What is the Renuvion Treatment and Am I Suitable?

Skin tightening treatments have advanced significantly in recent years, with a growing range of minimally invasive options now available. One of these is Renuvion, a technology commonly used in procedures such as a so called “scarless tummy tuck”.

Renuvion uses plasma energy to contract and tighten the skin from beneath the surface, helping to improve elasticity and create a smoother, more contoured appearance. While this treatment can deliver impressive results for the right candidate, it is not suitable for everyone, and some patients may require more invasive procedures to achieve their desired outcome.

If you are wondering whether Renuvion is the right option for you, a professional assessment is essential to determine the most effective treatment approach.

Am I Suitable for Renuvion Treatment?

Although Renuvion is often linked with scarless tummy tuck procedures, it is a versatile treatment that can be used to improve loose or sagging skin in many areas of the body, including:

• Thighs

• Buttocks

• Arms

• Breasts

• Knees

• Lower neck and face

Renuvion is designed to improve skin elasticity affected by factors such as weight loss, pregnancy, and the natural ageing process. It is sometimes combined with liposuction to enhance results by tightening the underlying tissues after fat removal.

The treatment is generally best suited to patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. In cases where skin looseness is more severe, more invasive surgical options may be recommended instead. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine whether Renuvion can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

As with any cosmetic procedure, you should be at a stable, healthy weight and in good overall health before treatment. You may also be advised to make certain lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, prior to undergoing Renuvion.

How Does Renuvion Treatment Work?

During a Renuvion procedure, your surgeon makes a very small incision, typically less than one centimetre in length, before inserting a specialised Renuvion handpiece beneath the skin. The device releases a combination of helium gas and radiofrequency energy, which together create plasma energy.

This plasma energy both heats and rapidly cools the underlying tissue, triggering collagen contraction and stimulating improved skin elasticity over time. This controlled process is what makes Renuvion both highly effective and considered exceptionally safe when performed by a qualified professional.

Treatment time usually ranges from 15 to 30 minutes per area, depending on the size of the region being treated. The procedure is generally well tolerated, though some patients may experience mild discomfort. If pain is a concern, your surgeon can discuss suitable pain management options with you.

One of the key advantages of Renuvion is that, unlike many other skin tightening treatments, most patients achieve noticeable results with just a single session. While some improvement may be visible shortly after treatment, skin tightening and contouring continue to develop over the following six to nine months.

Renuvion Recovery and Downtime

Recovery after Renuvion treatment is generally mild, particularly when compared to more invasive procedures such as a traditional tummy tuck. Most patients experience some swelling and mild discomfort in the first few weeks following treatment and are usually advised to wear a compression garment for four to six weeks to support healing and optimise results.

In many cases, normal day-to-day activities can be resumed within just a few days, although this can vary depending on the treatment area and whether Renuvion was combined with other procedures. Your surgeon will provide tailored aftercare advice and a clear recovery timeline based on your individual treatment plan.

On average, full recovery is achieved within three months or less.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Renuvion

Renuvion is considered a low-risk treatment, particularly when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness for a few days following the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen and the use of ice packs.

Although uncommon, more serious side effects can occur. These may include increased skin sensitivity, scarring, or changes in skin pigmentation. In most cases, such issues are mild and can be improved or corrected with appropriate follow-up treatment and care.

Understanding the Limitations of Renuvion

Renuvion can be an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who are looking for a less invasive alternative to surgery. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Those with significant skin sagging may require more advanced or surgical treatments to achieve noticeable results.

In particular, Renuvion is usually not recommended for patients with extensive loose skin following major or extreme weight loss. In these cases, procedures such as a tummy tuck or body lift are often more effective and may be advised by your surgeon.

Patients also often ask whether Renuvion results are permanent. On average, results typically last between three and five years. While the natural ageing process will continue over time, further treatments such as repeat Renuvion or alternative procedures can be considered in the future.

As with other cosmetic treatments, including liposuction and tummy tuck surgery, lifestyle changes can affect your results. Factors such as weight gain or pregnancy can stretch the skin and reduce the longevity of the outcome.

Final Thoughts

For patients with mild skin laxity, Renuvion can be an effective, minimally invasive treatment with little downtime and a relatively comfortable recovery. While it is not suitable for every individual, it can deliver noticeable improvements in skin firmness and smoothness for the right candidate, often boosting confidence and overall body contour.

If you are considering Renuvion and want expert, personalised advice, book a consultation with Dr Fasano at Health Excel. Dr Fasano will assess your concerns, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment to help you achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.