Plasma Skin Resurfacing

Thermal energy stimulates the natural regeneration process of the skin. You can shed off your old skin to grow new younger looking skin. Plasma skin resurfacing is one of the interesting developments in the field of facial rejuvenation.

Plasma skin resurfacing treatments are largely based on the idea of damaging the skin in a controlled fashion. This damage triggers the healing response which thereby leads to positive changes in the skin. The plasma skin resurfacing procedure is said to reverse the aging process of the skin.

Plasma skin resurfacing

Plasma skin resurfacing works in much the same way as other skin resurfacing treatments. Plasma resurfacing is effective on wrinkles, acne scars, sun damaged skin, pigmentation, superficial skin lesions etc. A minimal level of skin tightening can also be achieved. Plasma energy remodels the skin and stimulates fresh collagen and elastin production.

Plasma skin regeneration or rejuvenation (PSR) technology uses energy derived from plasma rather than light or radio frequency. Plasma is understood to be the fourth state of matter; in this the electrons are stripped from atoms to further form an ionized gas. The plasma is emitted within a millisecond and thus the energy is delivered on the target tissue without depending on the skin. This technology is available at various energy levels and can be used as per the requirements. It can be used for epidermal sloughing and can be used for deeper dermal heating too.

During the procedure, the person might feel a localized sensation of heat. A topical anesthetic is applied before the procedure. Depending on the area to be covered during treatment, the type of anesthesia is chosen. After the procedure, an ointment needs to be applied on the treated area. This ointment keeps the area moist. A few people might experience a localized redness during the treatment. This redness settles down after the old skin sheds off.

Plasma skin regenerating procedure

• In plasma skin regeneration technique, heat is delivered directly to the skin instead of using a laser or a chemical to remove and heat the skin. Heat is delivered to the skin through the cautious and restricted application of a plasma gas.
  
  
  
• When this plasma is applied to the skin, the plasma heats the epidermis and dermis.
  
  
  
• Over a period of 4-7 days, the heated epidermis begins to shed.
  
  
  
• It leaves behind a brand new epidermis.
  
  
  
• Simultaneously new collagen fibers begin to form and line upright to the surface of the skin.
  
  
  
• New collagen formation may continue for up to 1 year.

Treatment types

Plasma skin resurfacing treatment can be done at two energy setting levels, high and low.

High energy level treatments improve wrinkles, acne scars, etc. Low energy level treatments are effective for superficial treatments like removal of skin discoloration, fine lines, etc. Low energy treatments might be repeated 3-4 times. However, high energy level treatment produces visible results in one session.

• After the treatment, immaterial of whether low or high energy, the outer layer of the skin dries out.
  
  
• The skin stays in place for a few days to permit healing without infection.
  
  
• Eventually it sheds off thus revealing a layer of fresh remodeled skin. The process takes about 1 to 2 weeks.
  

Plasma skin resurfacing advantages

• The damaging agent used in this process is plasma; a high-energy ionized gas.
  
  
• Nitrogen is used as the source gas and it is chemically inert. It has the ability to get rid of oxygen from the surface of the skin. This prevents heating of the skin thus preventing burns and scars. Nitrogen is non- inflammable hence no risk of sparkle or explosion.
  
  
• Even as the skin layers are damaged, they do not burn off as they do in other types of skin resurfacing treatments. Therefore there is no open wound during the healing stage.
  
  
• This treatment reduces the risk of scarring, infection and loss of pigmentation.
  

Current system of plasma resurfacing

Portrait plasma resurfacing is the most commonly used system in skin resurfacing. A few systems like the Portrait PSR3 system have been approved by the US FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for treating facial conditions mentioned above.

Plasma resurfacing cost

The treatment might cost US$ 2500 - US$ 3000 based on the energy levels used to treat the patient. Energy level used is dependent on the patient's requirements. Cost of treatment is based on the type of treatment, time frame of treatment and energy levels used.