Key takeaways
- Cellulite is not a disease: it is a characteristic of the skin, driven by the structure of the subcutaneous tissue. Cellulite is very common.
- Creams and at-home devices work on the surface. They cannot reach the causes.
- At Institut V Esthétique we work with five complementary approaches: lipocavitation, radiofrequency, wood therapy, infrared therapy and lymphatic drainage.
- Lipocavitation is planned over a series of sessions; the number is set after an assessment of your situation.
- The protocol and the price are set after an assessment of your situation, not quoted blind over the phone.
What exactly is cellulite, and why is it so hard to treat?
Cellulite describes the dimpled appearance of the skin, most often on the thighs, hips and buttocks. It comes from the structure of the subcutaneous tissue: fat cells are held in place by fibrous bands, and when those cells enlarge, the bands pull the skin down. That is what creates the dimples.
This is why one technique does not work for everyone. Depending on whether fluid retention, localized fat or loss of firmness dominates, the right treatment changes. It is also why a single approach applied to every body gives disappointing results.
Why do creams and at-home devices fall short?
Creams act on the most superficial layer of the skin. They can hydrate and make the surface look temporarily smoother, but they do not change fat cells, fibrous bands or deep circulation.
At-home devices share the same limit: their power is designed for unsupervised use. Clinical technologies work at frequencies and depths that cannot be replicated at home. That is not a question of brand, it is a question of energy delivered.
Which cellulite treatments does Institut V offer?
- Lipocavitation: high-frequency ultrasound creates micro-bubbles that break down localized fat cells, which the body then clears naturally. Typical areas: abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back.
- Radiofrequency: controlled heat that stimulates collagen and firms the skin. This is the approach to prioritize when the skin has lost tone.
- Wood therapy: a massage using wooden instruments, used in particular for grade 2 and 3 cellulite.
- Infrared therapy: infrared heat penetrates deeply into the tissues to warm and stimulate the area; results vary from person to person and depend on consistency.
- Lymphatic drainage: a gentle massage that activates circulation and speeds up elimination. It is especially useful before or alongside lipocavitation.
These approaches combine. Lymphatic drainage, for example, prepares the body to clear what lipocavitation releases, and the combination can support results, which vary from person to person.
How many sessions do you actually need?
For lipocavitation, the number of sessions is set after the initial assessment. Results are progressive and cumulative: each session builds on the previous one rather than changing everything at once.
For radiofrequency we do not quote a uniform number of sessions. The rhythm depends on the area, the quality of the skin and the goal, and it is defined after the initial assessment.
How are the protocol and the price set?
Everything starts with an assessment: we look at the area, ask about your habits, your health history and your goals. That is what determines the technique, the order of treatments and the schedule.
The price depends on the protocol chosen and is confirmed before anything starts. We would rather give you an accurate number after seeing your situation than a generic estimate over the phone.
How do you make the results last?
- Stay hydrated: staying well hydrated helps your body clear what the treatments release.
- Move a little after each session: a walk or light activity supports circulation.
- Keep your diet balanced: treatments work on targeted areas, not instead of your habits.
- Respect the schedule: the spacing between sessions is part of the protocol, not a detail.
- Plan maintenance: after the initial protocol, an occasional session keeps the result in place.
Why choose Institut V for body treatments?
Our body treatments are performed at 6532 Beaubien East in Montreal, in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, by our team. We combine several technologies so the protocol fits the area and the cause, instead of applying the same device to everyone.
If your goals also involve the face, we offer microneedling and chemical peels, which lets us work body and face in a single plan.
Want to know which protocol fits your situation? Book your free consultation at Institut V Esthétique or call us at (438) 900-0919. We assess the area, explain the options and confirm the price before you commit to anything.
Frequently asked questions
Are body treatments painful?
Lipocavitation feels like warmth and a buzzing sensation. Radiofrequency produces progressive heat, and wood therapy is a firm massage. Sensations vary from person to person; we adjust the intensity to your tolerance, and you can tell us at any time if anything is uncomfortable.
Are the results permanent?
Results vary from person to person and depend on maintenance. Cellulite also depends on skin structure, hydration and weight changes: without upkeep, the appearance can shift again. That is why we plan maintenance sessions.
How long before I see a difference?
The first changes often appear after a few sessions, and the result builds across the whole protocol. A lipocavitation protocol typically runs over several weeks.
Are there contraindications?
Yes. Some situations require postponing or adapting treatment, for example pregnancy, a metal implant in the area for radiofrequency, or certain circulatory conditions. This is checked during the consultation, and we tell you before we start.
Why not just use an at-home device?
Home devices stay at the surface, while clinical technologies reach deeper and come with professional supervision. Used on the wrong cause, an unsupervised device can change nothing at all.
In short
Cellulite has several causes, so it needs several answers. At Institut V Esthétique on Beaubien, we choose the technique based on your area and your type of cellulite, plan the number of sessions with you, and give you the habits that make the result last.
Ready to start? Book your free consultation at Institut V Esthétique and leave with a protocol matched to your situation.
