Bodytite - tightening without a scalpel
In brief
The BodyTite procedure is an innovative and advanced method for body contouring and skin tightening. It combines radiofrequency energy with minimally invasive surgery to reduce excess fatty tissue and improve skin texture. This procedure is ideal for people who want to get rid of stubborn fat deposits and tighten their skin at the same time. Radiofrequency is used to transfer heat into the fatty tissue and underlying skin.
This energy heats the tissue and melts the fat while stimulating collagen production to help tighten the skin. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. A probe with a pair of internal radiofrequency electrodes is inserted through small incisions in the skin. At the same time, the skin is tightened as collagen production is stimulated.
What motivates people to undergo a Bodytite treatment?
Many people want to counteract the consequences of the physical ageing process. But what exactly are these processes? It is often the loss of elastic fibers in our connective tissue. Once the connective tissue and skin have slackened, the body can no longer counteract this on its own. Patients who want young, taut skin with firm connective tissue often choose a Bodytite treatment.
What is a Bodytite treatment?
This treatment method has its origins in body contouring. Bodytite uses RFAL technology (radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis), which heats loose connective tissue and increases collagen production. The easy control enables targeted treatment of all tissue layers. In addition, the energy emitted leads to lipolysis (melting of the fat). The result is a reduction in volume. Following the treatment, the cells are removed via local liposuction. Results are therefore visible immediately.
Duration
Pain
Scars
Stay
Bandage
Work
Sports
Costs
What different methods are available?
BodyTite is a modular platform for aesthetic surgery with a variety of radiofrequency applications. State-of-the-art radiofrequency handpieces can be connected to the high-tech tower.
For whom is Bodytite suitable?
In principle, this treatment is suitable for anyone who suffers from loose, sagging connective tissue. It is a minimally invasive tightening procedure that does not require long incisions. There are no long, disfiguring scars as with conventional skin tightening procedures, for example. It is therefore a welcome alternative for upper arm, neck or thigh lifts, for example. The large number of attachments enables optimal therapy for a wide variety of areas. The Bodytite treatment is specifically used in combination with conventional liposuction to prevent loose skin and connective tissue from sagging.
Who is it not suitable for?
This tightening option is not suitable for extremely thin or extremely sagging skin. Although improvements are possible, the potential is limited by the pre-damaged (maximally stretched) skin. You can discuss your options in detail during a consultation.
When is the best time?
Bodytite treatment is an aesthetic treatment. There is generally no time pressure here.
What type of anesthesia is necessary?
Small areas can be treated completely without anesthesia. These include the chin, arms or smaller areas such as the inner thighs. For larger areas, you will be in a kind of twilight sleep during the operation; a pleasant state in which you will neither feel nor notice anything of the operation. General anesthesia is not usually necessary. The difference between anesthesia and sedation is the absence of artificial respiration. During sedation, your body breathes on its own, which is perceived by patients as “less stressful”.
Can the procedure be combined with other procedures?
Tightening operations can be combined with a variety of other procedures. We will be happy to explain this to you in detail during a personal consultation.
Surgical and conservative alternatives
There are various conservative and surgical alternatives for many operations. It is therefore necessary to consider these carefully before any surgical intervention. If it is possible to achieve similar effects without the use of a scalpel, the alternatives are preferable.
Surgically, there is the alternative of a surgical tightening. There are no conservative alternatives.
Photos
Bodytite tightening is a process that takes place primarily in the tissue. The heat treatment creates more firmness which is perceived as positive by patients. You will not see any long scars in the photos, as is usual with conventional tightening procedures. The method is versatile and can be used on the neck, upper arms, stomach or legs, for example.
Is this treatment carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis?
Bodytite treatment is carried out in our procedure room in the surgery. It is usually an outpatient procedure. You should allow about 3-4 hours for the entire procedure. For small areas, the treatment only takes 30 minutes, for larger areas it can take around 1.5-2 hours. Patients often take some time after the operation to sleep off any anesthetic. You are welcome to stay in our surgery during this time. We recommend that you are accompanied for the first few hours after the operation and for the first night. Active participation in road traffic should be avoided at all costs for the first 12 hours.
Risks and complications
During surgical procedures, skin and tissue as well as underlying structures are treated with suction cannulas. Despite all caution, complications of varying severity can occur. It is important that you are adequately informed about all possible risks and complications before a planned operation. During the initial consultation, we will go through a corresponding information sheet with you.
Minor complications
Bodytite treatment is a procedure with relatively few complications. If applied carefully, the risk of permanent consequences is very low. As with all surgical procedures, there may be minimal pain, comparable to moderate muscle soreness, as well as swelling and hematomas. These occur at the removal sites. After approx. 3-4 weeks, these should subside considerably. For larger areas, we recommend wearing compression garments.
Other possible complications in the donor area may include dents and irregularities. As a preventative measure, strict care is taken during the operation to ensure that the areas are evenly canceled. Nevertheless, minimal irregularities may remain. To minimize the risk of irregularities in the suctioned areas after the operation, we recommend consistently wearing compression garments and lipomassages by your physiotherapist.
Rare, major complications
In rare cases, the heat generated may cause thermal damage to the skin or connective tissue. The device is equipped with a safety system that switches off once the target temperature has been reached. Overheating of the skin is therefore virtually impossible. Persistent swelling and lymphatic drainage disorders are far less common. This is not a permanent condition. Nevertheless, those affected describe this development as unpleasant. Consistent lipomassage shortly after the operation can have a preventative effect.
What to do in the event of complications?
If, contrary to expectations, complications occur, we will not leave you alone with them. After the operation, you will be given an emergency number where you can reach us 24 hours a day. During the routine check-ups following the operation, we will discuss the progress and the next steps with you in detail.
Healing and progress
As soon as patients have decided to have surgery, there is great anticipation of the result. However, depending on the procedure, there is a long way to go. You will need to be patient until the final result is achieved. If you know what to expect before your planned operation, this path will be easier.
How long does it take to heal?
In the first 24-48 hours you will notice moderate swelling, bruising (especially at the donor site), slight pain and minimal discomfort. It is normal that you will need mild painkillers. Most patients take a day off on the first day after the operation to give the body the rest it needs to recover quickly. After 48 hours you will be able to shower normally with “shower plasters”.
If you do not have to do any heavy physical work, you will probably be able to return to work from the 3rd/4th day after the operation.
After about a month, the majority of patients feel as they did before. Slight bruising and any swelling will have largely disappeared.
All sporting activities are possible again after 6-8 weeks. The exception to this is competitive sport, where the chest muscles are increasingly used.
Of course, these time recommendations are guidelines based on our experience, which sometimes require individual adjustment.
Your body will take as much time as it needs.
Is the treatment painful?
The Bodytite treatment is not painful. During the procedure, the skin and connective tissue are relieved of pain with a local anesthetic. Water retention in the suctioned areas causes them to swell after the operation. For larger areas, we will put a compression garment on you immediately after the operation. Patients often describe a noticeable feeling of tightness for the first 2-3 days. Normal, over-the-counter painkillers should be sufficient.
When can the final result be expected?
The final result can be expected after about 3-6 months. The last swelling should have completely disappeared by then.
What should patients plan to do?
A surgical procedure requires a certain amount of planning and organization not only for the surgical team, but also for the patient, both before and after the operation. It is important that you are well prepared and know what to expect. This allows you to concentrate fully on enjoying the results.
One of the most important questions before any surgical procedure is the “why”. You should be clear about why you want to have surgery in the first place. Once you have answered this question and made a decision, the following questions should definitely be clarified: How? By whom? When?
I will be delighted if you find your way to my surgery and would like to be operated on by me. However, I also recommend all my patients to get a second opinion. You should be absolutely sure about the date and surgeon.
Plan the time before your operation
As soon as you have decided to have the operation after a detailed consultation and medical history, you should plan the time after the operation with those around you accordingly. Although you should not expect to be out of action for any length of time, you may occasionally experience temporary movement restrictions.
Plan the time after your operation
Although you will not have to expect long periods of absence after liposuction, you should plan your time afterwards well. Social or private commitments will be more difficult. You should also plan your “time off” with your employer and family in the run-up to surgery. It is not uncommon for patients to experience an emotional change after an operation due to the physical change. So if you are expecting a stressful period at work, we recommend that you postpone the operation if possible.
What does a Bodytite treatment cost?
The treatment starts at 2500,-€ for smaller areas such as the neck region. If additional liposuction or treatment is required for several regions, this will affect the operation time and therefore the price. In combination with other procedures such as autologous fat transplantation, combination prices can be offered.
Financing, down payment, installment payment
We also offer the option of financing and installment payments. We will be happy to inform you about this in a personal consultation. If you decide on an operation date after our consultation, we will agree a deposit of €500 to fix the date accordingly. You can pay the remaining amount on the day of the operation or in advance.