Plasma Pen Skin Tightening Pre and Post Treatment Instructions

 

Plasma skin tightening is a skin rejuvenation treatment performed by our skillfully trained providers using approved equipment and a sterile disposable probe. This advanced procedure  stimulates the fibroblasts in the skin to create collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin in the treated area to tighten and revitalize the skin.

As with most minimally invasive skin treatments, there is a recovery process following plasma pen treatment and it is VERY important that these guidelines are followed to facilitate that recovery and protect your investment.

 

Before Your Treatment:

1. Avoid any type of tanning (spray, outdoor, or tanning bed) for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Those with darker tones should consider pre-treating the skin for 2-3 weeks prior to procedure with a lightening skin care product to help reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation. Please discuss which product that would be best for you with your provider.

2. Discontinue use of retinols and products containing acids such as glycolic or salicylic for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.

3. Avoid other procedures in the anticipated treatment areas such as laser, chemical peels, fillers, or Botox (and other neuromodulators) for 3 weeks prior to plasma pen treatment. It is preferable to perform the treatment at approximately the time that Botox is due to see skin as it is naturally positioned.

4. Avoid NSAIDs for the week prior to and after treatment.

5. Remove contact lenses and lash extensions if the eye area is being treated. Please bring glasses to your appointment, if needed.

6. To aid in the healing process, begin taking 2000mg of vitamin C daily for one week prior to and for 12 weeks after treatment.

7. Be sure to hydrate skin well and drink plenty of fluids prior to your appointment.

 

What To Expect:

1. Your skin will be cleansed, then topical numbing cream will be applied and left in place for 45-60 minutes.

2. The pen is held above the skin and a tiny plasma arc connects the tip of the probe to the epidermis. This causes the epidermis to evaporate and the plasma dot is left behind. This is continued in a specific pattern and the skin around the dots tightens. Some discomfort may be felt, but your provider will do everything to keep you as comfortable as possible. Since the treatment involves controlled microtraumas to the skin, you may smell the plasma arc reacting with the skin’s surface during treatment. This is normal and expected.

3. As the topical numbing wears off, you will feel a sensation similar to a sunburn that usually dissipates within 2-3 hours. This is also completely normal.

 

 

After Your Treatment: The MOST important phase!

1. Inflammation in the area treated is a by-product of the treatment and is necessary for the production of collagen and elastin. Please do as little as can be tolerated to reduce this. Swelling is normal and is especially notable when the eye area is treated, usually lasting 2-3 days. Ice may be applied sparingly keeping the ice pack wrapped to prevent wetting the dots. Sleeping with your head elevated may help reduce swelling.

2. After the first 12 hours, the skin may be cleansed with a small amount of gentle cleanser and your fingers twice daily. Do not use washcloths or other exfoliation devices for 21 days and be sure to pat area gently to dry. Men should avoid shaving the area until initial healing is complete.

3. It is very important to keep the area as dry as possible while the dots are in place. Do not apply any make up, creams, or sunblock until the dots have fallen off. We will provide an after care serum that may be applied 2-3 times per day.

4. The dots should begin to loosen and drop off approximately 5-6 days after treatment. It is VERY IMPORTANT to not pick, pull, or rub at the dots to speed the process. This can cause scarring and hyperpigmentation to occur. You will be ready for them to be gone, but resist, resist, resist…you can do it!

5. After the dots have fallen off, it is important to wear sunblock and protect the area from the sun while in the healing (pink) stage and for at least the next 12 weeks.

6. Results are usually notable immediately, but full results can be seen in 12 weeks.

7. You may return to work the following day, but you will not look your best in the initial healing phase. Most clients find it more comfortable to take time off for recovery, but this is up to you. Feel free to “Rock the Dots” if you like!

 

As always, please call us at (919) 263-8510 or email at provider@lunasolmedspa.com if you have further questions.