Would I be a good candidate for Renuvion Skin tightening after muscle/hernia repair? (photo)

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. 

After reviewing your 2 postings and without the opportunity of in person examination, I would most likely recommend a surgical plan of 2 separate surgeries. 1st surgery is using the pre existing C-section scar for exposure to repair diastasis and hernia with bb incision to tighten upper recti. Than as 2nd operation I prefer superficial liposculpture over J-Plasma but either acceptable. Expect fees to range from $10,000-$15,000. 

The effects of skin tightening technology are noticeable, but not significant when compared to that of a tummy tuck. Renuvion skin tightening is often used in conjunction with a procedure such as a tummy tuck to enhance the results of the elective procedure. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a tummy tuck specialist can help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing. 
Respectfully,
Arian Mowlavi MD,FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

I question if any surgeon will deliver a flat abdomen in regards to diastases repair without some form of traditional tummy tuck.It may be challenging to remove all the skin from your belly button to your C-section scar. If that is not possible then the option is either placing the scare higher or having a separate small vertical up-and-down scar in the midline somewhere between the belly button and the C-section scar. This small additional vertical scar represents the skin cut around your belly button from the tummy tuck when not all the skin from a low scar to the belly button can be removed.My firsthand personal experience with Renuvion is underwhelming.I think the best looking flat abdomen would be a full tummy tuck with a loss that scar excepting the small additional vertical scar on the lower abdomen.I suggest having more in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons.you didn’t mention what kind of hernia you have but ventral hernia‘s or umbilical hernia‘s are repaired as part of the diastases repair And in a sense don’t need a separate procedure.I would not rely on a general surgeon to deliver a flat abdomen from any type of diastases repair.Best, Mats Hagstrom MD