Plasma needling
Plasma Needling, also known as Plexr™ or Plasmapen, is a new advanced Plasma Technology treatment used as a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods such as eye-lift (blepharoplasty) surgery.
what is plasma needling?
The Plasma needling method has many advantages over cosmetic surgery, which makes it an increasingly popular treatment method. There is no cutting of the skin, which means that there are no stitches required, and most people can return to work the same day. It is also much quicker than surgery, as no injectable anaesthetic is required.
Plasma is a relatively new innovation in the beauty industry. The extremely accurate instrument works by ionising the gas particles in the air between its tip and the skin, to form plasma. A very precise electrical arc is created, which vaporises a tiny portion of the top layer of skin. By creating a series of mini carbonised dots on the skin, an instant contraction and tightening of the skin fibres is triggered to create a lifting, remodelling and rejuvenating effect of the area treated. The results are instant, but also no heat is transferred to the surrounding area. The resultant tissue retraction and tightening (as opposed to removal) gives results that are comparable to traditional invasive skin removal surgery.
what is it used to treat?
Plasma Needling has a wide range of therapeutic uses, being able to treat a number of imperfections without any actual cutting of the skin. It can be used for:
· Eyelid reconstruction (non-surgical blepharoplasty), including resolving baggy lower eyelids and excess upper eyelid skin.
· Tattoo removal.
· Skin imperfections and benign lesions, including warts, fibromas, pigmentation and sun spots.
· Improvement in the appearance of scarring, including post-surgery scars, acne scars and stretch marks.
· Lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
· Facelift and necklift.
· Active acne.
How long does it last?
As Plasma Needling is more than a simple tightening treatment, tiny portions of skin are actually removed, so the effects should last as long as they would with invasive surgery. Like all surgical and cosmetic procedures, the effects of Plasma Needling treatment are not entirely permanent as it does not halt any further ageing. But, the positive results should last you years as opposed to months. Additionally, there are lifestyle factors that can prevent the result from lasting as long as they can, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure. Those planning on treatment should also be aware that their race and genetics can also have an effect of the length of beneficial effects.
Some patients may require additional sessions depending on the area to be treated and the initial severity of the problem.
side effects and risks
Plasma Needling has been shown to be a safe treatment due to its non-invasive nature. Still the majority of patients are likely to experience some minor side effects in the 7 days following treatment.
There will be some brown marks that have the appearance of minor scabbing, which are carbon crusts, but after around 5 days, these will fall off, revealing new pink skin beneath. Some swelling will be seen (especially in cases of eyelid treatment), but it is likely to only last 3-5 days at most. To avoid any more serious side effects such as hyperpigmentation, closely follow the aftercare regime recommended to you following treatment.