Cellulite subcision

Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure in which fibrous septa that cause dimples are released beneath the skin. The doctor inserts a thin needle through a small puncture parallel to the skin surface and uses it to cut the septa at the site of each depression. Once the septum no longer holds the skin down, the skin lifts and flattens.

Over the coming weeks, the freed space fills with new connective tissue, which helps the skin remain smoother. The puncture marks are tiny and fade quickly.

Subcision is intended for indentations on the thighs and buttocks that are clearly visible even when standing relaxed, without tensing the muscles. These are most commonly single or grouped indentations on the back and outer sides of the thighs and on the buttocks.

For mild cellulite, which is visible only when the skin is pinched, non-invasive treatments are preferred, such as Shockwave therapy. When the main problem is sagging skin or excess fatty tissue rather than indentations, skin tightening and body contouring treatments are chosen. The doctor will assess which approach suits you at the consultation.

Assessment and marking are done while you are standing, as this is when the indentations are best seen. The doctor marks each indentation to be treated with a pen. The area is then disinfected and local anaesthetic is administered, making the procedure itself tolerable.

A needle is used to release the septa beneath each marked depression through a small puncture. Afterwards, the doctor presses on the treated area for a few minutes to reduce bleeding beneath the skin and the formation of larger bruises. Mesotherapy of the area is also performed during the same appointment.

Subcision acts on the bands that pull the skin inwards, but it does not change the quality of the tissue around them. Body mesotherapy introduces active substances into the treated area and complements the effect of subcision on skin texture and firmness. Therefore, at Imedic poliklinika, cellulite subcision is performed together with mesotherapy, in the same session.

Following the treatment, the treated area is sensitive and swollen, and bruising also appears. This is an expected reaction, as the procedure is performed beneath the skin. The bruises usually fade over the course of a few weeks. In some patients, temporary brown spots remain at the site of the bruises, which fade on their own over time.

You can return to everyday activities quickly, but intensive exercise and strenuous activity should be postponed for 1 to 2 weeks. During the first few weeks, compression garments are worn, which reduce swelling and help the tissue recover properly. If pain or swelling increases instead of subsiding, contact your doctor.

The first changes are visible once the swelling and bruises subside, and the final appearance is assessed at the follow-up examination. The aim is for the depressions to be shallower and less noticeable, and the skin more even.

As the fibrous bands causing the dimples are released, the result is long-lasting. In studies, the results were still present 2 years after treatment. The appearance of new dimples is influenced by body weight changes, hormones, and hereditary predisposition, so any new dimples can be treated in the same way.

Subcision is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in the presence of an active infection or skin inflammation in the area to be treated, in blood clotting disorders, and in case of an allergy to local anaesthetic. Before the treatment, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, especially blood thinners, as well as any tendency towards keloids or the formation of darker spots after skin injuries.