
The aesthetic world is constantly looking for skin tightening approaches, and the latest innovation is the use of “helium plasma” energy under the skin. At Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery, which has served patients in the Palm Springs area since 2009, we are very excited to be one of the first practices in the nation to offer the new Renuvion® skin tightening device.
Skin laxity, or looseness, has always been one of our patients’ biggest complaints. Surgical removal of excess skin has been the most effective way to treat skin laxity, but this can leave scars in unwanted locations. Several “energy-based” treatments have claimed to treat loose skin through the years, but their results are typically minimal or don’t last. Renuvion is an advanced procedure that can deliver superior outcomes.
Call (760) 610-8990 today to reach our Rancho Mirage office and learn more about Renuvion skin tightening.
What Is Renuvion (J-Plasma)?
Also known as J-Plasma or J-Plasty, Renuvion is a new cosmetic technology. It combines helium plasma with radiofrequency (RF) energy and provides controlled heat for tissue contraction.
Helium plasma is delivered under the skin through a tiny entry incision that doesn’t require sutures to close. The energy delivered by Renuvion contracts the tissues under the skin, providing impressive skin tightening across the treatment areas. It also triggers new collagen production, thanks to heat energy delivery under the skin.
After Renuvion treatment, which is minimally invasive and similar to liposuction, skin tightening is immediately noticeable and continues to improve.
How Does Renuvion J-Plasma Work?
The key to Renuvion is the combination of helium gas and radiofrequency energy. When delivered under the skin, the RF energy causes the helium electrons to become excited. This creates a plasma beam with unique qualities.
When the beam comes into contact with the undersurface of the skin, it causes a contraction and tightening that are unmatched by other current technologies such as ultrasound, RF in isolation, or laser energy. Collagen, the protein that decreases with age and thus leads to sagging skin and wrinkles, also reacts very predictably to the application of heat – it shrinks!
Renuvion allows quick heating and quick cooling back to normal temperatures. This rapid burst, occurring in less than 0.75 seconds, minimizes the possibility of too much heat and therefore damage to tissue nearby.
The Renuvion Skin Tightening Procedure
The Renuvion procedure begins with Dr. Lombardo making a series of small entry incisions. Depending on the patient and the treated area, local anesthesia or sedation can be used.
She then moves the Renuvion handpiece, with its thin rod-like end, into the incision. Once the Renuvion device is in place, she activates it. A stream of helium and radiofrequency energy is then released under the skin. This energy generates enough heat to contract the skin. At the same time, the excess helium gas cools the treatment area.
In addition to immediate tightening, the heat released in the dermis layer of the skin triggers the typical wound healing mechanism you’ve heard about in other procedures. This increases collagen production, further supporting and thickening the skin for months.

Areas Renuvion Can Treat
Because the helium provides unique, effective cooling, Renuvion can be used virtually anywhere on the body, including the following areas:
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Submental
- Knees

Good Candidates for Renuvion Skin Tightening
The best candidates for Renuvion have mild to moderate sagging in the areas they seek to treat. They still need good elasticity in their skin, however.
The helium/RF plasma energy will trigger a contraction only if the skin is still somewhat elastic. For those with more severe skin sagging, surgical excision would still be a better option.


Benefits of Renuvion J-Plasma
Patients seek out Renuvion treatments for several reasons. Some of the greatest benefits it offers include:
- It’s minimally invasive with no large incisions
- It stimulates collagen production for ongoing improvement
- It tightens loose skin without extensive surgery
- It delivers long-lasting effects with proper care
- It improves skin elasticity for a youthful look
Renuvion Recovery

The recovery process after Renuvion is fairly straightforward. Here is a general timeline:
- First 24-48 Hours: You may experience mild swelling, redness, and discomfort. Rest and avoid strenuous activity.
- Week 1: Bruising and swelling will peak but gradually subside. Most patients can resume light activities.
- Weeks 2-4: Swelling will continue to go down. Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise.
Patient Testimonials
FAQs
Why Choose Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery?
Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery patients benefit from the expertise of Dr. Maria Lombardo, a Board-Certified General Surgeon and distinguished Cosmetic Surgery specialist.
With a background in the arts from DePaul University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Dr. Lombardo brings a creative eye to every procedure. Her unique blend of surgical precision and aesthetic sensibility ensures natural-looking, refined results.
Dr. Lombardo is a leader in her field and has practiced in the Palm Springs area since 2008. She has also served as the President of the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
We are thrilled to offer Renuvion treatments at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery and are already seeing great results with our patients! If you want to learn more about the procedure, arrange a $75 Consultation fee with Dr. Maria Lombardo today.
Call (760) 610-8990 or fill out the form on our contact page. Our practice serves Rancho Mirage and the surrounding areas of California!



