BodyTite is an ablative cosmetic procedure that uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) technology to achieve body contouring and skin tightening.
Greentree Aesthetic Medicine (GTAesthetic) provides BodyTite treatments as an option for patients who have mild to moderate skin laxity issues but wish to remove fat without making their skin laxity worse.
Understanding Exactly How BodyTite Treatments Work
BodyTite uses Radiofrequency (RF) energy to liquefy fat cells through the following procedure:
- An electrode is inserted under the skin to deliver radiofrequency energy that causes emulsification of subcutaneous fat in the treatment area and causes it to liquefy.
- The heating process also affects deeper skin layers and stimulates cells of fibroblasts to produce collagen.
- Collagen works with elastin and hyaluronic acid to maintain skin’s volume, elasticity, and moisture.
Goals of BodyTite
- Fat reduction – emulsification of subcutaneous fat in the treatment area makes it easier to suction it out.
- Skin tightening – collagen production increases the skin’s moisture, reduces wrinkling and roughness by stimulating the cells of the skin to adhere to one another, and also enhances its elasticity.
Benefits and Advantages of BodyTite
BodyTite advantages
- It is minimally invasive.
- It can treat multiple body areas.
- The procedure results in minimal scarring because it only uses small incisions for cannula insertion.
Benefits of BodyTite
- Removal of unwanted fat deposits.
- Stimulation of collagen production which leads to tighter and firmer skin.
- Shorter recovery time compared to traditional liposuction surgeries like abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) due to its minimally invasive nature.
Ideal Candidates for BodyTite
- Ideal BodyTite candidates are in relatively good general condition with no uncontrolled medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes
- Have realistic expectations about the achievable aesthetic improvements
- Are committed to maintaining results through a healthy lifestyle
- People who should consider BodyTite as a treatment option are those with localized fat deposits and/or mild to moderate skin laxity
The BodyTite Procedure at GTAesthetic
Pre-procedure Consultation
This meeting helps you and the GTAesthetic team get on the same page about your BodyTite journey.
What to expect during your consultation:
- Talk about your goals to help the team decide if it’s the right procedure for you.
- Discuss any past and current medical conditions, and medications you take.
- The GTAesthetic team will explain what to expect from BodyTite.
- Your surgeon will give you instructions of what to do before the procedure.
What Takes Place During BodyTite Treatments?
Pre-Treatment
- During BodyTite treatment, the topographic areas meant for treatment are mapped and marked.
- A tumescent solution is injected into the treatment area through an access incision. The tumescent solution consists of:
- 1000 mg lidocaine per 1000 mL Ringer’s Lactate
- 10 mL of Sodium hydrogen carbonate
- 1.5 mL of epinephrine
Treatment
- The internal electrode of the BodyTite system handpiece is inserted into the middle subcutaneous adipose layer.
- A water-based sterile ultrasonic gel is applied on the skin where the external electrode is positioned.
- The operating surgeon sets the internal(69–70 °C) and external (38-40 °C) temperature maximum parameters.
- The RF device releases electromagnetic radiation to heat the tissues between the external and internal electrodes. The surgeon monitors the temperature until the desired levels are reached on the skin and collagen/fat layer.
- The process is repeated until all the zones in the treatment area have received the expected RF energy.
- The emulsified subcutaneous fat is then suctioned out using the same incisions.
Post-treatment
- The surgeon sutures the incisions.
- The surgeon applies compression garments to the treated areas which the patient is expected to wear for 2–10 days postoperatively to aid in recovery.
Treatment Areas and Targeting Specific Concerns
BodyTite treatment areas:
- Abdomen and flanks (love handles)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Arms
- Bra line/back rolls
- Knees
- Neck and jawline
BodyTite can be tailored to address specific concerns including:
- Stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
- Loose skin that results from weight fluctuations or aging.
- Cellulite dimpling.
- Skin laxity and loss of definition.
BodyTite: Understanding the Recovery Process
The First 48 Hours After the Procedure
First 48 hours post-BodyTite patients can expect to feel some discomfort, swelling, bruising, tightness or soreness. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication and instructions which includes:
- Wearing compression garments for 2-10 days.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Apply cold compresses to reduce discomfort and swelling.
- Keep the treated areas clean.
The First Week After the Procedure
During the first week after the BodyTite procedure, patients can expect the swelling and bruising to slowly decrease but the discomfort may persist.
The patient should follow proper wound care procedures as directed by their surgeon as well as avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting that could cause trauma to the treated area. The patient should also attend follow-up appointments.
During this period, you can slowly introduce light activities as tolerated and should continue maintaining a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support the healing process.
The First Month After the Procedure
During the first month post the BodyTite procedure, patients can expect to see more noticeable results. The final outcome may take several months to become fully apparent.
Your surgeon will give you instructions on when you can gradually resume your normal activities and exercise routines as you continue to attend your follow-up appointments.
Results, Expectations, and Longevity of BodyTite
BodyTite results in:
- Change in the circumference of an area on your body like your waist or thighs.
- Change your body’s shape by reducing small areas of fat.
- Improvement in the tone and firmness of certain muscles.
- Improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
Result longevity depends on the age of the patient, their skin elasticity, and lifestyle.
The fat removal achieved through BodyTite is considered permanent, but the patient has to maintain a stable weight since BodyTite is not a weight loss procedure and its not recommended for patients with BMI above 31 but some surgeons limit it to 35.
Patients should have realistic expectations and be aware that the results may become fully visible after several months, mostly 3-6 months.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of BodyTite
BodyTite is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and like any surgical procedure it has risks and potential side effects that patients should be aware of.
- Infection.
- Bleeding and hematoma.
- Numbness or altered sensation.
- Skin discoloration.
- Scarring.
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities.
- Skin burns.
At Greentree Aesthetic Medicine, we address these BodyTite risks by
- Using evidence-based techniques.
- Our providers are proficient in the BodyTite device.
- We do comprehensive pre and post-operative care.
- We prioritize the safety of our patients.
- The team at Greentree Aesthetic Medicine has over 200 years of collective experience in these treatments.
A study conducted by several surgeons in the United States reported that patients treated by Bodytite providers with an experience of 50 or more procedures have a satisfaction rate of 92% while those treated by providers with less experience have a satisfaction rate of 78%.
Patient Experiences and Testimonials
The following are patient testimonials on realself about their BodyTite experiences
- A patient said they had lipo, BodyTite and morpheus8 on her arms and inner thighs. She mentioned being initially worried about potential discomfort but she reported that she remained comfortable throughout the process and was already amazed by her results. She said, “Completely worth every penny. I’m about 6 months post op, and pleased to say that I am very happy with the work done.”
- Another patient described her gratitude for having undergone the BodyTite procedure because it allowed her to wear short-sleeved or sleeveless clothing as the warm weather approached.
- A third patient shared her experience with BodyTite on her upper arms which had previously had an amount of extra skin and fat disproportionate to the rest of her body (US size 6/8). She wanted a treatment that addressed both fat and skin in the same procedure and BodyTite seemed perfect.
The patient reported she was given an oral medication to reduce anxiety and was awake during the procedure which was done in the doctor’s office. The patient wore a compression garment on her arms for a week and then only at night for another month and she described it as easy and comfortable, especially during the winter under clothing.
Cost Considerations of BodyTite
BodyTite procedures range from $2,500 to $10,000. The final cost depends on several factors:
- Follow-up appointments (cost varies depending on the surgeon’s fees).
- Surgeon’s experience (more experience often means higher cost).
- Geographic location (HCOL areas have higher procedure costs).
- The size and number of areas treated (larger areas cost more)
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia costs
- Compression garments ($50 to $250).
- Medications (pain medication and/or antibiotics, cost varies).
BodyTite is an elective cosmetic procedure and therefore has no insurance coverage but some plastic surgery practices provide financing options to help make the procedure more affordable.
Discuss payment options and any potential insurance coverage with your specialist during the initial consultation.
Why Choose GTAesthetic for Your BodyTite Procedure
Considering GTAesthetic for your BodyTite procedure offers several potential advantages:
- The team at Greentree Aesthetic Medicine has over 200 years of collective experience in these treatments which leads to a smoother procedure and potentially better outcomes.
- BodyTite experts at our facility are proficient in the BodyTite device.
- We do comprehensive pre and post-operative care.
- We prioritize the safety of our patients.
Additional Services and Procedures
- EVOLVE X can further enhance body sculpting by reducing fat, tightening skin, and toning muscles.
- Morpheus8 involves microneedling with radiofrequency and it can improve skin texture and tone which creates a more refined look after BodyTite.
- Optimas Skin Treatment provides customized options to address concerns like rejuvenation, pigmentation, or texture leading to the promotion of overall glowing skin after your body contouring procedure.
Conclusion
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with GTAesthetic to discuss your goals and see if BodyTite is right for you. The team can answer your questions and address any concerns you may have throughout the process.
- Call GTAesthetic at (412)-922-6828 or schedule a consultation.
- Visit us at 995 Greentree Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15220