BTL Exilis Elite — Skin Tightening & Body Contouring

Skinity Clinic's BTL Exilis Elite combines monopolar radiofrequency and focused ultrasound in a patented energy delivery system for non-invasive skin tightening and localised fat reduction. Unlike devices that use one energy modality, Exilis Elite's patented RF+ultrasound combination and built-in cooling system allow simultaneous deep tissue heating and epidermal temperature control — delivering therapeutic energy to the target depth without burning the surface. On the face, it targets submental fat (double chin), jowl laxity, and chubby cheeks. On the body, it is used for abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, arms, and knees. The treatment is comfortable and requires no anaesthesia or downtime.

BTL Exilis Elite is a non-invasive body and face remodelling device manufactured by BTL Industries that uses a proprietary combination of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and focused ultrasound, delivered through a single handpiece with an integrated cooling system. This is clinically distinct from devices using either RF or ultrasound alone — the simultaneous dual-energy delivery increases biological effect while the real-time temperature monitoring and cooling maintain safe epidermal temperatures throughout. **Physics and mechanism:** Monopolar RF generates an alternating electrical field that passes through tissue between the active applicator and the return electrode. This oscillation of ions within the tissue generates resistive heat preferentially in higher-resistance tissues (fat, connective tissue septa) to a depth of 10–20 mm. Simultaneously, focused ultrasound penetrates to the same depth zone and causes additional mechanical agitation (cavitation at low intensity), further disrupting adipocyte membranes and accelerating collagen denaturation and subsequent neo-collagenesis. The applicator's built-in cryo-cooling protects the epidermis and dermis from overheating while allowing aggressive deep tissue temperatures of 40–44°C — the therapeutic range for lipolysis and fibroblast stimulation. **On the face:** Exilis Elite targets the submental region (double chin / submandibular fat), jowl region (lower face skin laxity), cheeks, and periorbital area. Three to four sessions spaced 1 week apart typically produce visible jawline definition and mild skin tightening. The applicator is small and precisely controlled, making it suitable for facial anatomy. **On the body:** Applications include abdomen (visceral and subcutaneous surface fat), flanks, inner thighs, inner arms, posterior thighs, and knees (inner and outer aspect loose skin). Four to six sessions spaced 1–2 weeks apart are the standard body course. Circumferential reduction of 2–5 cm has been reported in clinical studies after a complete course. **The session experience:** Gel is applied to the treatment zone and the applicator is moved in slow circles over the area while the specialist monitors the skin surface temperature with a thermometer. Patients feel a progressive warming sensation, similar to a hot stone massage — no sharp or burning sensation when performed correctly. Sessions on a single body area take 20–40 minutes; multiple zones can be treated in one visit. **Results timeline:** Collagen remodelling begins immediately but continues for 3–6 months post-treatment as new collagen matures. Most patients see progressive tightening over the 8–12 weeks following a full course. Fat reduction from a single body course is typically modest (not a replacement for significant weight loss) but is useful for stubborn focal deposits that resist diet and exercise. **Who benefits:** Patients with localised fat deposits (double chin, mild abdominal or flank bulge, inner thigh) or mild-to-moderate skin laxity who want a non-surgical option. Not suitable for patients with electronic implants (pacemakers, defibrillators), metallic implants in the treatment zone, active infection, or pregnancy.