Q: What are the pros and cons of Exilis?

Pros A majority of RealSelf members say their Exilis treatment was Worth It due to the skin rejuvenation benefits, with most saying it worked to tighten loose skin and soften lines (after multiple treatments). Exilis can also have some body contouring benefits, both from the skin tightening and potential fat reduction in small areas of the body that haven’t responded to regular exercise and a healthy diet. It’s a noninvasive treatment with no recovery time. It can temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite . Cons In Exilis reviews, some RealSelf members who said their treatment was Not Worth It saw results that were too subtle for the time and money spent. People who have moderate to severe sagging skin aren't good candidates for this procedure (or other nonsurgical skin tightening treatments). Because the effects improve over time as new collagen builds, it can take up to a year to see your final results. Results last about two years, so you can expect to need maintenance treatments down the line.

Question 1

What is Exilis?

Accepted Answer

Exilis Ultra is a noninvasive skin tightening treatment designed to smooth wrinkles and address skin laxity in areas like the face, jowls, neck, abdomen, arms, and thighs.

FDA-cleared for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, the Exilis Ultra 360 device combines ultrasound and radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen production.

“Those two forms of energy heat up the collagen in the skin, causing it to contract and leading to skin tightening in the treated area,” explains Dr. Peterson Pierre, a dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California. “They also stimulate collagen production, which will lead to further tightening visible within 4–6 months, so you get both an immediate and long-term benefit. The same combination of radiofrequency and ultrasound also works on fat cells by destroying them.”

In some cases, Exilis can also aid in fat reduction in patients who are already close to their ideal weight and want subtle body sculpting.

While the treatment can be uncomfortable, pain is usually minimal. Some people even compare the sensation to a hot stone massage.

RealSelf Tip: The most advanced version of the device is called BTL Exilis Ultra 360, but your provider’s office may use the earlier Exilis Elite version, which uses radiofrequency alone. Doctors on RealSelf say Exilis Ultra 360 is more powerful and delivers better results. Before you book your treatments, ask which device your provider will be using.

Related: The Best Surgical and Nonsurgical Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening Procedures for Every Trouble Spot

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Exilis?

Accepted Answer

Pros

A majority of RealSelf members say their Exilis treatment was Worth It due to the skin rejuvenation benefits, with most saying it worked to tighten loose skin and soften lines (after multiple treatments).
Exilis can also have some body contouring benefits, both from the skin tightening and potential fat reduction in small areas of the body that haven’t responded to regular exercise and a healthy diet.
It’s a noninvasive treatment with no recovery time.
It can temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite.

Cons

In Exilis reviews, some RealSelf members who said their treatment was Not Worth It saw results that were too subtle for the time and money spent.
People who have moderate to severe sagging skin aren't good candidates for this procedure (or other nonsurgical skin tightening treatments).
Because the effects improve over time as new collagen builds, it can take up to a year to see your final results.
Results last about two years, so you can expect to need maintenance treatments down the line.

Question 3

How much does Exilis cost?

Accepted Answer

The price you pay will depend on your provider’s level of experience, their practice location, the size of the treatment area, and the number of sessions you need.

Often, providers offer special pricing if you purchase a series of treatments up front.

You can finance your treatment with CareCredit.

Question 4

Exilis before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The Exilis photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

Does Exilis really work?

Accepted Answer

Exilis delivers radiofrequency and ultrasound energy waves as heat below the surface of the skin, safely firming skin and triggering collagen production.

A 2017 study on the efficacy of combined radiofrequency/ultrasound treatment found it versatile across all areas of the body, with noticeable improvements in more than 90% of before-and-after photos. All of the study participants said they were satisfied, whether their treatment targeted facial skin or body fat deposits.

In clinical studies conducted by the brand, patients who underwent Exilis treatments also noted an average of 42% reduction in wrinkles.

Question 6

How many Exilis treatments are needed?

Accepted Answer

An initial series of up to six weekly treatment sessions is recommended, but the number of treatments you'll need for optimal results will depend on the size of the area.

At your consultation, your provider should be able to provide you with a treatment recommendation and detailed cost estimate for the series.

Question 7

What happens during an Exilis treatment?

Accepted Answer

You’ll lie down, and a grounding pad will be placed on your back (or the area of the body opposite the one you’re targeting) to help the device direct its energy. Then, your provider will massage the handpiece (which comes in two sizes, large and small) over the treatment area.

The device heats up to between 105ºF and 109ºF and then automatically cools, allowing your provider to treat both deep and superficial layers while ensuring the surface of your skin doesn’t burn.

Each treatment session lasts about 15–30 minutes and delivers varying depths of heat, to tighten skin and reduce unwanted fat and cellulite.

It’s relatively pain-free (no anesthesia needed), but your skin may feel hot or look inflamed during the procedure, and you can expect some discomfort.

Question 8

What should you expect after an Exilis treatment?

Accepted Answer

There’s no downtime after an Exilis treatment session. Aside from some redness and possibly bruising, there’s nothing that should prevent you from going back to your usual routine immediately afterwards.

While no specific aftercare is necessary, using a gentle moisturizer and loose clothing may help soothe your skin.

Question 9

How long before you see results from Exilis?

Accepted Answer

Each patient responds differently. Some notice an improvement fairly quickly, after one or two treatment sessions, but most see optimal results after five to six.

It takes at least 90 days for your skin to produce new collagen and months for your body to naturally eliminate any fat cells that have been damaged during treatment, so you probably won’t see full results until three to six months after your final treatment.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Collagen for Your Skin

Question 10

Are Exilis results permanent?

Accepted Answer

Exilis results are not permanent and typically last about two years. Maintaining a stable weight and using sun protection will help maintain your results.

Dr. Pierre recommends maintenance treatments once or twice a year. It's also a good idea to follow a dedicated skincare routine that incorporates anti-aging ingredients, like retinol, to prevent additional signs of aging from developing.

RealSelf Tip: Like other body contouring treatments, Exilis isn't intended as a weight loss solution.

Question 11

What are the risks and potential side effects of Exilis?

Accepted Answer

Exilis has few risks and side effects, with the most common being redness, irritation, and light bruising in the few days following the treatment.

The treatment can also get uncomfortably hot in sensitive regions like the neck, jowls, inner arms, and inner thighs. If it feels painful, let your provider know so they can adjust the settings. As with any thermal device, burns and scarring can occur if an unskilled provider uses the device on the wrong setting or operates the probe incorrectly.

People who are pregnant and those with metallic or electronic body implants, such as pacemakers, should avoid the treatment.

Question 12

What are some alternatives to Exilis?

Accepted Answer

Exilis has a higher Worth It Rating than these other skin tightening treatments, but they may still be worth considering.

SkinTyte boosts new collagen production with pulses of infrared light, which heats the deeper layers of skin. It works best on mild to moderate loose skin on the face, neck, abdomen, arms, and thighs, but it can also be used on other areas of the body.
Ultherapy is an ultrasound-based treatment that can be used along a lowered brow line, sagging jowls, a drooping neck, or loose skin around elbows and knees.
Thermage harnesses radiofrequency energy to heat the dermal layer of the skin. This boosts collagen production in the treatment area and improves mild cases of laxity.

If you’re looking for more dramatic results, consider a surgical procedure like a facelift, a neck lift, a mini lift, liposuction, a tummy tuck, a thigh lift, or an arm lift.

Plastic surgery comes with additional benefits and risks, so talk with your doctor about which treatment is the best choice for you.

Question 13

Sources & studies

Accepted Answer

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “510(k) Number K092191.” Received by BTL Industries, Inc., 25 Nov. 2009.

Chilukuri, Suneel, et al. “Treating Multiple Body Parts for Skin Laxity and Fat Deposits Using a Novel Focused Radiofrequency Device with an Ultrasound Component: Safety and Efficacy Study.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 16, no. 4, 10 Nov. 2017.

Sadick, Neil. “Tissue Tightening Technologies: Fact or Fiction.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 28, no. 2, Mar. 2008.

EXILIS

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS

Julie Ricevuto

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J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS

Julie Ricevuto

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