J Plasma Renuvion

Page Updated: December 5, 2022

J Plasma, or Renuvion, is a revolutionary cosmetic procedure that is being used to rejuvenate and tighten skin in the face, neck and body. As a leader in the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Hilinski is the first plastic surgeon in San Diego to offer J Plasma.

What is Renuvion J Plasma?

Renuvion is a technology based in plasma energy, which is why it is also referred to as J Plasma. Some describe plasma as the 4th state of matter, since it is technically not considered one of the other three (solid, liquid or gas).

When sufficient energy is added to a gas, an ionized gas is created. This ionized state of gas is known as plasma. Outside of the plastic surgery world, an example of this is seen when a spark of energy erupts in a gas to create a plasma torch, which is used to cut through metal. J Plasma is just a highly advanced form of this that has been specifically engineered by Apyx Medical (formerly Bovie Medical) for use in cosmetic treatments of the face, neck and body. Renuvion is the new name for J Plasma and combines cold helium gas with radiofrequency (RF) energy. Why helium? Because helium can be ionized at a relatively low energy level. The helium plasma that is created can be used to cut, coagulate and ablate tissue with very good precision and control. Because this particular procedure utilizes helium, it is also referred to by some plastic surgeons as the Helios procedure.

Since J Plasma was introduced to the plastic surgery and cosmetic world, it has been referred to by many other names, which include:

• Plasma skin resurfacing
• J-Plasma or J Plasma
• J-Plasty or J Plasty
• Cold helium with RF

Renuvion Skin Resurfacing

J Plasma is an wonderful non-surgical option for patients who desire smoother, more youthful looking skin. Think of J Plasma Renuvion as an alternative to laser skin resurfacing – where the goal is to minimize those unwanted wrinkles and creases while creating an overall more rejuvenated appearance. However, compared with some of the fractional laser technologies that we use today, J Plasma can provide some patients with an even more dramatic improvement in the appearance of their skin – reducing coarse and fine wrinkles while smoothing out the skin. Issues that are commonly improved with J Plasma include:

• Wrinkles and lines
• Acne scarring
• Pigmented facial skin
• Melasma

When seen in action for skin rejuvenation, J Plasma treatments look like Dr. Hilinski is simply ‘painting’ the skin surface with the Renuvion wand. As the device is carefully passed over the surface of the treated area, you can visibly see the helium plasma making changes to the skin.

The power of J Plasma skin resurfacing can be seen here in the adjacent before and after photo. This patient was treated by Dr. Hilinski using Renuvion’s J Plasma wand – targeting the ‘smoker’s lines’ around her mouth. Although she didn’t smoke, plastic surgeons often times refer to these deeper wrinkles around the mouth as smoker’s lines since they look so similar. If you look closely, you can readily appreciate how the vertical lines around the lips have been dramatically improved from J Plasma skin resurfacing. In addition, though, you can easily see how the skin wrinkles in the chin and lower face region have been markedly improved – all a result from a single session of J Plasma by Renuvion.

Renuvion Subdermal Tightening

One of the best uses for J Plasma technology is for what we call subdermal skin tightening – which refers to the process of tightening skin from the undersurface. When the J Plasma wand is used from the inside – underneath the skin – the overlying tissues contract, or tighten, right in front of your doctor’s eyes. That makes Renuvion a wonderful alternative to other devices out there that are touting the virtues of subdermal skin tightening – such as Thermi, RFAL, Profound RF and Ultherapy.

Subdermal skin tightening is done in manner where the final result looks as if the skin has been lifted up. In fact, in some patients who have loose skin in the neck region, J Plasma treatment can almost appear as if the patient underwent a face and neck lift procedure. Even in patients who have elected to undergo a surgical face and neck lift, Renuvion technology can be used at the same time to turn back the clock even more.

J Plasma Neck Tightening

Here is a great example of an actual patient of Dr. Hilinski’s who underwent neck lift surgery combined with J Plasma skin tightening.

As you can see in the before photo, she had quite a bit of excess, loose skin in her upper neck region. This is the type of skin that can be improved with a formal lower face and upper neck lift surgery. However, surgery can move and reposition skin – but it cannot tighten the skin. That is where J Plasma by Renuvion plays such a critical role in cosmetic neck surgery to help actually tighten the neck skin from underneath. During her surgical lift procedure, the J Plasma wand was passed under her skin just below the chin prominence. The J Plasma wand was also passed along the jawline and upper neck from just in front of the ear. This was done in an effort to allow the ionized helium gas to energize her loose neck skin – for the sake of trying to tighten this area up. If you were to actually pinch her skin prior to surgery – and do the same after the J Plasma treatment – it would be quite obvious that her neck skin is now much tighter and more youthful.

J Plazty Face and Neck Lift

One of the most popular procedures that involves use of J Plasma technology is the J Plazty face and neck lift. This is a fantastic option to rejuvenate the lower face and upper neck region. In many cases, this can be done under just local anesthesia for patients who are looking for a less invasive option versus a traditional face and neck lift. In other cases, the J Plasma technology can be incorporated into a more formal face and neck lift procedure to help augment the results.

Shown here is a typical example of what J Plazty can do to help rejuvenate and define the jawline and neckline. This patient did not wish to undergo a formal facelift/necklift surgery and opted, instead, to have J Plazty using Renuvion J Plasma technology. Dr. Hilinski performed the procedure under local anesthesia with the patient being awake. Here you can see the beautiful changes made to lift her lower face and upper neck – taking years away in the process.

Renuvion Rhinophyma Treatment

One condition that deserves special mention when discussing J Plasma Renuvion treatment is rhinophyma. Dr. Hilinski is a regional expert when it comes to treatment of rhinophyma – and for years has been using a CO2 laser to help reshape the overgrown sebaceous nose skin that is seen in rhinophyma. Renuvion is a great alternative to the CO2 laser that can help provide unsurpassed results in patients who have rhinophyma.

Recovery

Recovery from the J Plasma skin resurfacing procedure can range from 2-3 weeks in most cases. But, ultimately, it can take several months for most patients to see the final results from the Renuvion skin rejuvenation. During the first few weeks of recovery, patients can expect to see redness, residual swelling, and dry skin changes. Pruritus, or itching, is not uncommon as the skin is healing. Most patients feel as if they are ‘super-market’ presentable in about 10 days. Pain is usually very mild after J Plasma Renuvion treatment – controlled readily with a low dose narcotic or even just Tylenol.

Recovery from the J Plasma subdermal skin tightening procedure can be as little as 2-5 days in most patients. A feeling of tightness is quite normal in the beginning. Pain is graded as minimal and can be controlled readily with over-the-counter pain medications. Dr. Hilinski will recommend you wear a standard compression wrap around the area of treatment, which also helps to improve comfort levels while you are healing. Some patients will notice mild swelling and some bruising around the treatment area that can take up to 10 days to go away.

Planning Your J Plasma Renuvion Procedure*

Average Cost: $5,000 – $7,500
Average Procedure Time: 1.5 hours
Average Recovery Time: 5 days
Post-Op Consultation: 3 months

^{*Procedure pricing and results with Dr. Hilinski may vary. Your personalized treatment plan and pricing will be determined at your consultation appointment.}

Renuvion Consultation

Renuvion is not necessarily for everyone, so it is important that you choose a J Plasma expert, like Dr. Hilinski, to determine your candidacy. If you are interested in consulting with Dr. Hilinski for possible J Plasma Renuvion treatment, contact our San Diego office today.