Can adding a simple skin snip boost cellulite treatment?
NCT ID NCT02427698
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether freezing fat cells (cryolipolysis) works better for cellulite when combined with a minor procedure that cuts the fibrous bands pulling down the skin (subcision). Fifteen healthy women with moderate to severe cellulite on both outer thighs will receive one treatment on each thigh: cryolipolysis alone on one side and cryolipolysis plus subcision on the other. A blinded dermatologist will rate cellulite severity before treatment and three months later to see which approach reduces cellulite more.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- CoolSculpting device (cryolipolysis) and subcision needle
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a more effective combination treatment for reducing cellulite appearance.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination procedure involves skin puncturing, which carries risks like bruising or infection.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
-
Aug 2015
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Healthy female subjects 18-65 years of age with at least a 5 on the CSS scale on both outer thighs. 2. All subjects must have the affected areas that show the mattress phenomenon spontaneously when standing or while both lying and standing (Stage 2 or 3 of Nurnberger-Muller grading scale of cellulite7). 3. Subjects who are willing and have the ability to understand and provide informed consent for participation in the study and are able to communicate with the investigator. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects who are pregnant or lactating. 2. Subjects who are unable to understand the protocol or to give informed consent. 3. Subjects currently under treatment with an antiplatelet or anticoagulant for any medical problem or patients who have coagulation disorder. 4. Subjects who have a known history of cold-induced disease such as cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria, cold urticaria. 5. Subjects who have active skin disease or skin infection in the treatment area. 6. Subjects who are allergic to lidocaine or prilocaine. 7. Subjects who are allergic to both cephalexin (or penicillin) AND levofloxacin (or another quinolone antibiotic). 8. Subjects who have history of abnormal scarring.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Cellulite are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.