by Sharon Keating, BSN, NCMES

The past few decades have shown that ablative and nonablative modalities are effective for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.  These modalities include:  lasers, chemical peels, light-based energy, radiofrequency, and dermabrasion.  One of the newest technologies is the development of plasma energy to alter the skin’s surface and architecture, which may bridge the gap between ablative and nonablative energies.

What does ablative and nonablative mean?   Ablation is to damage the epidermis in a controlled manner with the intent to stimulate collagen production and eliminate wrinkles, thus resurfacing the skin.  Nonablative means leaving the epidermis intact after a collagen stimulating treatment.  The differences lie in the length of time required to heal and the risk of associated complications.

What is plasma?  Plasma is one of the four states of matter:  solid, liquid, gas, plasma.   Specifically, plasma is a gas in which the atoms have been ionized, or stripped of their electrons.  This modality is quite different from radiofrequency (thermage), intense pulse light (IPL or photofacial), or laser treatments (C02 laser).  This device releases millisecond pulses of controlled heat based energy that conducts down to the dermis (the collagen producing area of the skin) while leaving the upper skin layers intact (the epidermis).

What are the advantages of leaving the epidermis intact?  It acts as a bandage or a natural biological dressing.  This reduces the risk of infection while stimulating intense fibroblastic activity, epidermal thickening and ongoing regeneration.  This manifests in continuous improvement in the appearance of the skin for months after the treatment.  This is truly the treatment that keeps on giving.  Even after the epidermis has completely healed, the appearance of the skin continues to improve due to continued collagen stimulation and complete renewing of the architectural structure of the skin.

How long is the down time, or does it take to heal?  All the patients in the clinical trials for the plasma device, the Portrait PSR, had completely regenerated epidermis by day 7 and visible amounts of fresh collagen by month 3 followed by continuous improvement for up to 12 months.  This is very exciting data for the hope of regenerated skin delivering dramatically improved tone, texture, elasticity, and elimination of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and reports of associated tightening.

What is the difference between plasma and lasers?   Because plasma resurfacing is nonablative, the recovery period is much shorter than laser treatments which often lead to crusty scabby skin for 2 to 3 weeks followed by redness for a few months.  Plasma resurfacing causes redness initially with swelling followed by bronzing and peeling which is completed in 3 to 7 days.  Plasma works as a blind heat meaning that it is not affected by skin color.  It will rid the skin of unwanted hyerpigmentation (age spots) but will not strip the skin of normal pigmentation.  There are no reported cases of hypopigmentation or loss of normal skin color.  Although C02 lasers do provide a complete resurfacing of the skin, there is the prolonged healing time and added risk of hypopigmentation or loss of pigment to the “normal” skin that is treated.  C02 laser must be performed under general anesthesia whereas the plasma Portrait PSR can be performed with topical anesthetic cream.  Sometimes mild oral sedation is used.

How many treatments are required?  The C02 laser treatment is one treatment with a lengthy recovery period that need not be repeated for many years.  With good skin care at home and adequate sun protection the results can be enjoyed for many years.  Normal aging does continue, however, so long term results are individual.  The plasma Portrait PSR can be performed as one high energy treatment or as a series of 3 low energy treatments.  The patient opting for the high energy treatment will experience 7-10 days of recovery.  The series of low energy treatments will result in a few days of some redness and peeling after each treatment.  Results will be enjoyed for many years from the plasma Portrait PSR as long as good at home skin care is employed coupled with adequate sun protection and abstinence from tobacco usage.  Collagen rebuilding continues for up to one year post treatment.  Normal aging does continue, so for maximum longevity, it is important to observe prudence in lifestyle choices.

What is the cost of these types of procedures?  The C02 laser and plasma Portrait PSR treatments are similar in price financially.  Treatments such as these offer results that no other modality can achieve and for some the results have been deemed almost miraculous.  However, as far as risk and time, the Portrait PSR wins.

The Portrait PSR (plasma skin resurfacing) is now available at Serenity Medical Health & Beauty Spa.  All pre and post procedure skin care and visits are included in our package and our clients have reported great satisfaction in the results they have received.  We would be pleased to entertain questions and invite you to make an appointment for a consultation today.  The result is that you will truly Love the Skin you are In! 

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