BodyTite
BodyTite is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that uses radiofrequency to destroy fat cells whilst simultaneously tightening the skin and connective tissue.
Table of Contents
Important note
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.
Definition and how BodyTite works
Definition: What is BodyTite (RFAL)?
BodyTite™ is the brand name for a minimally invasive body contouring procedure. The underlying technology is called Radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL).
The treatment utilises bipolar radiofrequency energy to achieve two effects simultaneously: the targeted destruction of fat cells (lipolysis) through heat, and deep-acting firming of the skin and connective tissue (skin tightening).
The unique technology: melting fat and tightening the skin
At the heart of BodyTite technology is a special handpiece consisting of two electrodes that are in constant communication with one another:
The inner electrode:
A very thin, blunt cannula which is inserted under the skin into the fatty tissue through a tiny incision. It delivers radiofrequency energy directly to the fat cells, heating them up and causing them to melt.
The outer electrode:
A flat sensor that glides over the skin’s surface above the inner cannula. It receives energy, continuously monitors the temperature at the skin’s surface and heats the underlying layers of the skin.
This controlled flow of heat between the two poles causes the connective tissue fibres (collagen) to contract and stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin. This tightens the skin from both the inside and the outside, whilst at the same time liquefying the fatty tissue.
The BodyTite treatment procedure
- Advice and registration First, the treatment areas are precisely defined and marked out.
- Local anaesthesia The area is numbed using tumescent local anaesthesia. This involves injecting a large volume of diluted anaesthetic solution into the fatty tissue, which numbs the area and separates the fat cells from one another.
- The procedure The doctor makes a tiny incision in the skin, just a few millimetres long. Through this, he inserts the internal electrode of the BodyTite device and moves it in a fan-shaped pattern through the fatty tissue.
- Extraction system (optional, but common) The fat, which has been liquefied by the heat, is usually suctioned off immediately afterwards using a fine cannula.
- Conclusion The small incision in the skin is covered with a plaster. The patient must wear a compression garment for several weeks. The treatment takes 1–3 hours, depending on the area.
BodyTite vs. traditional liposuction: the key difference
| Characteristic | BodyTite (RFAL) | Traditional liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Fat reduction and simultaneous skin tightening | Pure fat reduction |
| Mechanism of action | Fat is liquefied using radiofrequency energy and then suctioned out | Grease is mechanically loosened and extracted |
| Skin condition | Can visibly and lastingly firm the skin | Risk of dimpling or excess skin in cases of sagging skin |
| Result | Smoother contours, firmer-looking skin | Good volume reduction, but the skin does not always adapt |
| Ideal for | Patients with moderate fat deposits and reduced skin elasticity | Patients with good, firm skin |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive, gentle on the tissue | Minimally invasive, but usually more „aggressive“ in mechanical terms“ |
Areas of application and limitations of the method
BodyTite is ideal for areas where both fat and a degree of sagging skin are a concern.
Typical areas of application
Stomach, hips („love handles“), upper arms („flabby arms“), thighs (inner and outer sides), knees, male breasts (gynaecomastia).
Specialised applicators
For the face, there is „FaceTite“; for smaller areas such as the eye area, there is „AccuTite“.
Limitations of the procedure
In cases of very large fat deposits or significant excess skin (e.g. following significant weight loss), BodyTite cannot replace surgical tightening procedures (e.g. a tummy tuck).
Risks and cover provided by follow-on costs insurance
Although BodyTite is considered a safe, FDA-approved procedure, it is an invasive procedure that carries risks.
- Common side effects: Swelling, bruising, pain and temporary numbness are normal.
- Specific risks: The main risk is thermal damage. If used incorrectly, it can lead to skin burns, blistering, uneven contours, dents or permanent hardening of the tissue.
- General risks: As with any invasive procedure, there are risks such as infection or impaired wound healing.
Financial security in the event of complications
Should a complication requiring treatment arise, such as a burn or severe asymmetry, the costs of the necessary corrective treatment are generally not covered by health insurance. Taking out a Consequential Costs Insurance Before the procedure, this can reliably protect you from these heavy financial burdens.
Frequently asked questions about the BodyTite procedure
Only experienced specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery or dermatologists who can provide evidence of certified training on the device.
The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic and is painless. In the days following the procedure, pain similar to severe muscle soreness is normal and is treated with painkillers.
An initial reduction in circumference is often visible immediately after the swelling has subsided. However, the tightening effect resulting from new collagen formation develops gradually. The final result can be assessed after around 6 to 12 months.
The results are long-lasting. The fat cells that have been removed do not return. Skin tightening significantly slows down the ageing process, but does not stop it completely. A healthy lifestyle is crucial for maintaining the results.
The costs are higher than for liposuction alone and depend heavily on the area being treated. Smaller areas start at around €2,000–3,000, whilst larger areas such as the abdomen can cost €4,500–7,000 or more.
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