Morpheus8, FaceTite, and Renuvion are skin-tightening technologies that each comes with their own distinct advantages. This may make one better for your needs than another. A personal consultation with Dr. Ali Tehrani will help you discern which one is best for you. From either aging or weight loss, our skin loses its elasticity, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and folds. Many of us turn to topicals like lotions and serums to rejuvenate our appearance. Others turn to extensive surgical procedures that require long recovery times. While surgical procedures provide remarkable results, you may not need surgery to achieve your desired aesthetic. You may, in fact, benefit from a non-surgical approach like Morpheus8, FaceTite, and Renuvion. These devices can complement other services like liposuction or can be performed as stand-alone procedures.
Before deciding which is best for you, it is important to understand the similarities and differences between these new technologies. During a personal consultation, Dr. Tehrani will help you determine which one is best for your ideal appearance. Schedule a consultation by filling out this online form or calling our offices at (760) 240-2444.
About Loose Skin
Skin gradually loses its tension with age, which is due in large part to the gradual loss of collagen. Under the skin’s surface, strong, tensile collagen bands provide structural support and keep it wrinkle-free. As we age, however, these collagen bands slowly break, and the fibroblast cells that replenish them slow down production. So, wrinkles and fine lines gradually form. Patients often attribute their aged appearance to their wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin.
Likewise, when we lose weight, our skin doesn’t always bounce back – especially the older we get. Many patients have witnessed this firsthand after the end of a weight loss journey. They are surprisingly met with loose skin that sags and drapes over their hard-earned muscles. To address excess skin on both the body and face, Dr. Tehrani offers three state-of-the-art procedures.
Skin-Tightening Technologies
Our skin tightening technologies include:
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 combines the benefits of microneedling and radio-frequency in one non-surgical procedure. When applied to the skin, microneedles create micro-channels that reach deep into the dermis. Thinking these channels are wounds, the brain triggers a healing response to the treated areas.[1] New collagen and elastin molecules flood to the skin while neovascularization brings even more restorative cells and properties. Morpheus8’s microneedles are charged with radio-frequency technology. This energy invigorates this process by heating the dermal tissue, which triggers a release of even more collagen and elastin.[2] So, skin tightens, wrinkles fade, and youthful appearances are revitalized.
FaceTite
Made by the same creators as Morpheus8 and BodyTite, FaceTite uses AI-regulated radio-frequency to heat subdermal tissue. Unlike Morpheus8, FaceTite is inserted under the skin’s surface. The FaceTite device consists of two electrodes: the bottom inserts under the skin while the top regulates the internal temperature. The lower electrode reaches a maximum temperature of 185°F, while the top goes up to 135°F.[3] This thermal energy triggers a healing cascade of fresh collagen molecules. Existing fibers are restored and repaired, causing the skin to tighten and wrinkles to fade. The bottom electrode enters through a minor incision in the target area(s).
Renuvion
Renuvion is also inserted subcutaneously but uses skin-safe plasma to rejuvenate the subdermal structures. In the Renuvion device, plasma is created when radiofrequency ionizes helium gas.[4] This reaction stimulates thermal energy that targets the underside of the dermis, the fascia, and the septal connective tissue. When plasma interacts with these areas, collagen fibers contract almost immediately. This means that skin tightens during the session. These results continue to improve as the plasma also triggers an increased release of collagen molecules in the treated area(s). An incision is also required during a Renuvion treatment.
Advantages of Each
When deciding which skin-tightening procedure is best for you, it is important to weigh treatment lengths, recovery times, and final results. Dr. Tehrani will help you do just that during your personal consultation. Fill out this online form to schedule a time and date for a one-on-one meeting at our Inland Empire offices.
Morpheus8
With age, our complexion can become marred by more than just fine lines and wrinkles. Sunspots, uneven texture, and cosmetic scars can veil our natural beauty. Of the three skin-tightening technologies, Morpheus8 targets superficial concerns like these. A Morpheus8 procedure is quick and requires no extensive downtime. As collagen fibers are restored and repaired, new skin cells replace damaged ones. You can expect to see your total complexion improve. A Morpheus8 procedure is ideal for those who have busy schedules and need a fast, rejuvenating procedure.
FaceTite
A FaceTite procedure is a little more involved. After administering a local anesthetic, Dr. Tehrani makes a minor hole in the target area for the bottom electrode to pass through. From here, he moves the wand under the skin. The wand emits radiofrequency to the subcutaneous tissue, triggering new collagen formation. Dr. Tehrani performs a couple more passes before moving to other target areas around your face. Once he’s finished, the minor holes will be sutured. These holes are so small they don’t leave behind any noticeable scarring. For the next few weeks, patients’ skin gradually tightens as wrinkles and fine lines are diminished.
Renuvion
Like FaceTite, Renuvion is inserted through a small incision. From here, the Renuvion wand emits plasma energy to the subcutaneous structures. However, unlike FaceTite, Renuvion’s temperature reaches 85°C for 0.04-0.08 seconds.[5] At this temperature, the subcutaneous tissue tightens almost instantly. Dr. Tehrani moves the probe along the target area, ensuring evenly contoured results. Then, much like the other two, over the coming days and weeks, new collagen molecules tighten results even more.
Eligible Candidates
These three procedures are approved for patients who have wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin over the age of 18. Patients interested in Morpheus8 may also have concerns with their complexion like sunspots and acne scars. While we treat patients who are older and have more pronounced signs of aging, we also use these procedures to help younger patients prevent future signs of aging.
Personal Consultation
If this is your first time at Tehrani Plastic Surgery, we will begin with a new patient intake interview and a physical examination. We will note your skin’s laxity and any trouble spots. Then, we will get to know your schedule and if you can accommodate a longer recovery. If you have any cosmetic concerns in your complexion, Dr. Tehrani will examine them and determine if Morpheus8 is right for your treatment. Then, he will configure your comprehensive treatment plan. We will give you a list of preparatory steps based on this plan.
Before Your Procedure
Before your procedure, we ask that you:
- Avoid smoking as nicotine interrupts the body’s natural healing response.
- Discontinue taking any blood-thinning medications. If they are prescribed, consult with your doctor before doing so.
- Plan to take the next couple of days off from any strenuous activities.
- Avoid overexposure to sunlight if you are undergoing Morpheus8.
After-Care
Afterward, your treated areas will be swollen and may feel tender. Continue to avoid sunlight and don’t apply any hard chemicals like retinoids if you underwent Morpheus8. Avoid physical activities for the next few days or until the swelling subsides. You will start to notice the final results once swelling and redness diminishes. We will note where you are in the healing process during any follow-up appointments and figure out any next steps if needed.
Which One Is Right For You?
From different results to different recovery times, our skin-tightening procedures can assist a wide range of patients. We all want smoother, tighter contours. These three procedures achieve that through different methods. One may suit your schedule over the other, and one may provide results that are more in line with your desired appearance. Schedule your consultation today to see which one is truly best for you.
How Much Do Skin-Tightening Procedures Cost in the Inland Empire?
Each procedure comes with its own individual cost. We will also need to factor in any additional treatments or procedural requirements. We will discuss and determine the cost of your care during your consultation. If you would like to finance your treatment, visit our financing page. For those who are new to Tehrani Plastic Surgery, read previous patients’ glowing reviews and see their remarkable results. If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to read our many others. Lastly, if you have any questions, call us directly at (760) 240-2444.
References
- Ramaut, L., Hoeksema, H., Pirayesh, A., Stillaert, F., & Monstrey, S. (2018). Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS, 71(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2017.06.006
- Ramaut, L., Hoeksema, H., Pirayesh, A., Stillaert, F., & Monstrey, S. (2018). Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS, 71(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2017.06.006
- Blugerman, G., Paul, M. D., Schavelzon, D., Mulholland, R. S., Sandhoffer, M., Lisborg, P., Rusciani, A., Divaris, M., & Kreindel, M. (2011). Radio-Frequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL). In www.intechopen.com. IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/books/advanced-techniques-in-liposuction-and-fat-transfer/radio-frequency-assisted-liposuction-rfal-
- Gentile R. D. (2020). Renuvion RF-Helium Plasma for Subdermal Skin Tightening, Facial Contouring, and Skin Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck. Facial plastic surgery & aesthetic medicine, 22(4), 304–306. https://doi.org/10.1089/fpsam.2020.0070
- Gentile R. D. (2019). Renuvion/J-Plasma for Subdermal Skin Tightening Facial Contouring and Skin Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck. Facial plastic surgery clinics of North America, 27(3), 273–290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsc.2019.03.001