Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Plasma

Overview:

The fourth matter, plasma (not gas, liquid or solid), can be delivered through the epidermis into the deeper layers of the skin where collagen production is stimulated. Not harming the surface of the skin, this device can achieve results with minimal and multiple treatments. With high energy setting, results may be seen with one treatment and may apprximate results of fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing without any ablation of the skin's surface.

Expected results:

Treatment of photo damage and sun spots, reduction of fine and intermediate lines, improvement of scars. Treatment is not limited to the face.

Preparation:

Vigorous regimen of daily sunscreens (for all areas to be treated) and nighttime retinoids for several weeks to months (for treatment of face), no alcohol and aspirin for 2 weeks prior to the procedure, vitamin C 1000 mg daily starting 2 weeks prior to the treatment.
Local anesthesia is necessary for high energy Plasma treatments. Low energy treatments do not usually require numbing.

Post treatment instructions:

Rigorous sun avoidance/protection for 3 months. With high energy plasma treatments, refrain from alcohol consumption for 2 weeks after the treatment, avoid aspirin for 10 days, continue vitamin C 1000 mg daily for 3 months. Application of ice once an hour for 2-3 days may provide additional comfort. There is no need for dressings even with high energy treatments as the surface of the skin is unaltered.
Skin care in the immediate postoperative period includes the use of a very gentle non-soap cleanser, petrolatum until skin renewal sets in (3-6 days), oral medication to prevent herpes reactivation or bacterial super infection. Topical retinoids can be resumed when flaking subsides (1-2 weeks after treatment).

Time to desired results:

High energy Plasma: 1-3 treatments about 3-6 months apart. Low energy Plasma: about 6-8 treatments 3 weeks apart.

Duration of desired effects:

Several years (exact duration is unknown at this time)

Contraindications:

Isotretinoin in the past 6-12 months, Recent tan, History of phenol peels, skin types that never burn.

Downtime:

High energy Plasma: Redness and flaking for 7-14 days. Low energy
Plasma: Redness for 1-3 days, flaking for 7-10 days. Note: Brown spots and freckles are accentuated after the treatment until skin has flaked off.