What is Plasma Sublimination?
Plasma is a recent innovation in the world of Aesthetic medicine.
Plasma Sublimation is a rejuvenating treatment method that utilises the fourth state of matter: Plasma.
The Plasma device converts electrical energy into an electrostatic energy that is then transmitted to the applicator tip /the probe of the device (All probes are single use, sterile and disposable).
Depending on the area to be treated (Face or Body) the right size probe is selected. This ensures minimal disruption to the surrounding skin cells in delicate areas, such as the eyelids.
Our device also has 6 power levels meaning just the right amount of energy is used to ensure the results you desire.
The treatment is Non-invasive as the probe does not touch the skin.
It is a low risk procedure, with minimal side effects, mildly ablative with none of the complications associated with surgical interventions.
It is an ideal solution for those who prefer the non-surgical route for skin rejuvenation treatments.
So how does it work?
The device emits an Arc of energy, between the probe and your skin. This energy sublimates / evaporates skin cells and produces an immediate tightening and lifting effect, without affecting the surrounding tissue.
The external stress caused by treatment also stimulates wound healing, this causes an inflammatory response within the body, and thereby stimulating collagen and elastin production, cellular turnover is also increased. This is the human bodies reaction to controlled trauma.
As we age collagen and elastin production decreases significantly, hence fine lines and wrinkles and loose sagging skin.
What areas can be treated?
Plasma Treatment v Cosmetic Surgery
Contra-indications
You may not have Plasma treatment if you have…
- Cancer and are undergoing treatment Chemotherapy/ Radio therapy
- Facial shingles or severe recurrent cold sores (herpes simplex virus)
- Haemophilia
- HIV/AIDS
- Hyper Pigmentation seen in Fitzpatrick skin types 4-6*
- Lupus
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Scar Keloid or Hypertrophic
- Steroid medications, (It should be avoided for those on long-term / high dose)
- Vitiligo
* (Afro-Caribbean/Asian/Latin/Some Mediterranean)
What happens during the treatment?
A topical anaesthetic cream is applied before treatment for approximately 20-30 minutes. The treatment commences with multiple shots of the Plasma device, spaced very close together. There will be a sensation of heat/ stinging in the treatment area, which may become uncomfortable and in some areas a little painful, but the treatment time should only last between 10-30 minutes per area.
Afterwards, a cooling balm will be applied to the area and you may relax for 15 minutes as the heat dissipates. You will be provided will all aftercare information to take away with you and all necessary products, including, specialist cleanser, healing balm and SPF 46.
More than one treatment session is recommended for optimum results, depending on the area and desired results. If more than one session is required there should be 6-8 weekly intervals between each one.
There will be visible results following just one treatment with Plasma. Your practitioner will be able to give you an idea of how many treatments you will need at your consultation. Results will vary from person to person.
What will I look and feel like immediately after treatment?
The thermal disruption of the skin cells causes tiny carbonized crusts/scabs of excess skin. They will look like brown/black freckles. These are usually 1-2 mm in size. The skin between the small crusts may be red and slightly swollen. Straight after treatment, the affected area will feel tender. You may get slight burning or tingling sensations; this is perfectly normal it is an inflammatory response to trauma should only last for a few hours. In the next few days there will be tenderness, redness, swelling and mild discomfort in the treated area.
You must not scratch or pick the area during healing. The area should be kept dry and clean, to prevent infection. If, at any time, the treatment area becomes bright red, hot and tender, contact your practitioner as soon as possible. After 4-8 days the crusts should fall off naturally.
The skin will still be pink after the crusts fall off. You may use make up to cover this afterwards. It is vital that you use the SPF 46 provided for up to 3 months and avoid strong sunlight for at least 4-6 weeks. If you do not this can cause Hyper/ Hypo pigmentation or scarring.
With Blepharoplasty treatment (Eyelids and under eye bags), you will experience swelling, for some this can be significant, and last up to 4-5 days, Most other areas show minimal swelling. Your specialist will fully inform you at the consultation how this can be minimised.
How long does it take to see results and how long does it last?
Following your first treatment you will see an immediate result. We usually recommend 2 treatments a minimum of 6 weeks apart. Because the skin healing and rejuvenation cycle can take / continue for up to 3 months, the results continue to improve over time as they are accumulative.
Following 2 treatments, the effect should last for several years, depending on lifestyle*, this is certainly as long as a comparable surgical treatment. However, the effects should not be regarded as permanent, as Plasma does not stop or prevent the ageing process. As time passes we will inevitably age again. That said, unlike surgery, many clients come back after 4-5 years for further sessions without the need for surgery.
* Avoid lifestyle factors that contribute to skin damage and ageing such as prolonged and unprotected sun exposure, smoking and excess alcohol consumption.
Side Effects, Risks and Contra-indications
Treatment with Plasma is considered a low risk procedure, when completed by a fully trained professional; however, there may be some minor side effects and risks.
If you take or use, Antabuse, Anti Coagulants, Accutane or Roaccutane, Steroids and /or Cortisone creams you must have 6 months clear of these medications and they may not be resumed after Plasma treatment for at least 6 weeks.
Healing and aftercare is crucial to excellent results. One of the more common risks is a change in the pigmentation of the skin in the treated area. To prevent this, we will advise and provide you with a bespoke aftercare routine.
You will be supplied with a specialist mild vegetable based cleansing foam from Clinicare, an after care balm to de-stress the skin and promote wound healing. A factor 46 facial cream that must be used daily for 3 month.
It is vital that the crusts are left to heal and drop off naturally. Scratching or picking can cause scarring, infection and pigmentation abnormalities, either becoming lighter (hypo-pigmented) or darker (hyper-pigmented). Hair follicles may be damaged during treatment, resulting in hair loss within the treated area.
Although it is a suitable treatment for most skin types, it is not advised for those with very dark skin, because of the risk of hypopigmentation that can occur after treatment; a risk that is increased if the carbon crust scabs are disturbed.
This treatment is not suitable for large eye bags, where excess fat is the main problem; this requires surgical intervention.
Next Steps
Before undergoing any Plasma Treatment you must have a full consultation and undergo an allergy test for topical Anaesthetics. You must also complete a patch test for insurance purposes.
