J-Plasma · helium + radiofrequency · minimally invasive
Cold plasma through the existing liposuction access points — skin tightening without new incisions. One of the first practices in Bavaria with this technology.
Treatment
What is Renuvion® / J-Plasma skin tightening?
Renuvion® — also marketed as J-Plasma — is a modern, minimally invasive skin-tightening procedure. At the Ästhetik am Isartor practice in Munich it is a signature technology: we were among the first practices in Bavaria to use it. Helium gas and radiofrequency energy form a cold plasma, delivered subdermally through the same mini incisions as a liposuction (3 to 4 millimetres). The plasma stimulates the body's own collagen production and contracts the connective tissue in a controlled way; the helium component limits thermal damage by itself — a key safety advantage over conventional laser procedures. Suitable areas: abdomen, inner and outer thighs, lower legs, upper arms, forearms, knees, chin, neck, hips, chest area. Main indication: skin laxity after weight loss or pregnancy, combined with a liposuction. Renuvion with liposuction is also used in surgical lipoedema treatment, to stabilise skin quality where volume reduction is large. Tumescent local anaesthetic, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia depending on the extent; 30 to 90 minutes in addition to the liposuction. Outpatient up to four litres of fat, otherwise one night as an inpatient. Sporting activity after two to three weeks; final result after three to six months through the collagen stimulation.
Suitability
Who is Renuvion® / J-Plasma skin tightening suitable for?
Renuvion is the right choice where skin laxity is moderate and the procedure is combined with liposuction — where the skin would not draw back sufficiently on its own after the fat has been removed. Where laxity is pronounced, conventional skin resection remains the gold standard.
Suitable for
Renuvion is suitable where there is moderate skin laxity after weight loss or pregnancy, where there is skin laxity that would not draw back after liposuction alone, and for patients who want skin tightening with minimal scarring instead of a conventional skin resection. Preconditions: a weight that has been stable for several months, a healthy lifestyle, realistic expectations — Renuvion delivers a gentle, gradual tightening across six months of collagen formation, not a dramatic immediate result. The procedure is almost always carried out in combination with a liposuction — the Renuvion probe uses the same 3-4 mm incisions.
Not suitable for
Renuvion is not appropriate where there is pronounced skin laxity — here conventional skin resection (for example a tummy tuck, upper-arm lift or thigh lift) remains the gold standard; Renuvion does NOT replace a facelift or a conventional tummy tuck where laxity is very marked. Where there are active skin conditions or recent procedures in the treatment area we postpone the procedure. Nicotine use should be paused for at least four weeks. Where weight has not been stabilised we would first like to work on stabilising it.
Which areas are suitable for Renuvion — and whether a conventional skin resection would make more sense for your degree of laxity — we decide together in the personal initial consultation (€100), after a clinical assessment.
Method
Helium + radiofrequency = cold plasma.
Renuvion works on a two-stage principle: the helium gas carries the radiofrequency energy, the plasma contracts the connective tissue and stimulates collagen — and the helium component limits the thermal effect automatically.
- Standard
Renuvion+Lipo
Renuvion in combination with liposuction
- How it works
- Renuvion probe through the liposuction incisions (3-4 mm), plasma applied after the fat has been removed
- Strength
- Standard application · minimal scarring (liposuction access points only) · permanent result
- Areas
- Abdomen · thighs · upper arms · knees · hips · chest area · chin · neck
- Minimally invasive
Renuvion-Only
Renuvion-only variant
- How it works
- Renuvion as a standalone treatment through 5 mm incisions — where skin quality is good
- Strength
- Where laxity is moderate without any fat reduction · often on the upper arms instead of a brachioplasty
- Areas
- Upper arms · neck · selected areas
With both variants the helium-plasma energy is self-limiting — the reaction ends automatically and thermal damage is minimal. Which variant makes sense for your treatment area is something we decide in the initial consultation (€100), after a clinical assessment. Where laxity is very pronounced, conventional skin resection (tummy tuck, upper-arm lift, thigh lift) is the gold standard. Clinic fees are shown separately.
The instrument
Helium plasma, through a probe as slim as a liposuction cannula.
The Renuvion probe combines helium gas with high-frequency energy and creates a cold plasma at its outlet. The shaft is so narrow that it passes through the same 3-4 mm liposuction incisions — no additional cuts. The helium component ends the reaction by itself as soon as the tissue has contracted sufficiently; this makes the thermal effect considerably more precisely controllable than with conventional laser procedures.
One of the first practices in Bavaria with Renuvion. One treatment, one result — and no new incisions.
Procedure
How the procedure works
Four clearly separated steps — from the initial consultation with an assessment of the areas, through the liposuction-plus-Renuvion session under general anaesthesia, to aftercare with a compression garment and the gradual collagen effect over 3-6 months.
Schritt 01approx. 45 min.Consultation
In the personal initial consultation (€100) we assess clinically which areas are suitable for Renuvion and how pronounced the skin laxity is. Where laxity is moderate, Renuvion (in combination with liposuction) is ideal; where laxity is very pronounced we recommend conventional skin resection — that recommendation is part of how we advise. You receive a written cost estimate afterwards.
Schritt 02Preparation
The pre-operative tests (blood count, ECG where indicated) must be available; no nicotine for at least 4 weeks beforehand. A weight that has been stable for several months is a precondition. For the outpatient visit or the single inpatient night, pack a small bag with comfortable, loose clothing — trousers should fit easily over the compression garment.
Schritt 0330–90 min (in addition to the liposuction)Treatment
The Renuvion application follows immediately after the liposuction, in the same operating session, under local anaesthetic or general anaesthesia. The Renuvion probe is guided subdermally through the mini incisions already made (3-4 mm); the helium plasma contracts the connective tissue. Both an immediate tightening effect is achieved and, over weeks and months, the body's own collagen production is stimulated. At the end of the operation the access points are closed and the compression garment is fitted.
Schritt 04Aftercare
Immediately afterwards you receive an individually fitted compression garment (identical to the liposuction garment). Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and resembles muscle ache. Social life within a few days. Sporting activity after 2-3 weeks. The final result can be assessed after 3-6 months — new collagen formation takes time.
Facts
Key facts
- Type
- minimally invasive · usually combined with liposuction
- Anaesthesia
- local · twilight sedation · general
- Duration
- 30–90 min in addition to the liposuction
- Incisions
- 3–4 mm — existing liposuction access points
- Stay
- outpatient with ≤ 4 l of fat · otherwise 1 night
- Operating principle
- helium plasma + radiofrequency
- Advantage over laser
- self-limiting energy · less thermal
- Treatable areas
- Abdomen · thighs · lower legs · upper arms · forearms · knees · chin · neck · hips · chest area
- Discomfort
- mild · similar to muscle ache
- Sporting activity
- after 2–3 weeks
- Final result
- after 3–6 months (collagen formation)
- Duration of effect
- permanent · proportional where weight fluctuates
- Sessions
- as a rule one treatment is sufficient
- Practice USP
- one of the first practices in Bavaria with this technology
- Consultation
- €100 · required before every treatment
Recovery
Recovery & final result
DAY
0–1.
Compression garment, muscle ache.
Outpatient or 1 night as an inpatient. The compression garment is fitted straight away (identical to the liposuction garment). Post-operative discomfort is mild — like muscle ache after hard exercise. Pain is usually slight and well managed with painkillers.
DAY
2–7.
Social life returns.
Social life is possible again within a few days. Compression garment around the clock, light everyday movement permitted, continue to avoid heavy exertion. The first wound check is after 7 days; any drains are removed.
WEEK
2–3.
Sport returns.
Sporting activity is possible again after 2-3 weeks, built up gradually. Compression garment still day and night, depending on the area. Swelling subsides step by step.
MONTH
1–3.
Collagen builds up.
New collagen formation begins — the skin draws together step by step. The first visible tightening becomes apparent in this phase. There is no abrupt before-and-after moment, but a gentle, gradual change.
MONTH
3–6.
Final result visible.
The final result is stable after 3-6 months. The skin is noticeably firmer; the contours after the liposuction look more defined. With a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle the result is permanent — where weight fluctuates later on, the skin changes proportionally but remains relatively stable.
Endergebnis
The final result can be assessed after 6-9 months — new collagen formation takes time.
Renuvion does not deliver the immediate result of a surgical skin resection — what it offers instead is a gradual, gentle tightening across six months of collagen formation, with minimal scarring and without new incisions. One treatment is as a rule sufficient when combined with liposuction. With a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle the result remains permanent; where weight fluctuates later on, the skin responds proportionally. We were among the first practices in Bavaria with this technology.
Compression garment, lymphatic drainage where needed, patience for collagen.
Compression garment. Arnica. Patience for collagen.
After Renuvion plus liposuction you wear the compression garment exactly as you would after a liposuction on its own — day and night for two to six weeks, depending on the area. Lymphatic drainage can support the process of the swelling going down. The actual Renuvion effect — new collagen formation — unfolds only across six to nine months; please do not expect an abrupt transformation, but a gentle, gradual tightening. Incidentally: once wound healing is complete, swimming is an ideal complement to lymphatic drainage.
Consultation
100€
approx. 45 min · medical · mandatory before every treatment (§ 8 HWG)
Let us establish the indication together.
Which method suits your situation can only be established reliably in a personal examination and consultation.
What is included
- Examination & establishing the indication
- Choice of method, risks & alternatives
- Written cost estimate afterwards
Risks
Risks & informed consent
When carried out properly, Renuvion is an established minimally invasive procedure. The self-limiting nature of the helium plasma structurally reduces thermal risks compared with conventional laser skin-tightening procedures. We discuss all risks in detail in the personal informed-consent consultation under § 8 HWG (German Health Advertising Act).
- General
Tenderness to pressure, swelling and bruising in the treated areas are part of the expected course in the first one to three weeks and subside under consistent wearing of the compression garment. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and resembles muscle ache after hard exercise. Wound-healing disorders at the 3-4 mm mini incisions are rare in a modern practice.
- Specific
A temporary change of sensation in the treated area is possible and as a rule resolves within weeks. A slight reddening of the skin can occur during the collagen stabilisation phase. Where skin laxity is pronounced, Renuvion can deliver insufficient tightening — here we consistently recommend conventional skin resection (tummy tuck, upper-arm lift, thigh lift); that honest recommendation is part of how we advise.
- Very rare
Thermal complications (local burns) — a central topic with conventional laser skin-tightening procedures — are structurally minimised by the self-limiting plasma energy: the helium component ends the reaction automatically. Asymmetrical tightening is avoided by precise pre-operative marking. Thromboembolic events are avoided by early mobilisation and consistent compression.
All individual risks are documented in detail during the personal informed-consent consultation in accordance with § 8 HWG (German Health Advertising Act).
Costs
Costs at a glance
Renuvion is usually carried out in addition to a liposuction. The additional cost for Renuvion starts from €2,000; the specific calculation depends on the area, its size and the effort involved.
Starting price
from €2,000 in addition to the liposuction
Renuvion vs. conventional skin resection
Which procedure when?
| Aspect | Renuvion (minimally invasive) | Conventional resection |
|---|---|---|
| Indication | moderate laxity | pronounced laxity |
| Incision | 3–4 mm liposuction access points | long vertical/horizontal scars depending on the area |
| Scarring | minimally visible | visible along the incision line |
| Surgical effort | 30–90 min in addition to the liposuction | 2–4 hours as an operation of its own |
| Recovery | sporting activity after 2–3 weeks | sporting activity after 4–8 weeks depending on the area |
| Time to final result | 3–6 months (collagen formation) | 3–6 months (wound healing) |
| Duration of effect | permanent, proportional | permanent |
| Starting price | from €2,000 plus liposuction | from €5,500 – €11,900 per area |
Renuvion and conventional skin resection address different degrees of laxity — we recommend honestly which procedure makes sense for your findings; you receive a specific calculation in the initial consultation (€100). Clinic fees are shown separately.
All starting prices are net · plus 19% VAT · excluding clinic fees for anaesthesia and overnight stay. Individual cost estimate in the personal initial consultation (€100).
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Are Renuvion and J-Plasma the same thing?
Yes. J-Plasma is the original technology name given by the manufacturer Apyx Medical; Renuvion® is the brand name of the procedure developed from it for aesthetic skin tightening. Both terms describe the same technique: helium gas is combined with radiofrequency energy to form a cold plasma that contracts the connective tissue beneath the skin and stimulates collagen formation. So anyone looking for a J-Plasma treatment in Munich means exactly the procedure that we carry out at the practice at the Isartor as Renuvion.
What is the difference from laser skin tightening?
Conventional laser procedures generate heat that can cause thermal damage in the surrounding tissue. Renuvion uses cold helium plasma — the helium component limits the reaction by itself as soon as the tissue has contracted sufficiently. The thermal risk is structurally minimised as a result. Renuvion also uses the existing 3-4 mm liposuction incisions — no additional cuts.
Does Renuvion work without liposuction as well?
Where skin quality is good, yes — as the Renuvion-only variant through 5 mm incisions, in particular on the upper arms as an alternative to a conventional brachioplasty. As a rule, however, Renuvion is carried out in combination with a liposuction: the liposuction removes the fat, Renuvion tightens the skin through the same access points — a combined therapy with minimal scarring.
How many sessions does it take?
As a rule one treatment is sufficient when Renuvion is combined with liposuction. New collagen formation runs over the 3-6 months following the session — a top-up session is not required, because collagen production is stimulated on a lasting basis.
When will I see the final result?
The first contours are visible after 4-6 weeks, once the swelling subsides. The full final result stabilises after 3-6 months — new collagen formation takes time. Renuvion is NOT a procedure with an immediate result; the gentle, gradual change across months is part of the method.
What does Renuvion cost in Munich?
Renuvion is usually carried out in addition to a liposuction — the additional cost starts from €2,000. The specific calculation depends on the area, its size and the effort involved, and is worked out specifically in the initial consultation (€100).
Is Renuvion an alternative to a tummy tuck?
Where skin laxity on the abdomen is moderate, yes — combined with a liposuction, Renuvion can deliver a gentle tightening without the long tummy-tuck scars. Where laxity is pronounced (for example after massive weight loss, or a pregnancy that has left an overhanging abdomen), the conventional tummy tuck with skin resection remains the gold standard — Renuvion does not replace it. Which procedure makes sense for you is something we assess clinically in the initial consultation.
What are the risks of Renuvion?
General surgical risks (swelling, bruising, wound healing) are rare in a modern practice. Specific: temporary change of sensation, slight reddening of the skin, occasional tenderness to pressure. Very rare: a thermal complication — structurally minimised by the self-limiting plasma energy. Where laxity is pronounced, Renuvion can deliver insufficient tightening — we then consistently recommend conventional skin resection. All risks are documented in the informed-consent consultation in accordance with § 8 HWG.
Does the result last?
Yes, with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Renuvion works through lasting new collagen formation — the effect is not reversible. Where weight fluctuates later on, the skin changes proportionally to the volume — but the result remains relatively stable.
Are there before-and-after photographs of Renuvion results?
On this website we deliberately show no before-and-after photographs: the German Health Advertising Act (§ 11 HWG) prohibits this form of depiction in public advertising for plastic-surgical procedures. In the personal initial consultation we instead discuss, on the basis of your own starting situation, what tightening result is realistically achievable with Renuvion — and where the limits of the procedure lie.
Why don't you show before-and-after photographs on your website?
For two reasons — one legal, one ethical. First, the German Heilmittelwerbegesetz (§ 11 HWG, the Health Advertising Act) prohibits advertising surgical plastic procedures with before-and-after photographs on publicly accessible websites — a rule in force since 2012 that protects patients from distorted promotional depictions. Second, we respect our patients' privacy: even where written consent exists, many would rather intimate photographs of their body did not circulate on the open web. What you can expect instead: in the personal initial consultation (€100) we show you anonymised examples from our own practice documentation — matched to your indication, your build and your aesthetic goal. Those images are shown with the written consent of the patients concerned, exclusively within the protected setting of the consultation, and are never published online. You get a realistic sense of what to expect without anyone having to give up their privacy for someone else's advertising.
What should I look for when choosing a doctor for aesthetic plastic surgery in Munich?
Three objective criteria help you get your bearings. First, the specialist qualification: "Facharzt für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie" is a legally protected German specialist title requiring several years of specialist training — unlike general, unprotected descriptions such as "cosmetic surgeon". Second, membership of a medical professional society such as the DGPRÄC (the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), which requires binding professional standards and continuous further training. Third, the quality of the consultation: a reputable practice takes its time, is honest about risks, alternatives and realistically achievable results, and does not push you towards a decision. At Ästhetik am Isartor the medical direction lies with Dr. Fabian Weinschenk, specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery (Facharzt) and a member of the DGPRÄC. Procedures are carried out personally by the specialist, and every treatment is preceded by a detailed medical informed-consent consultation (chargeable at €100).
Related
Related treatments
Liposuction
The standard combined procedure — Renuvion uses the same liposuction access points.
Learn more
Tummy tuck
The conventional skin-resection alternative where abdominal skin laxity is pronounced.
Learn more
Arm lift
The Renuvion-only variant is a genuine alternative to brachioplasty here.
Learn more
In the consultation we establish what is possible — and what is not. In person at the Isartorplatz, unhurried, with no sales pressure.
Dr. Fabian Weinschenk
Specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery (Facharzt)