BodyTite or subdermal J Plasma (without liposuction) for minor full-body skin laxity? (Photo)

Question

I have full body minor laxity from rapid weight loss (not massive weight loss) from when I was over exercising & undereating. Currently am 125 lbs, 5'2" (have intentionally regained weight to "fill out" & do weight lifting). Is BodyTite for me or would it make skin laxity worse? If I intentionally gain MORE weight to fill out more would it be appropriate? What about subdermal J Plasma WITHOUT lipo? I have 20k saved to treat it & will travel. Trust me there minor laxity all over me...

Johnny Franco, MD, FACS · Answer

The world of skin tightening has always been an intriguing topic to both plastic surgeons and patients.  There are currently two devices on the market that provide an option for skin tightening that can be done as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other treatments such as liposuction.  It is important to remember before we start this discussion that neither of the device are a replacement for a tummy tuck or neck lift surgery.  They can bridge the gap for patients that need some skin tightening but don’t need a full tummy tuck or neck lift.  They are also an option for patients that have loose skin, but just are not ready for a tummy tuck and or neck lift. 
Both the BodyTite and Renuvion (J-Plasma) are radiofrequency skin tightening devices that have cannulas that go under the skin.  The fact that both devices have a cannula that is actually placed under the skin they are able to use a higher amount of energy to that leads to a greater affect in terms of skin tightening.

Renuvion (J-Plasma) has the advantage that it combines the radiofrequency energy with helium.  This unique combination of helium and radiofrequency leads to this generation of plasma.  Thus, the nickname J-plasma.  The benefit of the helium and creation of this inert plasma is that it almost instantly cools the area so that there is less risk for injury to the superficial skin.  This design allows for Renuvion to be used in combination with large body contouring surgeries such as Brazilian Butt Lifts without adding an enormous amount of time to the surgery.  The Renuvion (J-Plasma) can be used in a variety of areas, typically any area that is liposcutioned such as the abdomen, back and neck ect…

BodyTite is also a great product in that it uses radiofrequency energy as well to tighten skin with a specialized cannula.  BodyTite in unique in that it comes with a variety of hand pieces and can be combined to do several different treatments.  It can be used in combination with microneedling and converted to a much smaller hand piece to do a treatment called AccuTite that is used around the peri-orbital area.  However, since it does not have the helium or another rapid cooling system it does take a little longer to do treatments.  In most cases this extra time is not an issue.  In our large body contouring procedures, I would recommend doing the Renuvion (J-Plasma) as it can decrease the overall surgical time.

In summary both devices are great skin tightening devices.  The both have advantages that may make them better choices in specific situations.   It is important to remember that neither of these devices (or any other device on the market) is a replacement for surgery.  They are an incredible leap for forward in technology, however they do not replace a tummy tuck or neck lift.  It is important to consult with your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss if Renuvion/BodyTite or surgery is the best option to help you achieve the aesthetic results you desire.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Body tite is an excellent  choice for your skin tightening an in person consultation would be best for a much more detailed examination,consult carefully with a board certified PS.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and posting your photos. You are correct - your skin laxity is not evident in your pictures. This is not unusual. I utilize both BodyTite and J-Plasma and consider both of them to be excellent devices for skin tightening.J-Plasma by Bovie uses cold helium gas combined with low RF energy to create plasma energy that immediately tightens the fibrous support tissue beneath the skin and promotes new collagen formation over time. Bovie reports there is some fat destruction as well but has not quantified how much. I consider this to be my best device for skin laxity.BodyTite by InMode utilizes bi-polar RF energy that can both destroy fat cells and tighten the skin as well as the fibrous network beneath the skin. The skin actually passes between the two poles of the hand piece and the energy is directed from the subdermal tissue layer to the epidermis, i.e. from beneath the surface of the skin, through the skin to the surface.The biggest issue will be the surface area to be treated. We are limited to treating 2 to 3 areas per procedure to avoid problems with lidocaine toxicity with both of these devices. This may require 2 or even 3 procedures depending on the extent of your body you want to have treated. Check out the pictures I have posted on my RealSelf page that show a pre-op and post-op day 1 for the J-Plasma.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Bodytite is the choice I would use in your case.  J plasma will not tighten your skin in the manner of to the degree that Bodytite can.

BodyTite or subdermal J Plasma (without liposuction) for minor full-body skin laxity? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bodytite

Answer: Bodytite

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BodyTite or subdermal J Plasma (without liposuction) for minor full-body skin laxity? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bodytite

Answer: Bodytite

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Renuvion

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.