Skin tightening procedures have come a long way in recent years. Prior to the advent of subdermal radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening, there were no great alternatives to the traditional methods of tightening skin by excision. However, many people don’t want a scar and thus opted to just deal with the loose skin on their abdomen, arms, and other areas. For the surgeon, it was always a challenge to do liposuction and potentially create more loose skin, because the fat that was previously filling out the skin was removed. All this has changed with a new device called BodyTite by InMode. Dr. Lee at New Life Cosmetic Surgery uses BodyTite on a weekly basis and has been amazed by the results.
Contents
- 1 How does BodyTite tighten skin?
- 2 What areas can be treated with BodyTite?
- 3 Is it painful?
- 4 Where is the procedure done?
- 5 How much time off is expected after the surgery?
- 6 How quickly will I see results?
- 7 Can liposuction be done at the same time?
- 8 What are the side effects or complications?
- 9 Can Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling be used at the same time?
- 10 Should BodyTite be used on all saggy or loose skin?
- 11 How do I schedule a consultation?
How does BodyTite tighten skin?
BodyTite tightens skin by heating a layer under the skin that provides the scaffolding or framework for the skin. When heat is applied to this area, it causes the body to rebuild collagen and tighten the framework that is supporting the skin. See this BodyTite animation to see this process in action.
What areas can be treated with BodyTite?
One of the great things about InMode’s RF system is that there are multiple sizes of handpieces. The three current handpieces are BodyTite, FaceTite, and AccuTite. This allows for areas from the forehead to the knees to be treated. Dr. Lee has treated the brow (forehead), face (upper and lower eyelids, midface, nasal labial folds, jowls), jawline, neck, breast, abdomen, back, arms, inner and outer thighs, banana rolls (posterior upper thighs), labia, vagina, and above the knees. So virtually if there is loose skin, then there is a good chance it can be treated.
Is it painful?
No. We use local tumescent or numbing fluid under the skin as well as IV sedation or nitrous gas, depending on the number of areas that Dr. Lee is treating.
Where is the procedure done?
It’s done in our operating suite at New Life Cosmetic Surgery. We have an AAAHC accredited facility.
How much time off is expected after the surgery?
Most patients will go back to regular duties within 1-3 days depending on the areas that are treated. Since there are no large incisions, this means a fast recovery with limited scars. If liposuction is done, then the incision is only 3 millimeters (very small). If no liposuction is needed, then the incision is tiny.
How quickly will I see results?
Since BodyTite is creating new collagen it does take 3-6 months to see skin tightening occur. Dr. Lee discusses this with all his patients prior to the surgery. The final results are usually seen at 1 year. Meaning the collagen is continually built throughout the first year.
Can liposuction be done at the same time?
Dr. Lee recommends BodyTite for most patients that are getting liposuction. The reason is that liposuction alone can cause loose/saggy skin, similar to patient’s losing a lot of weight. Even with laser liposuction, the skin contraction is only about 10%. BodyTite will give 30-40% skin contraction!
What are the side effects or complications?
In rare circumstances, patients can develop firm nodules under their skin. They are usually small and resolve on their own. If the skin is very thin, there can be some darkening or hyperpigmentation of the skin. Again this is rare.
Can Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling be used at the same time?
Yes! Dr. Lee loves to create skin tightening not only with BodyTite being used under the skin but also Morpheus8 being used on top of the skin. This sandwich effect of radiofrequency heat provides optimal results for skin tightening.
Should BodyTite be used on all saggy or loose skin?
No. In patients with significant skin laxity, most often secondary to a large amount of weight loss, they will have too much skin for this procedure. In those patients, they will have better results with excising the skin. This is often seen in patients that need a tummy tuck or Brachioplasty.