Plasmage

Plasmage Scottsdale

Dr. Henderson is committed to offering only the most effective nonsurgical options for her patients. She stays up-to-date with the latest developments in technology, watching the research to determine which new options are truly effective. One of the newer options that she offers here in the office is called Plasmage. This is a nonsurgical treatment modality that can be used to treat many different types of skin issues.

What is Plasmage?

Plasmage is the first FDA-approved fractional plasma tool that’s available for use in aesthetic medicine. 

A Plasmage treatment uses a handpiece with a tiny tip. The device generates plasma by ionizing particles in the air. Plasma is the highest-energy form of matter. The tip of the device is not applied directly to the skin, but instead is held very close to the skin’s surface, allowing the plasma energy to pass through the air to the skin. Each energy pulse is very quick.

When the plasma energy touches the surface of the skin, it causes a process known as sublimation. This means that the outermost layer of the skin is turned from a solid into a gas – in other words, it’s vaporized. This happens only in the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), without affecting the deeper layers of the skin. Because this process only occurs in the superficial skin layers, it doesn’t cause any bleeding, scarring, or other lasting damage to the skin.

Like other fractional treatments (such as fractional laser skin resurfacing), Plasmage is not applied across the entire surface of the skin. Instead, the energy is applied in discrete dots. These can be closer together or farther apart, depending on the patient’s needs. At each of these treated zones, the body’s natural healing process is activated, which leads to the treatment’s beneficial effects.

Plasmage treatment is highly customizable. There are electrodes of various sizes and shapes, so the treatment provider can select the best one for treating each patient’s particular concerns. Each treatment takes only a few minutes. The device contains a number of safety features to ensure that excessive plasma energy is never applied, so there’s no risk of scarring.

What can Plasmage be used to treat?

Plasmage is an extremely versatile treatment, and can be used for a wide variety of different skin conditions. Because it relies on the skin’s own natural healing ability, it’s effective for many different skin issues. In addition, because it only targets the outer layers of the skin, it’s gentle enough to be used on more delicate areas, such as the eyelids.

Some of the concerns that can be addressed with Plasmage include:

• Droopy upper eyelids
• Superficial wrinkles (such as “crow’s feet”)
• Crepey skin
• Dark spots on the skin (“liver spots”)
• Xanthelasma (yellowish flat plaques on the skin)
• Vitiligo
• Stretch marks
• Warts
• Skin tags

In some cases, Plasmage may be an alternative to plastic surgery. For example, it may be an alternative to blepharoplasty (a surgical eyelid lift) in those who have droopy upper eyelids.

Because Plasmage only targets the outer layer of the skin, it may not be the ideal method for dealing with all types of skin issues. For example, deeper wrinkles or sagging skin may be better addressed with a treatment that targets the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin) in order to cause tightening.

Does Plasmage treatment hurt?

Plasmage is a relatively gentle form of treatment. It’s unlikely to be painful, but there could be some uncomfortable stinging sensations. 

To avoid discomfort, we apply a topical numbing cream to the skin surface before the procedure. Depending on the size of the surface area being treated, Plasmage treatment can take a few minutes to over an hour, and it can generally be completed before the numbing cream wears off. To provide additional comfort, oral medications can be given, or cool air can be directed to the skin’s surface during the treatment. Although not common, if needed, local anesthetic can also be used.

It’s often beneficial to soothe the skin after the treatment as well. This may involve cooling the skin’s surface and/or applying a topical serum to help reduce inflammation. This further helps to reduce discomfort as well as promoting healing after the treatment.

Is there any downtime after Plasmage?

Plasmage is nonsurgical, and is a relatively gentle form of treatment. You generally won’t need to take time off from work and other major obligations to recover, as you would after surgery. In this sense, Plasmage requires no downtime at all.However, there are some visible effects of a Plasmage treatment. At each treated spot, a small scab will form and will fall off after about a week. The skin is often a little red and swollen during the early healing period as well. This can result in “social downtime,” meaning that you will have some visible effects from the procedure. You wouldn’t want to have this treatment right before a big event like a wedding. 

In general, the initial healing process is complete within about two weeks. At this point, the skin will appear fully healed, and most patients will be comfortable being seen and even photographed. 

How long does it take to see benefits from Plasmage?

In general, some of the benefits of the treatment will be seen after the initial healing process is complete. Once the scabbing and swelling have resolved, there will be a noticeable difference in your skin’s appearance.

However, even after the side effects are gone and the skin appears to be fully healed, the effects of the plasma energy are still working beneath the skin’s surface to exert their benefits. Plasmage activates your skin’s natural healing response, and this healing continues long after the procedure. In general, patients notice continued improvement over about three months following the procedure.

Plasmage Scottsdale

If you have a concern about your facial appearance, and you believe that Plasmage could be a good solution for you, then your next step is an appointment with a qualified professional who offers this form of treatment. This will allow you to learn more about Plasmage as well as your other options, and to get professional advice about what results you could likely expect from each option.

If you’re in the Scottsdale area, we invite you to book an appointment with Dr. Henderson. After an exam and a discussion of your goals for your appearance, she’ll be able to let you know if Plasmage is a good option for you. If she believes that a different option would be more likely to get the results that you’re looking for, then she’ll let you know this as well. Simply contact our front desk to book your appointment.