Increasingly, “minimally-invasive” alternatives to cosmetic surgery are flooding the market, leaving many people wondering if they are just as effective.
BodyTite is one such system that’s marketed as a less invasive alternative to tummy tuck and liposuction.
Given the vast differences in the surgical techniques of these procedures, it’s hard to believe they’ll give you the same results. In fact, they cannot.
For this reason, it’s important to understand the limitations of a particular procedure so that you can make the right decision. But first, let’s do a deep dive into the details of BodyTite.
What Is BodyTite?
BodyTite is a device that uses radiofrequency to contour different parts of the body. Essentially, it contracts the skin by coagulating the fat underneath it. Research shows that it can contract the skin by as much as 35%.
This system was cleared by the FDA in 2016 for the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Knees
- Thighs
However, it’s also used for the back, and it has “sister” devices for the face and neck as well.
More popularly, this procedure is done in combination with liposuction – known as radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) – because some people complain of loose skin after this procedure.
Who Is A Candidate For BodyTite?
You’re a good candidate for BodyTite if:
- Your skin is slightly loose.
- You’ve reached your ideal weight.
- You’re physically healthy.
- You have realistic expectations.
The important thing to note is that this procedure works best for those who have a minor skin laxity issue. For them, it can deliver satisfactory results.
However, if you have folds of hanging skin, you need to undergo excision surgery to get the results that you’re looking for.
Age is an important factor to consider in this regard since skin laxity is usually associated with ageing. So, the older you are, the better it is that you look for more invasive surgical treatments.
How To Prepare For BodyTite Procedure?
Before you have the procedure, your doctor may advise you to do the following:
- Discontinue the use of any medications or supplements.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- If you’re getting general anaesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- Ensure personal hygiene, as the doctor will cut into your skin.
- Make sure to wear loose clothes.
- Do not wear any jewellery as it can interfere with radiofrequency.
Your doctor may also have some other pre-operative instructions for you. Make sure to follow them to avoid any unnecessary delays in the surgery.
What’s The BodyTite Procedure?
Your doctor will begin by administering anaesthesia. It could be local or general, depending on the size of the area being treated. The option for IV sedation may also be available.
Once it takes effect, small incisions (3-4 mm) will be made in the surgical area so that the BodyTite probe can be inserted into the skin.
The BodyTite machine consists of a workstation and a handheld piece (that comes in different sizes). The device has two probes, one goes inside the body and generates radiofrequency energy, and the other stays outside, hovering right above.
The probes are moved across the target area to melt the fat and contract the soft tissue inside. It will also stimulate the production of collagen that will take place over time.
The probe’s temperature is adjusted depending on how deep it is inserted. And the doctor will glide it on your skin for about 30-45 minutes, but it can take longer if you’re getting it for multiple areas or combining it with liposuction.
Usually, patients just need one treatment session of it to see the results.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From BodyTite?
BodyTite is not a very invasive procedure, so it has a minimal downtime. Still, you may be advised to rest for a few days.
Moreover, you’ll have to ease into your day-to-day activities within 1-2 weeks, and hold off on more strenuous activities (like exercising) for about 6 weeks.
When you can get back to work depends on the nature of your job, so make sure to consult your doctor about it.
In the meantime, you will be required to wear a compression for 1.5 to 2 months. And you’ll have to wear it at all times of the day, except when you’re showering. It will help with the recovery.
How Long Does It Take To See BodyTite Results?
You will notice a change in your body contour immediately after the BodyTite procedure. However, it will be almost a year before you can see the final results of the treatment.
That’s because your skin will continue to tighten (owing to the collagen stimulation). It isn’t something that happens immediately after the surgery.
What Are The Expected Side Effects of BodyTite?
After having the procedure, you may experience the following side effects temporarily:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Pain and soreness
- Numbness
- Tenderness
These should get better in a couple of weeks (although you might feel stiff for a few months). However, if any of these get worse, make sure to get in touch with your doctor immediately.
Is BodyTite Permanent?
The results of BodyTite are permanent, but ageing will cause your skin to sag over time. It will, however, sag less than it would if you didn’t have the procedure.
Keep in mind that fluctuations in weight can undo the results of the procedure. That’s why doctors recommend that you achieve your ideal weight before having BodyTite. For the same reason, you’ll be advised to have this done after you’ve completed your family.
Is BodyTite Safe?
Many people fear getting burnt by the BodyTite system, however, it is quite safe.
The technology has various mechanisms in place to make sure that your tissues are not harmed unintentionally. Still, burn injury is a risk of the procedure, and there are others like infection and seroma.
There’s also the risk of contour irregularities. For instance, you may end up with dimples or lumps in your skin.
Make sure that your doctor is experienced and board-certified because it matters as far as the results of the procedure are concerned.
How Much Is BodyTite Cost?
In the UK, BodyTite can cost you anywhere from £3,000-5,000 (it’s about $6,000 in the US). However, the price can vary depending on the number of areas being treated.
The location of the clinic and the experience of the practitioner will also impact the total cost of the procedure.
BodyTite vs Liposuction & Tummy Tuck: What’s The Difference?
Seeing how BodyTite “melts fat” and contracts the skin, many people assume that it does the job of both liposuction and tummy tuck.
The important thing to note here is that BodyTite only melts the fat, it doesn’t remove it from your system. There’s no suction attached to the handheld device that actually takes the fat out.
And it’s because of this, people usually combine BodyTite with liposuction; on its own, BodyTite will not remove any kind of fat from your body. It needs liposuction for that. Therefore, BodyTite is not an alternative to liposuction.
As far as tummy tuck and other lifting procedures are concerned, BodyTite is, again, quite different. That’s because, unlike them, it doesn’t actually remove excess skin. It just tightens the existing skin.
Of course, if you have a lot of sagging skin, tightening from BodyTite will not give you satisfactory results. It works best (and its effect is more noticeable) when your skin is slightly sagging.
In fact, sometimes, patients are recommended to combine BodyTite, liposuction and tummy tuck or lifts for the best results. The following is a summary of the differences between these three procedures:
| BodyTite | Liposuction | Tummy Tuck | |
| Procedure | Uses RF energy to melt fat, contract skin and stimulate collagen production | Involves the suction of pockets of fat from the body using a cannula | Involves the removal of excess skin and tightening of underlying muscles |
| Targeted Area | Slightly sagging skin | Stubborn pockets of fat | Sagging skin and loose muscles |
| Safety | Safe but comes with certain risks | Safe but comes with risks associated with all surgeries | Safe but comes with risks associated with all surgeries |
| Downtime | 2-3 days | 1 week | 2-3 weeks |
| Results | Permanent (provided weight doesn’t fluctuate) | Permanent (provided weight doesn’t fluctuate) | Permanent (provided weight doesn’t fluctuate) |
| Time To See Results | About 1 year | About 3 months | About 3 months |
| Cost | £3,000-5,000 (In UK) | £3,000-7,000 (In UK) £1,500 (In Turkey) | £5,000-6,000 (In UK) £2,300 (In Turkey) |
| Number of Treatments Required | Typically, one is enough | One | One |
Before deciding on any procedure, make sure to communicate your needs and expectations to your doctor. Also, make sure to discuss the pros and cons of all these procedures and ask which one will best suit your needs.
Conclusion
BodyTite is a very popular procedure for tightening the skin and improving the overall contour of a particular area.
However, keep in mind that it’s not an alternative to liposuction because it doesn’t actually remove fat. It’s not for weight loss or getting rid of cellulite, either.
Additionally, it’s not an exact substitute for tummy tuck either because the latter gets rid of a significant amount of skin by cutting it out.
If you’re confused about which treatment to get, make sure to get in touch with a qualified and board-certified medical professional.
Reviewed and approved by Prof Dr Fuat Yuksel
