Efficacy Using a Modified Technique for Tissue Stabilized-Guided Subcision for the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Cellulite of the Buttocks and Thighs

Comparing Collagenase and Tissue Subcision for Cellulite Treatment of the Buttock and Thigh Regions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

In this systematic review, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase (CCH) and tissue subcision (TS) for treating cellulite, which ranges from subtle to pronounced lesions.

Methods

A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines for CCH and TS treatment to the thigh and gluteal regions. A proportion meta-analysis was then conducted using Stata statistical software.

Results

A total of 14 studies were incorporated into the final analysis. Nine focused on TS and five on CCH injection, collectively reporting outcomes for 1254 patients. Of these, 465 received CCH injection and 789 underwent subcision. For bruising, rates were 89% [95% confidence interval (CI), 71%-96%] with CCH injection and 99% (95% CI, 85%-99%) for subcision; pain requiring analgesic was reported at 74% (95% CI, 55%-87%) for CCH and 60% (95% CI, 43%-76%) for subcision; both showed induration at 7% (95% CI, 5%-11% for CCH, 95% CI, 2%-25% for subcision), whereas skin discoloration was higher post-CCH injection at 16% (95% CI, 10%-26%) compared with 7% (95% CI, 5%-10%) postsubcision.

Conclusions

Both CCH and TS seem effective treatments for cellulite. However, upon evaluating the adverse outcomes between the two modalities, subcision demonstrated a higher incidence of bruising, albeit similar rates of induration compared with CCH injection. Conversely, the CCH injection group manifested a higher propensity for pain requiring analgesia and notably exhibited increased instances of skin discoloration compared with their subcision patient group. Further standardized research is crucial for more informed cellulite treatment decisions and for comparing efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness between TS and CCH.

The safety and effectiveness of low-level light therapy (LLLT) with light-emitting diode (LED) bed system and a novel topical anti-cellulite gel on grades 1-2 thigh/buttock cellulite: a randomized, comparative-controlled split-thigh/buttock IRB study

BACKGROUND

Cellulite of the upper lateral and posterior thighs and lower buttocks represents a common unwanted condition.

OBJECTIVES

The author sought to comparea LLLT-LED bed therapy and a novel topical anti-cellulite gel on one thigh/buttock cellulite vs light therapy for cellulite to the opposite side.

METHODS

Eight healthy female subjects were randomly treated with a LLLT-LED bed twice weekly for 20 minutes in prone/supine positions with twice daily application of a novel anti-cellulite gel to one randomized thigh/buttock.

RESULTS

At the end of the 3-month trial, skin elasticity increased after combined therapy on one thigh but decreased with only LLLT-LED bed treatments on the opposite thigh. Thighs treated with active gel and LLLT-LED bed, were downgraded to a lower cellulite grade, while monotherapy did not demonstrate any change from their baseline cellulite grading. Changes in thigh circumference did not correlate with either treatments regimens.Subject and investigator questionnaire evaluations at month-3 were assessed as "satisfactory" results. There were no adverse reactions to treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of LLLT-LED bed therapy and an anti-cellulite gel demonstrated an efficient alternative in the treatment of cellulite-involved thighs/buttocks over similarly affected thighs/buttocks that were treated only with LLLT-LED bed therapy.

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

BACKGROUND

Cellulite is a common aesthetic condition that affects the majority of women. It is characterized by the inhomogeneous appearance of the skin overlying the gluteal and the posterior thigh region. Despite a wide array of treatment options, little has been done to evaluate the anatomical basis of cellulite formation. This study used ultrasound to visualize subcutaneous changes of cellulite to aid with treatment guidance and complication avoidance.

METHODS

Cellulite dimples were examined on the bilateral thigh and buttock regions of 50 consecutive women and each dimple was scored with the Hexsel Cellulite Scoring System based on severity. Cellulite dimples were then analyzed by ultrasound to identify the presence, orientation, and origination of subcutaneous fibrous bands and the presence of associated vascular structures.

RESULTS

Two hundred total sites were examined, with 173 dimples identified. Of these, 169 demonstrated the presence of fibrous bands (97.6 percent). The majority of bands demonstrated an oblique (versus perpendicular) orientation to the skin (84.4 percent), with the majority (90.2 percent) taking origin from the superficial fascia (versus the deep fascia). Overall, 11 percent of bands had an associated vascular structure. When stratified by body mass index, overweight and obese patients had a higher likelihood of having an associated blood vessel visualized (p = 0.01). Results were similar for dimples in the thigh compared to those located in the buttock region.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound appears to be a valid technique to image the subcutaneous architecture of cellulite. This technology can help guide surgeons in real time to improve outcomes and minimize complications while performing cellulite treatments.

Insights Into the Pathophysiology of Cellulite: A Review

BACKGROUND

The etiology of cellulite is unclear. Treatment of cellulite has targeted adipose tissue, dermis, and fibrous septae with varying degrees of success and durability of response.

OBJECTIVE

Results from clinical trials that target different anatomical aspects of cellulite can provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology of cellulite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of the PubMed database and ClinicalTrials.gov website was conducted to identify clinical trials that have investigated treatments for cellulite.

RESULTS

A lack of trial protocol standardization, objective means for quantification of improvement and reported cellulite severity, and short-term follow-up, as well as variation in assessment methods have made comparisons among efficacy studies challenging. However, the lack of durable efficacy and inconsistency seen in clinical results suggest that dermal or adipose tissue changes are not the primary etiologies of cellulite. Clinical studies targeting the collagen-rich fibrous septae in cellulite dimples through mechanical, surgical, or enzymatic approaches suggest that targeting fibrous septae is the strategy most likely to provide durable improvement of skin topography and the appearance of cellulite.

CONCLUSION

The etiology of cellulite has not been completely elucidated. However, there is compelling clinical evidence that fibrous septae play a central role in the pathophysiology of cellulite.

An Observational Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Tissue Stabilized-Guided Subcision

BACKGROUND

Cellulite is a common female cosmetic concern for which there are few treatment options with long-term effectiveness data. The aim of this multisite prospective registry study was to collect observational data on the real-life clinical use of a tissue stabilized-guided subcision (TS-GS) system for long-term improvement of cellulite appearance.

METHODS

Fifty-three subjects were enrolled and received a single treatment using the TS-GS system. Physicians treated the subjects according to their standard of care. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) was completed by the patient and clinician assessing overall aesthetic improvement after 180 days. Treatment parameters, pain scores, quality of life data, and expected treatment effects and adverse events were also recorded throughout the study.

RESULTS

The patient and physician GAIS scores at Day 180 revealed an overall improvement in 91% and 96% of patients, respectively. Quality of life and self-confidence scores also improved through 180 days. No serious adverse events were reported. Expected treatment effects were similar to those reported in the pivotal trial supporting FDA clearance.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated significant improvement in the appearance of cellulite after a single treatment session in patients with moderate-to-severe cellulite. These results are consistent with the previously published the pivotal study data.

Multicenter study of vacuum-assisted precise tissue release for the treatment of cellulite in a cohort of 112 Italian women assessed with cellulite dimples scale at rest

Objectives and background: Tissue stabilized-guided subcision (TS-GS) treatment has emerged as a single session treatment for cellulite dimples. To date, studies on a few patients were reported. We present data concerning efficacy and safety of TS-GS for cellulite in a cohort of Italian patients.Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study involving 122 patients requiring cellulite treatment, classified according to validate cellulite dimples scale at rest, at T0. TS-GS technique is assessed in terms of efficacy (masked evaluations of pre- and post-treatment pictures, satisfaction of patients and variations in cellulite dimples scale at rest), safety of results at 12 months follow-up (T1). U nivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to evaluate variables associated with the size effect.Results: Masked evaluations of 112 patients completing the study resulted in the correct selection of pre- and post-treatment images in all cases and all patients were satisfied. The mean cellulite dimples scale at rest score improved ≥1 point at T1. We found a significant association between size effect, higher satisfaction (p < .01), cellulite grading at T0 (p < .01), higher BMI (p = .037); a higher BMI was correlated to an increased cellulite grading at T0 (p = .02). Only minor and temporary adverse events were reported.Conclusions: We confirm herein the clinical efficacy and safety of TS-GS for cellulite dimples treatment in a cohort of Italian patients assessed with the validated cellulite dimples scale at rest.

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

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.