Plasma Fibroblast Treatment

Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening is a non-surgical treatment that uses a device to deliver the energy in the form of plasma to rejuvenate skin by improving facial lines and wrinkles, skin pigmentation associated with photo-ageing and other skin irregularities. It is based on the creation of a series of tiny dots running alongside the tension lines on the skin. The principle involves the ionization of gases from the atmospheric air to create micro electrical discharge causing sublimation (turning solids into gas) of the excessive/sagging superficial skin layer. This process triggers an instant contraction and tightening of the skin fibers to create a lifting, remodeling and rejuvenating effect. Most areas of the face and body can be treated. The procedure normally takes 30 min to 3 hours to perform, depending on the size of the area being treated. Results are seen instantly although the best appearance is seen after 3 – 6 weeks. Although most clients only require one treatment, 1 – 3 treatments at 8 weekly intervals are recommended to give the results similar to a surgical procedure.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED ?

– Non-surgical blepharoplasty – skin tightening of saggy upper and lower eyelids

– Skin lesions such as moles, skin tags, fibromas, warts, papilloma’s and xanthelasma, seborrheic keratosis

-Unwanted wrinkles on face – frown lines, crow’s feet, smoker’s lines, neck lines etc.

– Skin pigmentation, age spots on face or hands, sun spots, melasma, chloasma, freckles

– Scarring including stretch marks, acne scars and post-surgical scars

Is Plasma Fibroblast treatment safe and does it hurt?

Local anesthetic cream is applied for 45 minutes prior to treatment to minimize any discomfort and the procedure is then virtually painless. The treatment may feel hot in places and there may be a tingling or burning sensation afterwards. Plasma technology has been used worldwide for several years. There have been occasional reports of post-treatment hyper or hypo pigmentation (darkening or lightening of skin) but no other permanent adverse events have been reported. However, with any procedure involving trauma to the skin there is always the possibility of scars.

How will my skin look immediately after the Plasma Fibroblast skin Tightening treatment?

The skin will have multiple millimeter trauma marks to the skin’s surface, and as healing occurs the skin will appear dry and flaky. In the first few days, skin feels tender and redness and swelling will be present. Every individual will vary, some may have very little swelling that subsided in 1-2 days, whereas some may swell for a week.  Pigmentation and redness from the small marks can be present for longer if the scabs come away earlier than expected, for example when lying on one side of the face whilst sleeping.

What can I expect after my Plasma Fibroblast treatment?

Final results depend on severity of skin laxity or size of lesion, the desired result, the general condition of the skin and any pre-existing skin or medical problems. Reduction in skin folds and creases appear immediately. The tiny dark brown spots flake off over the following one to three weeks and the skin will heal within a similar period. Swelling is common and can be quite pronounced around the eyes, often worse the following morning and lasting for several days. The area may be tender as it is healing and may scab. It is important to allow any spots or scabs to fall off naturally otherwise scarring or infection may occur. As the treated skin is sublimated, the results often last years or permanently.

Are there any potential side effects with the Plasma Fibroblast skin Tightening treatment?

The treatment is very safe, as it is a non-surgical procedure. It has a negligible amount of possible side effects and serious complications alike. The procedure is based on the natural stimulation of skin regeneration, so the excesses which may be seen in the world of traditional surgery are not possible. The Fibroblast treatment takes a very short time, with stress on the aftercare, as, in case the client neglects the instructions for aftercare. Potential side effects are: pain, redness and swelling, itching, acne or millia formation, pigment changes (post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation), persistent redness, bleeding, oozing, crusting, blisters, burns, scabbing,  scarring, melasma.

What is the aftercare?

Immediately after treatment, there may be a burning sensation. This will usually resolve during the remainder of the day although if it is particularly uncomfortable or persists for a longer period, then an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can be taken. Swelling is common. This can be significant around the eyes and can last for several days and may lead to interference with vision in the initial period. Anti-inflammatory medication and/or anti-histamine may help alleviate the swelling. Crusting will usually develop over the treated area; this will often initially be brown or black on the surface of the skin and flake off over the following days. It may take over 2 weeks to completely disappear. To maximize the effects of your Plasma Fibroblast treatment we advise to keep the crustations/discoloration intact and not rub them off. Keep the treated area clean, away from excessive moisture and protected using a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid exposing the area to extremes of heat or cold until it has healed. A printed aftercare sheet together with an aftercare product will be provided to you after your treatment.

PLASMA SKIN TIGHTENING PRE-CARE

Fibroblast Plasma Skin Tightening is a cosmetic treatment that uses plasma, an ionized gas, to non-surgically tighten skin. Treatment is used for correction of wrinkles and fine lines, pigmented lesions, age spots and skin discoloration, resurfacing the skin, correction of melasma, acne scar and surgical scar correction, mole and skin tag removal, and more. Plasma Skin Tightening treatment is not suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates for this cosmetic procedure are in good health at the time of the appointment, with no pre-existing health conditions, fair to medium skin, with lax, crepe-like skin around the eyes, neck, tummy, mouth, or targeted area for the treatment.

Contraindications. Fibroblast Plasma Skin Tightening is inadvisable for the following:

  1. Heart conditions, angina or blood pressure problems

  2. Diabetes or poor wound healing.

  3. Autoimmune disorders

  4. Currently have cold sores (Taking Acyclovir / Zovirax 3 days before treatment and for 4 days following treatment is recommended if there is a history of cold sores)

  5. Currently using Accutane or used Accutane in the last year

  6. History of keloid scar formation or hyperpigmentation

  7. Allergies to any anaesthetics (Lidocaine, Benzocaine, Tetracaine) or topical preparations

  8. Pregnant or breastfeeding.

  9. Any other associated health conditions or medications taken

PLASMA SKIN TIGHTENING PRE-CARE

  • If you are displaying signs of cold or flu the treatment should be rescheduled.

  • Contact lenses must be removed when performing treatment on the upper eyelids.

  • Skin should not be inflamed in the area we are treating prior to procedure.

  • If you have a sunburn/suntan treatment should be postponed for up to 8 weeks or until tan/burn signs disappear.

  • Discontinue use of any AHA and/or Retinol skincare products for 4 weeks prior to treatment.

  • Eyelash extensions receiving upper or lower eyelid treatment MUST have lashes removed prior to treatment and reapplied after 8 weeks.

  • Discontinue use of any cleaners, creams, and serums containing acids such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic 4 weeks prior to having any facial Plasma Skin Tightening procedures performed.

Fibroblast Plasma Skin Tightening potential side effects :

Pain- Most people feel some heat-related discomfort during the treatment. This discomfort is usually temporary during the procedure and localized within the treatment area.

Redness and Swelling- Plasma treatments will cause varying degrees of redness and swelling in the treatment area. These common side effects usually last from several days to a few weeks. Prolonged redness, although rare, has been previously documented to last several months

Itching- This can occur as part of the normal wound healing process or may occur as part of infection, poor wound healing or contact dermatitis.

Acne or Milia Formation- A flare-up of acne or formation of milia, tiny white bumps or small cysts on the skin, may occur. These symptoms usually resolve completely

Pigment Changes- During the healing phase, the treated area may appear to be darker. This is called PIH, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. PIH occurs as a part of the normal skin reaction to injury. This pigmentation usually fades in 3 to 6 months. Hypo-pigmentation- In some patients who experience pigment changes, the treated area loses pigmentation and becomes a lighter color than the surrounding skin. This type of reaction may be permanent.

Bleeding; Oozing; Crusting- Treatment may cause pin point bleeding and/or oozing. Crusting or scabbing may form after the drying of clear fluid or blood. These reactions need to be reported to the clinic for additional post care instructions.

Blisters; Burns; Scabbing- Heating in the upper layers of the skin may occasionally cause blisters or burns and subsequent scab formation. The blisters usually disappear within 2-4 days. A scab may be present after a blister forms, but typically will disappear during the natural wound healing process of the skin.

Scarring- Scarring is a possibility due to the disruption to the skin’s surface and/or abnormal healing. Scars, which can be permanent, may be raised or depressed, and scarring could lead to loss of pigment or hypo-pigmentation in the scarred area.

Melasma – Melasma is a condition which is very difficult to treat. Although good results have been obtained, multiple treatments, as well as use of bleaching creams are necessary for optimal results. No guarantees can be offered, as results vary greatly from patient to patient

PLASMA SKIN TIGHTENING POST-CARE

Keep the area clean to avoid infections until the scabs have formed and exfoliated on their own. Follow the aftercare instructions exactly as written to ensure the best possible healed outcome.

AFTERCARE DO’S:

  • Ice the treated area (use a clean tea towel to cover the ice pack) alternating 5 minutes on and 10 minutes off, for up to one hour for the first 2 days.

  • Keep the treated area clean using a mild unscented glycerin or Dove unscented soap twice a day (morning and night) Gently splash the area with cool water and very gently clean with soap and rinse very thoroughly. Use very mild gentle pressure to clean skin.

  • Gently apply your aftercare product provided (using only clean hands) to the treated area as needed to relieve pain/itching each day until your scabs fall off on their own.

  • IMPORTANT!!! Allow the scabs to come off on their own. This will ensure the best possible healed result and avoid scarring and infection.

  • Be patient with the process and allow yourself time to rest and heal.

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds – Once the scabbing/peeling process is complete, always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to the treated area . The skin is still healing and can easily become damaged by the UV rays causing hyperpigmentation. The sunscreen should offer broadband protection (UVA and UVB) and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. You should first apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, and again, immediately before. After that, reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. Use this regimen during the healing period and always.

AFTERCARE DON’TS:

  • Do not pick the scabs. Let them fall off by themselves or you risk scarring

  • Do not apply any make-up (even mineral) for the first 4 days or until the scabbing or peeling is complete (about 7-10 days).

  • Do not apply any plasters (liquid bandaid) on the treated areas as doing so can delay the natural healing process.

  • Do not work out, swim, get in a hot tub or steam bath (avoid sweating and soaking scabs).

SWELLING

Swelling is to be expected after this type of treatment. This is due to the fact that the area will be recovering from a deliberate controlled wound, therefore the natural side effect is swelling. There are steps you can take to minimize the swelling but it cannot be avoided. You can’t avoid or cure the swelling – it is a response to the trauma. The swelling will subside in a matter of days.

STAGES OF HEALING

Day 1:  Try to lay propped up with pillows. Do not lay completely horizontal.  Weeping from the treated area is normal as well as some pain and discomfort.  The swelling will likely be worse in the mornings and lessen towards the evening. You may find it difficult to open your eyes in the morning following the treatment however, it will subside throughout the day. It will feel like a bad sunburn.
Day 2:  The swelling typically peaks by day 2.  Do not be surprised if the swelling is worse on the 2nd day. Remember: swelling is worse in the mornings and lessens throughout the day. Swelling can also spread to the under eye area DON’T PANIC this is perfectly normal. The upper and lower eye are all connected therefore the fluids from the upper eye will drain to the lower eye area. This too shall pass. Discomfort and pain are still  present and to be expected on the second day.
Day 3:  You will notice an improvement in the swelling and the “dots” will start to crust/scab over. The scabs must not be picked, allow them to fall off on their own. Your level of discomfort will have subsided dramatically. Minimal pain expected for the 3rd day.  For those who experienced the under eye swelling, this will still be present.
Day 4:  Some mild residual swelling may still be present on the upper eyelids. No more pain or discomfort should be felt.
Day 5:  Swelling should be complete and scabs may still be present. The under eye swelling should be almost completely resolved by this point if not gone.

When can you resume their regular AHA skin cleansing this would include cleaners, creams and serums containing acids such as salicylic, glycolic, lactic, etc.) routine?  It is safe for them to reintroduce these types of products at the 8 week post treatment mark.