Renuvion
Advanced Skin Tightening & Contouring
Renuvion is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a blend of radiofrequency energy and helium plasma (often called “helium-plasma RF”) to tighten loose skin and improve body or facial contours with far less downtime and scarring than traditional surgery.
Why Renuvion Might Be Right for You
If you have loose or lax skin after Mounjaro, weight loss, pregnancy, age-related sagging, or previous liposuction on areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs, neck, jawline or under the chin.
If you want skin tightening with minimal incisions, minimal scarring, and faster recovery compared to abdominoplasty, arm-lift or surgical skin excision.
If you prefer a procedure that can be combined with fat removal (liposuction) when needed to contour and tighten simultaneously.
What Happens During the Treatment
1. Minimal Access
A thin probe is inserted beneath the skin through a small entry-point (usually the size of a pen tip).
2. Plasma & RF Delivery
The device delivers a controlled stream of RF energy plus helium plasma beneath the surface, the heat causes collagen fibres to contract immediately.
3. Immediate Contraction
“shrink-wraps” the skin and underlying connective tissue, giving a tighter, firmer appearance while preserving the skin’s surface.
Recovery & What to Expect
Because Renuvion is minimally invasive, downtime is typically modest. Many patients return to light daily activities within a few days.
Common post-treatment effects include mild swelling, bruising, light discomfort or temporary skin sensitivity — usually resolving within a week or two.
If combined with liposuction or used on larger body areas, recovery may be somewhat longer and may involve wearing a compression garment to support healing and optimal skin retraction.
Timeline & Longevity
Many patients notice initial skin tightening immediately after the procedure — or within a few days.
Over the next 1–3 months, as new collagen forms and tissues remodel, the contour, firmness and tightness generally improve further. Full results often emerge over 3–6 months.
Results tend to be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy skin care habits.
Suitability & Considerations
Good Candidate if you:
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity, for example loose skin on abdomen, arms, thighs, neck, jawline, or after weight loss/pregnancy but without large folds.
- Are at a stable, healthy weight (or near your “goal” weight).
- Want skin tightening (improved firmness, smoother, tighter skin), rather than large-volume fat removal.
- Prefer a minimally invasive option (tiny incisions, minimal scarring, less downtime) over a full surgical excisional procedure.
Renuvion may not be ideal if you:
- Have large volumes of redundant skin / deep folds or very loose skin (e.g. after massive weight loss).
- Expect dramatic “lift” or removal of excess skin comparable to a body-lift (which requires excision).
- Are unable/unwilling to follow aftercare instructions, especially the use of compression garments.
- Should understand that Renuvion is a skin tightening treatment, not a primary fat removal procedure.
Renuvion is a minimally invasive skin tightening procedure that uses helium plasma with radiofrequency energy under the skin, often straight after liposuction. It suits adults with mild to moderate laxity. Dr Edwin Anthony performs it at Langham Hospital, Marylebone, London.
What Renuvion is and how it works
Renuvion, made by Apyx Medical and previously known as J-Plasma, passes helium gas over an energised electrode to create a plasma. Through a thin handpiece placed under the skin via a small entry point, it delivers rapid, very short bursts of heat to the fibrous connective tissue beneath the skin. That tissue contracts immediately, and new collagen forms over the following months.
Renuvion is a tightening tool, not a fat removal procedure. It is most often used at the end of liposuction, once fat has been removed, to help the skin settle onto the new contour. It is a surgical procedure performed in theatre.
What the FDA says about Renuvion
The US Food and Drug Administration regulates devices in the United States, and its position is useful context for UK patients. In March 2022 it warned against using Renuvion/J-Plasma for aesthetic skin procedures it had not cleared. Since then, according to its updated safety communication of May 2023, specific uses have been cleared:
- May 2022: the Dermal handpiece, for moderate to severe wrinkles in Fitzpatrick skin types I to III
- July 2022: the APR handpiece, for loose skin of the neck and under the chin
- April 2023: the APR handpiece, for coagulating tissue under the skin after liposuction for body contouring
The FDA states that the device has not been determined to be safe or effective for other aesthetic skin procedures, and advises patients to ask which device will be used and to discuss its benefits and risks. We follow that advice: at consultation, Dr Anthony explains exactly how Renuvion would be used in your plan.
Who it suits, and who it does not
- Adults aged 18 and over with mild to moderate laxity, at a stable weight
- Patients having liposuction who have some looseness over the treated area
- Selected neck and under-chin laxity
It is not suitable for large folds of skin after massive weight loss, and it will not give the lift of a body lift or tummy tuck. If you are still losing weight, or cannot wear a compression garment as advised, it is better to wait.
The procedure day at Langham Hospital
- Planning. Areas are marked and photographed.
- Anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic, with IV sedation when Renuvion is combined with liposuction or larger areas.
- Treatment. The handpiece is passed under the skin in controlled strokes.
- Finish. Entry points are dressed and a compression garment is fitted.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1 to 7: swelling, bruising, tenderness and a tight feeling. Light daily activity within a few days.
- Weeks 1 to 2: most visible bruising settles.
- Weeks 2 to 6: compression continues as advised, especially after liposuction. Exercise is reintroduced gradually.
- Months 1 to 3: firmness improves as collagen remodels.
- Months 3 to 6: the final result becomes clear.
Evidence, risks and safety
A 2026 meta-analysis of 34 studies and 3,508 patients reported pooled complication rates of 5% when helium plasma RF was used alone and 8% when combined with liposuction, with a pooled satisfaction rate of 92%. Most included studies were observational.
A 2024 single-centre review of 465 patients found seroma in 7.0% after Renuvion and 10.2% after BodyTite. That study was sponsored by the manufacturer of Renuvion, so it should be read with that in mind.
Possible complications include seroma, burns, prolonged swelling or firmness, pigmentation change, infection, numbness, contour irregularity and scarring. Rare serious events can occur with any subdermal energy device.
How it compares
| Factor | Renuvion | QuantumRF | BodyTite Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Helium plasma with RF | Fractionated bipolar RF | Bipolar RF |
| Removes fat | No | No | Yes, melts and removes fat |
| Typical use | Tightening after liposuction | Tightening with little fat | Fat and laxity together |
| Uses gas | Yes, helium | No | No |
For many patients with loose skin and little fat, QuantumRF is the simpler choice. Where fat and laxity sit together, Quantum Vaser Lipo or BodyTite Turbo may fit better. Dr Anthony will explain which suits your tissue, not which is newest.
Why patients choose Dr Edwin Anthony
- Dr Edwin Anthony, Lead Clinician, Contoura Medical (GMC 4776646), personally performs every procedure
- Over 1,500 VASER procedures and 14 years of dedicated VASER practice, with long experience of subdermal energy devices
- Trained with Dr Alfredo Hoyos in high-definition liposculpture; MRCS (Edinburgh)
- Regulated services provided under Langham Hospital's CQC registration
Related procedures
Consultations take place with Dr Edwin Anthony at Langham Hospital, 77 Hallam Street, Marylebone, London W1W 5HB, 2 minutes' walk from Great Portland Street and Regent's Park stations, or by video. Call 020 3890 1911. Consultation fees are fixed and are not deducted from treatment prices. Your full price is confirmed in writing after consultation, with theatre fees and any IV sedation itemised. Book a consultation
Speak to Dr Edwin Anthony
Consultations take place at Langham Hospital, 77 Hallam Street, Marylebone, London W1W 5HB, or by video. Consultation fees are fixed and are not deducted from treatment prices.
Frequently asked questions
What is Renuvion?
Renuvion is a minimally invasive skin tightening procedure. A thin handpiece placed under the skin uses helium plasma with radiofrequency energy to heat the connective tissue so it contracts, and new collagen forms over the following months. It is often used after liposuction and is not a fat removal treatment in its own right.
Is Renuvion FDA approved?
Renuvion has FDA clearance for specific uses: certain wrinkles in lighter skin types, loose skin of the neck and under the chin, and coagulating tissue after liposuction for body contouring. In 2022 the FDA warned against other aesthetic uses, and it states the device has not been shown safe or effective beyond those cleared indications.
Who is suitable for Renuvion?
Adults with mild to moderate skin laxity at a stable weight, often those having liposuction who have some looseness over the area. It is not suitable for large folds after massive weight loss. If you are still losing weight or cannot wear a compression garment, it is better to wait until you can.
What anaesthetic is used for Renuvion?
Renuvion is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. When it is combined with liposuction or used over larger areas, IV sedation given by an anaesthetist is normally added so you stay comfortable. A general anaesthetic is not usually needed. Your plan is agreed with Dr Anthony at consultation.
How long is recovery after Renuvion?
Most people return to light activities within a few days. Swelling, bruising and tenderness usually settle over one to two weeks. When Renuvion is combined with liposuction, recovery is longer and a compression garment is worn for several weeks. The final tightening is judged at three to six months.
What are the risks of Renuvion?
Possible complications include seroma, burns, prolonged swelling or firmness, pigmentation change, infection, numbness and contour irregularity. A 2026 meta-analysis of over 3,500 patients reported pooled complication rates of 5% for Renuvion alone and 8% when combined with liposuction. Dr Anthony will discuss the risks that apply to you.
How is Renuvion different from QuantumRF?
Both tighten skin from underneath without removing fat. Renuvion uses helium plasma with radiofrequency and is commonly used straight after liposuction. QuantumRF uses fractionated bipolar radiofrequency with no gas and is often used on its own for loose skin with little fat. Dr Anthony recommends one based on your tissue and goals.
How long do Renuvion results last?
The tightening is long-lasting because it relies on tissue contraction and new collagen, but it does not stop ageing. Weight changes, sun exposure and smoking all affect how well results hold. Keeping a stable weight is the most useful thing you can do to protect the result.
How much does Renuvion cost?
The cost depends on the areas treated and whether Renuvion is combined with liposuction. Your full price is confirmed in writing after consultation, with hospital theatre fees and IV sedation itemised where needed. Our price list shows current fees, and finance is available through Chrysalis Finance for eligible patients.
Who performs Renuvion at Contoura Medical?
Dr Edwin Anthony, Lead Clinician at Contoura Medical, GMC 4776646, personally performs every procedure. He has performed over 1,500 VASER procedures across 14 years of dedicated VASER practice and trained with Dr Alfredo Hoyos in high-definition liposculpture. Treatment takes place at Langham Hospital in Marylebone, London.
Sources
- UPDATE: Use of Renuvion/J-Plasma Device for Certain Aesthetic Procedures: FDA Safety Communication, US Food and Drug Administration
- Helium Plasma Radiofrequency for Aesthetic Subdermal Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum
- A Retrospective Review Comparing Renuvion Helium Plasma Radiofrequency with BodyTite Bipolar Radiofrequency after Liposuction or Body Contouring, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (PMC)
Ready to achieve firmer, tighter skin?
Schedule a consultation to discuss if Renuvion skin tightening is the optimal solution for your goals.
Book a consultationYour journey with Contoura
A clear, unhurried process, led by Dr Edwin Anthony from first conversation to final review.
- 01
Consultation
Meet Dr Anthony in person at Langham Hospital or by video. A full assessment of your goals and suitability.
- 02
Your written plan
Your options, expected results, recovery and full costs in writing. You'll always have time to reflect before booking surgery.
- 03
Your procedure
Performed personally by Dr Anthony in a hospital setting at Langham Hospital, Marylebone.
- 04
Aftercare
Follow-up reviews and support from our patient care team throughout your recovery.