Cellulite-hautWith the acquisition of Cabochon Aesthetics Inc, Ulthera Inc is about throw their hat into the cellulite reduction market. Cabochon developed a federal Food and Drug Administration-cleared minimally invasive cellulite treatment procedure targets the fibrous septae via a vacuum-assisted device.

The Cabochon technique draws a small section of skin with cellulite into a handpiece to cut the fibrous septae. In independent blinded physician review of before-and-after photos, 78% of patients had improved at least one full grade in severity at 6 months. At baseline, the average cellulite severity score was about 4.5 on an 0-6 scale. At 90 days, the average severity score had dropped to 3, and at 180 days to roughly 2.5, the studies that led to approval showed. Ninety-four percent of patients were rated by independent physicians as having improved by at least 1 point on the 0-6 scale.

Of the 33 US patients followed for 1 year, 87% felt their appearance was improved and 77% were satisfied with their treatment at all time points.

Seroma formation was an issue early on, but researchers have figured out how to tweak the protocol to avoid this complication.

โ€œCabochon is an innovative technology that addresses a universal body contouring problem for womenโ€”dimples and cellulite. It is minimally invasive, and the studies have demonstrated rapid results and a short recovery. With Ulthera’s large install base of practitioners, it should be a welcome addition to their portfolio,” says PSP Contributing Editor Wendy Lewis.