Plasmasthetics FAQ
Get all of your questions answered and contact me for any questions
you may still have after reviewing this section.
What exactly is plasma skin tightening?
Also referred to as Plasmasthetics, Plasma Skin Lifting, Plasma Pen Treatment, PlasmaBlast, Fibroblast, Plasma Derm, Plasmasthetics, and Plasma Soft-Surgery.
Don't be confused, they all refer to the same type of skin treatment using similar devices.
Plasma treatment has been used in Europe for a number of years before
recently being introduced to and taking the U.S. by storm.
It is a NON-SURGICAL, NON-INVASIVE, safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and tighten loose, saggy skin, using radio frequency (RF) technology.
Our specially engineered FDA-approved Plamere RF device is used to apply the treatments only by a certified plasma treatment specialist.
What exactly is plasma?
Two different kinds of plasma exist.
The first is the one that everyone knows about and refers to the blood that sustains life our human biological system.
The second type of plasma is a gas-like form of matter.
While often described as the fourth state of matter, plasma is actually a gas. Unlike ordinary neutral gases though, plasma is made up of positively charged and ionized molecules which are able to roam freely and fast.
Plasma gas is thus able to do things that ordinary gases simply cannot do such as conduct electricity, create magnetic fields and enable electrostatic interactions.
Plasma gases exhibit coherent, collective qualities that neutral gases don’t and this makes them dynamic yet controllable.
You may not hear much about plasma, but it is prevalent all around us, both in man-made technology and in nature, and we see plasma in action all the time.
Plasma televisions and neon signs are both good examples. In the case of Plasma TV’s, a gas such as argon is injected between two glass panels and an electrical current is passed through the gas enabling it to glow and emit specific colors. Plasma is also used in welding and nuclear reactors.
The science behind plasma goes back well over a century to people like Tesla so we didn’t invent it, nor were we the first ones to commercialize it. Plasmasthetic engineers have, however, miniaturized and perfected it.
Plasma can be made using a laser, microwave generator, or any strong electromagnetic field.
Plasma in Nature
You probably encounter naturally-occurring plasma more often than you think.
These natural sources include the sun, stars in our night sky, lightning, and fire. Other examples of plasma include static electricity, plasma balls, St. Elmo's fire, and the ionosphere.
What are Fibroblasts?
Understanding how collagen is created
Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue in the body and they are the only cells that can make Type III collagen. Type III collagen synthesises alongside tougher Type I collagen over a period of about 3 months. Type I and Type III collagen is what helps provide the strength in our skins dense connective tissues and they are famed for minimising fine lines, wrinkles and micro-furrows and improving the elasticity, suppleness and hydration of our skin.
Most fibroblasts are inactive and are actually called fibrocytes. Fibrocytes will rarely undergo cell division and will not produce collagen unless they are specifically re-activated by a wound healing process or inflammatory response. We do precisely that with Plasma Pen.
What happens as we age?
How can a plasmasthetic technology help restore and reverse aging skin?
Just like the scaffolding of a building then, over time, it will begin to weaken and rust, lose its flexibility and strength and become unable to bear the load it was originally designed to support. It will eventually buckle, sag and collapse. This is similar to what occurs in our skin.
As we age our dermal layer thins and the production of collagen molecules slows down dramatically and this leads to a deflationary effect on the surface of our skin causing us to get lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
As the scaffolding of our skin deteriorates it loses laxity and texture and the elastin that underpins our skins elasticity (not least by cross-linking with collagen like the brackets on a scaffold) begins to wear out, deform, and ‘slide’ over the collagen fibrils. This prevents them from maintaining a solid structure.
The Plamere plasma device was developed to deliver completely natural soft-surgery plasma fibroblasting with stunning, long lasting results.
It is entirely designed to dramatically repair, reverse and mitigate the negative effects of ageing by using our state-of-the-art nitrogen plasma technology, hard science, sophisticated technique, and best-practice training.
Consequently, we are able to significantly tighten, lift, resurface, rejuvenate and regenerate practically any area of the skin.
How do we create plasma and
how is plasma used to tighten skin?
Ours is currently the only FDA-approved plasma device in the United States.
The device works by creating nitrogen plasma energy. When this plasma energy comes into contact with the electromagnectic field of living human skin tissue, it discharges an electrostatic plasma pulse, with the appearance much like a tiny red hot spark. This spark is referred to as the electrical stream, or arc. The arc serves to rapidly transfer the nitrogen plasma energy created to the top epidermal skin layer.
In doing so, we intentionally create a dual zone of micro-trauma which comprises a superficial zone of outer thermal micro-damage to the epidermis and then, simultaneously, a deeper zone of inner thermal modification within the dermis – especially to the fibroblasts. That’s why we often call the treatment “fibroblasting”.
At this top layer, the oxygen-nitrogen molecules shrinks the plasma causing the skin to tighten, and leaves a soft, darkened crust of dead skin.
The plasmic arc discharge stops automatically as soon as the device needle is pulled away from the electromagnetic skin tissue, thereby giving the technician full control of the discharge.
Depending on the desired treatment area, a thoroughly trained plasma device specialist will determine strategic points on the skin using various patterns and placement sequences.
Strategic plasmic tiny-dot-points serves to generate a "reduction grid" that creates instant contractions and tightening of skin fibers. When the majority of skin cells in the desired treatment area tighten up, it is visible to the naked eye and we often see some effects almost instantly.
The darkened crust spots falls off during the first rejuvenated cycle of the fibroblasted cells, which plays a fundamental role in the renewal of the extracellular matrix.
Are plasmablast treatments safe?
Absolutely SAFE
Ours is currently the only FDA-approved plasma device in the United States.
Again, the procedures involves NO CUTTING or BLEEDING of the skin. The nano needle approaches approximately 1mm of the skin but does not touch or penetrate the skin!!
We can sustain our nitrogen plasma discharge for as long as we like thanks both to our continuous AC power source and our devices fingertip, on-demand control. Multiple fail-safes within the device ensure that if we touch the skin or are too far away from it then the creation and delivery of plasma immediately ceases.
The plasmic arc discharge stops automatically as soon as the device needle is pulled away from the electromagnetic skin tissue, thereby giving the technician full control of the discharge.
Technicians are highly trained in the proper and safe use of the device, safe and unsafe facial zones, as well as the identification of effective but safe levels of intensity given the varying skin conditions.
How does plasmablast compare to other aesthetic treatments?
LASER
Unlike laser treatment, the interaction of our nitrogen plasma with tissue is non–chromophore dependent. This means it is not reliant on interacting with the parts of our molecules responsible for colour.
Instead, we deliver completely predictable and fully controlled energy to the skin’s architecture and avoid the excessive collateral thermal injury associated with ablative and chromophore dependent laser tissue interaction.
With laser, the orientation of new collagen is typically parallel to the surface of the skin but the collagen fibers formed by plasma line up perpendicular to the skins surface and this is their normal and most optimal orientation.
In further contrast to lasers and ablative resurfacing; our treatment is completely uniform. It does not damage surrounding tissue. The architecture of the skin remains fully intact immediately after our nitrogen plasma is delivered. There’s no thinning of the skin and no open wound.
MICRONEEDLING
Plasma treatments are unlike microneedling. Again, there is no open wound and no blood and we benefit from a unique ability to always work at a precise and predictable depth of tissue injury. Dovetailing this with nano-probes and our consistent, on-demand plasma delivery; we expedite a rapid healing process with minimal downtime, fast recovery and long-lasting results of around 3 years (with many effects permanent).
Plamere pen device injures tissue precisely and in a far more predictable manner than dermabrasion or chemabrasion and there are no asymmetries or over-corrections.
Most medi-aesthetic treatments target either the muscle or epidermal tissue only whereas plasma pen treats both the epidermal and dermal tissue in combination and to dramatic effect.
We leave very natural and younger looking skin whereas laser treatments and chemical peels can often leave the skin thinner, lighter, pigmented and/or too shiny.
How does plasmablast compare to plastic surgery?
We offer arguably the only treatment, outside of surgery, that can be safely performed on the eyelids (non-surgical blepharoplasty).
We’re probably the only genuine plasma device capable of safely treating upper and lower eyelids during the same treatment session.
Using our device, technicians are actually able to perform most cosmetic surgery procedures with similar effects and outcomes including rhytidectomies, jawline augmentations, neck lifts, browplasties, tummy tucks, brachioplasty and much more. We just do it all in a completely non-surgical and non-invasive way.
Plasma Pen has scores and scores of cosmetic surgeon clients – and they all agree that combining plasma treatment with full aesthetic facial surgery dramatically enhances their own surgical procedures – especially for the forehead, periorbital, midface, perioral and lowerface regions.
Plasma Pen often mitigates the need for costly and invasive surgery at all.
How can the plasma treatment be effective if it is not invasive?
Understanding the layers of our skin
The skin is composed of two main layers, known as the epidermis and the dermis.
The upper outer layer of skin is the tough epidermis, which, due to daily exposure to the elements, is being constantly worn, but at the same time, also replaced. The outermost layer does not contain blood vessels or nerves and is essential to prevent loss of moisture from the body.
The skin is thicker on the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet, while the it is thinner and finer on our eyelids.
Unlike other cellular components of the body, epidermal nerve cells goes through a life cycle, with a continuous renewing of cells. When the epidermis is injured, the cell replacement process is accelerated. In short, our epidermis is our protection from any harms in our environment.
During a plasmasthetics treatment, the needle never even touches the skin! The electrostatic pulse delivers its energy only to the superficial surface of the epidermis, WITHOUT affecting deeper tissues, muscles, or any underlying body structures.
This, my dear friends, is what creates the perfect plasticity of skin tightening immediately after treatment.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for plasmasthetics treatment?
Understanding contraindications
The unfortunate truth is that not everyone is a candidate for plasma pen treatment. My professional responsibility is to inform you of expectations and risks of the treatment.
In medical terminology, a contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. Here is a short list of contraindications:
Systemic cortisone therapy
Inflamed skin in desired treatment area
Heart pacemaker
Keloid scarring
Healing disorders (diabetes, etc)
Lymphatic drainage disorder
Pregnant women
Viral warts
Herpes simplex: In this case, only if virus is in it dormant stage, and must ingest anti-viral medication prior to treatment.
History of hyperpigmentation: In this case, the candidate may receive treatment providing a melanin suppressing supplement is ingested 2 weeks prior to treatment until 30 days after treatment to avoid hyper-pigmentation). Treatment is recommended for those in the Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1, 2, 3. Treatment for FITZ Types 4, 5, 6 are allowed only with understanding of the increased risk of hyperpigmentaton.
What is a Fitzpatrick Scale and
why is it important?
Understanding skin tone
The Fitzpatrick Scale is also known as the Fitzpatrick Skin Typing Test, or Fitzpatrick Phototyping Scale.
It is a numerical classification schema for human skin color. It was developed in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick as a way to estimate the response of different types of skin to ultraviolet (UV) light.
In relation to plasma treatments, the Fitzpatrick Scale is utilized to identify the ideal skin types regarding skin hyperpigmentation, particularly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is the medical term used to describe darkened discoloration of the skin that follows an inflammatory wound. It is the skin's natural response to inflammation. An example of PIH is when we pick a pimple and the skin area surrounding the pimple darkens and remains darkened even after the pimple has gone away.
The ideal Fitzpatrick skin types for plasmablast treatments are Fitz Types 1, 2, 3. This is because these skin types have less melanin in the skin and are at less of a risk of hyperpigmentation.
Fitzpatrick skin types that are less ideal are Types 4, 5, 6. These skin types usually have more melanin in the skin and so are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.
This is not to say that Types 4, 5, 6 can't receive a plasmablast procedure, it just means there are additional precautions that need to be taken, before and after, the procedure. The precautions include applying a melanin suppressant two weeks before the procedure, and 30 days after. Complete sunblock is a must until the skin returns to its normal color.
What are the disadvantages to plasmasthetic treatments?
Plasmasthetics treatments are affordable, supremely effective and consistent. With plasma technology there are little or no untoward effects, minimal pain, no scalpels, no stitches, no scars and no risk of surgical complications.
We are able to provide a huge array of multi-faceted treatment applications on top of the standard procedures (including the safe and easy removal of skin blemishes, skin tags and moles, the ability to revise, reduce or soften scars, techniques for improving existing pigmentation and much more).
Best of all, with high-impact and natural looking results with a shelf life of around three years (with many results permanent) versus average treatment prices of just $800 per area then plasmathetic treatments deliver enormous cost savings plus a raft of tangible, unique and highly desirable benefits compared to the alternatives.
Worst case? It’s massively complimentary to all other treatments. Best case? It’s potentially life changing with the capability to blow other treatments out of the water.
What should I expect just after the treatment?
Expect some slight to severe discomfort, swelling, scabbing, and tender redness
so please plan accordingly!
In the hours following your Plasmasthetics treatment, a mild burning sensation (similar to a sunburn) may be experienced. This should subside within a couple of hours. If this discomfort lasts longer, anti-inflammatory medication can be taken (providing adequate health conditions and no contraindications with any other medications you may be taking).
* While some may swell more than others, you will most likely experience swelling in and around the treated area. This well generally subside within a few days, providing all of the very important aftercare instructions are followed very carefully. In the case of an eyelid treatment, it is normal for the lower eyelid to swell as well.
*Adding an extra pillow will help with lymphatic drainage.
*After plasmasthetics eyelid treatments, a clean sterile cold compress can be applied, intermittently, for the next 48 hours to reduce swelling. Be sure to use a barrier between the skin and the ice, such as a paper towel, to prevent skin tissue damage.
*Please DO NOT apply any of the following until all the crusts have fallen off and the redness has disappeared:
-moisturizers
-eye products
-makeup
-perfumed or alcohol-based cleansers
*Avoid sports, saunas, sunbeds until all of the crusts have fallen off and the wound has completely healed.
*Do not apply any adhesive plasters to cover the treated area as this does not allow the area to breathe and heal properly.
*It is recommended that the water used to clean the area has been boiled and cooled. Or, just use distilled water.
What should I expect during the healing process?
“Neoepithelialisation” – the formation of new epithelial tissue – becomes visible as tiny carbon crusts which desquamate (flake off) rapidly after a Plasma Pen treatment – usually within 3 to 7 days post-procedure.
These carbon crusts serve as a natural and protective biological dressing and, in line with our recommended aftercare regime, will simply flake naturally as the newly formed and rejuvenated “neoepidermis” appears.
Normally within 10 days of the procedure, the crusts and swelling have completely disappeared.
After the rapid formation of new epithelial tissue (which constitutes the superficial healing process), our nitrogen plasma treatment initiates a comprehensive healing response over the next 12 weeks.
This healing process is best characterised by extensive dermal remodelling that includes neocollagenesis (new collagen synthesis), neoelastogenesis (the production of elastin), cross-linking between collagen and elastin fibrils and the reversal of elastotic change (the premature degeneration of dermal elastic tissue).
The inflammatory response we stimulate also activates “M2 Macrophages” which are white blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and which decrease the inflammation we cause. We also stimulate the migration of “basal keratinocytes” to the surface of the skin.
Many other exciting things also happen such as “neovascularisation” – the formation of new blood vessels plus the release of growth factors. These growth factors include “cytokines” – small proteins important in cell signalling that help modulate our immune response, cell ageing and the growth of new cells.
What are the main clinical outcomes?
A dramatic reduction of photoageing and superficial wrinkles (rhytids)
The partial-to-complete elimination of medium-depth wrinkles
Spectacular skin tightening, lifting, regeneration and rejuvenation
A marked improvement and softening of deep wrinkles
How long does it last?
Effects vary with individuals
PlasmaBlast isn’t like applying a tightening cream. When done properly you can expect results to last as long as they would with an invasive surgery. Like any surgical procedure the effects aren’t entirely permanent and won’t stop the ageing process.
However, the results you get should last you for many years. The positive effect of the PlasmaBlast treatment will be noticeable almost immediately after the first treatment and continuing over 4 weeks. Depending on the body part treated and expected results, an additional treatment may be required after 6 to 8 weeks.
Harmful lifestyle choices such as too much sun, smoking, excess alcohol consumption are discouraged in order to maintain lasting results.
Those who want a treatment should also be aware that personal genetics can have an effect on the length of treatment benefits.
What are the disadvantages of plasmathetic treatments?
Plasma Pen is an incredibly low-risk, multi-faceted and highly versatile procedure with no risk of surgical complications, minimal side-effects, little or no pain, very short downtimes, rapid recovery and high-impact, natural looking results that last for around 3 years.
Ultimately, Plasma Pen treatment with our market leading device is supremely effective and consistent.
There are little or no untoward effects and there are a huge array of treatment applications available on top of facial procedures (including the safe and easy removal of skin blemishes and skin tags, the ability to reduce or soften scars, techniques for improving existing pigmentation and much more).
Does it hurt?
Understanding the effects of anesthetics
Topical anesthesia is needed for common procedures such as tattoo removal, suturing, wound cleaning, injection administration, cosmetic and laser procedures, tattooing, etc.
Topical anesthetics are used to minimize pain as best as is possible by numbing the treatment area. The most popular local anesthetics used include lidocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, and prilocaine.
However, not everyone numbs equally. Anesthetics may work better on some skin types than others. Unfortunately, the only other recourse is personal pain tolerance.
Generally, if you numb well at the dentist office, you should numb well for plasma pen treatment.
How many treatments will I need and what is the time interval between treatments?
Optimal results are achieved with multiple treatments. Depending on your skin and treatment intensity, you should be able to achieve your desired effect within 1-4 treatments.
At least two treatments are advised to cover any missing areas. The second session should be at a lower intensity.
A minimum of 6-8 weeks between treatment sessions is a MUST and ONLY if all redness and tenderness has completely subsided.
A maximum of four treatments, on the same treatment area, are allowed during a 12-month period.