Cellulite is one of the most common—and misunderstood—skin concerns, affecting up to 90% of women at some point in their lives. It can appear on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen, causing a dimpled or “orange peel” texture that often feels impossible to get rid of.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we want our patients to know that cellulite is not your fault. It’s not caused by laziness or poor health—it’s the result of natural structural changes in the skin and underlying tissue. Still, we understand that it can affect your confidence and how you feel in your own body.

Today, we have more tools than ever to smooth skin and reduce cellulite—including the latest FDA-cleared, one-time procedure: Avéli™ cellulite reduction treatment.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite forms when fibrous bands of connective tissue (called septae) pull down on the skin while fat cells push up between them. This combination creates the uneven, dimpled appearance that most people recognize.

While both men and women have connective tissue, the structure is different:

• In women, septae run vertically, making it easier for fat to protrude upward.
• In men, the tissue is more crisscrossed, which holds fat more evenly beneath the skin.

Why Does Cellulite Happen?

Several factors contribute to cellulite development:

1. Anatomical Structure – The arrangement of connective tissue and fat under the skin is the main reason cellulite appears.
2. Hormonal Changes – Estrogen, insulin, thyroid hormones, and other hormones influence fat distribution, collagen production, and skin elasticity.
3. Genetics – Your genetic makeup determines skin thickness, connective tissue strength, and fat storage patterns.
4. Lifestyle Factors – While not the primary cause, inactivity, poor hydration, smoking, and nutrient-poor diets can worsen cellulite.
5. Aging – Skin loses collagen and elasticity over time, making dimples more pronounced.

Cellulite Myths We Hear Every Day

• Myth: Only overweight people get cellulite.
  Truth: It affects women of all shapes and sizes—even lean athletes.
• Myth: Diet and exercise can remove cellulite completely.
  Truth: While healthy habits improve skin and muscle tone, they don’t eliminate the fibrous bands that cause dimpling.
• Myth: Cellulite is caused by toxins.
  Truth: There’s no evidence to support this claim—cellulite is structural, not toxic.
• Myth: Creams can permanently remove cellulite.
  Truth: Most topical products offer only temporary surface-level smoothing.

Why Avéli™ Is a Game-Changer in Cellulite Treatment

While we offer multiple treatments for skin tightening and fat reduction, Avéli™ is the first minimally invasive device designed to address cellulite dimples at their root cause—those fibrous septae bands—in a single session.

How Avéli™ Works:

• After numbing the area with local anesthesia, a tiny device is inserted under the skin.
• Guided by touch and precision control, we identify the exact septae causing each dimple.
• The device then selectively releases those bands, allowing the skin to spring back and smooth out.

Benefits of Avéli™

• One-and-Done Treatment – Most patients need only a single session to treat targeted areas.
• Immediate Structural Change – The septae are released during the procedure, so the underlying cause is addressed instantly.
• FDA-Cleared – Proven safe and effective in clinical studies.
• Natural Results – You keep your natural skin texture, just without the deep dimples.
• Long-Lasting Improvement – Results can be seen within weeks and maintained long-term with healthy habits.

Other Effective Cellulite & Skin-Smoothing Treatments We Offer

While Avéli™ specifically targets dimples caused by septae, other treatments help address the additional factors that make cellulite visible: skin laxity, fat volume, and collagen quality.

1. Fotona TightSculpting®

Uses dual-wavelength laser energy to tighten skin, stimulate collagen, and reduce small fat pockets, improving overall smoothness.

2. Radiofrequency Microneedling

Combines controlled dermal heating with microneedling to stimulate new collagen and elastin, making skin firmer and more resilient.

3. Subcision Techniques

For select cases, manual subcision can release fibrous bands, though Avéli™ offers more precise targeting.

Choosing the Right Treatment

During your consultation at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we evaluate:

• Severity and pattern of your cellulite
• Skin thickness and elasticity
• Presence of skin laxity or excess fat in the area

Often, the best results come from a combination approach—using Avéli™ to address the root cause of dimples, plus skin tightening treatments to enhance smoothness and tone.

What to Expect with Avéli™

Procedure Time:
Typically 45–75 minutes depending on the number of areas treated.

Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia for comfort—no general anesthesia needed.

Downtime:
Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 days. Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising is common for the first week.

Results Timeline:
Some improvement is visible almost immediately, with continued smoothing over 1–3 months as swelling resolves and the skin settles.

Functional Medicine’s Role in Skin Health

At Sheen Vein, we go beyond the surface. We look at the whole picture—circulation, hormone balance, nutrition, and lifestyle—because these factors influence skin quality and long-term results. Supporting your body from the inside out can:

• Improve collagen health
• Reduce inflammation that can worsen cellulite appearance
• Enhance overall skin tone and elasticity

Final Thoughts

Cellulite is common, normal, and nothing to be ashamed of—but if it bothers you, you deserve options that actually work. With the introduction of Avéli™ cellulite reduction treatment at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we can now address the root cause of dimpling in just one session and combine it with skin tightening or contouring treatments for comprehensive results.

You don’t have to hide behind long shorts or avoid certain outfits. With the right approach, you can smooth your skin and step into your confidence—comfortably and naturally.

📍 Serving St. Louis, Sunset Hills, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and surrounding Missouri communities

📞 Call 314-842-1441 or request your cellulite consultation online to learn if Avéli™ is right for you.

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