Plasma Pen FAQs
What is Plasma Fibroblast Treatment?
Plasma Fibroblast is a non-surgical skin tightening cosmetic treatment (or soft surgery method) for facial rejuvenation. Using Plasma instead of a scalpel, the treatment shrinks, tightens and reduces the volume of excess skin. This innovative treatment will give results which you would normally expect after surgery.
How does Plasma Fibroblast Treatment work?
Treatment is delivered using an electronic hand-piece, the plasma pen. This precision device is fitted with an applicator tip (metal probe) which enables the transfer of energy to the skin by utilizing the voltage in the air between the device tip and skin to generate a plasma charge. The transfer of energy to the skin takes place only when the applicator tip has a distance of approximately 0.5 mm to the skin, which means it does not come into direct contact with the skin. The visible result of the treatment is a thermal skin reaction, the so-called plasma points. Each plasma spot creates an effect radius that contracts the skin in the immediate vicinity. Due to the optimal arrangement of the dots, an effect grid is created which causes an instant and significant tightening of the targeted area. (The treated area is sublimated (converted directly to vapor) using the plasma beam without damage to the deeper skin or muscle). The tissue retraction yields results comparable to that of traditional invasive surgeries.
What are the benefits of Plasma treatment?
Plasma Pen treatments have increased in popularity due to its many advantages over surgery. One of the major advantages of Plasma is that it offers a much less invasive/expensive alternative to surgery as well as the time it takes to carry out. Other benefits are virtually a pain-free treatment, few side effects, minimal downtime, significantly lower cost, and instantly visible and natural results.
What areas can be treated with Plasma?
Non-surgical Blepharoplasty – tightening for lower and upper eyelids and excess skin
Facelift and Necklift
Lines and wrinkles – frown lines, crow's feet, straw lines, marionette lines, neck lines, etc.
Skin pigmentation – age spots, sun spots, melasma, chloasma, and freckles on face/hands
Scarring - stretch marks, acne scars and post-surgical scars
Skin imperfections - skin tags, moles and blemishes
Skin tightening – tightening loose skin on the stomach after pregnancy or weight loss
How many treatments will I need?
In most cases only one treatment is required. However, depending on the area of the face or body being treated, individual conditions, and expectations one or two post-treatments may be necessary. Additional treatments can be safely done at 6-8 week intervals after your initial procedure.
Is the procedure painful?
Some patients experience mild discomfort, depending on each individual’s pain threshold. For a comfortable experience, arrive to your appointment on time to allow sufficient time (30 minutes) for a topical anesthetic application to be applied, absorb and take effect in the treatment areas.
Will there be downtime?
Downtime depends on your working situation, lifestyle and preferences. You can resume your normal work immediately, but this does not mean there is no downtime. The tiny plasma flash causes ‘crusts’ to form on the skin giving a distinctive dotting effect that looks similar to a henna tattoo on the skin. You may also experience swelling in the treatment areas, particularly in the eye area. Swelling will diminish within 2-5 days, with the crusts (brown dots) resolving within 7 days. They may be covered with a specially formulated mineral make-up to reduce visibility. As these are cosmetic issues only, there is no real downtime if these visual effects do not concern you.
When will I see visible results?
The positive effect of the Plasma Pen Fibroblast treatment is instant and visible during the treatment itself, but will be even more noticeable at 4 weeks with continuing improvement up to 12 weeks. Follow up treatments may be performed after 6-8 weeks depending on your skin’s healing.
How long will the results last?
Plasma Skin Tightening is more than a simple tightening treatment. Skin is actually removed, so the effects will last as long as they would with invasive surgery. Like any surgical or cosmetic procedures, the effects of Plasma treatment are not entirely permanent and will not stop the aging process. Depending on your individual skin type and lifestyle, results can last for up to 2-5 years or more. Negative lifestyle choices including excessive sun exposure, smoking, and excess alcohol consumption are discouraged in order to maintain your results. Aftercare and maintenance are possible at any time.
Are there any risks/side effects?
Plasma Skin Tightening has been shown to be a safe procedure in thousands of patients due to its non-invasive nature. However, as with most cosmetic procedures, patients are likely to experience some minor side effects in the first 5-10 days post-treatment, including brown dotted marks, or ‘crusts’, resembling a henna tattoo that will begin to shed naturally within 5-10 days. Some patients may experience 3-5 days of swelling, more common with eyelid treatments. To avoid any more serious side effects such as hyper-pigmentation, follow the pre- and post-treatment instructions provided to you. Overall, the treatment has few complications, and is virtually painless with topical numbing applied.
Am I a candidate for Plasma treatment?
We strive to ensure that all our treatments are offered only to people who will experience benefits. A consultation is required to determine if you are a good candidate and to discuss any elements that could impact your results. Plasma is a very safe and effective treatment, however it is not suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions and skin types do not respond well to this treatment and will be assessed during your consultation.
Who is not a candidate for Plasma Pen Treatment?
Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding.
Anyone with dark skin (Fitzpatrick 5 & 6). Dark skin will hyperpigment and does not respond well to treatment. Fitzpatrick 4 skin types may require a test patch prior to receiving the procedure to determine your skin will respond well to treatment.
Anyone with metal plates, pins or other implants, cardiovascular deficiencies, severe uncontrolled blood pressure, a pacemaker or medical device with an electrical current, or recent hemorrhage.
Anyone that received malignancy and/or chemotherapy in the past 3 years.
Anyone susceptible to hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation on the skin.
Anyone with an auto-immune disease or other illness that affects the immune system.
Alternative treatment options will be discussed to achieve your aesthetic goals if it is determined that you are not a candidate for Plasma treatment!
Do I need a Consultation?
Yes. A complimentary consultation is required prior to your treatment. During your consultation, we will assess your suitability for treatment, discuss your skin concerns, goals and expectations, and if required, a patch test will be performed. We ask that you answer all questions and medical history honestly, so that any and all contraindications can be known, observed and/or best mitigated. Photographs will be taken before and after treatment for your medical records and for insurance purposes. (We encourage taking your own before and after photographs, as many clients find it helpful for comparison and for sharing your results!) You will be given a detailed description of the treatment process step by step. After your full assessment we will discuss treatment costs and payment options if necessary.
What does the treatment cost?
The cost of a Plasma treatment will vary depending on the treatment area(s), intensity, and number of treatments required.
How can I prepare for my treatment?
The most important preparation is timing your appointment properly. Ensure that you have no important meetings, special occasions, photos, weddings or events within 10 days after your treatment to allow for proper healing and for skin to return to it’s normal appearance. Some patients prefer to stay home until all of the crusts and swelling have resolved. If the visual effects of the treatment are of no concern, you may resume normal activities immediately.
Avoid sun-tanning, spray-tanning, melatonin injections and sunbeds at least 2-4 weeks before treatment. Use SPF50 to prep skin at least 2-4 weeks before your treatment, especially if you have naturally darker skin.
You may consider using a natural Tyrosinase inhibitor. This prevents the enzyme Tyrosinase from misfiring or over-oxidizing, and helps ensure overproduction of pigment does not occur. Tyrosinase inhibitors are useful for all clients, those with hyperpigmentation and those with healthy, even skin.
Avoid any other type of procedures on the area(s) which you intend to have treated. This includes but is not limited to laser therapy, chemical peels, fillers, microneedling, etc.
What can I expect on the day of my appointment?
Topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area for 30 mins. During this period, you will fill out your treatment consent forms. During treatment, you may feel some heat and minor irritation, but minimal to no pain! Treatment time can last from 45 minutes (including the numbing period), up to several hours depending on the size of the treatment area(s). You will be provided with aftercare instructions and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for approximately 6 weeks post-treatment.
How long will the appointment last?
A minimum of 30 minutes will be allocated for small areas, not including your numbing time. Please arrive 30 mins prior to your appointment to allow for adequate numbing time. Depending on the size and area of the body, treatments typically last between 10-45 minutes (larger areas of the body may require additional time).
Is there any aftercare required?
Yes. You will be given specific aftercare instructions. Following these instructions is critical for best results. Complications or negative effects caused by the device or technician are extremely rare, and often a result of failure in complying with proper aftercare instructions. Unsuitable products or skincare can often create negative or adverse reactions. *Med 1 Aesthetics is not responsible for complications related to improper aftercare.