Avéli Cellulite Treatment - Fibrous Band Release, Dimple Reduction, Benefits, Cost, Recovery, Risks

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Why Aveli Works When Other Treatments Fail

Addresses the Root Cause

Unlike creams, lasers, or massage, Aveli releases the fibrous bands that actually cause cellulite dimpling. This is a structural solution to a structural problem.

Real-Time Visualization

The Aveli device allows Dr. Neavin to see and feel each fibrous band before releasing it, ensuring precise treatment of the dimples that bother you most.

Single Treatment, Lasting Results

One treatment session produces visible improvement. Results are long-lasting because the released bands do not reform.

Minimal Downtime

Performed under local anesthesia with patients awake. Most return to normal activities within 1-3 days, though bruising may persist for 1-2 weeks.

Expected Results

Aveli produces visible improvement in cellulite dimpling that becomes apparent as bruising and swelling resolve. Results are long-lasting because the structural cause of the dimpling has been addressed. However, realistic expectations are essential.

Visible Reduction in Dimpling

Most patients see noticeable improvement in the treated dimples. The skin appears smoother where bands have been released. Results become more apparent over the first few weeks as swelling subsides.

Long-Lasting Improvement

Because Aveli physically releases the fibrous bands causing dimples, results are durable. The released bands do not grow back. However, new cellulite can form in untreated areas over time.

Not a Complete Cure

It's important to understand that no treatment completely eliminates all cellulite. Aveli significantly improves the appearance of treated dimples, but expecting perfection leads to disappointment. The goal is improvement, not flawless skin.

Real Patient Results

Browse our extensive gallery to see the natural, symmetrical results Dr. Neavin achieves.

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Patient Stories

5-Star Experiences

“

I tried everything for my cellulite over the years, including expensive creams and spa treatments. Aveli was the first thing that actually made a visible difference. I wish I had known about it sooner.

— RealSelf Review

"Dr. Neavin was refreshingly honest about what I could expect. He didn't promise miracles but delivered real improvement. My thighs look smoother and I feel more confident in shorts."

— RealSelf Review

Understanding Cellulite and Treatment Options

Before investing in any cellulite treatment, it's important to understand what causes cellulite and why most treatments fail. Dr. Neavin believes educated patients make better decisions and have more realistic expectations.

What Actually Causes Cellulite

Cellulite is not simply excess fat. It’s caused by fibrous connective tissue bands (septae) that connect the skin to underlying structures. When fat pushes against these bands, the characteristic dimpling appears.

This is why cellulite affects fit, thin women as well as those carrying extra weight. Genetics, hormones (particularly estrogen), and aging all influence cellulite development. The condition is found in over 80% of post-pubertal women and is best understood as a normal physiological variation rather than a defect.

Why Most Treatments Don't Work

Creams and lotions cannot reach or affect the fibrous bands beneath the skin. Massage and suction devices produce temporary effects at best. Radiofrequency and laser devices that target fat may actually worsen cellulite by reducing the fat that provides smooth contour.

Treatments that don’t address the fibrous bands responsible for dimpling cannot produce meaningful, lasting improvement. This is why so many women have spent thousands on cellulite treatments with disappointing results.

How Aveli Works

Aveli is a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared device that mechanically releases the fibrous bands causing cellulite dimples. During the procedure, Dr. Neavin inserts a small handheld device under the skin through a tiny incision.

The device has a light that allows visualization of the bands and a blade that precisely cuts them. Each band is identified, verified, and released one by one. Patients are awake during the procedure and can see and feel the immediate release of each dimple.

Aveli vs. Other "Advanced" Treatments

You may have heard of treatments like Cellfina, QWO, or various laser/RF devices. Cellfina uses a similar approach to Aveli (releasing bands) but with a different mechanism. QWO was an injectable that dissolved bands but has been discontinued. Laser and RF devices primarily target fat and produce limited cellulite improvement.

Aveli’s advantage is real-time visualization and verification of band release, allowing precise treatment of the specific dimples that bother you most. Dr. Neavin can discuss all options during your consultation.

Patient Profile

Candidates

Ideal Candidates

Have cellulite dimples on the thighs or buttocks that bother them
Are at or near their goal weight
Have good skin elasticity
Understand that Aveli treats dimpling, not skin laxity or excess fat
Have realistic expectations about outcomes
Are in good overall health
Are non-smokers

Not Ideal Candidates

Have primarily loose skin rather than cellulite dimpling (may need skin tightening)
Have significant excess fat in the treatment area (may benefit from liposuction first)
Expect complete elimination of all cellulite (improvement, not perfection)
Are significantly overweight (should reach stable weight first)
Have unrealistic expectations about what any cellulite treatment can achieve

Estimated Investment

$4,000 - $8,000

Cellulite treatment cost depends on the size of the treatment area and number of dimples addressed. Treating a smaller area like the back of the thighs will cost less than treating the entire thigh and buttock region. The investment includes the procedure itself, local anesthesia, all follow-up appointments, and any recommended touch-up treatments if needed. Cellulite treatment is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. Financing options are available through CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending. When considering cost, it's worth reflecting on how much you may have already spent on ineffective treatments like creams, spa services, or devices that promised cellulite reduction but didn't deliver. Aveli represents a one-time investment in a treatment that addresses the actual cause of cellulite.

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The Truth About Cellulite

Stop Blaming Yourself

Cellulite is not your fault. It's not caused by being overweight, eating poorly, or failing to exercise enough. While these factors can influence the appearance of cellulite, the underlying cause is structural and largely genetic. Hormones, particularly estrogen, play a significant role, which explains why cellulite is found in over 80% of women regardless of their fitness level. Thin, athletic women get cellulite. Models get cellulite. Even women who "do everything right" get cellulite. If you have cellulite, it's because of your anatomy and genetics, not your lifestyle choices. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations: lifestyle changes may help somewhat, but they cannot eliminate a structural issue.

Surgery Day Journey

Arrival and Preparation

You'll arrive at our Beverly Hills office and change into comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area. The treatment areas are marked while you're standing so Dr. Neavin can identify the specific dimples to address.

Local Anesthesia

Aveli is performed under local anesthesia only. You'll be completely awake during the procedure. The treatment area is numbed with injections, which cause brief stinging before the area becomes numb. No sedation or general anesthesia is required.

The Procedure

Dr. Neavin makes small incisions (only a few millimeters) and inserts the Aveli device. Each fibrous band is identified using the device's light, then cut to release the dimple. You can actually feel the release of each band. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes depending on the treatment area size.

The Artisan Promise

Comprehensive
Aftercare Support

Aveli recovery is straightforward, but following aftercare instructions helps optimize results and minimize bruising.

Compression Garments

Wear the provided compression garment as directed, typically for 1-2 weeks. Compression helps minimize swelling and supports the treated tissues during healing.

Activity Guidelines

Light activities can resume immediately. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that stress the treated area for about one week. Walking is encouraged. Listen to your body and gradually increase activity as you feel comfortable.

Managing Bruising and Discomfort

Bruising is expected and normal. Arnica supplements or topical arnica may help bruises resolve faster. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually sufficient for any discomfort. Avoid blood thinners (including aspirin) before and after the procedure as directed.

Healing Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but this timeline offers a general guide for your return to daily life.

Days 1-3: Initial Recovery

You can return to most normal activities immediately or within 1-3 days. Expect soreness similar to muscle fatigue after a workout. Bruising will be visible and may be significant in some areas. Wear compression garments as directed. Avoid strenuous exercise.

Days 4-14: Healing Continues

Bruising begins to fade, changing from purple to yellow/green before resolving. Soreness improves daily. Most patients feel comfortable returning to all normal activities by the end of the first week. Light exercise can typically resume around day 7.

Weeks 2-4: Early Results Visible

As bruising and swelling resolve, you'll begin to see the smoother contour where bands were released. Some patients see results earlier, others later. Full exercise can resume. The treated area may still feel slightly different to the touch.

Months 1-3: Final Results

Results continue to improve as all swelling resolves and tissues settle. By 3 months, you'll see your final outcome. Results are long-lasting because the released bands do not reform.

Safety &
Potential Risks

Aveli is a minimally invasive procedure with a favorable safety profile. However, all medical procedures carry some risk. Dr. Neavin discusses potential complications during consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Important Considerations

Bruising: Expected after the procedure and typically resolves within 1-2 weeks. Some patients experience significant bruising that takes longer to fade.
Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling is normal and resolves over several days to weeks.
Soreness: The treated area will feel tender for several days, similar to muscle soreness after exercise.
Temporary Numbness: Some patients experience temporary altered sensation in treated areas that typically resolves within weeks to months.
Nodules or Lumps: Small lumps may be felt under the skin during healing and typically resolve on their own.
Asymmetry: Results may vary between treated areas. Touch-up treatments are occasionally needed.
Incomplete Improvement: While most patients see significant improvement, results vary. Some dimples may be more stubborn than others.
Infection: Rare with proper technique and aftercare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't diet and exercise get rid of cellulite?

Because cellulite is not a fat problem. It's caused by fibrous bands that tether the skin to underlying tissue. Fat pushes against these bands creating the dimpled appearance. Diet and exercise can reduce fat, but they cannot change your connective tissue structure. In fact, significant weight loss without addressing the bands can sometimes make cellulite more visible.

Do cellulite creams work?

No. Creams cannot penetrate to the depth where the fibrous bands exist, nor can they cut or release these bands. Some creams may temporarily plump the skin or provide a smoothing effect that lasts hours, but no cream produces lasting cellulite reduction. The same applies to dry brushing, massage, and most spa treatments.

How is Aveli different from other cellulite treatments?

Aveli mechanically releases the fibrous bands causing cellulite dimples. Unlike lasers, radiofrequency, or injectables, Aveli provides real-time visualization and verification that each band is released. This precise, targeted approach addresses the root cause rather than attempting to reduce fat or temporarily smooth the skin.

How long do Aveli results last?

Results are long-lasting because the released bands do not reform. However, cellulite can develop in other untreated areas over time, and aging and weight changes can affect overall skin appearance. Aveli is not a one-time prevention of all future cellulite, but treated dimples show durable improvement.

Is Aveli painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during treatment. You'll feel pressure and the sensation of bands releasing. After the anesthesia wears off, expect soreness similar to post-workout muscle fatigue for a few days. Most patients find it very tolerable.

Dr. Tim Neavin

The Artisan

Artistry Meets
Surgical Precision

When it comes to cellulite treatment, Dr. Tim Neavin believes in honesty above all else. The aesthetic industry is flooded with devices, creams, and treatments that promise cellulite reduction but deliver minimal results. Dr. Neavin cuts through the marketing to help patients understand what actually works and what doesn’t.

Here’s what Dr. Neavin wants you to know: Cellulite is not a fat problem. It’s a structural problem caused by fibrous bands called septae that tether the skin to underlying tissue. When fat pushes against these bands, the characteristic dimpling appears. This is why weight loss, exercise, and treatments that target fat often fail to improve cellulite, and may even make it worse.

The only way to meaningfully treat cellulite is to release the fibrous bands responsible for the dimpling. Dr. Neavin offers Aveli, an FDA-cleared treatment that precisely identifies and releases these bands in a single procedure. Unlike lasers, radiofrequency devices, or massage treatments that produce temporary or minimal results, Aveli addresses the root cause of cellulite.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive body contouring experience, Dr. Neavin evaluates each patient individually to determine if they are good candidates for cellulite treatment or if other procedures might better address their concerns. His commitment to realistic expectations means patients leave understanding exactly what results they can achieve.

Diplomate American Board of
Plastic Surgery

Philosophy "Surgery with
Symmetry"

Beverly Hills & Santa Barbara

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Avéli Cellulite Treatment Understanding what cellulite is, why it forms, and which treatments actually work.