A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Answers 8 Common Renuvion Questions

Fit man and woman posing after Renuvion skin tightening treatment

In 2021, more than 390,000 Americans received skin tightening treatments. Board certified plastic surgeon Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO considers skin tightening the “Holy Grail” of body contouring and is well-known in the Denver area for achieving outstanding results with a specialized new device: Renuvion. Here, Dr. Buford answers some of the most common questions about this innovative, minimally-invasive skin tightening procedure.

How does Renuvion skin tightening work?

Renuvion combines radiofrequency (RF) and helium plasma technologies to tighten the skin, shrink fatty tissue in the sub-dermal layers of skin, and trigger tissue contraction. The wand-like device is carefully inserted beneath the skin through a discreetly placed, 5mm incision. The wand emits powerful radiofrequency (RF) energy as it is gently maneuvered, contracting the collagen in your skin and toning fat deposits.

With Renuvion, as RF warms deeper layers of tissue to stimulate collagen production, helium plasma immediately follows to rapidly cool treated tissues, taking just a fraction of a second to stabilize the temperature. This provides exceptional control, allowing me to effectively target tissue without overheating the surrounding areas, and helping you to enjoy excellent results with minimal recovery time.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO is a Certified National Trainer for Renuvion and achieves skin-tightening results that were once only possible with surgical skin excision.

How many Renuvion treatments will I need?

Unlike some minimally-invasive skin tightening treatments, Renuvion is highly-effective and most patients achieve their desired results with just one treatment. You’ll immediately enjoy noticeably tighter skin which will continue to improve over the following months.

Real Patient of Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO following treatment with Renuvion
Patient of Dr. Buford shown before and after Renuvion skin tightening.

Is Renuvion painful? Does it require anesthesia?

Renuvion can be safely and comfortably performed under local anesthesia—with or without sedation. When I plan the procedure with you, we’ll consider what area(s) will be treated and your personal anesthetic preferences, then I make an educated recommendation on the most comfortable option for your treatment. I also recommend taking an OTC pain reliever to minimize any discomfort in the hours immediately following treatment.

What is the downtime after Renuvion?

In most cases, you may return to desk work the day after Renuvion treatment. Side effects of Renuvion including minor swelling, tenderness, or stinging; these are typically mild and short-lived. Any bruising or redness can usually be concealed with makeup. A small bandage will be placed over any incision sites, and, depending on the treatment area, a compression garment may be recommended to limit swelling and speed healing.

While downtime is very minimal, you should still avoid over-exerting yourself or participating in strenuous activities for two weeks after your procedure; this will help ensure you enjoy an optimal recovery and attractive results.

Renuvion vs Kybella—which is better for treating a double chin?

Either treatment can be effective: I will make my treatment recommendation after a careful evaluation of your skin’s elasticity. Kybella is suitable for patients who only wish to address their submental fat or “double chin” but do not require skin tightening to achieve complete results. Renuvion offers both fat reduction and skin tightening effects to optimize the contours of numerous parts of the body and it recently received additional FDA clearance to treat the chin and neck.

How long will my Renuvion results last?

Because Renuvion triggers collagen production and natural tissue remodeling, its results are long-lasting, with some patients enjoying their results for years. Your genetics and skin quality—plus avoiding environmental aging factors, following healthy habits, and using proper skincare—will all contribute to the longevity of your results.

Will I need several Renuvion treatments to keep the area looking tight?

No—most patients achieve their desired results with a singular treatment; the change Renuvion provides is both deep and lasting when compared with many other minimally-invasive skin rejuvenation options. That said, as the years pass, some patients may choose to seek additional Renuvion treatments in the same area(s) to treat future aging.

What areas is Renuvion best for?

Renuvion can be used to target troublesome areas throughout the face and body. Patients are often surprised to learn it can treat areas from “love handles” to a “turkey neck;” it also can target a belly pooch, and help lift sagging skin along the flanks, arms, and thighs. I find the results in these areas particularly remarkable: it used to be that significant surgical lifting procedures were the only way to effectively treat these concerns.

Can Renuvion be combined with other procedures?

Yes; Renuvion can safely complement other procedures. It is particularly helpful as a complement to liposuction: this is because fat cells provide lift and support for our skin, and once removed, the skin may appear stretched and saggy. Thus, during procedures such as a tummy tuck or a mommy makeover, I can use the Renuvion wand to create smoother, more taut skin along with fat reduction. I consider the combination of Renuvion and liposuction to be the “bread and bones and foundation” of my practice as it is so essential to achieving complete, beautiful results.

Dr. Buford, expert Renuvion provider in Denver

We hope you’ve enjoyed Dr. Buford’s answers to real patient questions about Renuvion! However, there is one more point to emphasize: choosing a highly-experienced surgeon is critical to getting safe, attractive results with Renuvion. Board certified plastic surgeon Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO is a Certified National Trainer for Renuvion and respected as an exceptionally qualified provider who can achieve outstanding results with this state-of-the-art technology.

To learn more about our safe, effective body contouring options, Dr. Buford and the professional, caring staff at BEAUTY by BUFORD would love to meet with you and design a treatment plan to help you achieve optimal results. Proudly serving the Lone Tree and greater Denver areas, we invite you to schedule your consultation online or call our practice at 303.747.6719.