BTL Exilis: Reduce fat deposits and tighten skin without surgery

In short

BTL Exilis is a treatment without surgery that combines radiofrequency and ultrasound. The heat works on stubborn fat deposits and simultaneously stimulates collagen production, making the skin firmer. Treatments are for example on the abdomen, hips, thighs or upper arms. There is no downtime, and the change develops naturally over several weeks. With alestetics®, we combine Exilis specifically with treatments that prepare the tissue beforehand.

You do a lot for your body – and some areas still remain untouched

You exercise regularly and are mindful of your diet. Yet you still have pockets of fat on your stomach or hips that just won’t go away. Perhaps after a pregnancy or weight loss, the skin has become softer as well. Surgery is not an option for you.

This is a common concern for both women and men, and it has nothing to do with a lack of discipline. Some fat deposits barely respond to exercise and diet.

How BTL Exilis works

Exilis from the manufacturer BTL Aesthetics connects two energies in one handpiece:

• Radiofrequency warms the deep tissue. The heat stresses fat cells and stimulates the skin to build new collagen and elastin.
• Ultrasound supports the effect on the fatty tissue.

During treatment, the device continuously monitors the skin temperature. You feel a pleasant warmth, similar to a warm massage.

What studies show

In an analysis of 64 treated patients, the combination of focused radiofrequency and ultrasound was used on the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms, each in four sessions. One month after the last session, the circumference on all treated body areas had decreased measurably. The patients were satisfied with the result; no side effects occurred. The authors emphasize that the improvement is moderate—realistic expectations should therefore be included in any consultation (Hugul et al. 2020).

Why the order matters

At alestetics®, we treat the body not with a single device, but according to a plan. Our experience: energy-based treatments like Exilis work best on tissues that are soft and in which the lymph flows well.

That's why we often start with Icoone or Endospheres. They relieve stiffness and stimulate lymphatic flow. We often combine Exilis with Icoone during the same session. This way, one treatment prepares the ground for the other.

What's at stake

Anyone who tackles stubborn bulges only with more training will often be disappointed – the areas remain, the motivation declines, and anyone who uses a device without a plan is wasting their time because the tissue is not prepared.

We will guide you with a plan

Many of our clients have already tried a lot before coming to us. We take the time to have an honest conversation: What is realistic, and in what order do the treatments fit? Alexandra Stroganova is a trained lymphatic therapist, and our team holds the V-NISSG certificate in knowledge of the subject.

Your way in three steps

1. Consulting: In 30 minutes we will discuss your goals, your history, and the areas that bother you. This will form your treatment plan.
2. Preparation: With Icoone or Endosphères, we soften the tissue and bring the lymph to flow – often in the same session as Exilis.
3. Shapes and tighten: With Exilis, we work specifically on fat deposits and skin tightening. The number of sessions required depends on your starting condition and is determined individually.

What you can expect during and after the treatment

An Exilis session is pleasant: You mainly feel warmth. After that, you can immediately return to your daily routine without any downtime. The change develops over several weeks, because collagen needs time to regenerate. Therefore, the result is natural and not sudden.

This is what it feels like when your contours change

Your favorite jeans sit more comfortably at the waist. The skin on your stomach feels firmer. And you feel that your commitment to your body is finally showing itself where training alone wasn’t enough.

Your next step

Book your body consultation: 30 minutes with an expert, free, honest, and without sales pressure. Together we clarify whether Exilis fits your goal and what your plan looks like. Find an overview of all treatments on the Body page.

Frequently asked questions

Sources & Studies

The statements in this article are based on the following sources:

1. Hugul H, Oba MC, Kutlubay Z (2020). Efficacy of focused radiofrequency with ultrasound in body contouring: A study of 64 patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. DOI 10.1111/jocd.13896
2. BTL Aesthetics: Manufacturer information about Exilis. btlaesthetics.com

Professionally reviewed by Alexandra Stroganova, founder & pre-aging expert, lymphatic therapist, alestetics® Zürich · Date: October 2026