Liposuction removes fat but does nothing for the skin. A tightening operation removes skin but leaves a long scar. BodyTite sits between the two: it takes the fat out and tightens the tissue from the inside, through incisions a few millimetres wide.
Please note: A medical consultation is a chargeable service under the German physicians’ fee schedule (GOÄ). Online bookings are binding; the practice team will explain the expected consultation fee when arranging your appointment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Juliane C. Finke and Dr. med. Stephan Frantzen · Board-certified plastic surgeons · Last reviewed:
BodyTite is a minimally invasive body-contouring procedure. A fine probe is passed under the skin; radiofrequency energy liquefies the fat so it can be removed, and the same energy contracts the connective tissue from the inside. The technical name is radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis, or RFAL.
The probe has two poles: one runs under the skin, one glides over it. The energy passes between them, which means the tissue in between is heated in a controlled and measurable way. The device monitors temperature continuously and cuts out if it rises too far — that is what makes heating the underside of the skin safe enough to do deliberately.
Two things happen at once. The fat is emulsified and suctioned off; the collagen fibres in the connective tissue shorten immediately and then remodel over the following months. The immediate effect is modest, the delayed one is the point.
The method earns its keep where fat and mildly to moderately loose skin come together — exactly the combination that neither liposuction nor a tightening operation handles well on its own:
As a complement to BodyTite we also use Morpheus8 on the body – fractional radiofrequency microneedling that tightens the skin without any suction: local anaesthetic or numbing cream, always as an outpatient, two to three days out of the sun, usually no downtime and no compression. Which method fits your finding is decided in consultation.
Several areas can be treated in one session; that is the usual case rather than the exception, and it is why the appointment can run to three hours.
The areas are marked while you stand. Then the region is infiltrated with tumescent solution — the same dilute local anaesthetic used in liposuction — which numbs it thoroughly and separates the fat.
Through incisions of a few millimetres the probe is moved through the tissue in a fan pattern, with the temperature monitored throughout. The liquefied fat is suctioned off in the same pass. The incisions are so small they usually need no stitch at all.
Smaller areas are treated under local anaesthetic or sedation; because BodyTite is almost always combined with liposuction, larger treatments are done under general anaesthetic and, depending on their extent, as day surgery or with an overnight stay – healthy patients can usually go home the same day. A compression garment goes on immediately and stays for six weeks — the same rule as after liposuction, and for the same reason. Check-ups follow on days 1, 7 and 21.
From the consultation through the procedure to aftercare – we accompany you beyond the day of treatment.
A thorough consultation and an individual treatment concept are essential. We discuss your goals, your medical history and the areas to be treated – and clarify any open questions.
An important part of informed consent is conveying realistic expectations: not only the possible benefits, but expressly also the limits of BodyTite.
We ask you to avoid certain medications and to plan a period of rest after the treatment. Consider in advance factors such as your state of health, lifestyle and your own expectations.
Because BodyTite is almost always combined with liposuction, treatments above a certain size take place under general anaesthetic; smaller areas are treated under local anaesthetic or sedation. Depending on the extent, the procedure is performed as day surgery or as an inpatient – healthy patients can usually be treated as day cases. The RFAL probe is inserted through small incisions and the area to be contoured is treated precisely; some pain is possible despite the anaesthetic.
The energy of the radiofrequency current brings about precise fat reduction and at the same time stimulates collagen production.
As after liposuction, you wear compression garments for six weeks; sport is paused for the same period. Check-ups take place on days 1, 7 and 21. You receive instructions on caring for the treated areas and are informed about possible side effects. The final results appear in the weeks after the treatment, as the swelling subsides and the skin tightens.
Which procedure fits depends on whether only fat is the problem – or fat and skin.
| Procedure | When … | Effect on the skin | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic liposuction | … stubborn fat deposits bother you and the skin is still firm. | no tightening – with lax skin the excess skin may even become more noticeable | day surgery |
| BodyTite (RFAL) | … localised fat deposits and mild to moderate excess skin come together. | fat reduction plus tightening by stimulating collagen production | 1–3 hours, local to general anaesthetic, usually day surgery |
| Non-surgical body contouring | … only a small change is desired. | limited | low – but less comprehensive results |
| Tummy tuck | … there is pronounced excess skin, for instance after massive weight loss. | complete removal of excess skin | general anaesthetic, inpatient |
The fat reduction is visible as soon as the swelling settles, within a few weeks. The tightening is slower and that is the part people misjudge: collagen remodelling runs over three to six months, and the skin continues to improve during that time.
How much tightening is realistic depends on your starting point. Mild to moderate laxity responds well. Skin that already folds and hangs will improve, but it will not be tight — and if that is what you are expecting, we will tell you that a tightening operation is the honest answer instead.
The result lasts as long as your weight stays stable. Treated fat cells do not come back; the ones remaining can still enlarge.
Three limits worth knowing before you book:
And a practical one: because the tissue is heated, the treated area feels firm and slightly lumpy for several weeks. That is normal, it resolves, and it is worth knowing in advance so it does not worry you.
Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction remains an invasive procedure. Possible complications include pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, seroma, altered sensation, contour irregularity, asymmetry, scarring, burns or other heat injury, delayed healing and anaesthetic reactions. Further treatment or revision surgery may be necessary.
The degree of skin contraction and the time course vary. Loose skin cannot always be corrected adequately without surgical excision, and no fixed tightening or duration can be guaranteed.
| How long | 1–3 hours, depending on how many areas are treated |
|---|---|
| Anaesthetic | Local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic – depending on the extent of the treatment |
| Stay | Usually day surgery – larger procedures under general anaesthetic as an inpatient at the MEOCLINIC |
| Back to work | 3–7 days for most patients |
| Compression | 6 weeks, as after liposuction; no sport during that time; check-ups on days 1, 7 and 21 |
| Device | BodyTite, current device generation; Morpheus8 as a complement |
| Final result | Fat reduction within weeks, tightening over three to six months |
| Where | Day surgery at our practice, Heinrich-Roller-Straße 15, Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg |
| Paid by | Private fee or private insurance benefit |
What does BodyTite cost? There is no flat rate. Time in theatre, technique, anaesthetic and the extent of the procedure differ from person to person. You get a binding quote at the end of your consultation — in writing, with nothing hidden. And the consultation itself? Medical advice is a treatment in its own right and is invoiced under the German scale of medical fees (GOÄ) — including when you decide against a procedure afterwards. We tell you what to expect when the appointment is made.
Will insurance pay? As a rule, no: purely aesthetic procedures are paid privately. German statutory insurers only contribute where a medical indication is recognised; private insurers and international policies decide case by case. We will tell you honestly whether you have any prospect of cover.
These points apply generally. What applies in your case – with existing conditions or regular medication – we go through at your pre-operative consultation. That conversation is what counts.
BodyTite sits between two established procedures — and sometimes one of those is the better fit. We look first at whether something smaller would do the job – and we will say so if none of these procedures fits your finding.
Board-certified plastic surgeon (plastic &
aesthetic surgery), Fellow of EBOPRAS
Board-certified plastic surgeon and
board-certified general surgeon
Board-certified plastic surgeon (plastic &
aesthetic surgery)
* employed physician
Dr. Juliane C. Finke and Dr. Stephan Frantzen are full members of the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC) and the German Society of Senology (DGS). Dr. Finke is also a Fellow of EBOPRAS and passed the European board examination in 2010; Dr. Frantzen operates on a voluntary basis for INTERPLAST in South America. The jameda seals lead to the independent physician profiles with patient reviews of Dr. Finke and Dr. Frantzen.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Juliane C. Finke and Dr. Stephan Frantzen
Mild to moderate laxity responds well and the difference is clearly visible. Skin that already folds and hangs improves but does not become tight. We will show you on your own body where you sit on that scale — and say so if the honest answer is a tightening operation instead.
During the procedure, no — smaller areas are numbed thoroughly with tumescent solution; larger treatments are done under sedation or general anaesthetic. Afterwards it feels like heavy muscle soreness for a few days. The treated area also feels warm on the day, which is expected.
Liposuction removes fat and leaves the skin to retract on its own. BodyTite adds controlled heating of the underside of the skin, which contracts the connective tissue at the same time. Where the skin would have retracted anyway, plain liposuction is enough — and cheaper.
Most people take three to seven days. Desk work is often possible sooner; anything physical needs longer.
Six weeks – the same as the compression period. Walking is fine, and encouraged, from the start. Early strain works against the tightening.
Because the tissue has been heated and is healing. Firmness and small irregularities for several weeks are normal and resolve. Lymphatic drainage massage helps and we will often recommend it.
Yes — the same technology under the name FaceTite. See our page on facial contouring.
Removed fat cells are not regenerated, but remaining cells can enlarge with weight gain. Ageing and weight changes continue to affect skin and contour, so a permanently unchanged result cannot be guaranteed.
At our practice in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, usually as day surgery. Larger procedures under general anaesthetic can be carried out as an inpatient at the MEOCLINIC, Friedrichstraße 71.
Book a personal consultation. We do the pinch test, look at your skin quality, and tell you honestly whether BodyTite is the right size of intervention for you.
Related treatments: Liposuction · Tummy tuck · FaceTite · Skin tightening · For women
Medically reviewed by Dr. Juliane C. Finke, board-certified plastic surgeon (plastic and aesthetic surgery), and Dr. Stephan Frantzen, board-certified plastic surgeon and board-certified general surgeon.
Last medically reviewed:
The content of this page is for general information and does not replace medical advice. A binding assessment is only possible after a personal examination.
Independent information: The German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons provides patient information on choosing a specialist, consent, limitations and possible complications. The German Medical Association explains the GOÄ fee schedule. These German-language sources supplement, but do not replace, an individual medical examination.
