Cellulite is one of the most common aesthetic concerns for women. Studies show that up to 90% of women experience cellulite at some point in their lives, regardless of weight, fitness level, or body type. It often appears as dimpling or “cottage cheese” texture on the thighs and buttocks, and for many patients, it’s a source of frustration.

Creams, massages, and even energy-based devices may offer temporary improvement, but most don’t address the true cause of cellulite. That’s why Avéli™, a minimally invasive cellulite reduction treatment, is changing the conversation.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we offer Avéli because it delivers precise, long-term results by treating cellulite at its structural source. This blog will walk you through how the procedure works, what to expect, and why Avéli has become a leading choice for women seeking smoother, more confident skin.

What Causes Cellulite?

Before we talk about Avéli, it helps to understand what cellulite really is.

Cellulite is not just fat. It’s a structural issue beneath the skin. Three main factors contribute:

1. Fibrous septa (bands of connective tissue): These bands tether the skin down to deeper tissue. When they tighten or shorten, they create dimples.
2. Fat lobules: The fat between these bands pushes upward, accentuating the uneven surface.
3. Skin laxity and thinning: As skin ages and collagen declines, cellulite dimples become more visible.

This explains why even thin, athletic women often struggle with cellulite — it’s not a problem of “too much fat,” but of tethered tissue beneath the skin.

What Is Avéli™?

Avéli is a breakthrough FDA-cleared procedure that directly addresses the cause of cellulite dimpling: the fibrous septa. Using a specialized, handheld device, a provider can identify and release these septa in a single in-office treatment.

Unlike creams or external devices that only work at the surface, Avéli allows for direct visualization and precise treatment of the underlying structures responsible for cellulite.

Step 1: Consultation and Mapping

At Sheen Vein, every Avéli treatment begins with a personalized consultation. During this time, we:

• Examine the location and severity of cellulite.
• Identify areas where dimpling is most noticeable (commonly buttocks and thighs).
• Discuss your goals and expectations.

Because cellulite varies from patient to patient, planning is key. Avéli is best for women who want long-lasting improvement of true cellulite dimples — not just temporary skin smoothing.

Step 2: The Procedure

The Avéli procedure is minimally invasive and performed in-office under local anesthesia. Here’s how it works:

1. Local numbing: The treatment area is numbed to ensure comfort.
2. Small entry point: A tiny incision (about the size of a freckle) allows the Avéli device to be inserted beneath the skin.
3. Identification of septa: The device enables your provider to feel for the exact fibrous bands causing cellulite dimples.
4. Precise release: The targeted septa are released, freeing the skin and smoothing the dimple.
5. Confirmation: The provider can confirm in real-time that the dimple has been corrected before moving on.

The entire procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.

Step 3: Recovery

One of the greatest advantages of Avéli is the quick recovery.

• Downtime: Most patients return to normal activities in 24–48 hours.
• Bruising/swelling: Mild bruising or tenderness is common for 1–2 weeks.
• Exercise: Light activity is fine after a few days; strenuous exercise should be avoided for about a week.

Compared to more invasive surgeries, Avéli is a convenient option for women with busy lives.

Step 4: Results

Results from Avéli are visible once swelling resolves, usually within 1–3 months. What makes Avéli unique is that it treats cellulite dimples at their root, making the results long-lasting.

• Longevity: Clinical studies show that improvements are maintained at least one year after treatment — and because the fibrous septa do not grow back, results are expected to be durable.
• Natural look: Because the procedure targets only the tethered dimples, the skin appears smoother without looking overcorrected or artificial.
• Confidence boost: Most women report not only physical improvement but also increased self-confidence when wearing shorts, swimsuits, or dresses.

Why Choose Avéli Over Other Cellulite Treatments?

There are countless cellulite treatments on the market, but most offer only surface-level or short-lived results. Avéli stands apart because it:

1. Directly addresses the cause of cellulite (fibrous septa).
2. Provides immediate confirmation that dimples are corrected.
3. Requires only one treatment for long-term results.
4. Is minimally invasive with quick recovery.
5. Delivers consistent, natural outcomes for women of all body types.

Other procedures may rely on energy-based devices (radiofrequency, lasers, or ultrasound) to heat and stimulate the skin. While those can help with skin tightening, they don’t release the septa responsible for dimpling. Avéli, on the other hand, is a structural solution.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Avéli?

Avéli is designed for women who:

• Have moderate to severe cellulite dimples on the buttocks or thighs.
• Want a long-term solution rather than temporary smoothing.
• Are at or near their ideal body weight (Avéli is not a fat-reduction treatment).
• Are in overall good health and have realistic expectations.

It’s important to distinguish cellulite from skin laxity. If loose or sagging skin is the primary concern, treatments like Fotona laser skin tightening or PRF facials may be recommended instead, or in combination with Avéli.

Avéli at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine)

At Sheen Vein, we specialize in combining aesthetic technology with a functional medicine approach to overall wellness. Our philosophy is that beauty and health are interconnected. We don’t just focus on how you look, but on how you feel and function.

By offering advanced procedures like Avéli alongside services such as Alma BeautiFill fat transfer, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and comprehensive functional medicine evaluations, we’re able to create personalized treatment plans that restore both confidence and vitality.

Avéli fits perfectly within this vision: it’s precise, natural, and long-lasting — helping women in the St. Louis community feel comfortable in their skin again.

Why Patients in St. Louis Are Choosing Avéli

Patients throughout the St. Louis region — from Chesterfield to Clayton, Webster Groves to St. Charles — are turning to Avéli because it delivers what they’ve been seeking for years: a real solution to cellulite.

The benefits that matter most to our patients include:

• One treatment, lasting results.
• Quick recovery with minimal downtime.
• Confidence when wearing shorts, swimsuits, and fitted clothing.
• Results that look natural, not artificial.

Final Thoughts

Cellulite is a nearly universal concern among women, but for decades the available treatments offered little more than temporary improvement. Avéli changes that. By targeting and releasing the fibrous septa responsible for dimpling, it provides a true structural solution with long-term benefits.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we’re proud to offer Avéli as part of our comprehensive suite of aesthetic and functional services. Whether your goal is smoother skin, better contours, or enhanced wellness, our team is here to create a personalized plan that helps you feel your very best.

Call to Action:
If you’re tired of cellulite holding you back, it may be time to explore Avéli. Contact our St. Louis office today to schedule your consultation and find out if this breakthrough procedure is right for you.

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