Exilis

(radio-frequency treatment)

What It Does

Exilis is a new generation radio-frequency device that offers improvement of a variety of skin quality and body contour concerns in a broad range of patients. The technology is safe and comfortable, and provides very satisfactory results with no down-time. Exilis is a non-invasive, non-ablative technology. This means that no incisions are required, and the external skin surface is not injured. Radio waves pass through the skin creating a deep heat that encourages the formation of new collagen and elastin, improving the skin’s texture and tone. Exilis also has the ability to heat fat beneath the skin, which causes the fat cells to leak, increases their metabolism, and ultimately shrinks the fat deposit. The device keeps the upper skin layers cool during the procedure, increasing the comfort and safety of the treatment.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Exilis device is the broad range of ages, skin types, and issues that can be treated. From reducing problem fat deposits to tightening loose skin, Exilis is available to help a wide range of patients achieve their cosmetic goals in a safe, non-invasive procedure.

Procedure Basics

Because Exilis works with water in the skin, it is important to drink plenty of water the day before and day of your treatment.  There is no anesthesia or sedative needed. The areas of concern will be identified with you and marked to ensure that treatment is performed within the desired areas. You will then be placed in a comfortable position, and a lubricating gel or oil will be applied to allow the device to glide gently over the skin surface. Multiple circular or linear passes will be made over the treatment area, much like an ironing action, until the skin temperature endpoint is achieved.

During the treatment, you will be asked to provide feedback to ensure that you are not feeling too much heat or discomfort. The majority of patients have reported that the treatment is a very relaxing, similar to a hot rock massage. In areas close to denser tissue such as bone, muscle, or scar, however, you might feel momentary intense heat that can be addressed with rapid changes in energy setting or movement of the device tip. Treatment times will vary depending on the size, nature, and number of areas, but typically range from 15 to 45 minutes.

Recovery

After treatment, you may experience a brief period of pink color to the skin for about 15 to 30 minutes, up to 24 hours. You may feel some soreness in the treatment areas for a day or two. You can resume all of your usual activities including exercise. Hydration remains important for healing of the deep skin structures and to flush away the released fat.

Additional Information

Exilis treatments are not a replacement for surgery. Although this device performs very well, you should not expect facelift, tummy tuck, or thigh lift results. It will, however, help you achieve face and body improvements in a way that is more convenient, less intimidating, less risky, and less expensive than traditional surgical options. In exchange, however, outcomes are typically less dramatic. In addition, multiple treatment sessions, usually four to six, are required to achieve results with these modalities.

For skin treatments, you will likely notice an immediate but temporary tightening effect. This represents the immediate contraction of existing collagen coils. The coils will relax again, and the skin will return to its baseline appearance. With repeated sessions and over time, however, new collagen and elastin fibers are produced. By the third or fourth treatment you will likely see persistent effects, and much of the new skin structure has formed by the third month after the final treatment. Results will vary, but appear to last for at least nine to twelve months, and perhaps up to two years. Remember that the skin continues to age, however, so skin tightening and wrinkle reduction are not permanent. Single maintenance sessions every 12 to 18 months are helpful. In addition, just as with surgery, you should follow a healthy skin lifestyle and high-quality daily home skin care.

For treatment of stubborn fat, you will experience immediately visible and measurable changes in contour. That improvement will continue to develop with additional treatments and over a period of several months. As with skin tightening, a healthy diet and lifestyle will help maintain the results of your treatments.  Even with liposuction, recent studies have shown that fat can redeposit in the treated areas or can occur elsewhere, leading to new areas of concern.

Unfortunately, Exilis cannot be performed on patients with pacemakers or defibrillators because of its use of radio waves during treatment. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain patients with advanced diabetes, circulation disorders, and unusual skin conditions are also poor candidates.

For More Information

For additional information on the technology behind the Exilis device and more treatment information, visit www.btlaesthetics.com/en-us/.

To discuss the benefits of Exilis treatment and to decide if Exilis therapy is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Christine Kelley by calling 317/575-0330.