Because the field of cosmetic surgery is constantly evolving, finding an effective and minimally-invasive treatment for skin laxity can sometimes prove to be overwhelming – until now. Renuvion Cosmetic Technology (also known as Renuvion, J-Plasma or J-Plasty) is a revolutionary, game-changing procedure that tightens and rejuvenates loose skin without the need for invasive surgery or extended downtime. Dr. Lowenstein has been on the forefront of this technology from the beginning, and is one of the few board-certified plastic surgeons using Renuvion in their practice. No other minimally-invasive technology has offered cosmetic surgeons the ability to tighten the skin to this degree with tiny incisions, little or no scarring and minimal downtime.
What is Renuvion Cosmetic Technology?
Renuvion is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive technology that is FDA-approved for cutting, coagulating and ablating soft tissue during open and laparoscopic surgical procedures. Renuvion uses helium gas, which is very stable and rapidly converts to plasma at a lower temperature. The helium gas is energized by radiofrequency (RF) waves to create a powerful, precise stream of cool plasma. During the ionization process, only a small amount (less than 0.1%) of helium gas is converted to plasma, while the remaining helium gas (over 99.9%) flows over the treatment area, with the plasma beam generating enough heat to contract the skin while the excess helium gas simultaneously cools the treatment area.
The precision of the cool plasma stream allows an area to be treated without damaging nearby tissue. In addition, because helium works effectively at a lower temperature—100 degrees—it is a safe and effective skin tightening modality that doesn’t overheat the treatment area. Other methods that use laser, ultrasound or radiofrequency waves are not as precise as Renuvion and use temperatures between 300 and 600 degrees to treat the skin. This lack of precision and temperature regulation can damage surrounding tissue and overheat the treatment area.
How Does Renuvion Work?
The Renuvion handheld device consists of a long, thin metal cannula, or tube, that is inserted under the skin through small, strategically placed incisions (if performed alone) or inserted through existing incisions (if performed along with other procedures). RF waves energize a stream of helium, creating a precise and powerful surge of cool plasma that flows out of the tip of the device. As the device is moved back and forth across the treatment area, the cool plasma heats the underside of the skin, causing the skin to contract while simultaneously stimulating collagen production.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Healthy men and women who are frustrated with loose skin are good candidates for Renuvion. It is an excellent choice for patients who don’t want an invasive surgery or the accompanying scarring and downtime. Dr. Lowenstein most often utilizes Renuvion in conjunction with other procedures, such as liposuction or a neck lift, but it can also be performed as a stand-alone procedure, to provide patients extraordinary skin-tightening results on the following areas of the body:
- Neck
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Inner and outer thighs
- Back
- Flanks or sides
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Legs, including knees and calves
What is the Procedure Like?
Dr. Lowenstein will meet with you before the procedure to review the treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. Local, oral or general anesthesia will be administered based on your comfort level and whether or not you are undergoing other procedures concurrently. The more invasive procedures will be performed first so that Dr. Lowenstein can utilize existing incisions to insert the Renuvion device underneath the skin. He will move the handheld device back and forth across the treatment area, instantly tightening the skin.
Because results are visible in real time, Dr. Lowenstein can adjust the treatment accordingly to contour specific areas and achieve optimal results. Depending on the size of the treatment area, Renuvion can take 30 minutes or less to complete, and you can go home the day of your procedure. The amount of downtime will depend on the procedures you had performed in conjunction with Renuvion, and you may need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and promote healing. However, because Renuvion is minimally invasive, it will not increase your recovery time from other procedures.
What Results Can I Expect?
Immediately after your procedure, you will see visibly tighter, firmer skin. In addition, collagen rebuilding will continue to work over time, firming and rejuvenating the treatment area even further. There should be minimal swelling, and the small incisions should leave little or no scarring. You can expect your results to be relatively permanent, as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and understand that your skin will continue to age naturally. The beauty of Renuvion is that it tightens the skin and contours the body in ways that were never before attainable without invasive surgery and significant scarring. Now, you can turn back the clock and get rid of loose skin without unsightly scarring and the significant recovery period that accompanies an invasive surgery.
If you are considering Renuvion or are curious about what procedures are available to recontour your body, you have come to the right place. Dr. Lowenstein is a pioneer in Renuvion Cosmetic Technology, and he and his staff have extensive experience, training and education to advise you as to which procedure(s) would help you attain your body contouring goals. Call Montecito Plastic Surgery today at 805-969-9004 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Lowenstein.
