J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, FACS
1103 Kaliste Saloom Road #300
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (337) 456-3282
Monday–Thursday : 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Friday : 8 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

How Helium Plasma and RF Technology Can Save You From Having More Invasive Cosmetic Surgery

Beautiful happy woman after Renuvion treatment in Lafeyette saved her from surgical cosmetic procedures

So many of us can name a “spot” on our body that we’d rather not show off, ever. Yet for some, the idea of using plastic surgery to correct the issue, or the idea of having a scar instead of the original problem, causes them to keep living with it.

The minimally-invasive skin tightening technology Renuvion® spares patients with moderate skin laxity extensive surgical incisions and prolonged healing time.

For people who feel self-conscious about their upper arms, for example, the problem is often a portion of loose skin that appears out of proportion with the rest of their body. Until recently, the only option for treating this so-called “batwing” issue was a surgical arm lift. But now, there is a game-changing technology that tightens mild to moderate skin laxity without lengthy incisions.

What is Renuvion® skin tightening?

The Renuvion skin tightening device tightens skin using a combination of radiofrequency (RF) energy and cooling helium plasma. While you may be inclined to compare Renuvion with other popular non-surgical laser and RF procedures, it’s important to understand how this technology is different from name-brand options such as Ultherapy. Firstly, Renuvion is a surgical procedure—albeit a minimally invasive one. Secondly, Renuvion can provide far more significant results than non-surgical RF treatments.

During the procedure, Dr. Duplechain makes a small, 5mm incision (similar to liposuction) and inserts the Renuvion wand under the skin. The Renuvion device then delivers RF energy into deeper layers of the skin, stimulating tissues to tighten and prompting the beginning of long-term collagen regrowth. During the procedure, Dr. Duplechain can monitor as the firmness develops, allowing him to precisely contour results.

You will see results almost instantly, and over the course of 6-12 months, you will continue to experience increasingly tightened, rejuvenated skin. Renuvion also slightly reduces the amount of the fat beneath the skin to provide an even more toned look.

How does Renuvion compare to other skin tightening procedures?

There are additional reasons why we are excited to offer Renuvion: It’s highly versatile, and can tighten skin in many different areas. It leads to amazing results in the upper arms, neck, abdomen, bra line, back, and thighs. And unlike all other minimally-invasive solutions for these issues, Renuvion works the first time. Most patients do not need a second Renuvion procedure. Let’s compare Renuvion with some other surgical and non-surgical procedures:

Renuvion vs. Arm Lift

A surgical arm lift procedure removes excess flabby skin but leaves a long scar along the inside of the arm. Renuvion can have similar tightening results for patients without excessive skin laxity, leaving only a tiny, imperceptible scar.

While both are surgical procedures, the recovery from arm lift surgery may require up to two weeks off of work and six weeks avoiding exercise; with Renuvion, you should expect to recover in two weeks, with some persistent bruising or redness possible for about four weeks.

Renuvion vs. NuEra Tight

While non-surgical NuEra Tight skin tightening also uses RF, it is administered to the skin with a topical device. The RF energy stimulates the skin to produce elastin and collagen on its own over the following months, much like Renuvion stimulates collagen production. Both can be used from head to toe.

But NuEra Tight does not have any effect on subcutaneous fat deposits, which are residually reduced after Renuvion treatment, nor does it incorporate the cooling helium plasma present in Renuvion. Renuvion offers some near-instant results, and final results are lasting; NuEra’s full results develop over the course of about 4-6 consecutive treatments. The two treatments are often performed together to enhance results, but Renuvion does most of the heavy lifting.

NuEra Tight is a good fit for patients who have a small amount of skin laxity, as it has the benefit of creating a global improvement to the treatment area with no downtime. For those wanting more precise results and who are prepared to undergo minimally invasive surgery, Renuvion will deliver more impressive results.

Renuvion vs. Non-surgical wrinkle reduction

Renuvion is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, so there is more downtime afterward than you would expect with a non-surgical procedure, such as a microneedling facial to reduce fine lines or an injectable filler to plump wrinkles. Still, the payoff of reliable, lasting results after just one procedure can make the downtime completely worth it. Most nonsurgical treatments require regular appointments to maintain results, the costs of which can add up in the long run. In your consultation, Dr. Duplechain will work with you to determine whether your concerns and goals merit a skin tightening procedure like Renuvion.

Renuvion vs. Liposuction

Liposuction is a long-lasting surgical procedure that works well for those in need of body contouring, but it requires good skin elasticity; if your skin is unable to “bounce back” post-procedure, removing fat from the area will leave you with sagging skin. Thus Renuvion may be the perfect solution for those with a moderate amount of loose skin in an area, as well as a small amount of fat to remove.

These two procedures can also be combined to yield incredible results; in these cases, liposuction can often be performed more aggressively and extensively because of the skin tightening effect of Renuvion.

Renuvion vs. Mini Facelift

While the effects of Renuvion can’t substitute for the long-lasting and dramatic change of a full facelift, those considering a “mini facelift” would be wise to compare the procedure with minimally-invasive Renuvion, which does not require the bandages or larger incisions of a facelift.

Renuvion vs. Neck Lift

It’s not uncommon for a patient to have a well-honed anti-aging routine that has worked on their face, but left their neck with fine lines, wrinkles, or vertical bands. For patients who desire a lifted neck but do not have excess sagging skin, Renuvion skin tightening on the neck can solve these issues. For patients with a notable amount of loose skin, a surgical neck lift may be best.

Renuvion vs. Mini Tummy Tuck

If you find yourself in need of a mini tummy tuck, Renuvion is a minimally-invasive alternative. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, Renuvion has a profound, beautiful effect on skin laxity in the abdomen area, particularly when it comes to loose skin around the naval.

Renuvion is also a potential solution for those patients experiencing mild abdominal muscle separation, or diastasis recti. This condition is common after pregnancy. To correct the separation, your physician may recommend a full or mini tummy tuck. For patients who don’t need a full tummy tuck, Renuvion may serve as an alternative to a mini tummy tuck to help tighten the connective tissue around the muscles, thereby adding support to the separated muscles and alleviating diastasis recti symptoms. In our consultation, we will discuss your symptoms, and Dr. Duplechain will examine your abdomen to determine if Renuvion could serve as an alternative to a tummy tuck.

Looking for a Lafayette cosmetic surgeon? Dr. Duplechain is here to help.

As a cosmetic surgeon with more than 25 years of surgical experience, Dr. Kevin Duplechain is here to help you determine which skin tightening treatment will best suit your needs. We invite you to contact us online or call our office at (337)456-3282 to schedule your consultation today.

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