Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cellulite is the dimpled appearance of skin that commonly occurs on the buttocks and thighs of postpubertal women. Cellulite can be emotionally distressing, causing many individuals to seek medical attention. A previous first-in-human study established the safety and feasibility of a novel minimally invasive method for selectively identifying and manually releasing the specific septa responsible for causing cellulite depressions in a precise manner. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this open-label, multicenter study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of this method for reducing the appearance of moderate and severe cellulite in adult women. METHODS: Female patients (n = 20) 21 to 55 years old with a BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2 with moderate or severe cellulite on the buttocks and/or thighs were enrolled at 4 clinics. Patients were evaluated on posttreatment Days 7, 30, 120, and 180. The primary endpoint was a mean ≥1-point reduction in the Cellulite Severity Scale at 180 days. RESULTS: Most patients (n = 18, 95%) achieved the primary endpoint. All patients (n = 19, 100%) were rated as much improved or very much improved in Cellulite Severity Scale scores. Adverse events and investigator findings were mild and transient, and none were unexpected. CONCLUSIONS: A novel method for selectively identifying and manually releasing the specific septa responsible for causing cellulite depressions in a precise manner is a safe and effective means for improving the appearance of moderate and severe cellulite in adult women with a wide variety of skin types.