IGNITE RF™ by InMode: A Modern Alternative to Liposuction for Face & Body Contouring

At Miami Center for Dermatology, patients often ask the same question. Is there a way to reduce unwanted fat and tighten skin without traditional liposuction?Liposuction has long been considered the gold standard in body contouring for years now. Liposuction is effective, but it requires suction, drainage, recovery, and in some cases, multiple treatments. After decades of performing liposuction, Dr. Deborah Longwill, a board-certified dermatologist among the first physicians to perform it, now offers a new, advanced liposuction technology called IGNITE RF™ by InMode.IGNITE RF™ is a physician-performed procedure that contours both face and body without suction or drains. In most cases, only one treatment is necessary. It combines the effects of fat reduction and skin tightening in one procedure and the downtime is less than with traditional liposuction.This article explains the full procedure, who may benefit from IGNITE RF™, and who may not be a good candidate for this procedure.

What Is IGNITE RF™

IGNITE RF™, offered by InMode, is a body contouring treatment that utilizes a minimally invasive technology, along with the latest advancements in radiofrequency energy, to address unwanted fat and sagging skin simultaneously. Unlike traditional surgical methods such as liposuction, the IGNITE RF™ treatment does not use suction to eliminate unwanted fat cells. Instead, the treatment uses controlled radiofrequency energy to shape soft tissue beneath the skin.This innovative technology, part of InMode's QuantumRF portfolio, also known as IgniteRF and Ignite, is used for face and body contouring, fat reduction, and skin tightening in a single physician-performed treatment.The controlled radiofrequency energy generated by the treatment does two significant things.

• Firstly, the radiofrequency energy works by breaking down the unwanted fat cells, which are not needed by the body.

• Secondly, the controlled radiofrequency energy stimulates the formation of collagen, causing the soft tissue to contract, thus tightening the skin in the treated area.

This different approach by the IGNITE RF™ treatment sets it apart from the older methods used for fat reduction, which focused solely on the reduction of fat cells. With traditional liposuction, skin tightening depends on the skin's elasticity, whereas the radiofrequency energy generated by the treatment actively tightens the skin, along with collagen remodeling and soft-tissue contraction.

Who Benefits from the IGNITE RF™ Procedure

IGNITE RF™ is not a weight loss procedure as we’ve shared earlier. It is a contouring procedure, and the best candidate is a person who is close to their ideal weight, with stubborn fat and mild to moderate skin laxity.Here are a few patients to consider:

1. Patients with Stubborn Fat

Some patients experience stubborn fat, even if they are on a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Stubborn fat could be in the following areas:

• Lower abdomen
• Flanks or love handles
• Inner or outer thighs
• Upper arms
• Under the chin
• Jawline

In these areas, a little amount of fat could make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the body. The procedure could be used to contour these areas by removing the excess fat.

2. Patients with Mild to Moderate Losing Skin

Some patients experience losing skin due to various reasons, such as pregnancy, weight loss, or the effects of aging. Losing skin could be in the following areas:

• On the face, jawline, or under the chin
• On the body, on the abdomen, or on the arms

IGNITE RF™ is a great option, as this procedure will not only help reduce fat but also tighten the skin through the collagen it produces.

3. Patients Who Want Less Downtime

Liposuction is a long recovery process, especially with the need for the use of drains, compression suits, as well as the bruising and pain that accompany the procedure. Most people in the world today are busy people, and the procedure needs to be one that will easily be incorporated into their busy schedule.IGNITE RF™ has a very fast recovery process as compared to the traditional procedure of liposuction. This means that the patient is able to get back to their normal activities immediately, with little swelling or soreness.

4. Patients Looking for a One-Time Procedure

Most non-surgical fat reduction treatments require a number of treatments, with the treatments being done weeks apart. The best part about the IGNITE RF™ procedure is that it is a procedure that is done once. This means that the patient looking for a quick fix is in the right place.Not having to go through a long recovery process is a large priority for a lot of patients. With traditional liposuction, this can mean swelling, bruising, compression garments, and weeks away from normal activities. InMode Ignite RF is meant to provide results with minimal recovery time so that the majority of patients can get back to normal activities relatively quickly.The best part about this procedure is that most people are looking for a procedure that is done once, as this means that the patient gets the results that he or she needs.

How IGNITE RFtm is Done

Knowing how it is done helps patients feel more comfortable and secure with their decision. The technology uses bipolar RF to precisely heat tissues to a therapeutic level while simultaneously protecting the skin. This way, the contouring is done with minimal downtime, unlike in surgical procedures.IGNITE RF™ is one of the radiofrequency technologies InMode offers, along with BodyTite, BodyTite Turbo, FaceTite Turbo, Morpheus8, and Morpheus8 Burst. Although Morpheus8 is one of the fractional RF microneedling treatments that tighten the skin, including deeper layers, the IGNITE RF is more focused on fat reduction and skin tightening. This is the epitome of non-invasive and minimally invasive contouring procedures.

1. Consultation and Evaluation

The process begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Longwill will evaluate the area of concern, the quality of the skin, fat thickness, and goals. Not all patients will qualify, and this is part of the process. It is not just fat reduction, it is contouring, and it is done naturally.

2. Local Anesthesia

IGNITE RF™ is a procedure that is done with local anesthesia. This keeps the patient comfortable during the process and also does not involve the risks associated with general anesthesia. As it is a physician-administered process, it is carefully controlled and tailored to each individual.

3. Radiofrequency Energy Delivery

IGNITE RF™, as provided by InMode, is radiofrequency-assisted lipo-coagulation (RFAL). The process involves inserting a small probe into a small entry point under the skin. This allows the doctor to insert bipolar radiofrequency energy into the fat layer under the skin.The device is designed to heat up the tissues to a certain range of temperatures. The objective is to coagulate fat cells as well as heat up all other tissues. The temperatures are controlled to allow safety as well as therapeutic outcomes.When radiofrequency energy is used, two things occur:

• It coagulates and kills fat cells in the treatment area.
• It causes collagen as well as other tissues to remodel.

Unlike traditional liposuction, IGNITE RF™ does not rely on suction to remove fat. The fat is liquefied using radiofrequency energy, then slowly metabolized by the body. The body then eliminates it naturally. Depending on the device and the doctor, there may be some aspiration, but it is not suction. It uses radiofrequency.Another major difference between IGNITE RF™ and other forms of liposuction is that IGNITE RFtm is intended to tighten the skin. This is because controlled heat increases collagen production, and existing collagen is also tightened. This can lead to tighter skin.As collagen remodeling takes time, there is a gradual improvement in skin tightening weeks or months after the procedure. The fat-reduction effects also take time and can be seen weeks or months after the procedure, depending on how long it takes the body to process the fat.This means a more contoured look with smooth transitions between the treated and untreated areas. This means patients can take less time off than during traditional liposuction because there is no extensive surgery or drain insertion.IGNITE RF™ is, therefore, a minimally invasive procedure and not a non-invasive one. This is because, although there is a small entry site, energy is delivered subdermally, unlike with a more aggressive form of surgery.The device uses QuantumRF, which includes, among other things, QuantumRF 25. This means the physician can adjust energy delivery based on the area being treated and tissue thickness. This is important because of the level of accuracy that is achieved, especially with regard to face and body contouring.For eligible patients, a single procedure can yield considerable contour improvement. However, outcomes vary from person to person, depending on the area's anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. A consultation is, however, required before a particular patient can use IGNITE RF™.

4. Immediate and Gradual Results

Some changes can be seen immediately, though it will take a little time for the swelling to go down. However, the changes will also occur gradually because the process stimulates collagen production and gradually removes the fat.Tightening of the skin will also continue to improve with time. As the process also helps stimulate collagen regeneration, the changes will occur smoothly rather than abruptly.

Areas Commonly Treated With IGNITE RF™

IGNITE RF™ is a medical device used for the treatment of the face and the contouring of the body. This is a minimally invasive procedure for fat reduction and skin tightening simultaneously. The result will improve with time, especially with the production of collagen.Unlike other RF devices, such as the Morpheus8 and the Morpheus8 Burst, used for improving the quality of the skin, both internally and externally, the IGNITE RF™ utilizes a stronger RF for the treatment of the soft tissue, leading to a change in the structure.

1. Face and Neck

For the contouring of the face, the IgniteRF device can be applied to areas showing the beginning of fullness.The areas treated by the IGNITE RF™ include:

• Under the chin area.
• Jawline area.
• Lower cheek area.

These areas are treated by the RF, leading to the reduction of small areas of fat and the tightening of the area with the production of collagen. This type of RF stimulates the soft tissue, leading to a refined jawline.For those patients wishing to have a non-surgical method for improving the facial contour, this is a cutting-edge device for improving the face non-surgically. This is not a non-invasive procedure, but you don’t have to make large incisions and have a long recovery period.Depending on the anatomy, the FaceTite Turbo, among other InMode devices, such as the IGNITE RF™, can be used by the patients. The advantages of the InMode Ignite RF include the tailoring of the RF according to the contour and the thickness of the tissue.

2. The Body

When IGNITE RF™ is used on the body, it is typically applied to areas with resistant fat, despite proper diet and exercise. The body is an area where fat reduction and skin tightening are often necessary. Some of these areas include:

• Abdomen
• Flanks
• Thighs
• Upper Arms

The abdomen is a common area when it comes to body contouring. Patients often find that they experience laxity due to weight loss, pregnancy, and even age. The combination of deep radiofrequency and tissue contraction can help tighten the skin and eliminate unwanted fat.When comparing IGNITE RF™ to traditional liposuction and other surgical procedures, patients can enjoy results with minimal downtime. It is not primarily a suction procedure, nor is it necessary to make provisions for drains. This procedure is attractive to patients who want to make changes without disrupting their lifestyles. What is significant about this new body-contouring technology is its precision. The device is adjustable to the required treatment area, whether small or large. This is important to ensure not only that the treatment is effective, but also that the contour modifications are natural and proportional.As previously stated, treatment is highly individualized. The objective is not necessarily aggressive fat loss, as has been discussed, but rather fine-tuning of contours. By combining fat loss, collagen stimulation, and controlled tissue tightening, IGNITE RF™ technology is designed to create a smooth transition between treated and untreated areas.However, harmony and safety, as well as results with little downtime, remain key objectives.

Who Does Not Need IGNITE RF™

Not all patients are good candidates for the procedure.

• Patients Who Need Major Weight Loss: IGNITE RF™ is not for major weight loss. Those who want to lose a lot of weight should consider lifestyle changes and other weight-loss methods.

• Patients with severe skin laxity: If the skin is severely lax, it is best to surgically remove it to allow it to tighten properly. IGNITE RF™ is best for mild and moderate laxity.

• Patients with Unrealistic Expectations: No procedure can completely transform the body or stop aging. Those who want the procedure should be aware that it can help contour their body, not make it perfect.

What The Recovery Process Looks Like

Some patients experience slight swelling, tenderness, and bruising after treatment. Nevertheless, because there is no suction, trauma, and no need for drains, recovery is much more comfortable compared to traditional liposuction.It is possible for patients to get back to their normal activities shortly. Instructions will vary depending on the treatment area. Compression garments can be used, depending on individual needs, to aid in recovery and body shaping.As with all medical procedures, it is important to follow instructions after treatment, especially if you want your recovery and treatment outcome to be successful. While technology is important, it is not the only thing needed; expertise and knowledge of the physician are equally important.Dr. Deborah Longwill has vast experience and knowledge in cosmetic dermatology. She is a pioneer of tumescent liposuction technology. It is important to note that patients get treatment in an environment with technology and expertise.At Miami Center for Dermatology, we understand the importance of personalized treatment for our patients. Balance, safety, and results are their primary concerns. If you are looking for body contouring or facial contouring, the first step is a professional consultation.IGNITE RF is for people who want modern solutions for their body contouring needs and want results without the intensity of traditional liposuction. Schedule a consultation with our staff of qualified doctors today and determine if it is the best solution for you.