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.
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:
The most popular areas for treatment include:
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.
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Before & After photographs shown on this site are actual patients of Dr. James Lee who have given their permission to have their photos published online. They are for illustrative purposes only; individual results vary. We do not guarantee outcomes, and no prediction of outcome is implied. Individual healing characteristics and unexpected complications can affect the outcome of any surgery.
Generally, ideal candidates for Renuvion® skin resurfacing treatment include healthy individuals of all age groups, who have realistic expectations and would like to improve:
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some risks associated with Renuvion® treatment and may include:
Scars form as the body’s natural response heal tissues. As with any scar, the extent of post-surgical scarring depends on a number of modifiable factors (i.e. avoidance of UV light exposure, tension-free wound closure, appropriate wound care, etc.) and non-modifiable factors (i.e. patient age, comorbidities, skin type, genetics, etc.). While it is not possible to perform scar-free surgery, Dr. Lee makes every effort to minimize the appearance of your post-surgical scars through careful pre-operative planning, the use of meticulous surgical technique, and by ensuring appropriate wound care and follow-up postoperatively.
It is not unusual for scars to appear red and be slightly raised/firm for the first 4-6 weeks following surgery. Scars will flatten and become paler over time and can take up to 12 months before achieving their final appearance.
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.
