Bodytite - liposuction before or after using the skin tightning device?

Question

I'm confused on the device and process. Does the bodytite remove fat? Does any melted fat get sucked out or does it just get absorbed/disposed of via normal body processes? And, if it is used in conjunction with traditional liposuction, is the bodytite device utilized before or after the liposuction? Thank you

Brady Harris, MD · Answer

Depending on each patient's individual circumstance, the BodyTite can be used as a stand alone device to tighten skin or it can be used in addition to traditional liposuction.  The BodyTite in and of itself does not remove fat.  It is, however, probably the most powerful device on the market for skin tightening when performed properly.  I will typically perform BodyTite followed by liposuction.  The reason is that the heat generated by the BodyTite machine will cause fat to "melt".  Melted fat is simply oil.  The oil left behind can increase the amount of post-operative inflammation and can prolong your recovery.  Some people will do the procedure in the reverse order and that is not necessarily wrong, but in my opinion, it seems that recovery is better with liposuction last.  I hope this helps!

Orna Fisher, MD · Answer

BodyTite is the name for the technology called RFAL, or radiofrequency-assisted liposuction.  The RFAL technology can used with a body probe for the body and a face probe for the neck.  One is called BodyTite and the other is called FaceTite. This is is a minimally invasive technology that allows for moderate skin tightening because it acts underneath the skin.  Unlike other milder technologies that work only on the surface of the skin and are completely non-invasive, this is not non-surgical  because it requires small incisions through which a probe is placed under the skin. The radiofrequency  through this probe is used to heat the connective tissue  throughout the area being treated, thereby shrinking it. This gives the appearance of tighter tissues. This technology can also be used to heat the dermis (deepest layer of the skin) in order to stimulate collagen production and to shrink the tissues. The BodyTite technology also melts fat.  However, it does not melt fat in order to decrease volume the way that liposuction can.  That’s why often times  it is used in addition to liposuction. In fact, the outcome of almost all liposuction procedures  would benefit from the use of BodyTite.  This is because for many people, liposuction results in loose skin due to incomplete skin contraction. BodyTite  can improve this  and is most often done at the same time as the liposuction procedure. 
However, other people may not require  fat reduction by liposuction in a given area and would benefit from tissue tightening.  In those cases, BodyTite would be used alone. 
Any fat that is melted or broken down is either suctioned out or gets absorbed by natural body processes.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Bodytite is a radio-frequency treatment which serves to tighten skin. This accomplished by subdermal heating of the collagen fibers which can cause tightening as well as stimulate fibroblast activity for collagen deposition. This can be combined with liposuction (but does not necessarily need to be). 
The fat removal component is no different than traditional liposuction. For those patients with excess fat in the absence of skin laxity Bodytite does not necessarily hold an advantage over more traditional liposuction. However, in patients with laxity or in whom there is a concern for worsening laxity post liposuction, a radio-frequency tightening will help.
With regards to your specific question, aspiration (not necessarily liposuction) is a component of every BodyTite procedure although the aims will differ. In those patients seeking only tightening, liposuction will be employed not for the purposes of fat removal but to remove excess heated fluid in order to better to limit tissue exposure (aspiration). However, for those who would benefit from further contouring more aggressive liposuction can be performed post tightening.As for the order, there is no absolute standard. Many will begin with tightening and follow up with aspiration. This is more of a technical choice.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

BodyTite does not remove any fat but it tightens tissue.  It can be combined with liposuction to improve contours dramatically. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Marvin F. Shienbaum, MD · Answer

Body Tite is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that consist of RFAL, which is a technological procedure combination of radiofrequency assisted with lipolysis. Which means that it helps tighten the skin through increasing collagen production, but it also does liposuction by the heat it generates which helps reduce fat. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure because there is no scarring or incisions from this procedure. Some results can be seen immediately but the best results are seen between 3-6 months. Downtime is really minimal, but it all depends on the size of the treated areas but most of our patients resume their normal activities within a week after procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

BodyTite combines skin tightening  with liposuction.  The fat is actually removed during the procedure and the skin can be tightened by as much as 40%.  No large incisions are required nor is general anesthesia.  The results are optimized by adding Morpheus8 treatments.  We welcome you to visit with us in our Houston office for a consultation to talk about this exciting technology!

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

BodyTite is a minimally-invasive body contouring procedure that utilizes radio-frequency assisted lipolysis. It combines two successful technologies into a double-duty procedure that reduces fat while simultaneously tightening the skin. Traditional liposuction removes excess fat and then relies on the skin to contract smoothly over the area on its own. BodyTite reduces fat without leaving behind wrinkly or saggy skin thru the use of radio-frequency. For more information, please make sure you get a in person consultation from a board-certified dermatologist.

David P. Rapaport, MD, FACS · Answer

BodyTite is a skin tightening technology that uses radiofrequency to reduce skin laxity. It is used in combination with liposuction during the same procedure.  During liposuction with BodyTite, first the areas being treated will be numbed with tumescent fluid.  Then the BodyTite applicator is used which heats up and melts some fat. Last, liposuction is performed to reduce excess fat and remove any of the melted fat that was the result of the BodyTite procedure. Please visit a board certified plastic surgeon to have a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for liposuction with BodyTite.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

BodyTite is a radiofrequency based technology that tightens skin and the underlying tissue using a bipolar invasive probe. It does not involve liposuction but it is usually done in combination to get the best results. Areas that have more volume from fat would be liposuctioned at the same time. Typically, some liposuction is done with the technology to remove any residual fluids after it is done. Depending on what area of the body that is treated liposuction can be done before or after the BodyTite. Thank you for question.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. BodyTite, in short, is a skin and soft-tissue tightening device. During the process of the BodyTite Treatment, the energy dissipated from the devices does dissolve fat, albeit a small amount as compared to Vaser liposuction, for example. This fat is then suctioned out secondarily with a traditional liposuction technique to give a full complement of result. Thanks for the inquiry,Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Bodytite - liposuction before or after using the skin tightning device?

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More BodyTite Questions

Can BodyTite be done without liposuction?

How long does it take for the swelling to go down after having BodyTite on the thighs?

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