Renuvion / J-Plasma Skin Tightening in Santa Barbara, CA
Renuvion® — also known as J-Plasma®, J-plasty and cool plasma — is a new, non-surgical approach to treating loose and/or saggy skin. Its technology is based on plasma energy created by combining radiofrequency and helium plasma. This revolutionary treatment is a fantastic non-invasive alternative to a neck lift, tummy tuck or arm lift. It provides noticeable skin tightening, elimination of “crepe-like” wrinkly skin and increased skin elasticity, as well as a decrease in skin laxity.
While it is not always a suitable replacement for other procedures, we have seen it work wonders in mild cases of skin sagging. It can also be used in conjunction with other modalities. At Montecito Plastic Surgery in Santa Barbara, Dr. Lowenstein regularly performs plasma skin tightening with excellent results. If you would like to find out whether you may be a good candidate for a Renuvion® treatment, schedule a consultation today or call us at 805-969-9004.
How Is Renuvion® Performed?
During a Renuvion® procedure, Dr. Lowenstein creates a small incision and places a thin cannula just underneath the skin, moving the device back and forth across the treatment area. As Dr. Lowenstein does this, the cannula releases helium gas and radiofrequency to create a precise stream of plasma energy. This energy generates a quick burst of heat (85°C) to stimulate skin contraction. Only a small amount of helium gas is heated during the procedure, while the rest cools the skin to its baseline temperature in less than a second.
Problem Areas Treated with Renuvion®
Abdomen
Mild skin laxity in the abdominal region can effectively be treated with helium plasma technology. At Montecito Plastic Surgery, we sometimes combine Renuvion® with liposuction to achieve optimal results in patients who need both approaches. This is a great treatment alternative to a tummy tuck with minimal downtime and fewer risks.
Arms
An arm lift can create fantastic results, but it often leaves patients with significant scarring. That is why we recommend Renuvion® to patients with only mild skin sagging and wrinkling in the upper arms. Thanks to plasma technology, we can now lift your upper arms and tighten the skin in this area with barely visible incisions.
Thighs
Loss of tone and skin elasticity in the thigh area is very common with age, especially in women. Thigh lifts were traditionally used to correct this problem. However, these surgeries leave prominent scars and require a long recovery period. Thanks to Renuvion® technology, Dr. Lowenstein can now offer these patients a safer and quicker alternative to a thigh lift.
Face and Neck
Cool helium plasma is very effective for face and neck skin rejuvenation. It is frequently used for skin resurfacing and combined with a facelift or neck lift to give patients the best results. However, it is also an alternative to more invasive procedures in mild to moderate cases of skin creasing and sagging.
FAQs
Renuvion is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure used to treat loose or wrinkly skin. It is FDA-approved and uses helium gas energized by radiofrequency waves to create a precise stream of plasma. During this process, only a small amount (less than 0.1%) of helium gas is converted to warm plasma. The remaining helium gas (over 99.9%) flows over the treatment area and cools it down. Compared to other non-surgical skin tightening methods, Renuvion® allows for greater precision, less tissue damage and quicker recovery.
Heat has been used as a skin-tightening treatment for a long time. Controlled heat delivered to the dermis causes damage to the fibroblasts, which stimulates collagen production. Compared to other treatments that employ heat for this purpose, the helium plasma stream created by the Renuvion® device is extraordinarily precise. The excited (ionized) state of this gas occurs at a much lower temperature than in laser-type treatments. This prevents damage to tissue deeper or adjacent to the treated area. Surgeons can see tissue tightening during the procedure, which further helps with achieving precise and superior results.
The average cost of a Renuvion® treatment is $5,000 dollars. But the actual cost can range anywhere between a couple of hundred dollars to $15,000. The cost depends largely on the extent of your treatment. Schedule a consultation with us today or call us at 805-969-9004 to find out more about pricing.
Healthy men and women concerned about loose and wrinkled skin in the face, neck and body can benefit from Renuvion®. Candidates are usually people in their 40s and 50s with only mild skin sagging and wrinkling. More severe cases are usually candidates for surgical procedures instead.
Most patients see great results after a single treatment. One treatment involves multiple “passes” of the plasma streams, which is why it is so effective. The tightening can actually be seen as it happens in real-time during treatment, so Dr. Lowenstein can evaluate the degree of improvement and gauge if you need additional sessions.
Surgical procedures lift the skin and reduce sagging, but they do not necessarily tighten the skin. That is where Renuvion® works its magic. This procedure effectively and permanently restores elasticity and tightness in the face, neck, abdomen, arms and many other problem areas.
While hot, the helium plasma stream delivered with Renuvion® is just 85°C (185°F). In comparison, other heat-based treatments, such as lasers, use temperatures of around 300 to 600°F. The lower heat and precision of Renuvion® reduces the risk of overheating the skin. This is particularly important with thin or “crepey” skin, such as that often seen in the neck and face.
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