Thigh Cellulite Treatment Using Laser-Assisted Liposuction: A Consecutive Descriptive Case Series

Abstract

Cellulite is a highly prevalent condition affecting up to 90% of post pubertal females. The most common reasons patients seek cellulite treatment include emotional, psychological, and practical motivations. Laser-assisted liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure able to produce skin and subcutaneous changes. This research was elaborated as a prospective longitudinal study, aiming to estimate the repercussions of laser-assisted liposuction on thigh cellulite aspects and distribution. Consecutive outpatients with preoperative thigh cellulite submitted to laser-assisted liposuction, using the Lipo One Step HD device, were recruited from the senior author's private practice. Preoperative and 3 months following surgery pictures were obtained. These photographs were assessed by two independent plastic surgeons to evaluate thigh cellulite appearance before and after surgery using the Clinician Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Scale (CR-PCS). Twelve patients entered the study. All patients were female and white. The mean age was 42.5 years (SD ± 9.3), and the mean Body Mass Index was 26.7 kg/m2 (SD ± 2.1). The mean CR-PCS preoperative was 3.75, and 3 months following laser-assisted liposuction was 2.53 (p=0.02). We have obtained comprehensive results demonstrating the role of laser-assisted liposuction on thigh cellulite. In addition, the evidence from our research suggests that laser-assisted liposuction reduces thigh cellulite.