Highlighting J-Plasma

OP. DR. YUNUS DOĞAN

It can tighten up what the holidays have loosened

It’s that time of year when we tell our children to behave so Santa can stuff their stockings. We attend holiday parties and stuff our faces with indulgent food. We make family feasts and opt for pants with an elastic waistband so we can stuff our bellies at the table. All this stuffing needs someplace to go when the parties end and family members leave.

When you’ve put on a pound or seven and need a little firming up, think of the candy cane. It’s minty, refreshing, and when held upside down, loosely resembles a “J,” as in J-plasma. Go ahead and eat that candy cane, research and locate your plastic surgeon and see what he or she can do to help you recover from the holidays. Maybe Santa can bring you some Renuvion if you’ve been nice. Or naughty.

Note that the brand names J-Plasma and Renuvion are used interchangeably; they both use radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat up and shrink skin and fat cells when applied under the skin. Helium gas cools the affected area and prevents internal burning. Renuvion can also be applied externally to stimulate collagen production and to tighten tissue, resulting in a more youthful appearance and feel.

This article is the twentieth in a series highlighting some of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. In the Highlighting series, we tell you ALL the alternative names of the surgery so you learn the medical terminology as well as develop a little street cred with slang terms. We share a little history of the procedure and describe the general process. We mention possible complications and give you an idea of the typical recovery time. Also known as/similar or related names are: Helium, J-Plasty, J-Plazty, Renuvion, RF.

First recorded

Per the National Library of Medicine, medical professionals have been using heat as a treatment seemingly forever, since the beginning of recorded history. Centuries ago, battlefield surgeons would stop bleeding with cauterization by using heat to save lives.

Renuvion was developed much more recently and has gone through several stages of approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA.) The FDA first approved the use of Renuvion in March 2022 but only for techniques used in traditional open and laparoscopic procedures like the ablation, cutting and coagulation of soft tissue.

Just three months later, doctors were given the green light to use Renuvion for specific external procedures such as dermal abrasion. In July 2022 the FDA looked back within the patient and decided it was safe to use for tightening the appearance of loose skin. Finally, in April 2023, American surgeons were permitted to use it to coagulate soft tissue following a round of liposuction. The evolution had come full circle from that first blast of heat shoved inside the body cavity of a 1600 BC soldier. Today’s warriors of beauty are getting their new leases on life.

Note that the brand names Renuvion and J-Plasma are used interchangeably; they both use radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat up and shrink skin and fat cells when applied under the skin. Helium gas cools the affected area and prevents internal burning.

Renuvion can also be applied externally to stimulate collagen production and to tighten tissue, resulting in a more youthful appearance and feel. General process Renuvion can be applied alone or combined with other plastic surgery procedures for maximum results.

If the patient has opted for internal Renuvion, the surgeon will make a small incision and insert the Renuvion wand. That device beams plasma under the skin which heats up and tightens tissue. Think of how boats are shrinkwrapped for winter storage. Then helium gas is used to cool the affected area.

For external rejuvenation from Renuvion, your surgeon will administer local anesthetic to your target areas. After you’re numb, you will be zippity-zapped until your wrinkles are gone and your skin is tighter. Can’t you just feel the collagen reproducing already?

What could go wrong?

Complications that may occur include:

• Infection - as with any surgery involving incisions, infection is a possibility. Avoid this by following aftercare instructions and maintaining logical hygiene.
• Nerve damage - Renuvion has the double whammy of incision and laser power and those may temporarily affect skin sensation.
• Swelling - ask your surgeon if applying ice packs is an option for you to alleviate swelling and discomfort.

What could go right?

Slowly and carefully stretch that tighter face into a smile, thinking about:

• An even tighter core after that tummy tuck, minus the gym membership.
• Legitimately being mistaken for your child’s sibling in public with your new youthful face.
• A clearer complexion that will have your pubescent offspring totes jelly.

Recovery time

You may be able to return to your daily activities about a week after Renuvion if you did not combine it with any other plastic surgery. During this time you may experience swelling, bruising, changes in your skin color or mild discomfort. Your surgeon may provide necessary pain relief. You may be required to wear a compression garment to help your newly rejuvenated skin maintain its form. Wear it as long as you are instructed to do so.

Recovering from Renuvion that’s been added to other procedures will vary based on the most complicated surgery you had.

The last stitch

As winter descends upon us, our bodies crave heat. Basic warmth from brutal outside elements is a natural desire. When you desire a clearer, more youthful complexion or tighter abs, consider another type of heat and schedule J-plasma to jingle your bells.