Plasma Skin Tightening is a non surgical cosmetic enhancement designed to shrink the skin using a sterile, disposable probe.
Fibroblasts are the collagen producing cells in the skin. Fibroblast treatment is performed with a device called a plasma pen, which is used to produce plasma waves. The waves are directed as tiny spots along the wrinkle lines or area to be tightened. The tip of the pen never touches the skin and is a sterile, disposable, one-time use product.
The pen is held above the skin and a tiny plasma arc connects the tip of the device to the surface of the skin. Using plasma waves, the old collagen is removed by sublimation (evaporation), and fibroblasts are stimulated to produce new collagen. The targeted skin contracts and is essentially eliminated without any cutting, which results in the tightening and shrinking of the targeted skin.
This advanced procedure helps to revive natural levels of collagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin needed for fresh youthful skin. A series of tiny brown spots are strategically placed to attain the desired result. The skin around the dot tightens instantly, pulling the cells closer together.
What Does The Word “Plasma” Refer To?
The word “plasma” has two different meanings for this procedure. During Fibroblast Treatment, the pen creates an electric plasma arc. These tiny arcs of plasma are created by an electrical discharge between the tip of the pen and the skin, singeing the surface and tightening the underlying tissue. The technology involves the use of plasma, formed through the ionization of atmospheric gas, which then works to stimulate the contraction, shortening and tightening of skin fibers. This results in the reduction of the skin surface.
Plasma also refers to the colorless fluid in our blood. The liquid called plasma makes up about half of the content of blood. Plasma contains proteins that help blood to clot, transport substances through the blood, and perform other functions. Blood plasma also contains glucose and other dissolved nutrients. When isolated on its own, blood plasma is a light-yellow liquid. Along with water, plasma carries salts and enzymes. The primary purpose of plasma is to transport nutrients, hormones, and proteins to the parts of the body that need it.
Let’s talk about the importance of scabs in Fibroblast Plasma Skin Lifting.
The key role in scabs are cells in the blood called platelets. When your skin is cut or scraped, you bleed. As blood is exposed to air, platelets rush to the scene and begin sticking together. They work with proteins called fibrin and other substances to form a scab, which is essentially a blood clot on the skin.
When the clot hardens, you’re left with a scab. During the healing process, connective tissue cells below the scab contract and pull the edges of the wound together, like stitches. When the wound is healed, the scab falls off to reveal healthy, repaired skin. This will help you to begin to understand why the procedure causes retraction and tightening to the area of skin we are treat.
No Over Tightening Will Occur.
The evaporated old collagen is seen as tiny brown scabs on the treated area. The tiny “micro-dot”/ brown scab is a protective crust or carbon crust on the surface and will fall off on its own in approximately 3-7 days. This could take longer in some cases and with slower healers.
This is very safe, low-risk, and highly effective treatment for skin tightening. As with most cosmetic treatments, a consultation with an experienced, trained practitioner prior to service, as well as a strict aftercare routine, is required to promote proper healing and to help you achieve the maximum results.
Prior to starting the treatment, you are required to read through, initial and complete the consult record, thus giving absolute consent to treatment. Additionally, you agree to fully disclose your full medical history, which will allow determination as to if you are a suitable candidate to receive this treatment.
TOTAL AREA OF APPLICATIONS
- Surgical Blepharoplaste
- Wrinkle Reduction
- Senile Angiomas
- Flat Warts
- Telangiectasia
- Soft Fibroids
- Stretch Marks
- Common Warts
- Skin Tightening
- Skin Tags
- Seborrheic Warts
- Angiokeratomas (benign cutaneio
- Xanthelasma
- Seborrheic Keratosis
- Keratosis Actinica
- Capillary Nevi
- Lentigos
- Keratoacanthomas
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Filiform Warts
- Nevus Araneus
- Keratosis
- Melasma
- Scar Correction
How Long Does it Last?
As Fibroblast is more than a simple tightening treatment (skin volume is actually reduced), the effects should last as long as they would with invasive surgery. Like all surgical and cosmetic procedures, the effects of Fibroblast is not entirely permanent as it does not stop any further aging, but the positive results should last years, depending on the area treated. The positive effects of treatment will be noticeable immediately after the first treatment, but the final results will be seen after eight weeks. For some, an additional treatment may be required after eight weeks for maximum results. Additionally, there are lifestyle factors that can increase lasting results. Some of these include smoking, alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, and other factors that increase skin aging.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
The number of treatments required will vary according to the area being treated, skin laxity, the desired degree of correction and the individual’s response to the treatment. Most patients see results instantly and will continue to improve over the course of the following eight weeks. Further treatments can be carried out to achieve better results. Appointments must be spaced out by 4-8 weeks.
Before deciding a second session in the same area is needed to get better tightening results make sure of the following:At least two months have passed because it will take that long to get true results. Also note that we do suggest you treat surrounding areas first before going back into the same area twice because of less than desired results. For instance if you treated the client’s mouth area because she had sagging at the corners of mouth and lips, rather than go back in that area, you might consider pulling laying patterns down on the cheeks, jawline and jowls to help pull the skin upward and outward. In other words, you may need to expand the area you treated with more pulling rather than laying the same pattern down again on the same area.
Day of Treatment
On the treatment day, it is recommended that no make-up is worn on the treatment area. You may take an antihistamine 30 minutes prior to their appointment to help with swelling. They may continue to take antihistamines for 2-3 days following the appointment. A numbing agent is applied and left to take effect for up to 30 minutes. When the treatment area is sufficiently numb, the session begins with multiple connections of the fibroblast tip, spaced closely together. You may feel some heat in the treatment area, which may be uncomfortable and slightly irritating. Treatment time is usually between 10-40 minutes, depending on the size of the area.
Immediately after treatment the area may be red and mildly swollen with small carbon crusts (spots). The client may experience a sensation similar to a sun burn which will likely last a few hours. Swelling may intensify over the following few hours and more so when eyes are treated and may last 2-3 days. The carbon crusts will lift within 5 -12 days depending on the individual and area treated. Results gradually improve over the course of the following eight weeks.
Your provider will cover aftercare instructions below and along with pre-care instructions. In the week following the treatment, or until the treatment area has fully healed, an exfoliating wash or cleanser should not be used. Instead opt for a pH balanced soap and avoid rubbing the area.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
- It is recommended that sun protection of SPF 30-50 be used daily for at least two weeks prior to the Fibroblast treatment(s).
- Skin care products with ingredients such as retinols, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), tretinoin or any type of Vitamin Aderivatives should be avoided.
- Stay out of the sun, tanning salons and refrain from using any self-tanning products for at least three weeks.
- If you have a history of cold sores or have other contraindications which may put them at risk of developing side effects following treatment your PC may give you medication to prevent cold sores.
- We recommend to that you take “before and after” treatment photos for comparison. A photo consent waiver will be provided at the time of the appointment for in office photos to be taken.
After treatment, clients should expect redness and swelling. Application of ice packs or hydrating masks can soothe, and help reduce swelling. We also recommend the use of Scalpa Rehab and cold packs directly after treatment to reduce the swelling in the area and speed up recovery. Information and purchase of these products can be found on our website under the Fibroblast training page.
In extreme cases, (especially if the client has failed to follow aftercare advice), swelling can last several days and may initially interfere with vision. Anti-inflammatory medication and/or anti-histamine medication may help.
Initially after treatment and for a day or so afterward, there may be occasional weeping. This is simply plasma and is a natural healing response. This will flake off after a few days but in some cases can take over one week. DO NOT pick, pluck or scrub at this crusting or scabbing as it can lead to infection or scarring. Likewise, it is important to keep the treated area clean and dry.
We recommend the following information is given to the clients to ensure optimum treatment outcome:
For 12 Hours After Treatment
- No Makeup
For 48 Hours After Treatment
- No Sauna or steam rooms or pools
- No Sun Exposure
- No Botox, Collagen Injections or Dermal Fillers
For 1 Week After Treatment
- No Swimming
- Do Not Use Anti-Aging Creams
- Do Not Use AHA’s, Glycolic or Retinol
- Do Not Use Exfoliating Products
At All Times During the Course of Treatment
A minimum of SPF50 must be applied and exposure to the sun should be avoided
- Regular moisturizing with either an all natural moisturizer or hyaluronic acid is vital to replenish moisture and prevent the skin from becoming dry and peeling
- Most people will experience a mild burning sensation immediately following any Fibroblast procedure. This is similar to a sunburn which should resolve within a few hours. However, this depends on tolerance and discomfort may last longer. If they feel particularly uncomfortable, anti-inflammatories such as Advil or antihistamines such as Benadryl are suggested. It is up to the individual to decide on self-medication.
- As a natural healing response, it is usual for the treated area to become swollen, especially around the more delicate area such as the eyes. Ice packs not only soothes but also helps the swelling. Recovery can vary depending on each client’s natural rate of recovery. Most people find it only lasts a few days. In extreme cases (specifically if clients do not follow aftercare guidelines), the swelling can last several days longer and may interfere with vision if Fibroblast treatment was performed in the eye area.
- Initially after treatment and up to three days later, there may be occasional weeping. This is the natural healing response to the Fibroblast procedure.
- As the treated area begins to heal, inform them that they will notice dryness, where a brown/black crust develops on the surface of the skin. This will flake off after a few days but in some cases can take up to 10 days.
- Make sure to DO NOT PICK the crusting as it can lead to infection or scarring. It is important to keep this area clean.
- It is strongly advised that they use an SPF 30-50 sunscreen (throughout the year including the colder months) to avoid sunburn as the area’s sensitivity to sunlight will be heightened for up to 3-4 months post Fibroblast procedure.
- Boiled lukewarm water is best for cleaning the treated area(s).
- DO NOT use alcohol-based cleansers as this will slow down the healing process.
- If at any time the treated area(s) become too hot, red or shows sign of pus, inform them to contact you or their doctor for advice as they may be developing an infection.
- For optimum results, more than one Fibroblast treatment is usually needed and can be performed typically 8-12 weeks onwards after the initial procedure.
- It is important that these crusts are not removed (never scratch, otherwise a scar will remain). Instead, twice daily in the morning and in the evening, carefully clean the areas, then disinfect it with distilled water spray and gently dab with a clean, lint-free cloth. After, apply provided ointment twice daily.
- After the independent peeling of the scab crusts (typically the 5-8 days), pink/red skin forms.
- Sunscreen lotion of SPF50 is recommended six months post Plasma Lift treatment.
- Swimming and sauna activities are only permitted two weeks post treatment and once all the crusts have fallen off the skin surface and the wound is completely healed and closed.
- Smokers may experience a significant worsening of the blood flow, which increases the risk of wound healing and/or slowed healing.
- Note that after the crusts are lost, a slight redness may remain in the following weeks to months. It usually takes 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer) until the skin has reached its normal color again.
- Follow up treatment will not be before eight weeks from the first treatment date.