Frequently Asked Questions About Exion
What is Exion and how does it work?
Exion is a non‑surgical aesthetic platform from BTL that combines radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, and in some applications microneedling, to stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production in the skin while tightening tissue and improving texture.
The Exion family typically includes:
- Exion Face – RF + targeted ultrasound for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction
- Exion Body – RF + ultrasound for body skin laxity and contouring
- Exion Fractional RF (microneedling) – RF microneedling for texture, scars, and fine lines
- Exion EMFEMME / Intimate – RF for vulvovaginal tightening and rejuvenation
RF and ultrasound energy gently heat the deeper layers of the skin, triggering a controlled wound‑healing response that boosts new collagen and elastin production over time, similar to other RF devices documented in clinical reviews of RF skin tightening. Fractional RF microneedling adds tiny needles to deliver energy more precisely into the dermis, which has been shown in studies to improve wrinkles and acne scars with relatively short downtime (systematic review of RF microneedling).
What are the common treatment areas for Exion?
Because Exion is a multi‑application platform, it can be used on a wide range of face and body areas, depending on the handpiece:
- Face and neck
- Forehead lines and frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Cheeks and midface laxity
- Jawline and jowls
- Under‑chin/upper neck skin laxity
- Body
- Abdomen (post‑pregnancy or weight‑loss laxity)
- Upper arms (“bat wings”)
- Thighs and buttocks
- Knees
- Skin texture and scars (Fractional RF microneedling)
- Acne scars on cheeks, temples, jawline
- Surgical or traumatic scars
- Stretch marks on abdomen, thighs, or breasts
- Intimate areas
- External vulvar tissue and vaginal entrance for tightening and comfort
Your provider will determine which Exion modality (Face, Body, Fractional RF, or Intimate) is appropriate for each area based on your skin type, concerns, and medical history, following principles similar to other RF devices described in non‑invasive skin tightening guidelines.
What skin concerns can Exion help improve?
Exion is designed to address several age‑ and texture‑related concerns, including:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity (loose or crepey skin)
- Fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck
- Uneven skin texture and enlarged pores
- Acne scars and some surgical or traumatic scars
- Stretch marks (striae)
- Mild body contouring and skin smoothing
- Intimate concerns such as external laxity, dryness, and mild discomfort with intimacy (depending on the specific applicator used)
RF and ultrasound technologies are widely used in aesthetics to improve laxity and wrinkles through collagen remodeling, with multiple studies showing measurable tightening and wrinkle reduction over several months after treatment (review of RF technologies for facial rejuvenation).
What happens during an Exion treatment session?
A typical Exion session is performed in a medical spa, dermatology, or plastic surgery office and usually follows these steps:
- Consultation and photos – Your provider reviews your medical history, examines your skin, and takes baseline photos.
- Cleansing and prep – The treatment area is cleansed. For Fractional RF microneedling, a topical numbing cream is usually applied 20–45 minutes beforehand.
- Energy delivery
- For Exion Face/Body: The provider glides a handpiece over the skin, delivering RF and ultrasound energy in a series of passes. You’ll feel warmth and sometimes gentle suction or pressure.
- For Fractional RF microneedling: A tip with tiny needles stamps or glides over the skin while delivering RF energy into the dermis. You may feel mild pressure and prickling.
- Post‑treatment care – A soothing serum or cream is applied. With non‑invasive RF, you can usually return to normal activities immediately. Fractional RF microneedling may cause redness and mild swelling for 1–3 days, similar to what has been reported in clinical evaluations of RF microneedling devices.
Sessions can take 20–60 minutes depending on the area and modality.
Is Exion painful? What does it feel like?
Most patients describe Exion treatments as very tolerable:
- Exion Face/Body (non‑invasive RF + ultrasound): Feels like deep warming of the skin, sometimes compared to a hot stone massage. Discomfort is usually minimal and does not require anesthesia.
- Fractional RF microneedling: With topical numbing, patients typically report tolerable pressure and prickling. Studies of RF microneedling for acne scars and wrinkles report mild to moderate discomfort that is well‑managed with numbing cream (clinical review of RF microneedling tolerability).
Your provider can adjust energy settings and cooling and may offer additional comfort measures if you have a low pain threshold.
How many Exion sessions will I need and when will I see results?
Treatment plans vary based on your goals, age, and skin condition, but commonly:
Number of sessions
- Face/neck tightening: 3–4 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart
- Body tightening/contouring: 4–6 sessions, spaced 1–2 weeks apart
- Fractional RF microneedling for scars/wrinkles: 3–4 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
Onset of results
- Some patients notice subtle tightening and smoother texture within a few weeks as existing collagen contracts.
- The most significant improvement usually develops gradually over 3–6 months as new collagen and elastin form, consistent with the collagen remodeling timeline described in studies on RF‑based skin tightening.
Maintenance sessions once or twice a year may help prolong results, especially as natural aging continues.
What are the side effects and risks of Exion?
When performed by a qualified provider, Exion is generally considered safe for appropriate candidates, with side effects similar to other RF and RF microneedling devices:
Common, temporary effects:
- Redness and mild swelling
- Warmth or tightness in the treated area
- Mild tenderness or sensitivity
- With Fractional RF microneedling: tiny pinpoint bleeding, mild bruising, or grid‑like marks that fade over a few days
These are consistent with side effects reported in clinical studies of fractional RF microneedling and non‑invasive RF skin tightening.
Less common risks (usually avoidable with proper technique and screening):
- Burns or blisters from excessive energy or poor technique
- Post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), especially in darker skin types if settings are not properly adjusted
- Infection after microneedling if aftercare instructions are not followed
- Temporary changes in skin sensation
To minimize risk, it’s essential to be treated by a trained medical professional, disclose your full medical history, and follow all pre‑ and post‑treatment instructions.
Who is a good candidate for Exion?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity, fine lines, or textural concerns
- Want noticeable improvement without surgery or significant downtime
- Are in generally good health and have realistic expectations
- Are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or have active infections in the treatment area
RF‑based tightening is often ideal for patients with early to moderate signs of aging, as noted in reviews of non‑surgical tightening devices. Severe laxity or heavy tissue descent may still be better treated with surgical procedures such as a facelift or body lift.
Your provider will also consider factors like metal implants, pacemakers, autoimmune disease, and recent isotretinoin use, following safety considerations similar to those outlined for RF and microneedling in dermatologic device guidelines.
How much does Exion cost in Austin?
Exion pricing in Austin can vary widely based on:
- The specific Exion modality (Face, Body, Fractional RF, Intimate)
- Size and number of treatment areas
- Number of sessions in your treatment plan
- The experience and credentials of the provider
- Clinic location and overhead
As a general reference, RF and RF microneedling treatments in the U.S. often range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per session, depending on the area and technology, similar to cost ranges reported for other non‑surgical skin tightening and resurfacing treatments by organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
For accurate pricing, schedule a consultation in Austin to receive a customized quote based on your goals and recommended treatment plan.
Who can administer Exion in Austin?
Regulations can vary by state or country, but in most jurisdictions, Exion should be administered under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. In Austin, Exion is typically performed by:
- Board‑certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons
- Licensed physicians with appropriate aesthetic training
- Physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs) working under a physician’s supervision
- In some practices, registered nurses (RNs) or trained aestheticians may perform parts of the treatment, but usually under a medical director’s oversight
Non‑surgical energy‑based procedures such as RF and laser treatments are generally regulated similarly to other medical devices, and professional societies like the American Academy of Dermatology emphasize the importance of choosing qualified, medically supervised providers.
When evaluating an Exion provider in Austin, ask:
- What medical license and board certifications do you hold?
- How many Exion (or similar RF/RF microneedling) procedures have you performed?
- Who will actually perform my treatment, and what is their training?
- Is there a physician on‑site or available for complications?
Always verify credentials with your local medical board or regulatory authority.
How should I prepare for and care for my skin after Exion?
Before treatment
- Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning (beds or self‑tanners) for 1–2 weeks
- Discontinue retinoids, exfoliating acids, and irritating products for several days (or as directed)
- Inform your provider about any history of keloids, cold sores, or recent procedures
- For Fractional RF microneedling, you may be asked to stop blood‑thinning supplements or medications if medically safe (only with approval from your prescribing doctor)
After treatment
- Use gentle cleanser and a bland, hydrating moisturizer
- Apply a broad‑spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ daily, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology for post‑procedure care
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, intense workouts, and makeup (for microneedling) for 24–48 hours or as directed
- Do not pick or scratch at any flaking or micro‑crusting
- Resume active skincare (retinoids, acids) only when your provider says it’s safe
Following proper aftercare helps reduce complications and supports optimal collagen remodeling.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology – Noninvasive cosmetic treatments
- American Academy of Dermatology – How to select a sunscreen
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Non‑surgical cosmetic procedures overview
- Radiofrequency facial rejuvenation: evidence‑based review
- Fractional radiofrequency microneedling: clinical review and applications
- Non‑invasive radiofrequency skin tightening: safety and efficacy review
- Radiofrequency for skin tightening: mechanisms and outcomes
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, December 15, 2024