Thermitight vs j-plasma for abdominal skin tightening?

Question

Are there doctors who have experience with both technologies? Interest point: abdominal area with moderate skin laxity after pregnancy.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend a combination of procedures for optimal results.
  
ThermiTight utilizes a small electrode inserted under the skin to heat tissue to a selected therapeutic temperature.  Literature has shown that elevating skin to a therapeutic temperature level can contract collagen molecules and stimulate collagen production, which may give the appearance of lifting or tightening.   Fat reduction is rare, unless set to high temperatures and kept at high temperatures for a significant amount of time .
  
To best answer your question,  it  depends on how much skin laxity you have.   ThermiTight can work well in the thigh area to tighten skin that is mild to moderately laxity.  Surgery may be a better option, if you have excessive laxity.   Results with ThermiTight vary from patient to patient.  You should experience some overall improvement.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.
  
Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.
  
Best of luck!
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Non surgical options give only mild improvement compared to surgical lifting. With non-surgical treatments, skin tightening can be done with a combination of vanquish, venus legacy, exilis, celllutone/Zwave.  For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like a VASER liposuction, which can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck, if you're a candidate. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I currently offer BodyTite by InMode, ThermiTight and J-Plasma. All three technologies will result in contraction of both the skin and the fibrous septae beneath the skin. J-Plasma will have a more immediate result but all three technologies may have a similar endpoint 3-6 months down the road. BodyTite is a more efficient hand piece with regard to fat destruction when compared to ThermiTight because of the increased surface area of the probe inserted into the fat. The fat destruction by J-Plasma is still poorly defined. I usually combine each of these services with Tickle Lipo when indicated. At the present time, if I am looking to augment my fat removal beyond what I would obtain with lipo alone, I tend to recommend BodyTite. If I am looking for firming of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, I opt for J-Plasma. I reserve ThermiTight for small areas such as the face and neck. When it comes to post-baby skin laxity an in-person consultation is needed to assess whether the technology recommended will help you to achieve you are seeking. Stretch marks themselves will not tighten to a significant degree with any of these technologies but the subcutaneous fibrous septae should.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Celia Remy, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

J plasma for mild to moderate laxity of abdomen or other areas is a relatively new use for this technology and does need to be performed by someone who has experience.  Many who would do J plasma are likely to have had some experience with thermi-tight or other non-surgical minimally invasive skin tightening options. 
Thermi tight uses RF (radio frequency) energy to create collagen contraction, and releases growth factors, and likely stem cells when certain tissue target thresholds are achieved and maintained for specific periods of time. These target thresholds are newly established to create stem cell release, which substantially improves treatment outcomes. This is a newly developing  understanding ( releasing stem cells from within the tissue), and so not widely utilized yet. But they are being utilized to obtain greater effectiveness above and beyond the impressive results already seen with Thermi-tight. Patients generally see  a very small amount of tightening immediately- and then continued contraction and tissue regeneration ( thickening of scar tissue and thinned skin ) - the bulk of the tightening occurs over the following 3-6 months.  It generally has a longer course to see results, but less downtime potentially than the J plasma immediately after the procedure.  
Because J plasma is a more intensified energy application to the tissues- It has pro's and cons.  It does give a more immediate contraction and shrinkage. However- the risk of burn is present- although low, and recovery can be longer and there can be significant burning pain ( not in all patients)  and numbness in the area for a few months.  Bottom line- more intense treatment, may give better immediate tightening, but might have some pain for a few months.  Long term comparisons of the two have not, and might not ever become published - so we do not know long term if there is a significant difference between the two yet. . 
In short- J plasma is likely going to show a greater tightening immediately after treatment, but the degree of tightening at 6 months may be the same. It can depend on the use for release of stem cells with Thermi- and the provider's experience with J plasma.  Both are good, both have pro's and cons, and both represent a significant advancement in the non-surgical option toolbox.  
Lastly - it is important to know that there is a point where too much skin really would do better with surgical removal. But if you cannot have surgery for some reason- this area is rapidly advancing and significant tightening of mild to moderate laxity can be impressive with both of these technologies.

Thermitight vs j-plasma for abdominal skin tightening?

Answers (4)

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