Plasma Skin Regeneration Aftercare

 

Plasma Skin Regeneration Treatment General Information & Aftercare

The information provided within this document should be followed by all patients before receiving Plasma Skin Regeneration treatment. The treatment requires no anaesthesia, but it can be offered if desired.

Plasma skin regeneration (PSR) treatment involves the use of a special pen-like applicator/device, which is used to send ionised nitrogen gas through a magnetic field, superheating it and forming a plasma arc (which is an electrical discharge that is a visible form of electrical current) just above the skin surface. The device does not come into contact with the skin; instead, it releases an electrical discharge in small pinpoints on the skin, creating small micro-holes in the skin’s surface, which leads to a biological dressing forming over the skin surface. The surrounding skin contracts around them, resulting in firmer, tighter, and younger-looking skin. The treatment stimulates fibroblast activity, thus increasing collagen production and tissue regeneration.

PSR treatment can be used to treat fine lines, deep lines and wrinkles, small scars and stretch marks, age spots, birthmarks, acne scars, warts, moles, skin tags, and skin laxity on the neck/eyelids/lip lines/other skin areas. You may notice instant improvement after treatment, but maximum effects can take up to 12 weeks. Results can last up to 5 years, but this depends on numerous factors. Results vary from person to person and depend on many individual factors. There is no guarantee that you will achieve the desired results, and multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve or maintain them.

Immediately after treatment, it is normal to see multiple small dots on the skin that will scab/form a biological dressing over the skin. These symptoms will typically heal and subside within 7-14 days after the patch test/treatment. You will be offered a topical anaesthetic cream to help with any discomfort during the procedure.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS: As with any procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated. Please be aware of the following possible risks before proceeding. You must fully discuss any questions with your practitioner.

Common side effects of PSR treatment include pain, tenderness, skin redness after treatment, swelling, scabbing, skin peeling, and crusting. It will also be normal for your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight afterwards, and you will need to use SPF 30/40/50 sunscreen for the weeks following the treatment (at least 4 weeks post-procedure).

Uncommon side effects include severe swelling, slow-resolving eyelid oedema, bacterial skin infection (cellulitis), reactivation of cold sores (herpes simplex infection), and skin pigmentation changes to lighter or darker (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation), which can occasionally be permanent.

Rare side effects of PSR treatment include skin burns and permanent scarring. This may occur if the device is overused or its use is prolonged; however, other causes may be involved. Your practitioner will also check that you do not have any underlying skin or medical conditions that may increase your risk of infection, burns, or scarring. In the event of skin burns or infection following treatment, seek medical attention immediately.

It is crucial to the health of your skin and the success of your treatment that you read and follow ALL guidelines contained in this document.

We cannot treat/test your skin if you:

  • Have experienced “holiday” sun exposure in the last 4 weeks and/or have a tan or expect sun exposure within 6 weeks following treatment.
  • Have a cold/flu/infection or any symptoms of being rundown/exhausted (or within the last week).
  • Have active cold sores and/or open wounds.
  • Have damaged or flaky skin in the area being treated.
  • Have impaired sensation in the treatment area.
  • Have impaired circulation or are suffering from cardiac disease.
  • Are suffering from skin cancer/any cancer/receiving radiotherapy/receiving chemotherapy.
  • Have superficial nerves.

Patients who will be treated with caution:

  • Darker skin types.
  • Individuals with high levels of cryoglobulins.
  • Individuals with hypersensitive skin.

At least two entire weeks before and after your treatment: avoid these products and/or procedures:

  • Electrolysis
  • Waxing
  • Depilatory creams or any other topical products that may irritate your skin.
  • Laser hair removal (IPL)/any other cosmetic treatment over the treatment area.
  • Botox/fillers/injectables.

Two weeks before and for 12 weeks after treatment, stop using:

  • Retin-A, Renova, Differin (Adapalene 0.1%), Tazorac
  • Any products containing Retinol, AHA, BHAs or benzyl peroxide
  • Any exfoliating or other topical products that may be drying or irritating

Before treatment, please also ensure that no irritation or sensitivity has been experienced in the skin area from daily regimes/procedures/topical applications for at least 2 weeks. If you have any queries, please consult your practitioner, even if the issue seems minor.

After Care

The following aftercare advice is essential to help reduce the risk of treatment complications, improve your comfort and healing, and achieve the best possible results from treatment.

  • Protect the treatment area from damage or abrasion (no towel drying or touching).
  • After treatment, it is normal to experience some sensitivity and tenderness in the treated area. The area may feel slightly tight and appear red and swollen. Your skin may also feel tight and dry. The effects of the treatment will resolve naturally 7-10 days post-treatment.
  • You may experience some minor bruising, which may take 1-2 weeks to resolve in some cases.
  • A cold compress may help reduce swelling, as well as sleeping propped up on three pillows to aid in the drainage of lymphatic fluid overnight (especially if the eye area is treated or swelling is observed).
  • You may experience minor crusting and weeping after treatment. This is normal following treatment.
  • Do not cover the area with a dressing or a plaster.
  • Avoid any skin exfoliation on the treatment area for at least 12 weeks post-procedure
  • Post treatment, it is best not to apply anything (oil/cream/topicals) to the area for at least 7 days or until the skin surface is intact and not healing in appearance. (Wear no make-up for 7 days).
  • You can use aloe vera gel or arnica gel on the area to soothe any discomfort you may experience.
  • Wash with cool water (at least tepid) and not hot.
  • Keep the treatment area clean and dry post-treatment.
  • The treatment area should not be picked, scratched, or rubbed vigorously at any point throughout your treatment course.
  • If you are undergoing a body treatment, we also recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing on the day of the treatment and for up to 10 days post-treatment.
  • If you are using washing agents or any other topical products, please apply with care (delicately for at least 7 days post-procedure).
  • Avoid swimming, hot baths, hot showers, and steam rooms or saunas for 10 days after the procedure.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours after the procedure.
  • Avoid excess alcohol/caffeine consumption for at least 48 hours after your procedure. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and get adequate quality sleep.
  • Reduce smoking or try not to smoke post-treatment, as this can reduce the healing of the skin.

We advise that the following guidelines be followed for optimal results and safety of the surrounding skin tissue for the months following treatment:

  • The skin should not be exposed to UV (sun exposure or tanning beds) for at least 4 weeks following treatment. Use of an SPF 50 plus is advised for when you are outside and in the sun for very short periods (i.e., necessary for daily life), however, sunbathing/sitting in the sun/tanning beds/prolonged sun exposure should be avoided altogether no matter what sunblock you are using for at least 6 weeks following treatment. (Please ask about the brands we stock/recommend). Use SPF 50 regularly/daily for at least 12 weeks following the procedure.
  • Do not use any topical products in the area without consulting your practitioner for at least 4 weeks after the procedure.
  • We recommend that no other cosmetic treatment be carried out over the area for at least 2 weeks.
  • Drink plenty of water (we recommend 2-3 litres per day depending on workload and heat stress). Hydrated bodies are efficient at clearing out toxins.

Potential Side Effects

  • Scarring risks are rare, but temporary lightening or darkening (hypopigmentation/hyperpigmentation) may occur in the area. Both generally last for a few months, and the change is more common in darker skin types.
  • Although extremely rare, permanent discolouration/scarring has been observed in some individuals when the area is overtreated.

If you have any questions or concerns about anything prior to your first treatment or during your treatment courses, please don’t hesitate to contact us.