Avéli Cellulite Treatment in Franklin & Nashville, TN

Name: Avéli Cellulite Treatment
Brand: Higdon Plastic Surgery
Rating: 5 (289 reviews)

Avéli is a minimally invasive, one-time treatment that targets the structural cause of cellulite rather than masking its appearance.

woman sitting on the ground with her arms around her legs

Treat Cellulite at Its Source at Higdon Plastic Surgery

Cellulite is a structural condition, not a weight problem, and Dr. Kent "Kye" Higdon approaches it that way. With more than 14 years of experience and over a decade on faculty at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Higdon evaluates each patient's cellulite pattern individually before recommending treatment. Higdon Plastic Surgery added Avéli to its body-contouring offerings, giving patients in Nashville and Franklin access to a treatment designed around the underlying cause of cellulite rather than temporary surface fixes.

What Is Avéli?

One of the primary structural causes of cellulite is the presence of fibrous connective tissue bands, called septa, that pull the skin downward while the surrounding fat pushes upward, creating the dimpled appearance.

Avéli is a minimally invasive treatment that directly addresses this structural cause by releasing the connective tissue bands using a specialized handheld device.

The treatment:

Is FDA-cleared for long-term reduction in the appearance of cellulite in the buttocks and thighs
Releases the targeted connective tissue bands so they remain released, supporting long-term improvement
Is supported by clinical data demonstrating treatment benefits through one year of observation
Is also indicated for soft tissue dissection during general and plastic surgical procedures

This combination allows Avéli to address the structural cause of cellulite directly rather than treating only the skin's surface.

Avéli Benefits

Avéli offers several advantages over creams, gadgets, and other cellulite treatments. For example:

It targets the structural cause of cellulite rather than the appearance alone
It’s a one-time treatment with long-term results
It can be performed under local anesthesia in the office or as an add-on during another surgical procedure
It offers low downtime compared to more invasive body contouring surgery

Am I a Candidate for Avéli?

Patients with dimpled cellulite on the buttocks or thighs are the best candidates. Because Avéli works by releasing specific bands beneath the skin, candidacy depends on the pattern and severity of cellulite present. During a consultation, Dr. Higdon or Dr. Wetzel will map the treatment area and confirm whether Avéli, alone or in combination with another body-contouring procedure, is the right approach.

Why Choose Higdon Plastic Surgery for Avéli?

Dr. Higdon is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he founded Vanderbilt's Breast and Body Contouring Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Fellowship. Dr. Wetzel brings additional training through an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship focused on body-contouring outcomes. This depth of experience allows the team to plan Avéli treatment with precision, whether it is performed as a standalone office visit or added on during another procedure in the operating room.

What to Expect: Treatment and Recovery

In-Office or Add-On Treatment

Avéli can be performed under local anesthesia in the office as a standalone visit, or added on during another body contouring procedure while a patient is already in the operating room. The treatment follows three steps:

Identify: Dr. Higdon or Dr. Wetzel maps the treatment area, marking each dimple and the connective tissue band responsible for it.
Release: Using the handheld Avéli device, the surgeon guides a small tip beneath the skin to reach the marked band and release it.
Verify: The device allows the surgeon to confirm each band has been fully released before moving to the next treatment area, so no dimple is left unaddressed.

This step-by-step approach allows each band to be identified and released precisely, rather than treating the area as a whole.

Recovery

Downtime after Avéli is minimal. Most patients experience mild soreness or bruising in the treated area that resolves within days to a few weeks, and normal activities can typically resume quickly.

Bringing Surgical-Level Expertise to Cellulite Treatment

Many cellulite treatments patients try before visiting Higdon Plastic Surgery focus on the skin's surface rather than addressing the underlying septa that pull it down, which is why the results are often temporary. Dr. Higdon, a body-contouring surgeon trained at Vanderbilt and the founder of the university's fellowship program in this field, applies a detailed and structural approach with Avéli. He maps each patient’s unique dimple pattern instead of using a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.

Schedule a consultation with Higdon Plastic Surgery in Franklin, TN, to find out if Avéli fits your goals.

Avéli Cellulite Treatment FAQ

How long do Avéli results last?

Avéli is designed as a one-time treatment with long-term results, since the released bands do not reattach.

Is Avéli painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Mild soreness and bruising are common afterward and typically resolve within a few weeks.

Can Avéli be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Avéli can be added during another body-contouring surgery performed in the operating room, or scheduled as its own in-office visit.

How many areas can be treated with Avéli in a single session?

The number of areas treated depends on each patient's cellulite pattern and goals. Dr. Higdon or Dr. Wetzel will map out a specific treatment plan during the consultation based on the number and location of dimples.

Will Avéli work on all types of cellulite?

Avéli is designed to treat cellulite caused by connective tissue bands pulling the skin downward. Candidacy depends on the pattern and severity of a patient's cellulite, which is why an in-person evaluation is necessary before treatment.

Is there scarring after Avéli?

Avéli is performed through a small entry point rather than a traditional incision, so visible scarring is minimal. Dr. Higdon or Dr. Wetzel can discuss what to expect for a patient's specific treatment areas.

How soon will I see results after Avéli?

Some improvement may be visible shortly after treatment, with continued improvement as the treated areas heal. Individual timelines vary based on the extent of treatment.