SkinCare Physicians Doctors

Avéli: A Targeted Approach to Treating Cellulite

Published on Aug 14th, 2025 by Jessica Labadie, MD

Dr. Labadie holds the Aveli device to treat cellulite.If you have ever looked in the mirror and noticed dimpling or uneven texture on your thighs or buttocks, you’re not alone. That’s most likely cellulite, a common, completely normal skin condition that affects over 90% of women, regardless of weight or fitness level.

While cellulite is harmless, many of us wish we could smooth out these dimples and feel more confident in our skin. That’s where Avéli, a minimally invasive, in-office treatment developed at SkinCare Physicians, comes in. The device enables our dermatologists to directly and precisely target the root cause of cellulite for long-lasting results.

Before I dive into how Avéli works, what to expect and who is a good candidate, let’s review what causes cellulite.

What is cellulite, exactly?

Cellulite is not caused by fat alone. It is actually a structural issue beneath the surface of the skin. Underneath our skin, we have fibrous bands called septa, which connect the skin to the deeper tissues below. In areas with cellulite, these septa pull the skin downward while the surrounding fat pushes it up, creating the dimpled, uneven appearance you see on the surface.

Avéli does not treat the surface of the skin but releases these septa, correcting the underlying structure that causes the dimples to form in the first place.

How does Avéli work?

Avéli uses a targeted surgical technique, called ‘subcision’, to release the tight bands under the skin. Our dermatologists are guided by real-time feedback from the hand-held device to ensure precise, effective treatment of each individual dimple.

What to expect during the Avéli procedure?

Avéli is a two-step procedure.

Step 1 – Numbing the area

Before the treatment begins, we use tumescent anesthesia, a local numbing solution that we inject just under the skin to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. There’s no need for general anesthesia, and you’ll be awake and relaxed the whole time.

Step 2 – Treating the cellulite

Through a few tiny skin punctures, I insert the Avéli device just beneath the skin. The device allows me to identify and release each individual septa that’s causing a dimple. It’s a highly precise process, and I can confirm in real time that the fibrous band has been fully released.

Because the treatment is so targeted, we can ensure that only the problem-causing septa are addressed. This approach allows us to preserve surrounding structures and minimize trauma to the area.

What to expect after Avéli for cellulite?

Immediately after Avéli treatment

You can expect some bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the treated areas. This is completely normal and temporary. You’ll go home wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support healing.

In the days following treatment

Most people feel well enough to resume light daily activities within a day or two. That said, I recommend avoiding intense workouts or strenuous activity for about a week to give your body time to recover.
You may notice some mild lumpiness or firmness under the skin during the early healing phase. This gradually resolves as the tissue settles and swelling fades.

Seeing the results

You’ll start to see a visible improvement as the swelling decreases, with full results developing over the next several weeks. Best of all, because Avéli addresses the actual cause of cellulite, the results are designed to be long-lasting with just one treatment.

Who is the best candidate for Avéli?

After helping many women with Avéli, we know this procedure is ideal for patients who:

  • Are bothered by true cellulite dimples on the thighs or buttocks
  • Are at or near their goal weight
  • Have good skin quality and firmness (not significant laxity or loose skin)
  • Want a single, effective treatment with real, lasting results

If you’re not sure whether what you see is cellulite or something else (like skin laxity or stretch marks), start with a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who can evaluate your skin and confirm the presence of cellulite.

When you’re ready to take the next step toward smoother skin and lasting confidence, book a cosmetic consultation with me or one of my colleagues to see if Avéli is right for you. Together, we’ll discuss your goals and create a personalized cellulite treatment plan that works for your body and your lifestyle.

You may also like:

Avéli: A new one-time cellulite treatment

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SkinCare Physicians®

1244 Boylston Street (Route 9)
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467

Learn more about your rights and protections related to the No Surprises Act (HR133).

The dermatologists and other medical professionals at SkinCare Physicians specialize in a wide range of dermatology treatments and services, including laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, hair transplant, eyelid surgery, body contouring, psoriasis, skin cancer, BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, and Thermage®. From their offices in Chestnut Hill, they serve Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Wellesley.

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.



SkinCare Physicians®
1244 Boylston Street (Route 9)
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467

Phone: (617) 731-1600 Fax: (617) 731-1601

Learn more about your rights and protections related to the No Surprises Act (HR133).

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

The dermatologists and other medical professionals at SkinCare Physicians specialize in a wide range of dermatology treatments and services, including laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, hair transplant, eyelid surgery, body contouring, psoriasis, skin cancer, BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, and Thermage®. From their offices in Chestnut Hill, they serve Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Wellesley.