Plastic surgeon Paul S. Kim, MD, discusses his role in the Renewing Lives campaign and how minimally invasive skin-tightening treatments like Renuvion are helping patients address post-weight loss skin laxity.
Skin laxity is an increasingly visible challenge for patients undergoing major weight loss, especially in the wake of the widespread adoption of GLP-1 medications. While surgical solutions exist, not all patients have access to the care they need. In response, Renuvion launched the Renewing Lives campaign, a give-back initiative that funds free treatments for individuals who cannot otherwise afford them. The program seeks to expand access to minimally invasive procedures using Renuvion’s helium plasma and RF technology, manufactured by Apyx Medical, with the goal of restoring both form and confidence in patients affected by excess skin.
One of the first recipients of the program was Mark, a former frontline healthcare worker whose physical health and self-image were deeply impacted by the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now 60, Mark sought a solution for facial skin laxity that aligned with his goal of entering this new decade with renewed energy and self-assurance.
Paul S. Kim, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice at Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, performed Mark’s procedure. In the following interview, Dr. Kim discusses his involvement in the Renewing Lives campaign, his treatment approach, and the broader implications of skin-tightening solutions in a private practice setting.
Plastic Surgery Practice: What made you want to participate in the Renewing Lives campaign, and how does this kind of work fit into your overall approach to patient care?
Paul S. Kim, MD: The Renewing Lives Campaign is a life-changing give-back program that provides Renuvion treatments to people who can benefit most, and Apyx Medical recognizes that there are people who would benefit from a treatment, but it may not be accessible to everyone. For every Renuvion procedure performed in the United States, Apyx Medical will donate to the Renewing Lives campaign to fund treatments for those who need it most.
I was delighted to learn about the Renewing Lives program. It is a perfect way for me to give back to patients who might not otherwise be able to seek such treatment. My goal is always to make my patients feel comfortable with me as their plastic surgeon but also help them feel good about themselves. I want to help my patients become the best version of themselves.
PSP: From a clinical perspective, what were the key considerations in approving Mark as a candidate for Renuvion treatment?
Kim: Renuvion is a great option for anyone looking to improve skin laxity with a minimally invasive procedure. Whether the loose skin is from significant weight loss, pregnancy or aging, Renuvion is designed to treat loose, sagging skin anywhere on the face, neck, and body.
Mark was a perfect candidate for Renuvion because he had concerns about the skin on his face and was unhappy with the sagging he was seeing. He wanted a tighter and more defined jawline without having to undergo a full neck lift with incisions and a lengthy recovery, making Renuvion a great solution for him.
PSP: How do you approach conversations with patients like Mark, who may be dealing with long-term emotional effects tied to body image or past weight loss?
Kim: I take so much pride and joy in being a plastic surgeon and being able to have such a direct impact on a person’s life is simply remarkable. It’s incredible to see how just a little confidence boost can be so transformative to an individual’s overall persona. Being a plastic surgeon is so rewarding and it is truly an honor to serve my patients in any way that I can.
Whenever I am speaking with patients I approach conversations with empathy and I do my best to create a safe space for them to be open and honest about their experiences and expectations.
PSP: Can you walk us through your treatment plan and expected outcomes for these cases, particularly as they relate to skin laxity and body contouring goals?
Kim: Mark was a perfect candidate for Renuvion. I knew he only needed a small amount of liposuction and with Renuvion I was able to tighten the skin with minimal incision and under local anesthesia. The area that was treated with Renuvion will continue to improve in the months following the surgery. I’m excited for him to continue on his journey of recovery and see the final results.
In just minutes during the procedure, Renuvion’s direct and precise targeting creates a contouring effect with long-lasting results and minimal downtime. Recovery can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the individual and treatment area. While some results may be instantly visible, full recovery can take up to 6 weeks, with continued improvement over the following 9 months as collagen rebuilds beneath the skin.
In terms of future appearance and goals, while individual results may vary, patients have reported satisfaction with their outcomes even 8 years post-treatment—making Renuvion not only a one-time solution for tissue contraction, but also a long-term investment in appearance and self-confidence.
PSP: Loose skin has become a growing concern, especially with the rise of GLP-1 medications. In your experience, how is this trend influencing demand for skin-tightening procedures in private practice?
Kim: With the rise of GLP-1 drugs, a growing number of patients are experiencing rapid weight loss—often resulting in skin laxity that topical treatments can’t effectively address. Renuvion is uniquely designed to target this concern by going beneath the surface to treat loose skin at its source. Skin laxity occurs when collagen-rich tissue breaks down, leading to a loss of elasticity.
By delivering controlled helium plasma and RF energy beneath the skin, Renuvion complements the weight loss journey by addressing one of its most common side effects: loose skin. It works by contracting tissue and stimulating collagen production, resulting in a smoother, more contoured appearance. As a result, Renuvion is becoming the go-to solution for GLP-1 patients seeking lasting results—not only from their weight loss, but from the confidence that comes with completing their transformation through a minimally invasive treatment for loose skin.
PSP: What do you hope other surgeons take away from programs like Renewing Lives when thinking about their role in expanding access to care within aesthetic medicine?
Kim: I hope other surgeons consider participating in give-back programs like the Renewing Lives campaign, as these treatments can significantly improve one’s life and mental health. In our position as healthcare professionals, I think it’s so important to consider the role we have in making this impact in someone’s life, recognizing that there are people that may not be able to afford these critical treatments, and taking advantage of participating in programs like this. PSP
Photos: Renuvion
