months after treatment. Shallow dimples may disappear completely, while deeper divots will likely be improved but not eliminated. The skin has some memory, so much like when you sever the threads of a quilt, some texture may remain. 

The results of your procedure will be immediately visible but continue to improve as potential side effects like bruising and swelling subside. You can expect to enjoy smoother, dimple-free skin within a month of treatment. Avéli is FDA-cleared for the long-term reduction of cellulite, so you’ll be able to maintain your results for several years when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

What About Side Effects? Downtime?

Avéli is minimally invasive and highly precise, so it is associated with few complications or side effects. The most common side effects after treatment are mild pain, bruising and swelling in treated areas. Mild pain tends to resolve within 24 hours, while bruising and swelling subside gradually over the next 30 days. To minimize these side effects and ensure the best results, we’ll ask you to wear a compression garment for up to two weeks following treatment.

Most patients can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours. It's recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days or weeks after your procedure to allow for healing, but other than that, Avéli comes with no post-treatment restrictions or specific downtime. It’s also associated with little to no scarring — the entry points used are very small, and the mark left behind is often compared to what remains after a pimple heals. These will fade gradually over time and become barely noticeable, especially with proper sun protection and skincare.

Take the First Step Toward Smoother Skin

Cellulite is a part of life, but you can achieve smoother skin with Avéli, a minimally invasive treatment option that doesn’t just mask unwanted dimples — it targets their underlying cause for lasting results. If you're tired of covering up or feeling self-conscious about cellulite, this may be the solution you've been waiting for. Contact Simple Aesthetics today at 305-902-3432 to schedule your consultation and learn if this breakthrough treatment is right for you.