A Comprehensive Look at the Renuvion Device for Skin Tightening of Loose Skin

The pursuit of a youthful appearance has witnessed remarkable advancements in cosmetic procedures and energy devices. Patients can now explore minimally invasive procedures that enhance their beauty and offer more efficient and less invasive surgery to achieve their desired goals.

Renuvion is the only device that employs one such groundbreaking technology, which has redefined skin tightening by combining the principles of helium plasma with radiofrequency energy.

This state-of-the-art procedure, also known as J-Plasma or by its medical moniker, J-Plasty, has intrigued those in the cosmetic enhancement world. If you’re contemplating skin-tightening aesthetic procedures with minimal downtime, understanding what Renuvion entails, its potential benefits and the ideal treatment candidates can significantly impact your decision-making process.

Renuvion was recently an FDA cleared device for skin tightening, adding to its credibility in the world of cosmetic enhancements. On April 27, 2023, the FDA cleared the Renuvion APR handpiece for coagulation of subcutaneous soft tissues following liposuction for aesthetic body contouring. Currently, it is the only FDA cleared device to use after liposuction to enhance body contouring results.

In this detailed expedition into Renuvion, we’ll explore every facet of this innovative cosmetic procedure. This guide by Dr. Amir Ghaznavi is tailored to provide you with comprehensive insights into what Renuvion can offer at AMG Plastic Surgery in Herndon, VA.

What Is Renuvion? Understanding the combination of helium plasma and radiofrequency energy on soft tissue

At its core, Renuvion is the only energy device that employs a unique blend of helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to treat loose skin. The result is a controlled and concentrated effect on the treated tissues, which can deliver a more contoured appearance effect for the loose skin. The method is often utilized in conjunction with liposuction renuvion to refine the body’s contours or as a standalone treatment where loose skin or deep wrinkles is the primary concern.

Renuvion’s combination of cold helium plasma and the heat from radiofrequency energy results in contracting subcutaneous soft tissue via the thermal effect on collagen fibers. Renuvion quickly heats the skin to 85°C (the magic temperature for tissue contraction), then in 0.75 seconds the surrounding tissues and high temperature employed cools back to baseline causing an external skin measurement increases of less than 4°C.

The key distinction of the Renuvion J plasma procedure is that it provides a ‘dual thermal effect’; it coagulates tissue and delivers a uniform thermal injury that prompts the body’s natural healing and tightening response to lax skin. The procedure begins with a small incision through which the correct combination of plasma energy and RF energy is introduced, resulting in immediate contraction and longer-term collagen production.

The Pros and Cons of Renuvion Skin Tightening

Renuvion has been celebrated for several advantages, including:

Pros

• Minimally Invasive: Renuvion is a minimally invasive procedure, involving smaller incisions and generally results in a quicker, more comfortable recovery period than traditional open surgeries.
• Combination Benefits: Whether as part of a body contouring package with ultrasonic liposuction renuvion or as a standalone procedure, Renuvion can offer a comprehensive solution to both fat reduction, reducing wrinkles, and skin tightening in a single session.
• Advanced Technology: The cutting-edge technology behind Renuvion makes it a highly precise and controlled process, minimizing risks and increasing the predictability of outcomes.

Cons

• Skill-Dependent: Because Renuvion is a relatively new technique, finding a skilled practitioner who has ample experience with the device can be a challenge.
• Cost: The advanced nature of the procedure and the equipment required can make Renuvion more expensive than some other energy devices options.
• Recovery Period and Expectations: While typically more straightforward than traditional surgeries, recovery from Renuvion still requires patience. As with other energy devices, there are inherent healing delays in the final results for several months.

Risks Associated with Renuvion Device 

Despite its benefits, Renuvion, like other surgical procedures, possesses inherent risks associated before undergoing treatment. These inherent risks include:

• Thermal Injuries: Given that Renuvion involves the use of helium plasma energy and RF, the riks of burning the skin or causing thermal injury to the underlying tissues, even permanent nerve injury can occure if the energy is not applied correctly.
• Uneven Results: An unacceptable cosmetic result or uneven skin tightening may occur, particularly if performed by an inexperienced practitioner.
• Swelling and Bruising: An inflammatory response will cause transient swelling or bruising at the treatment site, but in rare cases, these symptoms may persist longer than anticipated.
• Helium Buildup: Rare cases of persistent helium gas buildup resulting in temporary and transient crepitus.
• Helilum Embolism : In very rare cases, there have been reports of helium gas entering the venous or arterial blood supply system, causing a potentially serious condition known as helium embolism.
• Skin Sensitivity and Pigmentation Changes: Some patients may experience changes in skin sensitivity or pigmentation following J-plasma treatment. These are typically temporary but can be permanent in rare cases.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Renuvion Procedure?

Deciding if you are a good candidate for Renuvion requires an assessment of your specific goals and medical history. Generally, individuals who may benefit from J-plasma are:

• In Good Health: Clients should be healthly and not have any active infections near the treatment area or have undergone prior surgical intervention.
• Realistic Expectations: It’s crucial to have a realistic understanding of what Renuvion can achieve. The procedure is best suited to those who seek mild to moderate skin tightening and fat reduction and want to avoid more invasive open surgical procedures.
• Skin Laxity Concerns: If you’re bothered by loose skin or sagging skin, particularly in areas such as the abdominal region, arms, anterior and posterior thighs, neck, or facial rejuvenation, Renuvion might be a fitting solution.

What Happens During Renuvion?

Your procedure will typically unfold in a few key stages, including:

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before your scheduled Renuvion treatment, you’ll have a pre-procedure consultation with Dr. Ghaznavi to discuss your goals and review the process. It’s during this phase that any questions or concerns about the procedure should be addressed.

The Day of the Procedure

On the day of the procedure, you’ll be administered the appropriate anesthesia. Dr. Ghaznavi will make a small incision and insert a thin tube or cannula referred to as the handpiece. The Renuvion handpiece is then introduced, delivering the combination of helium and RF energy.

Dr. Ghaznavi will strategically move the handpiece under your skin, creating a lattice of treated areas. This process is repeated until the desired level of skin tightening is achieved and improve the appearance.

Post-Procedure Care

Following the procedure, you’ll be monitored briefly in the recovery room. You may experience mild discomfort, but Dr. Ghaznavi will provide you with post-procedure instructions, including managing the surgical site and advice for a comfortable recovery.

How Long Does Renuvion Recovery Take?

The recovery from Renuvion is often more comfortable and shorter than traditional open surgeries, but it will vary for each individual. You can expect:

• Immediate Aftercare: For the first few days following Renuvion, you may need to rest and commit to minimal physical activity to allow your body to heal properly.
• Gradual Return to Normal Activities: You can typically begin to resume light activities within a week, with more vigorous activities gradually reintroduced under your surgeon’s advice
• Longer-Term Healing: The healing process typically takes several weeks to months, during which you will notice incremental improvements in your skin tightening and body contouring results.

How Soon Will You See Results with Renuvion?

You may begin to see some initial tissue contraction effects immediately after the procedure. However, the full results of J plasma may not be apparent for several months. This is because the body’s collagen production process takes time, and the skin continues to tighten and smooth over time.

Most clients will see a 20-40% improvement in skin texture and skin tone, which leads to tighter skin in the treatment area. The skin rejuvenation that occurs from transforming sagging skin to firm skin is the essence of the renuvion cosmetic technology.

Final Thoughts 

Understanding the intricacies of a cosmetic procedure like J plasma requires carefully investigating its components, process, and potential impact on one’s aesthetic journey. For those considering this method to improve skin texture and tone, comprehensive research, dialogue with Dr. Ghaznavi, and informed decision-making are all crucial steps on the path to a more youthful and confident you.

Beyond the glossy promotional materials, one must take a sober look at one’s aging process, motivations, expectations, and current state of health before embarking on any cosmetic procedure. Ultimately, J plasma is a powerful tool employed by expert surgeons who can help you achieve your beauty goals with safety and precision. So why wait? Get in to see Dr. Amir Ghaznavi at AMG Plastic Surgery and begin your journey towards a more youthful appearance with Renuvion today!