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A Thoughtful Approach to Cellulite Treatment

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EmTone in Oak Brook

Patients in Oak Brook often come in asking about cellulite with a fair amount of frustration. They are exercising, eating well, and paying attention to their health—yet the skin on their thighs or abdomen doesn’t reflect that effort. That disconnect is real, and it deserves an honest explanation rather than a quick sales pitch.

At The Geldner Center, care is guided by a surgeon-led MedSpa model, where non-surgical treatments are viewed as part of the broader plastic surgery journey, not isolated procedures. Led by Dr. Peter Geldner, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Allergan Top 500 Provider, treatment decisions are grounded in anatomy, long-term outcomes, and realistic expectations.

EmTone is one of several tools we may use to address cellulite and skin quality. It is not a substitute for surgery, and it is not appropriate for everyone. When selected thoughtfully and placed in the right context, however, it can play a meaningful role in improving skin texture and firmness—especially for patients who want improvement without surgery.

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How EmTone Works

EmTone combines two technologies delivered simultaneously:

  • Thermal radiofrequency, which gently heats the skin and underlying tissue to support collagen remodeling and elasticity
  • Targeted pressure energy, which helps improve circulation and disrupt the stiff connective tissue patterns associated with cellulite

The intent is not weight loss or fat removal. The goal is healthier tissue behavior over time—improved circulation, better skin quality, and smoother contour.

What EmTone
Can (and Cannot) Do

EmTone can improve the appearance of cellulite by addressing skin laxity and tissue stiffness. Many patients from the Oak Brook area notice smoother skin and improved firmness after completing a treatment series.

It cannot eliminate cellulite entirely. Cellulite is common and persistent, even in very fit individuals. Patients who understand this—and aim for improvement rather than perfection—tend to be the most satisfied with their results.

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Who’s a Good Candidate for EmTone

EmTone is often a good option for patients who:

  • Are at or near a stable weight
  • Have mild to moderate cellulite
  • Want improvement without surgery or downtime
  • Prefer a non-invasive approach

It is not a substitute for surgical body contouring when excess skin or significant fat is the primary concern. That distinction is important and part of the consultation process.

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“Dr. Geldner and his staff are by far the most professional and caring team in the cosmetic industry. It’s important to receive transparency and honesty when doing any kind of procedure, and they do just that. They are also extremely knowledgeable regarding any questions and/or concerns their clients might have. 100/10 would recommend”
~Patient Review
Google Verified

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What the Treatment Feels Like

Treatments are performed in our Oak Brook office and typically take about 20–30 minutes per area. Most patients describe the sensation as a deep warmth combined with rhythmic pressure. No anesthesia is required, and there is no meaningful downtime.

Treatment Series and Results

EmTone is usually performed as a series of treatments spaced over several weeks. Improvement develops gradually as the skin and connective tissue respond. As with most non-surgical treatments, results depend on biology, consistency, and lifestyle.

Maintenance treatments may be recommended, particularly as the body continues to change over time.

A Surgeon’s Perspective

Cellulite treatment works best when expectations are realistic. No device can override anatomy or aging, but some can improve how tissue functions and looks. EmTone falls into that category. Used appropriately, it can be a helpful tool for selected patients.

The most important part of the process is not the technology—it is the evaluation. Understanding what makes sense for your body, your goals, and your long-term plans is what leads to good outcomes.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering EmTone, the first step is a consultation. We’ll discuss your concerns, examine the areas you’d like to improve, and determine whether EmTone is appropriate—or whether another approach would serve you better.

Frequently Asked Questions

EmTone is typically performed as a series of treatments, as a single session is unlikely to produce meaningful or lasting change.

  • Single EmTone treatment: $400–$700 per area
  • Series of 4 treatments: $1,500–$2,500 per area
  • Maintenance sessions (as needed): $350–$600 per session

Most patients benefit from a treatment series rather than one-off sessions. During consultation, we discuss whether EmTone makes sense on its own or as part of a broader treatment plan.

Financing options are available to help spread the cost over time.

Disclaimer: Final pricing is determined during consultation based on individual anatomy, treatment areas, and overall care plan.

Most patients require 4 treatments, typically spaced one week apart. Some patients may benefit from additional sessions, while others transition to occasional maintenance treatments.

The correct number is determined by skin quality, degree of cellulite, and how the tissue responds over time.

No. EmTone does not remove fat and is not a weight-loss treatment. Its purpose is to improve skin texture and tissue quality by addressing factors such as skin laxity, circulation, and connective tissue stiffness.

Patients who are near a stable weight tend to have the most predictable results.

EmTone does not require anesthesia. Most patients describe the treatment as a deep warming sensation combined with rhythmic pressure. It is generally well tolerated.

There is no downtime, and patients return to normal activity immediately after treatment.

Results develop gradually over weeks as the skin responds. Longevity varies based on:

  • Age
  • Skin quality
  • Hormones
  • Weight stability
  • Lifestyle factors

Cellulite is influenced by biology and time. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to preserve improvement.

EmTone is non-surgical and appropriate for mild to moderate cellulite. Surgical approaches may be more effective when excess skin or more advanced structural changes are present.

At a surgeon-led MedSpa, the goal is not to force a non-surgical solution where surgery would be more appropriate. The consultation determines which option makes sense.

EmTone is FDA-cleared and very safe when used appropriately. As with any medical treatment, patient selection matters. That is why evaluation and expectation-setting are essential before starting treatment.