Minimally Invasive
Renuvion Skin Tightening in Portugal
J-Plasma skin tightening in Lisbon for UK patients, the only FDA-cleared device for subdermal skin contraction, combining helium plasma and radiofrequency to deliver immediate tissue tightening with results lasting an average of five years.
Renuvion works beneath the skin surface, making it uniquely effective for laxity that surface treatments cannot reach, used as a standalone procedure for the neck and body, or combined with liposuction for superior contouring results.
Book a ConsultationMinimally Invasive
What is Renuvion?
Renuvion, also known as J-Plasma, is an advanced skin tightening technology developed by Apyx Medical that combines radiofrequency energy with ionised helium gas to create controlled plasma energy. A fine probe is inserted beneath the skin through small micro-incisions and delivers this plasma energy directly to the subcutaneous tissue, causing immediate contraction of collagen fibres and stimulating a prolonged collagen remodelling response.
The helium gas serves a dual function: it ionises under the RF energy to create the plasma effect, and simultaneously acts as a coolant, preventing heat from conducting to the skin surface. This means significant energy can be delivered to the deeper tissue without risk of surface burns, a fundamental advantage over traditional radiofrequency and laser technologies.
Renuvion holds FDA clearance as the only device approved for subdermal use after liposuction, and is the only device cleared for improving the appearance of slack skin in the neck and chin. Over 325,000 patients have been treated since 2017, supported by more than 90 clinical studies.
Areas treated
- Neck and jawline: standalone or combined
- Chin and submental area
- Arms: post-weight loss or age-related laxity
- Abdomen: often combined with liposuction
- Thighs: inner and outer
- Chest and back
- Knees
- Chest (gynaecomastia: skin retraction)
The Technology
How Renuvion Works
Helium Plasma Energy
When helium gas is exposed to radiofrequency energy, it ionises to form a plasma, a state of matter that transfers energy with exceptional precision. This plasma energy contracts collagen fibres immediately upon contact, producing visible tissue tightening during the procedure itself. The effect is both immediate and long-lasting, as the remodelling response continues for months.
Subdermal Delivery
The probe is inserted beneath the skin through micro-incisions, bypassing the skin surface entirely. This subdermal approach allows direct treatment of the tissue responsible for skin laxity, the subcutaneous collagen network, without any surface wound, burn risk or visible scarring beyond the small entry points.
Combined with Liposuction
Renuvion is most commonly used alongside liposuction or liposculpture. After fat is removed, the overlying skin must contract to conform to the new contour. Applying Renuvion at the same session stimulates immediate and progressive skin retraction, producing a tighter, more defined result than liposuction alone, and avoiding the loose skin that can follow significant fat removal.
Recovery & Results
What to Expect After Treatment
First 48–72 Hours
Mild discomfort, bruising and swelling in the treated area are expected and managed with prescribed analgesia. A compression garment is worn over body areas. Some patients notice a localised warmth and temporary numbness in the treated zone, both are normal and transient.
Weeks 1–2
Most patients return to light activities and desk work within one to two weeks. Bruising and swelling resolve progressively. The compression garment is worn as directed for body treatments. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are avoided during this period.
Months 1–9
Renuvion's most significant results develop progressively as the collagen remodelling process continues. The full degree of skin tightening becomes visible over six to nine months. Results typically last an average of five years, with some patients reporting satisfaction for up to eight years with good skincare and stable weight.
For UK Patients
Planning Renuvion from the UK
Because Renuvion is performed in a surgical environment, UK patients should plan to remain in Lisbon for five to seven days following the procedure, longer if combined with liposuction or another surgical procedure. This allows time for the initial post-operative review and confirmation that recovery is progressing appropriately before travelling home.
Flying is generally appropriate from approximately two weeks after the procedure for standalone Renuvion, or following your surgeon's specific guidance when combined with liposuction. Compression garments are worn during travel and do not significantly restrict movement.
Post-operative follow-up from the two-week mark is managed by our Oxford nursing team, so ongoing monitoring does not require repeated travel to Lisbon. Your surgeon will provide a clear recovery timeline at consultation based on the specific areas being treated and whether Renuvion is being performed alongside another procedure.
Renuvion
Are You a Suitable Candidate?
You have mild to moderate skin laxity on the neck, face or body that has not responded to non-invasive surface treatments and does not yet require excisional surgery
You are planning liposuction or liposculpture and want to maximise skin retraction at the same session, avoiding loose skin after fat removal
You want a long-lasting result, Renuvion's average five-year duration is significantly longer than most non-surgical skin tightening alternatives
You are in good general health, at or close to a stable weight, and do not have active skin infections in the treatment area
You understand that Renuvion is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a surgical environment, with a one to two week recovery period
Renuvion is not appropriate for severe skin laxity where a significant amount of excess skin needs to be removed, in those cases, excisional procedures such as a tummy tuck, arm lift or facelift are more suitable. Your surgeon will assess the degree of laxity honestly at consultation and advise on the approach most likely to achieve the result you are looking for.
Your Journey
Consultation Process for UK Patients
Initial Consultation
Your consultation, via video call or in person in Lisbon, covers your goals, the areas of concern, your medical history and any other procedures you are considering. Your surgeon will assess the degree of laxity and advise on whether Renuvion alone, Renuvion combined with liposuction, or an excisional procedure is most appropriate for your situation.
Pre-operative Assessment
Blood tests, medical clearance and anaesthesia assessment are completed before your visit. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on preparation, including medications, smoking cessation and compression garment procurement.
Procedure in Lisbon
Renuvion is performed at our certified surgical facility in Lisbon. Anaesthesia is selected based on the extent of treatment and whether it is combined with liposuction. Neck treatment takes approximately 20 minutes as a standalone; combined body procedures take longer depending on the areas treated.
Recovery in Lisbon
We recommend remaining in Lisbon for five to seven days for your initial post-operative review. Flying home is appropriate from approximately two weeks following standalone Renuvion, or as directed by your surgeon for combined procedures.
Follow-up in Oxford
Post-operative follow-up from the two-week mark is managed by our NMC-registered Advanced Nurse Practitioners in Oxford. Full results develop progressively over six to nine months. Your uk team monitors progress and maintains contact with your surgeon in Lisbon throughout.
Important Information
Risks and Considerations
Renuvion has a well-established safety profile with over 325,000 treatments performed and more than 90 clinical studies. Complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced surgical team in an appropriate clinical setting.
- Bruising and swelling: expected, resolving progressively over one to two weeks
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the treated area: typically resolves over weeks
- Localised warmth: normal in the days following treatment
- Irregularities or contour changes: uncommon; more likely in areas with pre-existing skin irregularity
- Infection: uncommon; managed with antibiotics
- Scarring at entry points: incisions are very small and heal well; hypertrophic scarring is rare
- Incomplete skin retraction: the degree of tightening varies; patients with severe laxity may achieve less improvement than those with mild to moderate laxity
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Renuvion different from other skin tightening treatments?
Renuvion is the only FDA-cleared device approved for use after liposuction and for improving the appearance of slack skin in the neck and chin. Unlike surface treatments such as radiofrequency or laser, the Renuvion probe is placed beneath the skin, delivering plasma energy directly to the subcutaneous tissue. This allows significant, lasting tissue contraction, results typically last an average of five years, far longer than most non-surgical alternatives.
Can Renuvion be combined with liposuction?
Yes. And this is one of the most effective applications of Renuvion. After liposuction removes fat from an area, the overlying skin needs to retract to conform to the new contour. Renuvion applied at the same session promotes significant skin tightening, producing a more defined result than liposuction alone and helping to avoid loose skin after fat removal.
How long do Renuvion results last?
Results typically last an average of five years, with some patients reporting satisfaction for up to eight years when combined with good skincare and a stable weight. A single treatment is usually sufficient, the collagen remodelling response continues for six to nine months after the procedure, with the full result becoming visible progressively over that time.
Is Renuvion a surgical procedure?
Renuvion is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a surgical environment. A fine probe is inserted beneath the skin through very small incisions. Depending on the area and whether it is combined with liposuction, anaesthesia may be local, local with sedation, or general. It is not open surgery, but it does require clinical facilities, pre-operative assessment and a recovery period of one to two weeks.
Is Renuvion an alternative to a facelift or body lift?
Renuvion is best suited to mild to moderate skin laxity, it is not a substitute for excisional surgery when there is significant excess skin to remove. For the neck, it can achieve meaningful tightening in patients who are not yet ready for a neck lift or facelift. For the body, it is most effective when used alongside liposuction. Your surgeon will advise honestly on whether Renuvion or an excisional procedure is more appropriate for the degree of laxity you have.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with our specialist plastic surgery team in Lisbon, with pre and post-operative support available in Oxford.