Cellulite in Miami
Daniel Careaga, MD
Paul Durand, MD
How to Get Rid of Cellulite
Cellulite is often associated with the puckering of excess fat on the thighs and buttocks, and it has been likened to cottage cheese and orange peels under the skin. However, cellulite can occur on anyone and nearly anywhere, regardless of the amount of fat present in the body. Even with proper diet and exercise, these frustrating dimples in the skin seem impossible to remove.
Careaga Plastic Surgery offers two effective solutions to address unwanted cellulite and help you look your best.
Miami Body Contouring And Cellulite Specialists
Cellulaze™ is a surgical option that uses FDA-approved laser technology to eliminate cellulite on various parts of the body. This innovative treatment targets the structural components under the skin that cause cellulite to provide patients with a smooth, contoured appearance.
Qwo® is a non-surgical FDA-approved injectable treatment that treats moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks. It works by disrupting and releasing the fibrous bands under the skin that is the leading cause of cellulite formation. Qwo® injectables target the causes of cellulite.
Why Choose Careaga Plastic Surgery
Careaga Plastic Surgery offers a pristine and serene setting with cutting-edge technology suited for your cosmetic surgery needs. The dedicated staff at Careaga Plastic Surgery are highly professional, with an abundance of experience in the beautification industry. The professionals at Careaga Plastic Surgery will use their skills to provide you with the cellulite-free appearance you desire.
Request More InformationWhat Are The Benefits Of Cellulite Treatments?
Noticeable Results
Both surgical Cellulaze™ and non-surgical Qwo® work quickly and efficiently to get you the smoother, noticeable results you desire. Even with the brief recovery period of Cellulaze™ and the repeated treatment sessions of Qwo®, you will be ready to show off your cellulite-free contours in before you know it. Whether you are treating your thighs, buttocks, or other areas, you can get ready for smoother, tighter skin.
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Cellulite Reduction
Cellulite on the body is frustrating and embarrassing for most individuals. Many people try using creams and exercises to reduce the appearance of cellulite but are often left dissatisfied with their results. This is because cellulite has more to do with how the fat cells are positioned in the body and not excess fat cells. Cellulaze™ and Qwo® target the root cause of cellulite and disrupt the constricting bands responsible for the puckering effect.
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Tighter Skin
Cellulaze™ and Qwo® reduce or eliminate the appearance of cellulite and work to create firmer, tighter skin by stimulating collagen growth. Collagen growth lets the skin continue to tighten long after the procedure is performed. This ensures your results will be long lasting.
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What Is The Cellulite Treatment Process?
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During your consultation, Dr. Careaga, Dr. Durand, or our PA, Reana Myers, will perform a physical evaluation to determine if you are the right candidate for either Cellulaze™ or Qwo® injections. Cellulaze™ consultations are carried out by our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Careaga or Dr. Durand, and non-surgical Qwo® consultations with Reana Myers, PA-C.
Cellulaze™ can be used to target cellulite anywhere on the body. Qwo® is specifically designed to target cellulite on the buttocks.
If Dr. Carega or Dr. Durand determines that you are an ideal candidate for Cellulaze™, they will create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Qwo® injectables are performed by our PA, Reana Myers.
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How Does Surgical Cellulaze™ Work?
Cellulaze™ treatment is a surgical treatment that uses laser technology to address multiple structural concerns that cause the appearance of cellulite.
- Skin: The laser energy increases skin thickness, firmness, and elasticity so that it is smoother and more resistant to showing cellulite.
- Fibrous bands: Cellulaze™ treatment releases the connective fibrous bands beneath the skin that pull down and indent the skin.
- Fat: The laser fiber liquefies bulges of fat so the skin can lie flat.
What Will I Experience During Cellulaze™?
Your surgeon will first mark the cellulite treatment areas with a marker. Then, he will make tiny incisions and insert the Cellulaze™ laser fiber through a small tube in the incision site. The laser energy will be delivered beneath the skin to address thin or loose skin, connective tissue bands, and fat bulges.
This procedure will level out bumps of fat and indentations and stimulate collagen production. This tightens the skin and eliminates the appearance of cellulite.
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Qwo® uses specialized collagenase enzymes to break down structures under the skin that contribute to cellulite formation in the buttocks.
- Fat: Qwo® redistributes fat cells under the skin to eliminate fat bulges that cause cellulite.
- Fibrous Bands: The injections release the fibrous bands that constrict and give the skin its rippled, cottage cheese appearance.
- Collagen Growth: Qwo® helps stimulate the growth of new healthy collagen to promote firmness and tightness.
What Will I Experience During Qwo® Treatment?
During your Qwo® session, your provider will identify and mark areas you want to be treated. They will then inject Qwo® into the target area, right where the cellulite is. This will break up the fibrous bands that are a leading cause of cellulite formation. The injections are done using a fine needle, so you should barely feel the injection.
For optimal results, Qwo® requires a series of three injectable sessions, spaced 21 days apart.
Have Concerns About Cellulite Removal?
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WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER CELLULITE REMOVAL?
Cellulaze™ recovery requires about one week of rest and downtime, depending on the number and size of the treatment areas. After that time, patients should be able to resume their normal life. Immediately after the treatment, you will be provided a compressive garment. This will speed healing and reduce the risk of complications during your recovery. Additionally, lymphatic massages are suggested to expedite the recovery process. The small incisions made are left open to allow for drainage and faster healing.
Recovery after Qwo® is minimal. Some patients experience slight swelling or bruising in their treated areas, but these symptoms are usually minor and fade within a few days. Some bruising may take a few weeks to fade entirely.
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DOES CELLULAZE™ LEAVE SCARS?
Since Cellulaze™ only requires small incisions, scarring is minimal. Most patients are left with no visible scarring after the procedure.
DOES QWO® LEAVE SCARS?
Qwo® injections are performed using thin needles and should not result in any scarring or long-term skin discoloration.
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WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME AFTER CELLULAZE™ LIKE?
Cellulaze™ patients can typically return to work and other activities within a week after the surgery.
IS THERE DOWNTIME AFTER QWO®?
For most patients, Qwo® cellulite removal treatments result in no downtime. Patients can usually return to work immediately after their injections.
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WHEN WILL I SEE MY CELLULAZE™ RESULTS?
Cellulaze™ results are visible almost immediately. However, final results often take six months to fully develop.
WHEN WILL I SEE MY QWO® RESULTS?
The results of Qwo® injections may take several weeks to become visible. In clinical trials, patients saw the best results after 10 weeks. These results followed a series of three injections 21 days apart. Your results may vary depending on your specific treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cellulite Solutions
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Ideal candidates for cellulite reduction:
- Do not smoke
- Are in generally good health
- Are at or near their ideal weight
- Have realistic expectations of their results
- Have moderate cellulite
If you experience excess fat in various areas of your body, you may also benefit from liposuction. A consultation can help you determine if you are a good candidate for Cellulaze™, Qwo®, or both.
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Cellulaze™ treatment cost varies between patients based on the amount of correction needed and the area(s) of the body being treated. The cost also depends on surgeon fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees.
The cost of Qwo® injections may also vary depending on the size of the target area, and the degree of correction required.
During your initial consultation, you will receive an estimated financial plan. We also offer cosmetic surgery financing options if needed.
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In clinical trials, most patients achieved ideal results after three treatments. A discussion with your provider will determine if you need three or more sessions.
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One of the main benefits of the Cellulaze™ treatment is that it can treat cellulite in many areas of the body. Common treatment areas include:
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Back
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The length of your cellulite removal will depend on the amount of correction needed and the number of treatment areas.
Generally, the Cellulaze™ procedure takes two and a half to three hours to complete. Qwo® generally takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.
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Cellulaze™ results are intended to be long lasting. Many patients report that the results of their Cellulaze™ treatment last for many years. It is important to exercise regularly and stay at a healthy weight to maintain your results as long as possible.
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Current FDA-approved clinical trials suggest results should last at least one to three years. However, as new data emerges, doctors expect that time to increase. Many doctors expect the results of Qwo® injections are effectively permanent. However, as this is a newer treatment option, more research is required.
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Cellulaze™ side effects are mild and should only last a few days. These side effects include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
Please contact Dr. Careaga or Dr. Durand if these side effects last longer than two weeks.
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While rare, patients have reported serious allergic reactions to Qwo® injections in the past. If you have a history of allergic reactions to collagenase, you should not undergo Qwo® injections. If you experience signs of a significant allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting), contact your plastic surgeon right away.
More common Qwo® side effects around the injection sites include:
- Bruising
- Soreness
- Itching
- Redness
- Minor skin discoloration
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While some degree of skin tightening occurs due to new collagen produced after treatment, Cellulaze™ cannot tighten sagging or excess loose skin. Patients with loose skin, especially after weight loss, may benefit from a body contouring procedure such as tummy tuck surgery or liposuction surgery..
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Cellulaze™ is an FDA-approved device by Cynosure®, a leading developer and manufacturer of medical treatment devices.
Patient Testimonials
What a fulfilling experience. From the very beginning, The staff made me feel so comfortable to the point that I knew where I wanted to do my breast augmentation. Dr. Careaga is simply an artist to say the least and I am beyond happy with my results.
Wendy Cabello
Amazing experience! Had a breast augmentation with lift last year and I couldn’t be happier. Dr. Careaga was very attentive and reassuring, he took the time to explain how the procedure worked and gave me honest options considering my skin type, my size, etc. I felt confident and had peace of mind going into my surgery. The post surgery care and attention was also very personable, from the consultation to a year later I’m extremely satisfied. Definitely considering coming back for more. Thank you Dr CAREAGA!
Liss Olivares
My experience with Dr Durand as my plastic surgeon has been one of the best. I felt safe and he understood exactly what I wanted to achieve with the surgery. The staff is awesome and kind.
Dra. Vimary Rodriguez