Renuvion®
Loose and sagging skin happens to the best of us, especially as we age. Our collagen and elastin production is no longer as rich as it used to be, leaving us with thin skin, bat wings, sagging breasts, and a tummy pooch that refuses to budge. This problem becomes more apparent after weight loss, as the skin struggles to keep up with the fat reduction.
Procedures like Renuvion® help reduce skin sagging by using a minimally invasive dual tightening technology. Using RF frequency and helium plasma, it triggers a new production of collagen and elastin in the skin, tightening it and offering a stronger structure. Dr. Allison Yee provides this treatment alternative at Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa for anyone who wants to improve their skin quality.
Candidates for Renuvion®
Ideal candidates for Renuvion® are those who experience skin sagging after life events like weight loss, fat removal, or even childbirth. The procedure works on numerous areas of the body where you have loose skin, such as the neck, submental area, arms, abdomen, thighs, back, or knees.
Renuvion® is also a recommended procedure for those who seek a less invasive skin tightening option than surgery. The procedure is a good option for those looking to reduce mild to medium skin sagging, such as post-liposuction or after weight loss. Renuvion® helps the skin contract without worrying about noticeable scarring.
Renuvion® is a skin-tightening procedure, and not a weight loss option. As such, patients should maintain a stable weight over the course of six months to improve the outcome. The ideal candidate is a non-smoker, as smoking can delay the body’s healing capacity.
You may not be a very good candidate if you have severe skin laxity, particularly after major weight loss. Patients with a BMI over 35 are also at a higher risk of complications, which means they may not be suitable candidates. It’s best to schedule an appointment with Dr. Yee to determine whether you’re a good candidate.
How Does Renuvion® Work?
Renuvion® uses a combination of radiofrequency (RF) and helium plasma to heat the underlying tissue. The RF excites the helium gas until it becomes ionized plasma, which offers a precise and powerful delivery with rapid cooling. This minimizes potential damage to the surrounding tissue.
The procedure involves a very small incision, only wide enough to fit a cannula underneath the skin. This allows the heat to be delivered right underneath the skin tissue, offering a better skin-tightening effect. With time, the 2-4 mm incision will heal and become unnoticeable, with little to no risk of outer skin damage.
The dual effect of the procedure has two purposes. The first is the immediate contraction of your existing collagen fibers, where the heat causes the tissue to contract and tighten instantly. The second is to trigger the body’s natural healing process by exposing it to heat, which responds by creating new collagen. The new fibers continue maturing over the next couple of months, improving the skin’s texture and firmness.
The procedure is sometimes combined with liposuction, depending on your body sculpting goals. It lasts around 30 to 90 minutes, based on the size of the treated area.
Recovery from Renuvion®
Recovery from Renuvion® is quick, especially when compared with surgical procedures. You can expect some mild to moderate swelling, tenderness, tightness, and bruising in the treated area, which peak in the first couple of days. They usually last for a week or two, but this depends on how big the treated area is.
Patients should lie low in the first few days, but can resume light activities after 48 hours. Depending on the case, you may want to refrain from chores and excessive movement for longer. Dr. Yee may recommend you wear a compression garment for the first few weeks to support tissue contraction and improve tightening.
Renuvion® Results
Renuvion® offers a combination of immediate and long-term results, based on your recovery stage. Many patients may notice a firming effect right after the procedure, although it’s mainly concealed by the swelling. You should be able to notice the initial results after two weeks, with the sagging becoming less pronounced and your contour being smoother.
However, the full effects are visible three to six months after the procedure, once the new collagen and elastin have enough time to mature. One treatment is usually sufficient to address mild sagging, but moderate looseness may benefit from two to three sessions. The effects are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and use sun protection whenever you go out.
