What Is Renuvion?
Previously known as J-Plasma, Renuvion is a minimally invasive treatment that combines helium gas and radiofrequency energy to instantly tighten and rejuvenate any part of your body or face. This plasma heats and cools the skin simultaneously which promotes tissue and skin contraction and collagen production, leading to skin tightening and increased elasticity. With Renuvion, loose and lax skin is shrunk and sculpted using a tiny incision (typically 3-5mm), with minimal downtime, or complications associated with traditional cosmetic surgery.
9 Things to Know About Renuvion
Renuvion has 4 FDA Clearances
Apyx Medical, the manufacturer of Renuvion, has received four FDA 510(k) clearances for the use of their Renuvion handpieces in specific clinical indications, all of which are supported by substantial evidence demonstrating the safety of their products.
Renuvion is FDA-cleared for the use of improving the appearance of lax skin on the neck and chin. With this clearance, Renuvion is the only device that is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of loose skin on the neck and chin. The results reveal a more contoured and smoother neck and jawline. Dr. Paul Ruff was the primary investor in this study which led to the FDA approval. You can read more about it here.
Renuvion has FDA 510(k) clearance for treating soft tissues after liposuction treatment. The Renuvion APR handpiece is the only device to have a 510(k) clearance for use following liposuction. This FDA clearance further demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of Renuvion technology.
Renuvion also has FDA clearances for soft tissue coagulation during gynecological surgery and hemostatic sealing of soft tissue during general surgery. The clearances enable doctors to use Renuvion to perform various procedures and surgeries with greater precision and accuracy.
Renuvion Uses Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) to Tighten Skin From Below the Surface
CAP energy is a safe technique that leverages oxygen and nitrogen to improve cellular immunocompetence. In layman’s terms, this means that CAP stimulates the immune system. When it comes to skin rejuvenation, CAP stimulates the creation of new fibroblasts, which are vital for binding the skin with collagen and elastin.
Increased collagen and elastin results in firmer, tighter, more youthful-looking skin. While any area of the body can use Renuvion for skin tightening, the most common treatment areas include the face, neck, abdomen, breasts, back, arms, and thighs.
Renuvion Can Treat Multiple Areas of the Face and Body
Renuvion can be used to tighten skin on many areas of the body and face, including the arms, neck, breasts, abdomen, bra-line, back, buttocks, thighs, knees, and calves. It truly is a head-to-toe treatment that can restore the toned contours of youth. For patients who wish to refresh their appearance without surgical procedures, Renuvion offers a strong alternative with comparable results to more invasive treatments. When directed beneath the skin’s surface, this innovative treatment stimulates collagen production and tightens the underlying tissues. The focused energy promotes cellular rejuvenation, resulting in a firmer and more youthful appearance.
Renuvion with Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess fat and sculpts the body but the skin may still look loose and lax. This is when Renuvion is used because it tightens and firms the skin after liposuction, giving patients an overall more contoured result. Renuvion is the only device that is FDA-cleared for use after liposuction, and the only device that is FDA-cleared for contracting subcutaneous tissue.
Renuvion Can Be Performed Under General or Local Anesthesia
Depending on the treatment areas, Renuvion is given to patients under general or local anesthesia. We will discuss your treatment options to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable on the day of your procedure. Most commonly, patients will require general anesthesia if receiving Renuvion on multiple parts of the body at once or if they experience significant anxiety at the thought of being awake during treatment.
The use of general anesthesia is also standard when patients are combining Renuvion with surgical procedures. You can discuss your options with your surgeon to find the right course of treatment for your needs, preferences, and goals.
Results Emerge Over Time
Renuvion stimulates collagen, which is a protein that provides structural support to the skin. The gradual increase in collagen levels contributes to improved skin firmness and texture over time, however, collagen remodeling and regeneration take time, so the optimal results from Renuvion skin tightening are typically seen a few months after the procedure.
Some patients may notice a subtle improvement in skin tightness immediately after the Renuvion procedure. This is often due to the initial contraction of the treated tissues. Many patients will find their final results appear at the three-month mark, but improvements can continue to reveal themselves as the skin tightens from skin remodeling and new collagen production over the next several months and up to a year.
Recovery Times Vary
The recovery time for Renuvion skin tightening can vary depending on the specific treatment area, the extent of the procedure, and individual factors. In general, Renuvion is often considered a minimally invasive procedure, and patients may experience less downtime compared to more invasive surgical options. Keep in mind that individual responses to the procedure can vary, and some people may experience a faster or slower recovery.
Individuals may return to normal daily activities relatively quickly. Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising immediately after the procedure. The first few days after the treatment may involve some discomfort, and patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities during this time.
Many patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers following Renuvion skin tightening, but those who receive extensive treatment may need stronger, prescription pain relievers to ensure they feel comfortable during recovery.
Lasting Results
The duration of the results from Renuvion skin tightening can vary from person to person, and factors such as individual skin characteristics, lifestyle, and aging can impact the longevity of the effects. Renuvion is designed to provide long-lasting improvements in skin tightness, but it’s important to understand that it doesn’t stop the natural aging process.
Renuvion Can Also Be Used as a Skin Resurfacing Treatment
Renuvion can also be used to resurface the skin on the face and neck to erase years of sun damage and restore a more youthful contour. A special facial handpiece can tighten the upper and lower eyelids, jowls, nasolabial folds, and lip lines. Compared to other forms of skin resurfacing, Renuvion offers enhanced precision and a lower risk of thermal damage due to the cool nature of the plasma. This results in a lower risk of subsequent skin damage and scarring.
For facial resurfacing, only those with lighter skin are candidates. This is due to concerns about the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which could lead to permanent skin discoloration among patients with darker skin tones. Individuals with darker complexions have more melanin in their skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin color. After certain treatments, such as a resurfacing procedure, inflammation can cause the cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) to become overreactive. As a result, this can lead to discoloration that makes the skin darker in certain areas.
