BodyTite, FaceTite, and AccuTite
Reduce Fat and Tighten Skin at the Same Time at Chicago’s Iteld Plastic Surgery
Reduce Fat and Tighten Skin at the Same Time at Chicago’s Iteld Plastic Surgery
You know how a stretched-out sweater can look baggy and sloppy instead of trim and form-fitting? Your skin is the same way. Effective body contouring involves removing unwanted fat, but in some cases, the skin left behind fails to contract, appearing deflated and flabby instead. BodyTite at Chicago’s Iteld Plastic Surgery is an FDA-cleared, nonsurgical solution to this problem, using radiofrequency energy to simultaneously “melt” fat and tighten the moderately lax overlying skin. Compared to more invasive procedures, BodyTite causes less bruising and discomfort, downtime is minimal, and there’s no need for general anaesthesia.
The technical term for this procedure is radiofrequency (RF) assisted lipolysis. This minimally invasive technology not only powers BodyTite, but also FaceTite for contouring the face and neck, and AccuTite for precision work in small areas. The tightening effect can be thought of as a non-surgical alternative to a tuck or lift. Iteld Plastic Surgery offers all three options for patients who want to contour their face or body without the incisions or “long scars” associated with tucks. Another option is Morpheus8, which pairs radiofrequency energy with microneedling. That’s two skin-tightening treatments in one.
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Discover more about BodyTite, FaceTite, AccuTite, and Morpheus8 at Chicago′s Iteld Plastic Surgery. Send a message online or call 312.757.4505.
How BodyTite and Other RF Treatments Work
The BodyTite device has two parts. A single prong is inserted into the treatment area through a tiny incision, where it heats to almost 160 degrees F. This volumetric heating is enough to melt some of the fat and, more importantly, shrink the network of connective tissues between the skin and muscles.
At the same time, a small panel moves along the surface of the skin to keep the nontargeted tissues cool—about 100 degrees F—which is just above body temperature. Together, this inside-outside controlled heating leads to tightening of the skin in a very safe and controlled manner.
The BodyTite technology works the same for FaceTite and AccuTite as well, pairing the prong and panel to heat fat cells and stimulate collagen production.
Collagen is the protein that keeps our skin healthy and strong, so when our body begins producing less of it as we get older, the skin loses some of its elasticity, resulting in laxity that causes wrinkles and sagging. Sun exposure and other harsh elements in the environment also cause existing collagen fibers to weaken.
By tightening collagen fibers, prompting collagen production in the skin, and promoting skin cell turnover, BodyTite, FaceTite, and AccuTite encourage the skin quality to continue to improve over the following months.
BodyTite is highly effective on areas such as the abdomen, back, upper arms, thighs, love handles, and knees. Depending on the size of the area being treated, sessions can be completed in as little as a half an hour. FaceTite works best on the neck and face, while AccuTite is ideal for small, focused areas of excess fat and loose skin.
In conjunction with the BodyTite system, many patients will benefit from Morpheus RF treatments. This device uses the same radiofrequency technology to treat the more superficial layers of the skin by employing tiny needles to deliver the heat needed to stimulate tissue contraction. Patients have very little downtime, with only some mild redness that resolves in 24 to 48 hours. Depending on each person’s skin, we can adjust the depth of treatment for maximal results. A series of treatments is recommended for the best outcome.
BodyTite, FaceTite & AccuTite FAQs
Ideal BodyTite patients are women and men we would consider to be “tweeners.” That means they have some need for tightening, but not to the level of a surgical procedure, such as a facelift or tummy tuck. In other words, BodyTite works well to refine contours and deal with isolated problem areas. BodyTite is also a great option for people who want an arm or thigh lift without the scars.
However, patients who have a significant amount of severe sagging skin, those who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with autoimmune diseases that affect healing, skin diseases, infections, or allergies to local anaesthetics should choose something other than BodyTite and its fellow devices.
People seeking more dramatic changes or those with severe sagging and excess skin are encouraged to discuss their goals with plastic surgeon Dr. Iteld. Before you are approved to have the treatment, he will first assess you to determine whether you would be a suitable candidate.
The BodyTite treatment is ideal for people who have loose skin due to pregnancy, massive weight loss, or aging. Candidates for BodyTite are people who are in good health, are within 30 percent of their ideal weight, have minimal to moderate skin laxity, have some isolated pockets of fat that haven’t responded to regular exercise, and who want to avoid surgery. Patients who don’t have unwanted fat may still be able to have BodyTite, FaceTite, or AccuTite.
BodyTite can also be used in conjunction with surgical procedures to maximize results. Men with gynecomastia, for example, find that BodyTite works well to generate greater definition on a chest that formerly had more feminine contours. It can also complement liposuction by further customizing the effects of the fat-reduction surgery.
Patients often experience mild soreness and tenderness after BodyTite treatment, along with bruising, tightness, and swelling. These side effects go away after a few days, after which low-impact exercises can be resumed. Patients may need to wait a few weeks before doing heavy exercise, such as weight training and running, though.
In the weeks following a BodyTite session, your body will process the liquefied fat for a noticeable reduction in volume. There will be virtually no scarring. Heat-stimulated collagen production and skin contraction will further improve the look by tightening sagging tissue, with final results visible at six months.
As long as a patient maintains a stable weight through a healthy lifestyle, the results from BodyTite and other RF treatments can last for several years. We can’t stop the skin from continuing to age, of course.
Dr. Iteld believes in tailoring the procedure or treatment to the patient. That means while BodyTite might be the best options for some people, others may respond better to surgery or a different nonsurgical solution.
Post-massive weight loss surgery is made up of a variety of lifts appropriate for anyone who has successfully shed significant pounds and is dealing with excess skin all over their body. Kybella®, on the other hand, is an injectable designed to address a cosmetic problem in a specific area: the double chin. Iteld Plastic Surgery also offers CoolSculpting® for noninvasive fat reduction via freezing and treatments for addressing cellulite.
Discover which procedures can help you get the look you want by reading out to Iteld Plastic Surgery today.
Before having BodyTite or other RF treatments, avoid taking medications, supplements, and foods that could increase the risk of bruising, such as blood thinners—but only if it is safe to do so.
Also, quit smoking several weeks before the treatment, as nicotine use can cause delayed healing. It is always safe to do this.