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.

• Average Cost:
• $1,489

• Range:
• $226 - $2,099

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.