Cellulite is a structural condition of the skin and the tissue beneath it, not a reflection of diet, exercise, or body weight. It appears as dimpling on the buttocks and thighs when tight fibrous bands (septa) tether the skin downward while soft tissue pushes upward. The result is an uneven surface that persists even in fit, healthy individuals.
At Baumholtz Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, Dr. Michael Baumholtz, a dual-board-certified plastic surgeon, approaches cellulite treatment with anatomical precision and realistic expectations. His focus is on matching the correct technique to the actual cause of the concern.
What Cellulite Treatment Can and Cannot Do
Many products promise smoother skin, including creams, massage rollers, and energy devices, but these do not cut or release the fibrous bands that cause true dimples.
Conversely, some patients notice broader looseness, sagging, or textural change rather than distinct dimples. Those issues are caused by skin laxity or the position of tissue, not tethering, and require different approaches such as tightening or lifting procedures.
A successful plan begins with identifying which factor, banding versus laxity, dominates the appearance.
The Role of Avéli®
Avéli is a minimally invasive, single-treatment method designed to release the fibrous septa responsible for cellulite dimples. Under local anesthesia, Dr. Baumholtz identifies each true dimple while the patient is standing, confirms the tether beneath it, and releases that band precisely. Each release allows the skin to rest more evenly, improving surface smoothness in natural light.
Avéli specifically addresses band-related dimples. It does not correct:
- Skin laxity or sagging due to aging or weight changes
- Diffuse rippling from thin or stretched skin
- Contour irregularities from prior procedures
When laxity or proportion play a larger role, Dr. Baumholtz may recommend staged or complementary treatments that target those separate concerns.
Ideal Candidates
Avéli is best suited for women who:
- Have stable weight and good overall health
- Present with well-defined dimples visible in a relaxed standing position
- Have adequate skin tone to respond after the tether release
- Seek visible improvement, not flawless skin
During consultation, Dr. Baumholtz distinguishes true cellulite from laxity-related irregularities and recommends Avéli only when anatomy suggests meaningful benefit.
Who should wait or consider alternatives:
- Active skin infection in the treatment area
- Current nicotine use without a cessation plan
- Uncontrolled medical issues or bleeding disorders
- Unrealistic expectations about skin quality or texture change
The Procedure at Baumholtz Plastic Surgery
Treatment is performed in the office under local anesthesia. After marking the target areas while standing, the procedure proceeds dimple by dimple with measured precision. Patients typically resume light activities within a day or two. Soreness, bruising, and swelling peak within the first week and then subside gradually. Compression garments and aftercare instructions are reviewed in detail before discharge.
Recovery and Expected Results
Most patients describe early recovery as similar to post-workout soreness. Bruising resolves over 1 to 2 weeks, and swelling softens over several more. Results become clearer as tissues settle, typically around 8 to 12 weeks.
“Improvement” means dimples are softened or flattened and the surface appears smoother in normal lighting. Avéli is not designed to tighten skin or remove stretch marks. For released bands, improvement is expected to be durable. Aging, weight change, and hormonal shifts can reveal new dimples over time; these can be mapped and addressed if meaningful.
Combining Treatments
When mild laxity or contour imbalance coexists with banding, Dr. Baumholtz may integrate skin-focused or contouring procedures into a staged plan. Staging allows the body to heal and reveal what additional improvement is truly needed, protecting both safety and results.
Safety
All procedures carry risk. Common short-term effects include bruising, swelling, tenderness, temporary numbness, and firmness. Less common events include contour irregularity, hematoma, infection, or persistent dimpling. Dr. Baumholtz reviews risks in straightforward terms and provides direct access to his team for concerns during recovery. Technique is deliberate and never rushed.
Cost and Value
Pricing reflects surgeon expertise, facility safety, anesthesia, and follow-up care. Because cellulite patterns vary, individualized consultation provides the most accurate estimate. Financing options are available through the office. Dr. Baumholtz does not take insurance for this elective procedure.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Baumholtz
Patients across San Antonio seek Dr. Baumholtz for precision, integrity, and follow-through. Consultation, treatment, and follow-up are handled directly by the surgeon and his team, emphasizing continuity of care and long-term access.
FAQs About Cellulite and Avéli Treatment in San Antonio
Will summer heat and South Texas humidity make swelling look worse after Avéli?
Yes. Heat and humidity can amplify early swelling and bruising. Dr. Baumholtz advises keeping cool indoors for the first few days, short shaded walks, and consistent compression as directed. Skip saunas, hot tubs, and long sun exposure until the entry points have sealed and early bruising has faded.
Can I float the Comal or Guadalupe soon after treatment, or do rivers count as submersion?
Rivers count as submersion. No swimming or soaking until the tiny entry points have sealed and surface bruising has passed its peak. For most patients, that is about 1 to 2 weeks. He will confirm timing during follow-up.
I bike the Mission Reach trail. Does cycling increase pressure on treated areas?
Early on, yes. Saddle pressure and repetitive hip motion can increase swelling and soreness in the first 1 to 2 weeks. Gentle indoor cycling on a well padded seat may resume when sitting is comfortable and swelling is down. Outdoor mileage can be rebuilt gradually.
I wear cowboy boots daily. Any issue pairing them with compression leggings after Avéli?
Boots are fine. The key is temperature and seams. Choose breathable compression leggings without tight seam lines over the treated zones. If heat builds during the day, change into a dry layer to keep the skin comfortable.
Will sitting through a Spurs game or a long concert at the Frost Bank Center slow recovery?
Prolonged sitting on firm seats can be uncomfortable during the first week and can add to swelling. Use a soft cushion, take brief stand-and-walk breaks, and pick aisle seating if possible. By week two, most patients tolerate longer sits more easily.
Do cedar allergy flares or common antihistamines affect recovery or photos of results?
Seasonal congestion and fluid shifts can make dimples look different week to week. Standard non-drowsy antihistamines are generally acceptable, but all medications should be reviewed before treatment. Plan comparison photos outside peak allergy days when possible.
What if my dimples look deeper in the harsh dressing room lights at North Star Mall even after treatment?
Harsh overhead lighting exaggerates surface texture during the swelling phase. This is common and temporary. As swelling resolves and tissues settle, photos taken at consistent angles and lighting around 8 to 12 weeks give a more accurate view of improvement. If a true residual band remains, Dr. Baumholtz will discuss options at that visit.
Medical References
- Cellulite: Current Understanding and Treatment - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10324940/
- Effectiveness of Body Remodeling and Cellulite Treatments Using Symmed RF Device -
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11735865/ - Participant Reported Improvement in Cellulite by Vari-Pad Acoustic Wave Therapy - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10518180/
- Effects of Cellulite Treatment with RF, IR Light, Mechanical Massage and Suction - https://www.academia.edu/126250926/Effects_of_cellulite_treatment_with_RF_IR_light_mechanical_massage_and_suction_treating_one_buttock_with_the_contralateral_as_a_control
- Treatment for Cellulite. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647518300418
- Non-Invasive Body Contouring Technologies. U.S. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/non-invasive-body-contouring-technologies
- Effectiveness and Safety of EN3835 in the Treatment of Cellulite in Women (RELEASE-2). ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03446781
Schedule a Consultation
To learn whether Avéli is the right option for your specific pattern of cellulite, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Michael Baumholtz at Baumholtz Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX. Patients receive a clear anatomical explanation, an individualized plan, and guidance every step of the way.
Further Reading
- Read more about Body Procedures
- Read Dr Baumholtz's Blog on What is Body Contouring: Benefits, Risks & Recovery
- Read Dr Baumholtz's Blog on How to Choose Between Surgical Body Contouring vs. Non-Surgical Body Contouring
