What Is BodyTite? – Body Contouring and Skin Tightening

Cosmetic procedures continue to rise, as they offer a boost in self-confidence and mold us into a desirable look. One particular procedure that has seen a lot of limelight is BodyTite. This minimally invasive procedure is ideal for those seeking a body contouring solution to tighten loose skin. In this guide, we will discuss everything surrounding Bodytite and what it can offer you. 

What is BodyTite?

This body contouring procedure is designed to help treat loose skin in the abdomen, upper back, arms, thighs/knees, and breasts. BodyTite treatment uses precise radiofrequency energy (RF) to firm up tissue, tighten skin, and help stimulate collagen production. Typically, liposuction is also performed with BodyTite. Liposuction will eliminate fat cells, while the BodyTite procedure helps tighten the skin. It is minimally invasive and leaves you with little to no scarring. Plus, no stitches are required. 

Who Is A Good Candidate for BodyTite?

Not everyone is a good candidate for BodyTite. Those who have moderate skin laxity and have some fat they would like to reduce are ideal for this procedure. When there is a severe laxity it would be better to opt for a more invasive surgical procedure, such as a tummy tuck. At your consultation with Dr. Nazarian, she will do a thorough examination and provide you with all of your options. This will ensure you are getting the best results. 

Pros of BodyTite

• FDA cleared.
• Minimally invasive.
• Little to no downtime.
• Tighten mild to moderate sagging skin.
• Treats many areas: abdomen, upper arms, thighs, knees, breasts, and back.
• It can be paired with liposuction to remove excess fat.
• Little to no scarring.

Cons of BodyTite

• In some patients with certain anatomy, it may not provide drastic body sculpting results in everyone like more invasive procedures.  Genetics and age do play a role and Dr. Nazarian will help guide you.
• It cannot help severe sagging of skin.

Is BodyTite Safe?

BodyTite is an FDA approved body contouring procedure. Computer monitored, the device regulates temperature, which decreases the risk of burns from thermal energy. Studies have proven that this procedure is safe, well-tolerated by patients with quick recovery time. Dr. Nazarian is a board-certified plastic surgeon and is very experienced in performing BodyTite.

During Your Procedure

The device contains one thin probe that is inserted under the skin and one sensor that senses temperature above the skin. They are both connected to a handpiece. Once local or general anesthesia is given, Dr. Nazarian will make a small poke in the area that is being treated to insert the RF-transmitting probe under the skin through the needle poke. The second probe will glide across the surface of your skin to measure deep and surface temperatures.

As the handpiece is being moved, RF energy will generate between the probes. This will produce heat that will liquefy fat cells, trigger collagen fibers within the skin to tighten, as well as improve collagen production.

Many people choose to have their BodyTite treatment included with liposuction. In this case, Dr. Nazarian would use a thin tube, known as a cannula, to suction excess fat. This cosmetic procedure will take about 30 to 45 minutes per area of treatment. Some choose to have multiple areas treated at the same time, meaning the average appointment can range between one to three hours. When smaller areas are being treated, like the lower abdomen, BodyTite can be performed awake under local anesthesia in the office.

What Is Recovery Like?

Once your procedure is over, the area may be a bit tender and sore, but it is well tolerated by patients. There could be some minor swelling, bruising, redness, or numbness. All of these things will subside in the coming days. 

Downtime will depend on what areas you have treated. For small areas of treatment, you may only need a few days to recover, but areas such as the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen may need 5-10 days to fully recover. 

Dr. Nazarian will give you instructions to follow the day of your procedure. Patients are encouraged to rest at home for the remainder of the day, and resume normal daily activities as tolerated. Of course, this will also depend on the treatment area. For multiple areas or large areas of treatment, normal activities can gradually be resumed over a few weeks. 

Body Sculpting Results

Some improvement in the treatment area will be noticed immediately, this is especially true if liposuction was used to remove fat. Due to swelling, the final results may take longer to appear. You will get a better outlook on results in 2 weeks post-op, with final results showing in about 3 to 6 months.

Skin tightening will manifest around 6 weeks and improve up to a year. BodyTite helps improve collagen production, which gives you long-lasting effects. With liposuction, full results are seen in about three months once the swelling subsides. 

This procedure provides up to 30-40% contraction of soft tissue. Maintaining your weight within 10 pounds should help your results last for years. 

Check out the BodyTite before and after photos of Dr. Nazarian’s patients.

BodyTite Vs. Liposuction: What’s The Difference?

BodyTite and liposuction can be used together to contour and sculpt the body. For those looking to decrease fat, liposuction is the answer. However, when the skin has lost its elasticity removal of fat can leave you with loose skin. By pairing both procedures together, you get the best of both worlds. 

For those patients who have excessive fat but do not have issues with loose skin, there is no real advantage to adding BodyTite to traditional liposuction. Liposuction cannot tighten skin, therefore, if you are getting a liposuction and skin elasticity is an issue then you will want to add in BodyTite to help tighten the area. 

Some studies suggest that RF will cause less trauma to surrounding tissue versus liposuction. Fat is liquified and extracted through a small incision, which allows for minimal swelling, bruising, and recovery time. 

Check out more BodyTite before and after of Dr. Nazarian’s patients. 

BodyTite Cost

The cost of BodyTite will highly depend on a number of factors, including physician and facility fees, geographical location, areas of treatment, and if it is being combined with liposuction. On average, this procedure can cost between $6,000 to $14,000. At your consultation with Dr. Nazarian, we can talk about all associated costs and get a better estimate of what your procedure would cost you. 

Body Contouring Alternatives

If you are looking for a body contouring solution that is minimally invasive and will help decrease fat you may consider one of the following:

• CoolSculpting – uses cold technology to eliminate fat cells. 
• Evolve Tone – works by emitting electrical muscle stimulation which causes involuntary contractions.
• SculpSure – uses diode laser treatment to heat and eliminate fat cells.
• Vanquish – uses RF energy to heat and eliminate fat cells. 
• UltaShape – uses ultrasound energy to eliminate fat cells. 

If you are looking to treat loose or sagging skin then you may consider one of these alternatives:

• Ultherapy – uses ultrasound energy to heat tissue and help stimulate collagen production. Only FDA approved for the neck, chin, brow, and chest. 
• Thermage – this treatment is FDA approved for tightening skin on the face and body through the use of RF energy. 

Are You Ready?

Now that you understand what BodyTite is, tell us what you think. Is this a procedure you would consider doing? Has loose skin been an issue for you? Comment below and tell us what you think. If you are ready to take the step and schedule a consultation with Dr. Nazarian, you can contact us at (310) 773-3039 or fill out our online form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.