Alidya: Injectable cellulite treatment
Alidya is an injectable mesotherapy designed specifically for cellulite. It is injected with a very fine needle into areas with cellulite and targets the mechanisms that create it in the subcutaneous tissue: it improves microcirculation and tissue oxygenation, supports the normal function of fat cells and reduces the “orange peel” look. It is a short treatment with no downtime.
Cellulite is one of the most common aesthetic concerns — and one of the most stubborn. Many women see it persist even with a healthy diet, exercise and a normal weight. That’s because it isn’t simply “excess fat”, but a change in the structure and function of the subcutaneous tissue. Alidya was designed to act precisely there, and at UniqSkin we include it in a personalised body mesotherapy programme for smoother, firmer skin.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a change in the surface of the skin that gives it an “orange peel” appearance, with dimples and unevenness. It appears mainly on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and arms, and affects the majority of women after puberty — regardless of weight.
Several factors contribute to it:
- Hormonal and genetic factors, which is why it is much more common in women.
- The structure of the subcutaneous tissue: in women, fibrous septa “tie” the skin downwards, while the fat cells between them bulge upwards.
- Impaired microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, with fluid retention and poor tissue oxygenation.
- Lifestyle: a sedentary life, diet, smoking and weight fluctuations.
Depending on its severity, cellulite may be visible only when the skin is pinched, when standing, or even at rest and lying down.
What is Alidya?
Alidya (from Anti-Lipodystrophic Agents) is a class III medical device made by the Italian company Marllor Biomedical, developed by aesthetic medicine professor Pasquale Motolese. It was one of the first injectables designed specifically to prevent and treat cellulite.
It comes as a powder (340 mg) and a solvent (10 ml), mixed at the time of treatment. Its formula includes:
- Disodium EDTA, a substance that binds metals such as iron.
- An amino-acid complex, to support tissue remodelling.
- A buffer system with sodium bicarbonate, which balances the tissue’s pH.
- An osmolarity regulator and a carbohydrate (glucopyranose) as a carrier.
How it works
Alidya’s approach is based on the research of Professor Motolese, according to which, in areas with cellulite, slowed microcirculation leads to a build-up of iron (haemosiderin) in the subcutaneous tissue. This iron is thought to cause oxidative stress, “acidification” of the tissue and fat-cell dysfunction, sustaining a vicious cycle.
Alidya targets this cycle:
- It binds iron (through EDTA), so it can be cleared from the tissue.
- It alkalinises the extracellular matrix, restoring a more normal environment.
- It improves microcirculation and tissue oxygenation.
- It supports remodelling of the connective tissue and the normal function of fat cells.
The result is smoother, firmer skin with less visible cellulite.
Treatment areas
Alidya can be used on any area with cellulite:
- Thighs (outer and inner)
- Buttocks
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Inner knees
It is also used to improve skin texture after liposuction.
Who it is for
Alidya is for healthy women (and men) with cellulite who want to improve the appearance and texture of their skin without surgery. It gives the best results when combined with a healthy diet, good hydration and regular exercise.
It’s important to note that Alidya is not a weight-loss treatment: it targets the quality of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, not the number on the scale.
The benefits
- Smoother skin, with a reduced “orange peel” look.
- Better microcirculation and tissue oxygenation.
- Firmer, more elastic skin.
- A short treatment, with no downtime.
- Well tolerated, with minimal discomfort.
The procedure
- Assessment: We examine the area, the degree of cellulite and your medical history to make sure the treatment is right for you.
- Preparation: The area is cleansed, disinfected and marked. An anaesthetic cream can be applied if you wish.
- Injection: The solution is mixed at the time of treatment and injected using the mesotherapy technique, with a very fine, short needle, at many small points across the area with cellulite.
- Duration: About 15–45 minutes, depending on the size of the area.
- Protocol: Sessions take place once a week. Usually 5–7 sessions are needed, depending on the area and the severity of the cellulite. After the course, 1–2 maintenance sessions may be suggested.
- Results: An improvement in skin texture is usually noticeable after the first few sessions and continues gradually, with the fullest result about 1.5–2 months after starting treatment.
How long do the results last?
Cellulite is a chronic condition influenced by hormones, genetics and lifestyle. Maintaining the results therefore depends largely on a healthy diet, exercise and a stable weight, while periodic maintenance sessions help preserve them.
After the treatment
- Don’t apply creams or cosmetics to the area for 12 hours.
- Avoid heat (saunas, sunbathing, solariums) and intense cold for at least 12 hours.
- Drink plenty of water and keep up regular exercise.
- You can return to your daily activities straight away.
Safety
Alidya is generally well tolerated. Small bruises, mild redness, itching or slight swelling may appear at the injection points, usually resolving within a few hours to 2–3 days.
The treatment is only for healthy individuals and is not recommended in:
- pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- acute or chronic conditions in or around the treatment area;
- a history of anaphylaxis or allergic reactions;
- serious systemic or autoimmune diseases;
- children.
That is why a thorough medical assessment always comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does it hurt?
The treatment is well tolerated, as a very fine, short needle is used. An anaesthetic cream can be applied if you wish.
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How many sessions do I need?
Usually 5–7 weekly sessions, depending on the area and the severity of the cellulite. The exact number is set at your medical assessment.
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Will I lose weight?
No. Alidya is not a weight-loss treatment. It targets cellulite and skin quality.
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Does it remove cellulite permanently?
Alidya significantly improves the appearance of cellulite, but cellulite is a chronic condition influenced by hormones, genetics and lifestyle. With healthy habits and, where needed, maintenance sessions, the results last better.
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Can I have the treatment in summer?
Yes, as long as you avoid sun and heat on the area for at least 12 hours after each session.
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What else can I do about cellulite?
A healthy diet, good hydration, regular exercise and quitting smoking significantly boost the result.
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Alidya or Cellutrix?
Both are injectable treatments for cellulite, with a different mechanism. RRS® HA Cellutrix is a cocktail of caffeine, L-carnitine, fucoxanthin and hyaluronic acid that acts on fat, circulation and skin quality at the same time. A medical assessment will show which suits you.
Conclusion
Alidya is a targeted, minimally invasive treatment for cellulite that acts on its mechanisms in the subcutaneous tissue rather than simply “hiding” the problem. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, it gives smoother, firmer skin with no downtime. At UniqSkin we design a personalised treatment programme based on your needs and goals.
