BodyTite Procedure. Is it Safe?

Hi, Thank you for your question. With the BodyTite procedure the scars are very small, the same as liposuction scars, in fact. You can always get ripples when fat is removed too aggressively, so that’s to be avoided. If the doctor is experienced and careful, local anesthesia is very effective. The technology offers greater tightening than we have seen in any device in recent memory. Good Luck! 

Yes, BodyTite is a safe procedure.  It utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the tissues to allow for skin tightening that is typically not possible with traditional liposuction.  The scars to perform the surgery are very small.  The handpiece used to deliver the RF energy is small so the scars are kept to a minimum.  Getting a "ripple effect" after BodyTite does not have to do with the technology but more the technique of liposuction.  So it is possible after BodyTite just as in any liposuction procedure.  The risk of getting burned is very small as there are specific safety mechanisms in place to prevent it.  Finally, performing the procedure under local anesthesia is an option.  It really depends on each patient and the area being treated.

Bodytite is an RF heating technology which serves to tighten skin. It is not the first, however, it is among the safest with both internal and external sensors for monitoring the temperature of tissue in real time.The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia (which is a matter of preference) through multiple small punctures measuring a few millimeters.There is the possibility of small burns from end point contact of the probe. More significant burns are less likely due to the temperature sensors. Uneven contour and rippling are operator dependent and can usually be avoided by skillful technique and careful patient selection.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

   If the plastic surgeon has a lot of experience with this modality you are less likely to have problems.  Performing this under local is really a judgement call.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Hello,

I agree with Dr Baxter, and add that you are more likely to see nothing at all or have complications then get a significantly good result.  Unfortunately, the Holy Grail of non-surgical, clinically meaningful skin tightening has not been obtained.  If you have sagging skin of the face, droopy breasts, or hanging abdominal skin, your best option is still surgery that at least in part, removes skin.

Best of luck!

The BodyTite procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat the tissues under the skin and produce tightening. Another example of RF is Thermage, which is different in that it is nonivasive. I don't have personal experience doing BodyTite but have seen cases where it was done and produced significant scarring and uneven contours. It may be a good procedure by the right surgeon on the right patient, but I would advise being fully informed about what to expect.

Thank you fo your question.  Yes, BodyTite is very safe. There are safeguards in the technology to prevent it from overheating and burning the skin and tissues.  It is quite a smart piece of technology.  It is very typical to perform under local anesthesia with some mild sedation.  Good luck.

szymanski,
Thank you for you question.
There are many safety features built into this technology that make it extremely safe.  The device has two thermoregatory centers associated with the cannula to monitor temperature.  In many ways, it is much safer than prior RF devices.  The safety really becomes very similar to liposuction.  
As far as local anesthesia is concerned, many plastic surgeons offer this option for smaller procedures.  I would encourage you to think about this...  Would you consider having liposuction alone under local anesthesia?  If the answer is yes, I would move forward confidently.  Many patients seek out procedures under local anesthesia or minimal anesthesia.
I like to offer patients both options.  For larger cases, it is nice to have IV sedation. This is provided by a board certified anesthesiologist in our accredited facility.  
The technology offers greater tightening than we have seen in any device in recent memory.
Best of luck!

BodyTite and FaceTite do use radio frequency generated heat to tighten the skin and supporting structures of the skin.   It is theoretically possible to have a very small burn but where BodyTite differs from other ways of liquefying fat - laser and ultrasound liposuction- there are several built in sensors that monitor heat generation and temperature to make burns very unlikely.   Rippling is very uncommon with these procedures again unlike primary liposuction procedures where ripples and unevenness is common.
The incisions are small 2mm punctures most commonly.    

Local anesthesia is an art.  If the doctor is experienced and careful, local anesthesia is very effective. Usually these operations are done under local with mild oral sedation usually being offered as well.

Hi and thanks for the question. BodyTite scars are very small - smaller than most liposuction scars, and this is one of the attractive features of the procedure. Having done hundreds of these procedures, I  have personally never seen rippling from either FaceTite or BodyTite, but not it is conceivable that if the liposuction done after the procedure is performed in a poorly distributed manner, rippling could result.  Additionally, burning the skin IS indeed possible with BodyTite, although it is highly unlikely when performed by an experienced practitioner. Lastly, the procedure can be performed safely either awake or under local sedation / general anesthetic.  It really depends on the comfort level of the patient and surgeon, and on the extensiveness of the procedure. Best of luck,
Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon