Cellulite affects 80-90% of women, causing dimpled, puckered skin primarily on the thighs and buttocks. Despite countless creams, devices, and treatments promising to eliminate cellulite, few have delivered meaningful, lasting results. Enter Avéli, an FDA-cleared treatment that has garnered attention for its innovative approach to cellulite reduction. But is it legitimate, and does it really work?
What Is Avéli?
Avéli is a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared medical device specifically designed to treat cellulite on the buttocks and thighs. Developed by Revelle Aesthetics, it received initial FDA clearance in 2021, with extended clearance for long-term cellulite reduction granted in 2022 based on clinical data demonstrating treatment benefits through one year of observation.
The treatment targets the root cause of cellulite: fibrous septa bands beneath the skin that pull down and create the characteristic dimpled appearance. Avéli is the first and only cellulite procedure that identifies and releases these specific bands in real-time, providing immediate visual confirmation of their release.
How Does Avéli Work?
The Science Behind Cellulite
To understand how Avéli works, it’s important to understand what causes cellulite to begin with.
Cellulite occurs when:
- Fibrous septa bands (connective tissue) pull the skin downward
- Fat cells push upward against the skin
- This creates the characteristic dimpled, “orange peel” appearance
- Slides beneath the skin through a small 3mm incision
- Identifies problematic septa bands using a unique hook mechanism
- Confirms the band is causing dimpling through real-time visual feedback
- Precisely cuts the band with a retractable blade
- Verifies release by checking that the dimple has smoothed
This precision approach sets Avéli apart from previous treatments that couldn’t confirm whether the right bands were being targeted.
The FDA Approval: What It Really Means
Avéli received FDA clearance in 2021 for cellulite reduction in the buttocks and thighs, with extended clearance in 2022 for long-term results. This clearance is significant because it’s based on clinical data demonstrating treatment benefits through one year of observation.
Key FDA findings:
- 80% of participants showed “much” or “very much” improvement after 90 days
- Results were sustained at one year
- The treatment targets the actual cause of cellulite, not just symptoms
Clinical Evidence: Does Avéli Really Work?
The clinical data supporting Avéli is more robust than many previous cellulite treatments:
Study Results
- Efficacy: 80% of patients showed significant improvement
- Durability: Results maintained at 12-month follow-up
- Safety Profile: Minimal serious adverse events
- Patient Satisfaction: High satisfaction rates reported
Real-World Outcomes
Multiple clinical practices report:
- Immediate visible improvement in many patients
- Sustained results lasting over a year
- High patient satisfaction scores
- Minimal downtime compared to other procedures
Who Is a Good Candidate for Avéli?
Avéli works best for patients with:
- Defined cellulite dimples (not generalized skin laxity)
- Healthy, elastic skin with good bounce-back
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
- Good overall health
- BMI near ideal range
Important limitations: Avéli specifically targets dimples caused by septa bands. It does not address:
- Skin laxity or loose skin
- Excess fat deposits
- Poor skin quality
- Stretch marks
The Procedure: What to Expect
Before Treatment
- Consultation to assess cellulite type and suitability
- Medical history review
- Discussion of realistic expectations
- Pre-procedure instructions
During Treatment
- Duration: Approximately 45-60 minutes
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia only
- Process: Multiple small incisions to access dimpled areas
- Comfort: Most patients report minimal discomfort
- Real-time confirmation: Surgeon can see the dimples release immediately
After Treatment
- Immediate results: Some smoothing is visible right away
- Downtime: Minimal; most return to normal activities within 48 hours
- Full results: Visible within 30 days as swelling subsides
- Compression garments: Recommended for about one week
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Like any medical procedure, Avéli carries some risks:
Common Side Effects
- Mild pain and tenderness (resolves within 30 days)
- Bruising and swelling
- Temporary numbness
- Minor scarring at incision sites
Rare Complications
- Infection
- Incomplete band release
- Adjacent area dimpling
- Nerve damage
Managing Expectations
While Avéli has shown excellent results, it’s important to understand:
- Not all cellulite types respond equally
- Some patients may need additional treatments
- Results vary based on skin quality and cellulite severity
- New cellulite can develop over time due to aging
Comparison to Other Cellulite Treatments
Avéli vs. Cellfina
- Similarity: Both use subcision to cut septa bands
- Advantage of Avéli: Real-time confirmation of band release and precise targeting
- Results: Similar efficacy with potentially better precision
Avéli vs. Non-Invasive Options
- Creams and topicals: No proven long-term efficacy
- Radiofrequency devices: Temporary improvement, requires multiple sessions
- Acoustic wave therapy: Mixed results, temporary improvement
Avéli vs. Other Surgical Options
- Traditional liposuction: Can worsen cellulite appearance
- Laser-assisted procedures: Mixed results, higher cost
Cost Considerations
Avéli treatment typically costs between $3,000-$7,000, depending on:
- Geographic location
- Extent of treatment area
- Surgeon’s experience
- Facility fees
While this represents a significant investment, the one-time treatment with long-lasting results may be more cost-effective than repeated non-invasive treatments.
Choosing the Right Provider
Success with Avéli depends heavily on surgeon skill and experience:
Look for:
- Specific training in Avéli technique
- Experience with cellulite treatments
- Before-and-after photos of their results
- Patient testimonials and reviews
Questions to Ask:
- How many Avéli procedures have you performed?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?
- What is your complication rate?
- How do you determine if I’m a good candidate?
- What are realistic expectations for my specific case?
The Bottom Line: Is Avéli Legitimate?
Based on available evidence, Avéli appears to be a legitimate and effective treatment for appropriate candidates:
Strengths:
- FDA-cleared with clinical data supporting efficacy
- Addresses the root cause of cellulite
- Real-time verification of treatment success
- Long-lasting results demonstrated in studies
- Minimal downtime and side effects
Limitations:
- Only effective for specific types of cellulite
- Relatively new treatment with limited long-term data
- Requires skilled practitioner for optimal results
- Significant cost for elective procedure
- Not suitable for all patients
Making an Informed Decision
Avéli represents a significant advancement in cellulite treatment, offering a scientifically-based approach with clinical evidence of effectiveness. However, like any cosmetic procedure, it’s not right for everyone.
Before proceeding:
- Get a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate
- Research your provider extensively
- Understand the limitations and realistic outcomes
- Consider the investment versus expected benefits
- Explore alternatives that might meet your needs
Final Thoughts
For patients with the right type of cellulite and realistic expectations, Avéli offers a promising solution backed by FDA clearance and clinical evidence. The treatment’s ability to precisely target and release the bands causing cellulite dimples, combined with real-time verification of results, represents a genuine advancement in cellulite treatment.
However, it’s crucial to choose an experienced provider and have realistic expectations about outcomes. While Avéli has shown impressive results in clinical studies, individual results may vary, and the treatment won’t address all types of skin texture issues.
If you’re considering Avéli, schedule consultations with qualified providers to determine if you’re a good candidate and to discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation. With proper patient selection and skilled technique, Avéli can provide significant, long-lasting improvement in cellulite appearance.
