Why Add Renuvion To Liposuction?

Updated January 2026

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anh Tuan Truong

Triple Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

Renuvion is a device that uses radiofrequency energy and helium plasma under the skin to heat and tighten soft tissue. The goal is to help the tissue contract so the skin can better match your new contour in the right candidate.

At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong and Dr. Kevin Lin use Renuvion only when it fits your anatomy, your goals, and current safety standards. It is never a one-size-fits-all add on.

Liposuction with Renuvion Before After by Dr. Anh Tuan Truong Chicago Breast and Body | 2 months post op | Case #1522320
Liposuction with Renuvion Before After by Dr. Anh Tuan Truong Chicago Breast & Body 2 months post #1522320

Why Add Renuvion To Liposuction Instead Of Doing Lipo Alone?

Liposuction is great at removing fat. It does not directly tighten loose skin. After weight loss, GLP-1 medications, or pregnancy, many patients are left with extra or “crepey” skin that does not bounce back the way it did in their twenties. Body contouring in general is often used after major weight loss to address extra skin and reshape tissue.

arm liposuction before after photo chicago breast and body 1780466
ArmSculpt™ arm liposuction with Renuvion before after photo at Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics 1780466

For the right person, adding Renuvion during liposuction may help:

  • Support better skin contraction over the areas where fat was removed
  • Soften a “deflated” look in zones like the lower belly, arms, back, or thighs Improve the look of mild to moderate laxity without a long scar
  • Create a smoother, more “athletic” finish instead of just looking smaller

Think of it this way. Lipo changes the volume. Renuvion works on the underlying soft tissue so the skin can tighten around that new shape.

Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong

Who Is A Good Candidate For Renuvion With Lipo?

Renuvion with lipo may be considered if you:

  • Have mild to moderate loose or crepey skin
  • Have good general health and realistic expectations
  • Want to avoid a full tummy tuck scar and your laxity is not severe

It will not replace a tummy tuck for heavy overhang or major muscle separation, but it can sometimes “complete the picture” for someone whose main issue is mild laxity plus pockets of fat.

Stomach liposuction with Renuvion before after photo by Dr. Anh Tuan Truong Chicago Breast and Body 1910496
Stomach liposuction with Renuvion before after photo by Dr. Anh Tuan Truong Chicago Breast and Body 1910496

Who Is Not A Good Candidate?

Renuvion is usually not the best option if you:

  • Have a large apron of extra skin that hangs over
  • Have severe laxity after massive weight loss
  • Have uncontrolled medical conditions that raise surgical risk
  • Expect perfect tightening or a scar free tummy tuck result

In those cases, a tummy tuck or other skin removal procedure may be a better option for a better result.

Is Renuvion Safe?

Renuvion is FDA cleared to treat:

  • Under the skin
  • To coagulate subcutaneous soft tissue after liposuction for aesthetic body contouring
  • To improve the appearance of loose skin in certain areas like the neck and under the chin

Reported risks with helium plasma RF devices can include burns, gas related problems, nerve injury, infection, and other complications, especially if used incorrectly or by an inexperienced surgeon.

Renuvion vs Tummy Tuck vs Lipo Alone: How Do You Decide?

Here is a simple way to think about it:

  • Liposuction alone
    • Best for good skin quality with isolated fat bulges
    • You pinch more than you see hanging or creping
  • Lipo + Renuvion
    • Best for mild to moderate laxity and crepey skin
    • You want more tightening, but do not have a large overhang
  • Tummy tuck or skin removal surgery
    • Best for large folds of extra skin, significant diastasis recti, or an apron belly
    • You want muscle repair and real skin removal, not just tightening

Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin will examine your skin, muscles, fat distribution, and goals, then walk you through the pros and cons of each plan.

If you are worried about loose or crepey skin after liposuction, it may be worth asking whether Renuvion is right for you.

Does Renuvion replace a tummy tuck?

No. Renuvion may help tighten tissue in the right candidate, but it does not remove extra skin or repair separated muscles the way a tummy tuck can.

Does Renuvion add more downtime?

Most patients feel similar soreness and swelling as with liposuction alone. You may feel a bit more tightness. You will still need compression and activity restrictions while you heal.

How long do results last?

Results from lipo and Renuvion can be long lasting if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Aging and gravity continue, but many patients feel the treated areas stay more defined over time.

How much does Renuvion with lipo cost in Chicago?

Pricing depends on the areas treated, operating time, and whether you combine it with other procedures. At Chicago Breast & Body, we offer clear, upfront pricing and flexible financing options. You will receive a detailed quote after your consultation.

Photo of Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS – Triple Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Truong specializes in advanced breast, body, and facial procedures, is a member of the elite Dr. Miami Squad, and serves as an Officer & Board Trustee for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.