Renuvion at a Glance
Anesthesia
Local or General
Procedure Time
30–60 Minutes
Recovery Time
5–7 Days
Results
Long-Lasting
Medically reviewed by Clayton Crantford, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon  |  Last updated: 2026-03-13

What Is Renuvion?

Key Takeaways
  • FDA-cleared subdermal skin tightening using helium plasma and radiofrequency energy
  • Contracts collagen fibers instantly for immediate and progressive skin tightening
  • Treats abdomen, arms, thighs, neck, flanks, and other areas with loose skin
  • Often combined with liposuction for enhanced body contouring results
  • Minimal incisions, minimal scarring, and significantly shorter recovery than surgical alternatives

Renuvion—also known as J-Plasma—is a minimally invasive skin tightening technology that delivers precise helium plasma energy beneath the skin’s surface. The controlled energy heats subdermal tissue, causing collagen fibers to contract almost instantly. The result is firmer, tighter skin without the extensive incisions and prolonged recovery of traditional surgical skin removal.

At Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic, Dr. Clayton Crantford—a board-certified plastic surgeon—uses Renuvion to help patients achieve smoother, more contoured results. Whether used as a standalone treatment or paired with liposuction, Renuvion addresses mild to moderate skin laxity on the body and face with remarkable precision and minimal downtime.

How Renuvion Works

Advanced helium plasma technology delivers controlled energy beneath the skin for precise collagen contraction and tissue tightening.

Helium Plasma Energy

Instant Collagen Contraction

Renuvion combines helium gas with radiofrequency energy to create cold plasma. This energy heats subdermal tissue to approximately 85°C, causing collagen fibers to contract in less than one second—tightening skin from beneath the surface.

Precision Delivery

Surface-Safe Technology

The helium plasma cools rapidly after energy delivery, protecting the outer skin surface from thermal damage. This allows precise subdermal treatment while keeping the overlying skin safe—resulting in minimal scarring and faster healing.

FDA Cleared

Clinically Validated Results

Renuvion is the only device FDA-cleared for subdermal tissue contraction and for use after liposuction. Clinical studies demonstrate significant, measurable skin tightening with high patient satisfaction rates.

Progressive Remodeling

Results That Continue to Improve

Beyond the immediate collagen contraction, Renuvion stimulates ongoing collagen remodeling over 3–6 months. Skin continues to tighten and firm as new collagen forms, delivering progressively refined results.

Renuvion Treatment Areas

Renuvion addresses loose or sagging skin across multiple areas of the body and face.

Body

Abdomen & Waistline

Tighten loose abdominal skin caused by aging, weight fluctuation, or pregnancy. Renuvion firms the midsection when paired with liposuction or as a standalone treatment for mild laxity.

Body

Arms

Address sagging upper arm skin that resists diet and exercise. Renuvion tightens the undersurface of the arm for a more toned, defined appearance without the long scar of a brachioplasty.

Body

Thighs & Knees

Improve skin laxity along the inner and outer thighs and above the knees. Renuvion contracts loose tissue for smoother contours and improved skin texture in these common trouble areas.

Body

Flanks & Back

Tighten skin along the flanks, bra line, and lower back. When combined with liposuction, Renuvion enhances body contouring results by addressing both excess fat and loose skin simultaneously.

Face & Neck

Neck & Jawline

Firm loose neck skin and redefine the jawline without the extensive recovery of a surgical facelift. Renuvion provides meaningful submental tightening through tiny, well-concealed incisions.

Face & Neck

Face & Jowls

Address early jowling and facial skin laxity with precise subdermal tightening. Renuvion offers a less invasive alternative for patients not yet ready for a full facelift procedure.

Renuvion: Standalone vs. With Liposuction

Dr. Crantford recommends the approach that best achieves your body contouring goals.

Skin Tightening

Renuvion Standalone

Targeted Tightening

Renuvion can be performed as a standalone procedure for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who do not need fat removal. Ideal for tightening after previous liposuction or for areas where skin has lost elasticity.

  • Addresses skin laxity without fat removal

  • Shorter procedure and recovery time

  • Can be performed under local anesthesia

  • Ideal for secondary tightening procedures

Ideal For

Patients with good body contour but mild to moderate skin laxity, or those seeking skin tightening after previous body contouring.

Enhanced Contouring

Renuvion + Liposuction

Comprehensive Body Sculpting

Combining Renuvion with liposuction delivers the most dramatic body contouring results. Liposuction removes stubborn fat while Renuvion tightens the overlying skin—addressing both concerns in a single session.

  • Removes fat and tightens skin simultaneously

  • Most comprehensive body contouring results

  • Single procedure, single recovery period

  • FDA-cleared specifically for use after liposuction

Ideal For

Patients with stubborn fat deposits and concurrent skin laxity who want comprehensive sculpting and tightening in one procedure.

Your Safety and Confidence

At Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery, advanced technology and world-class safety standards meet compassionate, personalized care.

100%
Private Surgical
Suite
JC
Joint Commission
Accredited
ERAS
Enhanced Recovery
Protocol

Private Facility

Treatment in a fully accredited facility with dedicated private recovery space designed for your comfort and confidentiality.

Expert Surgeon

Dr. Crantford—a board-certified plastic surgeon—combines extensive body contouring expertise with refined aesthetic judgment.

ERAS Protocol

Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program minimizes pain, swelling, and recovery time for faster healing and return to normal activities.

Accreditation

Joint Commission accreditation ensures our facility meets rigorous standards for patient safety, quality of care, and surgical outcomes.

Your Renuvion Journey

Understanding your procedure helps you feel confident and prepared from consultation through recovery.

Your Consultation

Dr. Crantford will evaluate your skin laxity, discuss your goals, assess whether standalone Renuvion or combination with liposuction is ideal, and create a personalized treatment plan.

Your Procedure

Through tiny incisions, the Renuvion handpiece delivers helium plasma energy beneath the skin. Treatment takes 30–60 minutes per area and is performed in our private surgical suite.

Your Recovery

Most patients return to light activities within 5–7 days. Compression garments support healing for approximately two weeks. Results continue improving over 3–6 months as collagen remodels.

Renuvion Recovery and Timeline

Recovery from Renuvion is straightforward and significantly faster than traditional surgical skin tightening procedures. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising that peaks at days 3–5, then gradually improves. You will wear compression garments for approximately two weeks to minimize swelling and support optimal skin contraction.

Most patients can return to light office work and daily activities within 5–7 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2–3 weeks. Some initial skin tightening is visible immediately, with progressive improvement over the following weeks as swelling subsides.

Final results typically emerge over 3–6 months as collagen continues to remodel and contract. Results are long-lasting, often maintaining for several years depending on skin quality and lifestyle factors. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and supportive follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and outcomes.

Renuvion Cost in Charleston, SC

Renuvion pricing depends on the treatment areas, whether liposuction is included, and overall complexity.

Personalized Pricing
Contact Us for a Quote
Includes treatment fee, anesthesia, facility fee, and all follow-up visits. Your custom quote will reflect your specific treatment plan.

Number of treatment areas: Each additional area adds to total treatment time and cost

Standalone vs. with liposuction: Combined procedures offer comprehensive contouring at an adjusted rate

Anesthesia type: Local or general anesthesia in our accredited facility with private recovery

Financing options: We offer flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible

Considering Renuvion with liposuction for comprehensive body contouring? Many patients combine treatments for optimal results.

Learn About Liposuction

Why Choose Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery for Renuvion?

Dr. Clayton Crantford is a board-certified plastic surgeon who brings exceptional expertise to body contouring and skin tightening procedures. He understands that every patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals are unique, and he approaches every Renuvion treatment with precision, artistry, and respect for your individual vision.

Located in historic downtown Charleston on Calhoun Street, Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic serves patients throughout the Lowcountry with world-class surgical facilities, compassionate care, and refined aesthetic judgment. Whether you’re seeking subtle tightening or comprehensive body sculpting, we listen to your goals and guide you toward natural-looking, lasting results.

Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive body contouring and Renuvion experience

Voted Best Plastic Surgeon and Best Plastic Surgery Practice in 2025 Best of Charleston Awards

Private surgical suite and recovery environment designed for your comfort and confidentiality

ERAS Enhanced Recovery protocol for faster healing and minimal downtime in accredited facility

Renuvion Skin Tightening Serving Charleston and the Lowcountry

Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic is proudly located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, providing Renuvion skin tightening and advanced body contouring to patients throughout the Lowcountry and beyond. Whether you’re in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Daniel Island, Goose Creek, or anywhere across South Carolina, Dr. Crantford brings expertise, precision, and compassionate care to your skin tightening journey.

Our convenient downtown location makes it easy to schedule consultations and follow-up appointments. We welcome patients traveling from across the Southeast seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in Renuvion and advanced body contouring techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renuvion

What is Renuvion, and how does it tighten skin?
Renuvion (also known as J-Plasma) is an FDA-cleared skin tightening technology that combines helium gas with radiofrequency energy to create cold plasma. This energy is delivered beneath the skin through tiny incisions, heating collagen fibers to cause immediate contraction and progressive tightening over the following months. The helium plasma cools rapidly, protecting the outer skin surface while effectively treating the tissue beneath.
Who is a good candidate for Renuvion?
Good candidates for Renuvion are generally healthy adults with mild to moderate skin laxity who want to improve skin firmness without the extensive recovery of surgical skin removal. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations and maintain a stable weight. Renuvion works well for patients experiencing skin looseness after weight loss, aging, or pregnancy. During your consultation, Dr. Crantford will assess your skin quality and recommend whether Renuvion alone or combined with liposuction will best achieve your goals.
What areas of the body can Renuvion treat?
Renuvion can treat virtually any area with loose or sagging skin, including the abdomen, arms, thighs, flanks, back, neck, jawline, and face. It is particularly effective for areas that have lost elasticity due to aging, weight fluctuation, or pregnancy. Dr. Crantford will recommend the specific treatment areas that will best address your concerns during your personalized consultation.
Can Renuvion be combined with liposuction?
Yes. Renuvion is the only device FDA-cleared for use after liposuction. Combining the two procedures delivers the most comprehensive body contouring results—liposuction removes stubborn fat while Renuvion tightens the overlying skin. This combination is performed in a single session with a single recovery period, making it highly efficient for patients seeking both fat reduction and skin tightening.
How long does a Renuvion procedure take?
A standalone Renuvion treatment typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the number and size of treatment areas. When combined with liposuction, the overall procedure time will be longer. Dr. Crantford prioritizes precision and safety, ensuring thorough treatment of each area for optimal results.
What is the recovery time after Renuvion?
Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising that peaks at days 3–5 and significantly improves within the first week. You can typically return to light office work and daily activities within 5–7 days. Compression garments are worn for approximately two weeks to support healing. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2–3 weeks. Dr. Crantford provides detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your specific treatment.
When will I see my Renuvion results?
Some initial skin tightening is visible immediately after the procedure. However, results continue to improve over the following weeks and months as swelling subsides and collagen remodeling progresses. Most patients see significant improvement by 4–6 weeks, with final results typically emerging at 3–6 months. Results are long-lasting and can be maintained for several years with healthy lifestyle habits.
Is Renuvion a replacement for a tummy tuck or facelift?
Renuvion is an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want meaningful tightening without the extensive incisions and recovery of surgical skin removal. However, patients with severe skin laxity or significant excess skin may achieve better results with a tummy tuck, body lift, or facelift. During your consultation, Dr. Crantford will honestly assess your skin quality and recommend the most effective approach for your goals.
Will there be visible scarring after Renuvion?
Renuvion is performed through very small incisions (typically a few millimeters) placed in concealed locations. These tiny incisions generally heal to become virtually imperceptible. One of the key advantages of Renuvion over surgical skin removal is the absence of long, visible scars.
How much does Renuvion cost in Charleston, SC?
Renuvion cost varies based on the number of treatment areas, whether liposuction is included, and anesthesia type. Pricing includes treatment fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and all follow-up visits. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Crantford for a personalized quote reflecting your specific treatment plan. We also offer flexible financing options to make treatment accessible.
How does Renuvion compare to other skin tightening treatments?
Unlike non-invasive devices that work from the outside (such as radiofrequency or ultrasound treatments requiring multiple sessions), Renuvion works from beneath the skin for more significant, immediate results—typically in a single treatment. Renuvion is the only subdermal tightening device FDA-cleared for tissue contraction and for use after liposuction. For patients seeking meaningful skin tightening without the recovery of surgical excision, Renuvion offers an ideal middle ground.
Is Renuvion safe?
Yes. Renuvion is FDA-cleared and has an established safety profile backed by clinical studies. The helium plasma technology is designed to deliver precise energy to the target tissue while rapidly cooling to protect surrounding structures. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Crantford in an accredited surgical facility, Renuvion has a strong safety record. All potential risks and benefits will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation.

Ready to Tighten and Reveal?

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Crantford today. Dr. Clayton Crantford, along with the compassionate team at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic, is here to listen to your goals and create a personalized Renuvion treatment plan that helps you look and feel your best.

Schedule Your Consultation (843) 493-4342
Contact (843) 396-2125
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