If you have loose skin around your abdomen, a traditional tummy tuck is one route to take care of that problem. However, if you’re wary of an invasive procedure, you may be a good candidate for a procedure known as Renuvion skin tightening. Sometimes called a “
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Who Should Get A
Candidates for Renuvion usually have minor skin laxity issues that would benefit from less invasive body contouring procedures. Skin often loses elasticity with age or you may have loose skin after pregnancy or weight loss and Renuvion can tighten it. In many instances, Renuvion will cause a tightening of the abdominal wall, in addition to the skin, after pregnancy.
Renuvion is not a weight loss procedure and it does not treat abdominal fat. If you want to remove unwanted fat from the abdomen, talk to your surgeon about liposuction. Renuvion can be done at the same time as liposuction to further augment the volume reduction results by tightening the tissues.
Meeting with a surgeon can help you determine whether you would benefit from Renuvion. A surgeon can perform a physical exam and talk over your goals. While many people can benefit from this less invasive surgery, if you have major issues with skin laxity, your surgeon may recommend a routine tummy tuck instead.
Renuvion treats the abdomen, but can also be used on areas like the arms, the buttocks, and the thighs. If you are interested in treating these as well, talk to your surgeon about other potential treatment areas during your consultation.
How Does Renuvion Work?
During Renuvion treatment, a doctor will create a small incision – usually less than a centimeter – on your skin to insert a small Renuvion hand-piece. Once the device is in place, the surgeon releases helium gas and radiofrequency energy, both of which combine to create plasma energy.
This energy simultaneously heats and cools the tissues, a combination that contracts the collagen beneath the skin’s surface. Over time, this improves skin elasticity and laxity without leaving a noticeable scar.
Renuvion only requires a tiny incision, whereas a tummy tuck makes an incision that runs hip to hip – which can be quite noticeable, even after it fades.
The entire procedure usually takes around 30 minutes, although times vary depending on the treatment area. While some people may experience mild discomfort, Renuvion is rarely painful. The discomfort level from Renuvion is similar to that of liposuction. Talk to your doctor about pain management if you are concerned.
Depending on your initial results, you may need a follow-up treatment. Most people do not require more than a single treatment to see significant results.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Most people will see some changes as a result of Renuvion right away as some skin contraction is immediate. However, you are unlikely to see significant effects of treatment until at least six to twelve weeks as swelling subsides. Your skin may continue to improve for six to nine months following the procedure due to increased collagen production and remodeling.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery from Renuvion treatment is fairly mild, especially in comparison to recovery from a routine tummy tuck. You will likely have to wear a compression garment for four to six weeks. Patients also experience swelling and minor pain for the first weeks after their treatment.
Renuvion recovery should not impact your ability to do most normal day-to-day activities. Always talk to your doctor, however, for a breakdown of your recovery timeline.
Full recovery should take no more than three months on average.
How Long Does Renuvion Last?
As is the case with any other cosmetic procedure, results vary from person to person. Usually, results last for three to five years. Naturally aging will eventually cause your skin to sag, at which point you can undergo Renuvion or a similar procedure as well.
As is the case for other treatments – like a traditional tummy tuck or liposuction – any change to your body can affect your results. Becoming pregnant or weight gain, for example, can stretch out the skin even after successful Renuvion treatment.
If you have minor skin laxity issues you want to correct, talk to a plastic surgeon about Renuvion. If you are a good candidate for Renuvion, this can help you improve your appearance and self-image without the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
Sagging skin can be a source of embarrassment and contribute to low self-esteem. A
Ready to get started? Leif Rogers is an Ivy League-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon and a standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you’re considering a get in touch with his team to schedule a consultation.
