Summer has a way of making cellulite feel louder. Shorts, swimsuits and brighter daylight can make every thigh dimple seem more noticeable. The problem is that most “summer body” advice points you in the wrong direction.
Cellulite is not a sign that you are out of shape. It is a structural issue under the skin. In fact, cellulite affects an estimated 80% to 90% of post-pubertal women, which is why even fit, healthy women often still see dimpling on the thighs or buttocks.
That is what makes this conversation worth having before summer. If your goal is smoother skin, you need a treatment that matches the cause. At South Jersey Aesthetics, Avéli® offers a different approach by targeting the fibrous bands that create cellulite dimples rather than only treating the surface appearance. This targeted treatment helps address the underlying cause of cellulite.
Why Cellulite Is So Hard to Treat With Diet and Exercise Alone
Many people assume cellulite is simply a sign of excess body fat. If that were true, losing weight or exercising more would eliminate it. In reality, cellulite develops because of structural factors beneath the skin.
Fibrous connective bands called septa anchor the skin to deeper tissue. When these bands pull downward while even minimal fat tissue pushes upward between them, the skin forms the dimples commonly seen on the thighs and buttocks. Because these bands create the structural tension that causes cellulite, exercise and weight loss cannot release them.
Several biological factors also influence how noticeable cellulite becomes, including:
- Hormones: Estrogen affects fat distribution, circulation and connective tissue structure. This female hormone helps explain why cellulite is far more common in women.
- Genetics: Skin thickness, connective tissue strength and fat distribution can all be inherited, which is why cellulite often runs in families.
- Skin aging: As collagen and elasticity decline over time, the skin becomes thinner. This makes the underlying fat and connective tissue more visible.
What Is Avéli®?
Avéli is a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that targets the structural cause of cellulite. During the procedure, a specialized handheld device enables Dr. Francis and his experienced providers to identify and release the fibrous septa that form individual dimples.
This process is known as targeted subcision, and it works by freeing the skin from the tension created by those connective bands. Once the bands are released, the skin can settle into a smoother position.
Why Choose Avéli® for Cellulite?
Only One Treatment Needed
The treatment is typically performed during a single in-office session, allowing patients to address visible dimples without committing to a long series of appointments.
Targets Each Cellulite Dimple
Avéli treats each dimple individually. Instead of applying a generalized treatment to the entire area, your South Jersey Aesthetics provider identifies the fibrous connective bands responsible for specific skin depressions and releases them. This targeted approach helps create smoother contours in the treated areas.
Minimal Downtime
Most patients can resume their normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Some mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area is normal and typically resolves within the first few weeks.
Long-Lasting Results
Because Avéli releases the fibrous bands that structurally cause cellulite, the results go beyond temporary surface smoothing. In a clinical study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, participants showed a lasting reduction in cellulite appearance one year after their procedure.
Why Many Patients Choose Avéli® Before Summer
Many patients begin researching cellulite treatments in the months leading up to summer. Warmer weather often means swimsuits, shorts and more time outdoors, which can make thigh and buttock dimpling feel more noticeable.
While Avéli involves minimal downtime, results develop gradually as the skin heals. Some patients notice early improvement within a few weeks, but optimal results typically become apparent over one to three months. Scheduling treatment in the spring or early summer gives your skin time to recover and settle before vacation, beach days or special events, so you can head into summer feeling more confident in seasonal clothing.
Is Avéli® the Right Cellulite Treatment for You?
Avéli is designed for adult women who have visible cellulite dimples caused by fibrous connective tissue bands beneath the skin. While a consultation is always the best way to determine candidacy, many ideal patients share several characteristics.
You may be a good candidate for Avéli if you:
- Notice distinct cellulite dimples on your thighs or buttocks
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, but still see persistent cellulite
- Are close to your goal weight and not seeking a weight loss treatment
- Want a solution that targets the structural cause of cellulite rather than temporarily smoothing the skin
- Prefer a single in-office treatment instead of multiple maintenance sessions
A consultation with us helps determine whether Avéli is the right option for your goals. The team evaluates the pattern of cellulite, skin quality and overall body contours to recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Get Smoother Skin With Avéli®
Cellulite is a structural issue, and treating it effectively means going beyond the surface. Avéli targets the fibrous bands that cause dimpling, offering meaningful improvement for patients who haven’t seen results from diet, exercise or topical treatments alone.
At South Jersey Aesthetics, Dr. Dan Francis and his experienced team provide personalized consultations to determine whether Avéli is the right option for your goals. Schedule your visit to find out if Avéli can give you smoother-looking skin and greater confidence heading into summer.

