Avéli®
For many people, achieving smooth, dimple-free skin on the thighs and buttocks can be one of the most frustrating body contouring goals. Even after losing weight, toning up, or undergoing a procedure like liposuction , cellulite can remain stubbornly visible. If you’re bothered by cellulite and looking for a minimally invasive solution with lasting results, Avéli® may be the answer.
At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Neil J. Zemmel is proud to offer Avéli® as part of our suite of advanced body contouring options. This FDA-cleared treatment targets the root cause of cellulite dimples on the buttocks and thighs, delivering smoother skin after just one in-office session.
- What Is Avéli®?
- Causes of Cellulite
- Avéli® Candidates
- Avéli® Procedure
- Avéli® Recovery
- Avéli® Results
- Complementary Procedure
- Why Choose Dr. Zemmel
What Is Avéli®?
Avéli® is a minimally invasive cellulite treatment designed to release the fibrous bands (septa) that pull down on the skin and create the puckering effect known as cellulite. Unlike creams or massages that only treat the skin’s surface, Avéli® goes deeper to physically release the specific septa responsible for visible dimpling. The result is a smoother, more even skin texture in areas like the buttocks and upper thighs.
This treatment is performed using a specialized hand-held device that allows for precise identification and release of the septa during a single treatment session. The goal is to correct each dimple individually for a naturally smooth outcome.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite forms when connective tissue bands tether the skin to the underlying structures, creating tension that causes the fat between these bands to push upward. This leads to a lumpy, dimpled appearance — typically in areas where the skin is thinner and fat is more concentrated, such as the thighs and buttocks.
It’s important to note that cellulite is not caused by weight gain alone. In fact, many people of all shapes and sizes experience cellulite, including those who are slim or physically fit. Hormones, genetics, and skin structure all play a role, which is why cellulite can be difficult to treat with exercise and diet alone.
Who Is a Candidate for Avéli®?
Avéli® is ideal for adult women with moderate to severe cellulite dimples on the buttocks and thighs who are seeking a long-term solution. Good candidates should:
- Be in good general health
- Have realistic expectations
- Be close to their ideal body weight
- Have visible cellulite dimples (not just skin laxity or uneven fat)
If your primary concern is loose or crepey skin rather than dimpling, you may benefit more from skin-tightening treatments or complementary procedures like alloClae™ or a thigh lift, depending on your needs. During your consultation, Dr. Zemmel will evaluate your goals and skin quality to help determine if Avéli® is the most effective option for you.
What Happens During the Avéli® Procedure?
Avéli® cellulite treatment is performed in-office under local anesthesia. Once the treatment area is numbed, a small incision is made to allow the Avéli® device to access the fibrous bands beneath the skin. The device is equipped with a light and hook mechanism that allows Dr. Zemmel to identify, target, and release each septa causing a dimple.
This precision-based approach allows for immediate confirmation that each dimple has been treated, helping ensure optimal and consistent results. Most sessions take about 60 minutes, depending on the number of dimples being addressed.
What Can I Expect in the Recovery After Avéli®?
Recovery after Avéli® is relatively mild compared to surgical procedures. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, though some soreness, bruising, and swelling in the treated areas is common. You may be advised to avoid strenuous workouts for about a week to minimize discomfort and support healing.
How Long Do Avéli® Results Last?
Clinical studies and early patient experiences suggest that Avéli® provides long-lasting results — often visible within a few weeks of treatment and continuing to improve over the following months as swelling subsides. Because the fibrous bands are physically released, the results are not temporary like topical treatments and are unlikely to require repeat sessions unless new dimples develop due to aging or other body changes.
Can Avéli® Be Combined with Other Treatments?
Yes, Avéli® can be an excellent addition to a larger body contouring plan. It’s especially effective when used in combination with treatments or procedures that target fat and loose skin, including:
- Liposuction – to remove excess fat in the thighs, hips, or flanks
- Thigh lift – to tighten loose or sagging skin on the upper legs
- alloClae™ – to improve skin firmness and reduce crepey skin on the thighs or buttocks
Combining Avéli® with other contouring procedures can help create smoother, more comprehensive results that complement your natural shape.
Why Choose Dr. Zemmel for Avéli®?
Dr. Neil J. Zemmel is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in advanced body contouring and aesthetic surgery. At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, he takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to each patient’s care, helping you feel confident in your treatment decisions.
Whether you’re interested in Avéli® as a standalone solution or part of a larger body transformation plan, Dr. Zemmel can guide you toward the options best suited for your goals.
Schedule an Avéli® Consultation
If cellulite dimples are keeping you from feeling your best in shorts, swimsuits, or fitted clothing, Avéli® may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zemmel and learn more about how this innovative treatment can help you achieve smoother, more confident contours.