I am considering J Plasma for tightening my neck and lower face. Should I go under general anesthesia or local?

Plastic surgery continues to evolve as technology continues to improve and this leads to increasing effectiveness and overall treatment options for patients.  One new frontier in plastic surgery is skin tightening, while this is not new, there are some significant advancements that have been made that have led to improved treatments for patients.  One of these innovations is a device called Renuvion, it was also called J-Plasma before it was redesigned specifically for aesthetic treatments. 

Renuvion (J-Plasma) is a radiofrequency energy device that also combines helium to induce skin tightening.  The device includes a cannula that is placed under the skin (similar to a liposuction cannula) which allows higher amounts of energy as it avoids the concern for trauma to the superficial skin.  The second unique feature of the Renuvion is the addition of the helium, the combination allows for the radiofrequency energy to heat the skin quickly and almost instantaneously be cooled to increase the safety of the device.  It also allows for a more efficient treatment, which is important when combining the treatment with other larger body contouring surgeries such as a Brazilian Butt Lift. 

In my practice Renuvion (J-Plasma) is most commonly used in combination with liposculpting procedures such as a Brazilian Butt Lift.  It can also be used in the neck in combination with liposuction for patients that want to improve their appearance, but are not ready for a necklift yet.  Liposuction is an incredible way to enhance the shape of the body or neck, however a patient’s results are dependent on the skin to contract.  In patient with loose skin or stretch marks there will likely be a limit to the skin contracture after liposuction, thus limiting the overall results of the procedure.  However, if we can remove the fat and tighten the skin simultaneously we have opened up the procedure to patients that were not previously a candidate for liposuction. 

It is important to know that Renuvion (J-Plasma) is not a replacement for a tummy tuck, neck lift or other surgical procedure that removes excess skin.  However, it is a great option for patients who are not ready or don’t need these larger procedures, but have some loose skin that will not be treated with liposuction. 

It is important to discuss Renuvion (J-Plasma) with your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon as they can help guide you to the best treatment to reach your aesthetic goals. 

When you do body contouring and you want significant outcomes you need general anesthesia to get maximum results -- skin tightening, full fat removal, body lifting, fat grating, cellulite improvement. The doctor should have explained that local anesthesia is for small areas and there is likely going to be some pain if they are aggressive during treatments. You are limited by doing awake liposuction which is why I rarely do that procedure anymore except in specializes cases. I suggest a formal consult with a body contouring physician who does VASER and J PLASMA to get the best results. Best, Dr. Emer.

There are many ways to make patients comfortable. The neck is a small area and local works great but a little IV sedation (not general anesthesia) often helps the Revuvion part of the procedure and helps your doctor do the most to get the best result. With a high pain tolerance though you may be ok but most seem to need a little extra sedation or pain control. I don't think a lot of people would use general anesthesia ( tube down the throat, breathing machine, etc)

J plasma can be done under local. The worst part should be the first tiny needle stick to inject local anesthetic. The rest of the time you should only feel some pressure or pulling on your skin. There may be a slight burning smell but this is not because your skin is burning but simply from the heat of the machine. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

It is hard to answer your question without photos or an in person consultation. That being said, renuvion skin tightening, J plasma, is often used following a separate elective surgery or following weight loss. This skin tightening technology cannot resolve extensive jowls, or extensive skin laxity. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a renuvion specialist can help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing. 
Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee