1. Overview
Renuvion® (or J-Plasma®), is a revolutionary cosmetic technology/device that energizes helium gas with radiofrequency (RF) to generate and deliver helium plasma which can be used to tighten and rejuvenate skin in the face, neck, and/or body.
RENUVION® SKIN RESURFACING
Renuvion® is an excellent non-surgical treatment option for skin resurfacing, as helium plasma can be applied over the skin to reduce deep wrinkles and fine lines; diminish the appearance of acne scars, skin discoloration, and age spots; and restore the features of youthful skin.
RENUVION® SUBDERMAL SKIN TIGHTENING
Alternatively, Renuvion® can be used to tighten and lift the skin with the precise and controlled delivery of helium plasma beneath the skin’s surface through small (3-4 mm in length), discretely placed access incisions.
This minimally invasive stand-alone procedure offers a unique alternative for:
- Patients who are bothered by loose/excess skin in the neck and/or other areas of the body but who are reluctant to accept the scars, lengthier recovery, and potential complications associated with more invasive surgical procedures.
- Patients with only mild to moderate skin excess/laxity who may consequently not be candidates for surgical body contouring procedures.
The most popular areas for treatment include:
- Neck
- Upper and lower abdomen
- Inner and outer thighs
- Flanks
- Back
- Under the buttocks
- Arms
Dr. Lee commonly uses Renuvion® in conjunction with more invasive surgical body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks and liposuction, to achieve enhanced skin tightening and rejuvenation.
2. Ideal Candidates
RENUVION® SKIN RESURFACING
Generally, ideal candidates for Renuvion® skin resurfacing treatment include healthy individuals with fair skin, of all age groups, who have realistic expectations and would like to improve:
- Deep wrinkles and fine lines
- Skin discoloration/age spots
- Acne scarring
RENUVION® SUBDERMAL SKIN TIGHTENING
Generally, ideal candidates for Renuvion® subdermal skin tightening include healthy individuals of all age groups and skin types who are bothered by mild to moderate skin excess/laxity in the neck and/or other areas of the body that can result from ageing, weight loss, or pregnancy. It is an excellent minimally invasive treatment option for patients who are reluctant to accept the scars, lengthier recovery, and potential complications associated with more invasive surgical procedures.
3. The Procedure
RENUVION® SKIN RESURFACING
The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, with or without conscious sedation. During the procedure, Dr. Lee will use the Renuvion® wand device to gently apply helium plasma over the skin within the treatment area.
As the plasma contacts the skin, it precisely dissolves the superficial layer of skin without harming the deeper layers. As this superficial layer peels, it exposes the fresh, more youthful appearing layer of skin beneath it.
Depending on the size of the treatment area, Renuvion® skin resurfacing can take 30-60 minutes or less to complete and patients can return home the same day as their procedure.
RENUVION® SUBDERMAL SKIN TIGHTENING
The procedure can either be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or under general anesthesia, with the latter being more common when Renuvion® subdermal skin tightening is being performed in conjunction with a more invasive surgical contouring procedure (i.e. tummy tuck).
In combined procedures, Dr. Lee performs the more invasive procedure first, so that the existing incisions can be used to insert the Renuvion® device beneath the skin. This handheld device is then passed back and forth across the treatment area to deliver the helium plasma and heat the undersurface of the skin in a controlled fashion, which causes the skin to contract and simultaneously stimulates collagen production.
In a standalone procedure, small 3-4 mm incisions (usually 2-3 per treatment area) are made in inconspicuous areas of the body to allow the Renuvion® device to access the treatment area beneath the skin.
Since the results of Renuvion® subdermal skin tightening are immediately seen on the skin surface, Dr. Lee can modify the treatment accordingly to ensure that the skin is uniformly and symmetrical contoured and that optimal aesthetic results are achieved.
Depending on the size of the treatment area, Renuvion generally takes 30 minutes or less to complete and patients can go home on the day of their procedure.
4. The Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Lee will perform a thorough medical evaluation and carefully evaluate your desired treatment areas, assess your aesthetic goals, and help you determine if Renuvion® skin resurfacing/tightening, either as a standalone or combined (surgical) procedure will allow you to achieve your desired results. He will also revise your medication list, as certain medications may need to be temporarily stopped before your procedure.
Since smoking is known to be associated with poor/delayed wound healing, wound dehiscence, wound infections, and increased scarring postoperatively, smokers will be asked to stop smoking 4 weeks prior to your procedure, and for at least 2 weeks post-procedure.
Patients will also be scheduled for routine pre-operative blood testing and an electrocardiogram 1-2 weeks in cases where a combined surgical and Renuvion® skin treatment procedure is to be performed.
5. Recovery
RENUVION® SKIN RESURFACING
As the skin heals, temporary side-effects such as skin peeling, redness and swelling of the treatment area can be expected for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure. Any discomfort, if present, is usually mild and can easily be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication.
Although your results will be evident almost immediately after your procedure, it may take up to 6 months for some residual redness to completely resolve and for you to see your final results. Makeup can be applied to cover up any redness 2 weeks after the procedure.
RENUVION® SUBDERMAL SKIN TIGHTENING
The recovery period will ultimately depend on whether a more invasive surgical procedure was performed in conjunction with Renuvion® skin tightening.
The total recovery time for a standalone Renuvion skin tightening procedure is generally 1-2 weeks, but maybe longer for patients who had larger or multiple areas treated. Some patients may initially experience some tightness in the treated area; however, this should subside as healing progresses. Pain can be managed with over the counter or, if necessary, prescription pain medication. Patients typically wear a compression garment for the initial 72 hours following neck procedures and for 4-6 weeks following body procedures. Compression garments will help reduce swelling and bruising that occurs during the first 2 weeks.
Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery and most are capable of returning to work and their normal daily activities in 2-3 days; however, this will ultimately depend on the extent of treatment that is performed. In cases where a more extensive procedure is performed, we generally recommend that you take at least a week off work. Light exercises are permitted at 2 weeks, and full exercise and activities can be resumed after 4-6 weeks.
Before leaving our facilities, you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your wounds throughout your recovery. It is imperative that you follow these recommendations in order to minimize the appearance of your scars and ultimately achieve your best possible result. Dressings should be left in place until your first post-operative visit with Dr. Lee, at which point he will assess your wounds and if necessary, apply new dressings.
6. Risks And Complications
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some risks associated with Renuvion® treatment and may include:
- Risks associated anesthesia
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Persistent swelling
- Bleeding/bruising
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Infection
- Contour irregularities/asymmetry
- Unfavourable/suboptimal scarring
- Temporary or permanent nerve injury causing altered skin sensation
- Unintentional burns (deep or superficial)
Dr. Lee will thoroughly discuss these risks (and possibly others) with you and answer any questions you might have prior to obtaining your consent for treatment.
