Renuvion

Renuvion is an aesthetic treatment that uses plasma energy to smooth and tighten skin. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning there is no surgery required. Renuvion can be used on various body areas and is especially effective after breast augmentation and liposuction to maximize results. Renuvion is the only FDA-cleared device on the market that uses helium plasma to simultaneously improve the smoothness and tautness of the skin.

Patients in Tennessee and Georgia know where to turn for the latest in skin-improving technology, and that’s Southern Surgical Arts. With six locations to choose from and a highly skilled team of board-certified plastic surgeons, we offer patients the Renuvion procedure and real results. Want to learn more about this unique treatment?

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What is Renuvion?

In 2012, J-Plasma became cleared by the FDA for removing tissue and preventing bleeding during surgery. ^[1] One of the most widely-used tissue effects of this device is called protein denaturation, which leads to soft tissue coagulation. During this process, the hydrothermal crosslinks between collagen molecules are broken and then quickly reformed as the tissue cools; this process leads to the formation of uniform clumps of protein typically called coagulums. This makes removing tissue safer during surgery, but it also creates a tightening effect in the tissue.

Coagulation results in the predictable contraction of soft tissue. Once denatured, collagen rapidly contracts as fibers shrink to one-third of their overall length. ^[2] However, the amount of contraction depends on the temperature and the duration of the treatment. The hotter the temperature, the shorter the amount of treatment time needed for maximal contraction.

How Boosted Collagen Production Works

Collagen is the main structural protein found in the skin. It’s responsible for the skin’s elasticity and firmness. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Renuvion helps to reverse this process by stimulating the production of new collagen, resulting in younger-looking skin. Heat induces new collagen production because it causes the collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) to go into “repair mode.” The body then sends out signals to create more collagen to heal the damaged area.

The Science Behind Renuvion

The Renuvion machine uses radiofrequency energy (RF) to power the electrode in the handpiece. When helium gas is passed over the electrode, it creates plasma. The plasma conducts the radiofrequency energy from the electrode to the skin. When the plasma field is applied to the skin, it heats and shrinks the tissue. ^[3]

This treatment doesn’t affect anything other than your skin because the plasma field only extends about 1mm below the skin’s surface. This layer, also called the dermis, is generally 1-4mm thick. ^[4] The dermis is where the majority of your collagen is found, so this is the layer that we’re targeting with Renuvion.

What are the Benefits of Renuvion?

After a breast augmentation, some women feel that their skin could benefit from additional tightening, especially after a Breast Lift. Other women have had significant weight loss and are now dealing with excess skin even after Liposuction. And some women simply feel that their skin could simply be firmer and tighter to restore their youthful appearance. Regardless of your reason for wanting to improve the tautness of your skin, Renuvion may be able to help.

In a clinical study, even at the lowest power level, Renuvion significantly improved the skin of participants after just a single pass of the wand. ^[5]

Plus, Renuvion boasts that:

Helium plasma helps to focus radiofrequency (RF) energy so that there is more control over the tissue; this means that there is a high level of precision and very little chance of unintended tissue damage. Furthermore, the benefits to your confidence and quality of life after treatment are without question!

Renuvion can be used on various areas of the body, including the:

However, as we mentioned, it is important to understand that Renuvion is only approved for the treatment of Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, so it is not appropriate for types IV-VI. If you have a darker skin tone, we would be happy to suggest an alternative treatment. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Renuvion and whether or not it’s the right treatment for you, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Candidates for Renuvion

The ideal candidate for Renuvion is someone who is unhappy with the appearance of their skin and is looking for a non-surgical option to improve smoothness and laxity.

Candidates should have realistic expectations of what the treatment can achieve.

Renuvion is not appropriate for everyone, including people who:

If you would like to find out more about whether Renuvion is right for you, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation at Southern Surgical Arts, we can help you determine if Renuvion is the right treatment for you. We will discuss your goals and concerns, examine your skin, and perform a physical examination. We will also review your medical history to ensure that this treatment will be safe and effective.

We will create a customized treatment plan if you are a good candidate. This will include the number of treatments that you will need as well as the timeline for your treatment.

If you are not a good candidate, we would be pleased to offer you alternative treatment options.

Preparation for Renuvion

You should not take any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for at least two weeks before your treatment. You should also avoid any alcohol for at least 24 hours before your treatment.

It is important to arrive for your treatment well-hydrated. You should drink plenty of water for at least 24 hours before your treatment.

What to Expect During Renuvion Treatment

During the Renuvion treatment, your SSA provider will first numb the skin with local anesthesia before passing the wand over the treatment area. The wand will emit helium plasma, which will help to focus the RF energy. This process will cause the skin to contract and tighten.

Most patients report that the treatment is relatively comfortable. You may feel some warmth during the treatment but should not feel any pain.

The length of your treatment will depend on the size of the treatment area. Most treatments take less than an hour to complete.

Recovery from Renuvion

Renuvion requires downtime, so it’s important to consider this when you’re scheduling your treatment. Most people take a few days off work to recover, but the recovery time varies from patient to patient. We will give you a better idea of what to expect during your consultation.

You should avoid strenuous activity for at least one week after your treatment. You should also avoid sun exposure.

You may experience some side effects after your treatment, such as peeling, swelling, and redness. These side effects are temporary and will resolve on their own.

It is important you only choose board-certified surgeons who understand the risks and rewards of Renuvion to ensure a successful and safe procedure.

At Southern Surgical Arts, we are proud to offer Renuvion treatments to our patients. We have a team of board-certified surgeons who are experienced in performing this treatment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What are the Results of Renuvion?

It can take up to three months to see the full results of Renuvion treatment, though you will see instant tightening. The results are long-lasting, but it is not a permanent treatment because your skin will continue to age. 

You may need touch-ups every few years to maintain your results. Applying sunscreen will help elongate the results of your treatment as well.

Renuvion is a safe and effective treatment that can provide you with the beautiful, youthful results that you are looking for. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

For patients for whom Renuvion is not appropriate, we offer many options for skin-tightening and wrinkle-reducing procedures. These procedures can be done alone or in combination with each other to achieve the best results.

Some of the procedures that we offer include:

We will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your goals and keeps you safe. The last thing we want is for you to have a procedure that you are not happy with.

At Southern Surgical Arts, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.

What is the Cost of Renuvion in Georgia and Tennessee?

The cost of your treatment will depend on a number of factors, such as the size and location of the area being treated. We will give you a better idea of the cost of your treatment during your consultation.

Renuvion is an investment in your appearance and your self-confidence. Imagine looking in the mirror and loving what you see.

FAQ

References

1. Gentile RD. Renuvion/J-Plasma for Subdermal Skin Tightening Facial Contouring and Skin Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2019;27(3):273-290. doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2019.03.001
2. Gardner ES, Reinisch L, Stricklin GP, Ellis DL. In vitro changes in non-facial human skin following CO2 laser resurfacing: a comparison study. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 1996;19(4):379-387. doi:3.0.CO;2-P”>10.1002/(SICI)1096-9101(1996)19:4<379::AID-LSM1>3.0.CO;2-P
3. Holcomb JD. Helium plasma dermal resurfacing: VISIA CR assessment of facial spots, pores, and wrinkles—Preliminary findings. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Published online April 7, 2021. doi:10.1111/jocd.14106
4. Anatomy of the Skin. Utmb.edu. Published 2020. https://www.utmb.edu/pedi_ed/CoreV2/Dermatology/page_03.htm
5. Holcomb JD, Kelly M, Hamilton TK, DeLozier JB. A Prospective Study Evaluating the Use of Helium Plasma for Dermal Resurfacing. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2020;52(10):940-951. doi:10.1002/lsm.23257