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 In the last decade radiofrequency or RF energy has become incorporated in non- invasive cosmetic procedures alone or in combination with lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL). Devices such as Thermage, Accent, and Velashape provide external radiofrequency which enhance skin shrinking abilities but require multiple treatments.
Laser assisted liposuction or LAL uses small fiberoptic probes that cause some skin contraction by heating the subdermal space and warming the skin. Devices such as Smart Lipo, SlimLipo, LipoLite, Prolipo, LipoLaser, Accusculpt, and Cool Lipo are examples of laser assisted liposuction but are limited to very small areas of the body and once used an additional step of liposuction needs to be performed.
 The BodyTite is the first and only device combining skin RF tightening with electrosurgical fat disruption and blood coagulation. In other words, both surgical and non invasive technologies are being used simultaneously. Healing up the internal adipose (fat) tissue, fibrous tissue, subdermal and skin components create a “sandwich” type effect which allows the tissues to collectively shrink while removing the fat cells. In addition a noticeable decrease in bruising and a quicker return to function is expected. The technology was developed by Invasix Inc. in Isreal. The BodyTite RFAL system has been used in Europe, Canada, and now in only a few locations in the United Stated. Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Dr. Steven Davis are part of an IRB- a review board that provides the FDA clinical data so that this device get FDA clearance. Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery or DCPS is the only facility in the Delaware valley to offer this band new technology.
The “Mommy Tuck” without the scar is the concept. Patients that would normally be candidates only for a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty but did not want to have the extended scar can now have the Body Tite.
“Heating from the inside- out.” The radiofrequency (RF) energy comes from and internal electrode cannula to an external electrode simultaneously coagulating adipose vascular and fibrous tissue. This combination approach directly heats the subdermal and subcutaneous layers which are actually the target structures for skin tightening.
New uses for radiofrequency assisted liposuction are already being reviewed…face lifting, breast shaping, and cellulite improvement. Also areas such as arms and knees that have both excess fat and skin laxity – RFAL shows much promise.
Please schedule an appointment to see if you qualify for the RFAL procedure. Special pricing continues until the study and patient selection is complete for the FDA.
BodyTite is not FDA approved and we are involved in clinical investigations of this device.
Who is a good candidate for a body lift?
Candidates for body lifts typically either cannot lose significant amounts of weight, or already suffer from loose (inelastic) skin on many or most areas of the body as a result of age, childbearing or extreme weight loss due to diet, exercise or bariatric surgery. Because of this, the procedure is often combined with others such as breast lifts, facelifts and arm lifts to retain a proper body proportion.
What happens during surgery?
During the procedure, skin is lifted from underlying tissue, muscles are tightened and stitched and fat is removed where necessary, and the skin is sutured closed. The navel is often removed and replaced in its new position.
What is recovery like?
Surgical tubes may be needed for a few days to drain any fluid, and patients may need to wear compression garments for a few weeks to facilitate faster healing. Patients are encouraged to walk as soon as they are able, although strenuous activities must be limited for about a month. Results are visible immediately but improvement may continue for some time. Full recovery may take a few months.
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