What were the older methods of skin tightening and how do they compare to bodytite/facetite?
There are several ways to tighten your skin and creative companies keep innovating new ways to do it. In the past, Ultherapy, Thermi RF, Softwave, Smartlipo, Thermage, Fraxel, and Vivace have been used for energy delivery to the skin, and to some level these technologies have been successful. So, which should you choose? It’s a question that we continuously face as we evaluate every technology to determine which will be the best, safest, and most effective. We always want to deliver the best.
That’s why we have chosen Morpheus 8 and Bodytite / Facetite by InMode. They key is in control. We want to apply just the right energy for good tightening, and without any complications. The technology we use allows for continual checking of the energy delivery. Because we are actively measuring it, we can give more and know we are being safe, as the device will automatically shuts off energy delivery if it detects too much energy is going in. This permits us to get the best and safest results with this new approach.
How does skin tightening work?
Imagine you have a favorite sweater that you’ve had a long while. Over the years it’s gotten stretched out, and maybe you’ve lost weight. Now the sweater is too large. How can you get it to fit again?
You basically have two choices. You can bring it to the tailor to alter it for a nice fit. But, if it’s not too loose you can also put it in the dryer. The heat from the dryer will make the natural fibers shrink. The problem is, how can you control how much shrinking you’ll get? Here is the answer!
The skilled plastic surgeons at TSC are “the tailors”. A facelift, necklift, eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), tummy tuck, breast lift and arm lift are the type of procedures that would help your skin fit better if it’s gotten too loose or saggy.
But, if you are not ready for surgery, skin tightening can also be achieved with energy. Your skin tightens, becoming healthier and a more youthful. Morpheus 8, Facetite and Bodytite gets the most energy into the skin, without damaging your skin or requiring extended downtime.
We like Morpheus 8, Facetite and Bodytite because these devices give your doctor great control and can deliver the most clean energy precisely where it’s needed. Morpheus 8 delivers the energy through small pins that are inserted up to 4 mm into the skin in multiple locations. It’s like microneedling on steroids! Bodytite and Facetite place energy under the skin through 1-4 needle pokes. These are among the newest and most powerful ways for skin tightening without the need for cutting or stitching. We can control the energy for the best skin tightening results.
What is Bodytite/Facetite like?
Have you ever gotten a blood test at your annual physical exam? If so, you’re ready to understand how bodytite and facetite work.
The doctor will mark the area you want to tighten, reduce, and shape up. Then, a small amount of numbing medicine is injected into the skin. A needle (like for your blood test) is placed at a precise location and through the needle some additional numbing solution is placed. You’ll hardly feel this.
Once that’s done, the bodytite or facetite probe is inserted through the same needle poke and energy is administered. As the energy goes in you’ll hear a lot of beeping from the computer, and maybe some popping sounds as excess fat melts and your skin contracts. Afterwards, your doctor will likely do a bit of liposuction to clear out the melted fat for a quicker recovery. At the end, a light compressive bandage is applied (like an ace wrap or Spanx) for several days. Your appearance will continue to get better for six months, but, you’ll likely see an improvement in just a few days.
Any side effects?
By far the most common side effect with Morpheus 8, Facetite or Bodytite skin tightening is a small bruise. You’ll likely see a red “pimple” where the probe was inserted for a little while. This red area of thickened skin can take time to go away, which we can always expedite with small steroid injections.
There is always the chance for muscle or nerve weakness, asymmetry, a burn, and other problems. But, these things are uncommon and tend to resolve quickly.
What are pre/post op things to know?
Before this (and almost any) procedure you’re best to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen (and similar medications) for at least 10 days, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to tell your doctor about any health conditions and medications you take, and whether you smoke or vape as those can interfere with healing for all procedures.
Afterwards, expect to look like something happened (swollen and bandaged) for a couple of days. And, remember, the best results appear at 6 months or after!
