After months of focusing on my skin’s upper half, I was eager to give my lower body some TLC before the sun began to shine brightly. I had decided that I wanted to get liposuction and tighten up my abdomen as much as possible. Despite years of running, pilates, and a pescatarian diet, I still had stubborn fat on my stomach that refused to disappear.
What is Renuvion?
Renuvion is a minimally invasive skin-tightening and rejuvenation device that has gained popularity in recent years. It is FDA-cleared for contracting subcutaneous soft tissue and providing a contour-like effect. The device works by delivering helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to the collagen-rich tissue under the skin, causing the tissue to contract and resulting in a tighter appearance of the skin.
How Does Renuvion Work?
The Renuvion technology is a combination of helium plasma and radiofrequency energy, which creates a controlled thermal effect on the skin. The treatment is performed by making a small incision and using the device to stimulate the subcutaneous soft tissue. The entire process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the location being treated.
Expert Insights
I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. David Shafer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, and Evelyn Ramirez, a licensed medical aesthetician, to gain a better understanding of the benefits and risks of Renuvion.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Renuvion?
Dr. Shafer notes that good candidates for Renuvion have minimal to moderate skin laxity and are looking to improve the appearance of their body, neck, and jawline. “Renuvion is great for the patient that is either post-weight loss or a few pounds away from their goal weight to tighten up the skin,” he says.
The Cost of Renuvion
The cost of Renuvion varies depending on the provider, geographic location, and area of the body being treated. Patients can expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000, with consideration that each treatment is personalized.
My Experience with Renuvion
I underwent liposuction with Renuvion treatment during my surgery to tighten up my abdomen. The entire process, from consultation to surgery, was a breeze. After a quick assessment, Dr. Shafer explained that I was a great candidate for both liposuction and Renuvion. He used Renuvion to create a tighter appearance of my skin, and the entire surgery took about 45 minutes.
Post-Surgery Recovery
After surgery, I wore a compression garment consistently for two weeks and compression underwear for two weeks afterward. I experienced some numbness and tingling in my abdomen, mild discomfort, minimal bruising, and swelling, but much of it subsided after two weeks. Dr. Shafer recommended postoperative lymphatic drainage to help with swelling and aid in tissue recovery.
The Importance of Lymphatic Drainage
Dr. Ramirez emphasizes the importance of lymphatic drainage after liposuction, stating that it helps the body eliminate excess fluid, reduce swelling, and prevent complications like fibrosis. She recommends maintenance sessions every few weeks to optimize skin tightening and circulation.
The Benefits of Renuvion
Renuvion provides a non-surgical neck lift option, improving the appearance of the skin without the need for more invasive surgery. It can also be used to enhance overall results when combined with liposuction surgery. The device has replaced older laser technologies in Dr. Shafer’s practice and has proven to be effective in achieving smooth and tight skin.
A Word from Dr. Shafer
“Renuvion is a modern alternative to traditional skin-tightening technologies. It is a quick treatment with minimal downtime and a fairly easy recovery. I have seen amazing results with Renuvion, and I am confident that it is a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their skin.” – Dr. David Shafer, MD, FACS
A Word from Evelyn Ramirez
“Lymphatic drainage is essential after liposuction because it helps your body eliminate excess fluid, reduce swelling, and prevent complications. By stimulating the lymphatic system, we accelerate healing, improve circulation, and enhance the final contour of your results, allowing you to recover faster and feel better sooner.” – Evelyn Ramirez, licensed medical aesthetician
| Benefits of Renuvion | Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage |
|---|---|
| Non-surgical neck lift option | Helps eliminate excess fluid, reduce swelling, and prevent complications like fibrosis |
| Enhances overall results when combined with liposuction surgery | Accelerates healing, improves circulation, and enhances the final contour of your results |
Conclusion
Renuvion and lymphatic drainage are game-changing technologies for body contouring. They provide a non-surgical option for tightening up the skin, improving the appearance of the body, neck, and jawline. With minimal downtime and a fairly easy recovery, Renuvion is an attractive option for those looking to improve their appearance without the risks and recovery time associated with more invasive surgeries. By understanding the benefits and risks of Renuvion and lymphatic drainage, individuals can make informed decisions about their skin health and appearance.
