SF Bay Area Avéli Cellulite Treatment

Treat the real cause of cellulite for long-lasting results.

What is Cellulite: Myths and Misconceptions

Most women live with cellulite believing there’s nothing they can do about it, or worse, that it’s somehow their fault. The reality is far different. While nearly 9 in 10 women develop cellulite at some point in their lives, very few understand what actually causes those dimples and irregularities in the skin.

The truth? Cellulite isn’t about weight, diet, or how much you exercise. It’s caused by fibrous bands beneath the skin called septa that pull down on the tissue, creating the characteristic dimpled appearance we recognize as cellulite. Yet most women blame themselves, spending years trying creams, treatments, and lifestyle changes that can’t address the real structural issue underneath.

At NorCal Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rankin wants you to know that cellulite has a treatable cause, and Avéli offers a precise, targeted solution.

Avéli is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive treatment specifically designed to address the root cause of cellulite. Unlike topical treatments or massage techniques that provide temporary improvement at best, Avéli works beneath the surface to release the tight septa bands responsible for creating cellulite dimples. This single-session, in-office procedure delivers real, visible results by treating the structural problem directly.

Avéli uses a specialized handheld device that allows your provider to identify, target, and release the specific septa bands causing your cellulite. The procedure follows a precise process:

  • A small probe is inserted beneath the skin in the treatment area under local anesthesia
  • Your provider precisely identifies and visualizes each problematic septa band through direct feedback
  • Only the bands contributing to visible dimpling are carefully released
  • The released bands no longer pull down on the skin, allowing the surface to smooth out naturally

This targeted approach means treating the exact cause of your cellulite rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution. The entire treatment typically takes about an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Avéli is ideal for women bothered by cellulite dimples on their thighs or buttocks who want a lasting solution. The best candidates typically have the following characteristics:

  • At or near their goal weight with good overall health
  • Visible cellulite dimpling caused by septa bands
  • Realistic expectations about treatment outcomes
  • No active infections or skin conditions in the treatment area

Since Avéli treats the structural cause of cellulite rather than excess fat or skin laxity, it works regardless of your fitness level or body type. During your consultation, Dr. Rankin will evaluate your cellulite and discuss whether Avéli is the right choice for your specific concerns and aesthetic goals.

Avéli requires minimal downtime compared to traditional surgical procedures. Here’s what to expect during recovery:

  • Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for approximately two weeks
  • Wear a compression garment for about two weeks to support healing
  • Expect some bruising, swelling, and tenderness that typically resolves within a few weeks

Dr. Rankin will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.

Many patients notice improvement in their cellulite within weeks of treatment, with continued enhancement over the following months as swelling subsides and the skin continues to smooth. Because Avéli addresses the underlying structural cause of cellulite by releasing the septa bands, results are long-lasting. Patients have reported a 95% improvement rate at three, six, and 12 months.

You can expect:

  • Visible reduction in cellulite dimples and improved skin smoothness
  • Long-lasting results that address the root cause, not just symptoms
  • High patient satisfaction based on clinical studies
  • Natural-looking improvement that enhances your confidence

During your consultation, Dr. Rankin can show you before-and-after photos and discuss the specific improvements you can expect based on your individual cellulite pattern and treatment areas.


Discover Our
Before & After Gallery

You can view NorCal Plastic Surgery’s before and after photo gallery to see the remarkable results achieved by Dr. Rankin and our team of skin care experts and aestheticians. Click to see more real patient photos.

Individual results may vary
Case photo provided by Avéli®

Take the Next Step

Want to learn more about how a Mommy Makeover can help you gain more confidence in your appearance? Schedule your consultation with NorCal Plastic Surgery by calling our East Bay location at (925) 966-3920 or our North Bay location at (415) 727-9666, or by filling out the consultation request form below. NorCal Plastic Surgery proudly serves the East Bay, Marin County, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.