As we age it’s normal to start noticing areas of loose skin as collagen depletes. We speak to AZATACA Plastic Surgery and their doctors to hear all about new skin tightening radiofrequency treatment Renuvion. It’s designed to help you spring back into shape.
Tell us how new Renuvion technology works to tighten skin.
It’s a minimally invasive tightening treatment that uses a combination of helium plasma and radiofrequency. A long, thin wand is inserted under the skin to direct the helium plasma energy to collagen fibres, shrinking the tissue on contact, and triggering the collagen rebuilding process known as neocollagenesis. Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin. The formation and contraction of collagen contribute to skin tightening.
When the energised plasma comes into contact with the skin, it causes sublimation (the direct transition of a substance from a solid to a gas). This means that the targeted tissues are heated and treated without excessive damage to surrounding areas.
Which areas of loose skin is it designed to target?
Renuvion tightens skin everywhere. It’s versatile, working well on the face, neck, jawline, thighs, arms, back, breasts, buttocks, chest flanks, knees and abdomen. A treatment for both men and women, it can be performed with liposuction or as a standalone treatment and has minimal downtime.
What is exciting about this radiofrequency skin tightening technology?
We decided to become the first and only clinic in Singapore using Renuvion because it’s the only device that’s FDA cleared for use after liposuction and for contracting subcutaneous soft tissue. It safely heats to the optimal temperature (85 degrees Celsius) for maximum tissue contraction, and then cools down in less than a second. This allows us to achieve better results with improved control and precision to targeted tissues in less time.
How is Renuvion skin tightening treatment different to others available in the market?
Other common non-surgical treatments offer around 40 to 45 percent skin tightening, but Renuvion can achieve 60 percent. Tissue shrinkage from within is more dramatic and noticeable than bulk heating treatments that apply the energy at the surface. And, with its self-regulating functions, the device avoids leaving burns and damaging tissue, unlike other skin tightening techniques.
What kind of changes can a patient expect to achieve?
Patients see significant tissue shrinkage immediately after treatment, and can expect continued improvement throughout the healing and regeneration process over the next six-to-nine months. Most individuals only need a single treatment.
For the face, changes to be expected include:
- improved skin texture and reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face;
- tighter and firmer skin contributing to a more youthful appearance; and
- enhanced jawline definition through the tightening of loose skin in the jowls and neck area.
For the body, changes to be expected include:
- tightening of loose or sagging skin on various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks;
- improved body contouring by addressing areas with excess fat and loose skin simultaneously; and
- reduction in the appearance of cellulite in treated areas.
How is Renuvion skin tightening treatment suitable for use with and without liposuction?
Generally speaking, a good candidate for the procedure is a person within 30 percent of their ideal weight, in good medical health and a nonsmoker. To optimise the results it can be used in conjunction with liposuction. Liposuction removes stubborn pockets of fat, but doesn’t address loose or sagging skin. Renuvion complements liposuction by addressing skin laxity and promoting collagen formation leading to a more sculpted and toned appearance.
We also use it as a standalone procedure for skin tightening without the need for liposuction. This is suitable for individuals who have relatively good skin tone but are experiencing mild to moderate skin elasticity. It’s commonly used as an alternative to a surgical facelift. And it’s an ideal option for those who do not want surgery that excises the skin or who can’t afford the downtime involved with recovery.
Speaking of recovery and downtime, what is it like?
In comparison to open surgery, Renuvion is a minimally invasive procedure and has the advantage of smaller scars, quicker recovery and shorter downtime. Recovery varies depending on the extent of the treatment area, but most patients can expect to experience some tenderness and swelling for a few weeks. If performed in combination with liposuction, it’s recommended to wear a compression garment for four-to-six weeks to reduce swelling and promote faster healing. Standalone procedures have significantly less downtime. Patients can resume strenuous activities and exercise after two weeks.
How long do results last?
You can achieve long-lasting results with this radiofrequency skin tightening treatment. It can last up to five years and beyond, so long as a healthy lifestyle and weight are maintained. While ageing cannot be stopped, it can certainly be improved and slowed. New collagen production gives your skin a better support network so your skin stays tighter and more youthful-looking for longer.
About the doctors
Dr Mohamed Zulfikar Rasheed, Dr Terence Goh and Dr Christopher Chui (pictured) are three surgeons (and university friends) that have teamed up to create the AZATACA group plastic surgery clinic. Between them they have over 30 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. All three surgeons are MOH-accredited, in addition to being awarded the prestigious Health Manpower Development Plan (HDMP) fellowship.
AZATACA Plastic Surgery
• #14-09 Royal Square Medical Centre, 101 Irrawaddy Road | 6778 8648 | 9649 0648 (WhatsApp)
• #15-11 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth | 6767 1648 | 9649 0648 (WhatsApp)
azataca.com
This article featuring new Renuvion radiofrequency technology first appeared in the February 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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