Plasma pens are the latest beauty craze to hit the aesthetic market. Unlike other pens, plasma pens use a small, handheld device to emit plasma energy. For a good reason, they offer many benefits that traditional methods can’t touch.
A recent study published in BMC Ophthalmol showed that plasma pen treatments could help improve the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles, skin pigmentation associated with photo-ageing, and sagging skin.
If you’re looking for a minimally-invasive, anti-ageing treatment that can take years off your appearance, plasma pen therapy may be right for you.
But before you get too excited, it’s important to understand how plasma pen therapy works and its potential side effects. This guide will give you everything you need to know about plasma pen treatments so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this cutting-edge treatment is right for you.
What Is a Plasma Pen?
A plasma pen is a small, portable device that shoots out plasma beams. The device uses a small amount of argon gas to create an electrical arc. This arc produces plasma, which is a 4th-state of matter.
The Plasma Pen is an FDA-approved and CE-approved device for fibroblast therapy, a treatment that uses collagen to promote new tissue growth.
How Does a Plasma Pen Work?
The device uses an electrical current and transforms it into gaseous dinitrogen (N2). The gas is applied topically to the skin on the face (or other areas being treated). The abrasiveness works on a microscopic level with the epidermal layer of skin. Additionally, it heats up and activates deeper layers.
The mechanism by which a Plasma Pen works is known as fibroblasting. The term “blasting” might sound unpleasant or hazardous, but it’s actually named for fibroblasts, a kind of connective tissue cell common in your body. By stimulating collagen production, Plasma Pen treatment can fill wrinkles and tighten sagging skin, among other benefits.
What Is a Plasma Pen Used For?
As the body ages, its dermal layers naturally thin and produce less collagen. This may lead to our external appearance becoming wrinkled or sagging. Plasma Pen treatment’s collagen-boosting properties make it an excellent choice for achieving a wide range of esthetic goals and treating various dermatological problems.
The most frequent applications for Plasma Pen therapy are:
- Wrinkle and line reduction
- Skin lifting and tightening
- Pigmentation correction
- Circumferential reduction (thigh lift, arm lift)
- Stretch mark reduction
- Eyelid lift
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty (nose job)
- Acne and chickenpox scar reduction
What to Expect Before, During, and after a Plasma Pen Treatment?
Before Your Treatment
Before your Plasma Pen treatment, you will meet with your aesthetician or doctor to discuss your goals for the treatment. They will evaluate your skin and make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.
It is important to avoid sun exposure, and tanning before your treatment as this can increase your risk for complications. You should also avoid taking blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen for at least a week before your treatment.
During Your Treatment
During your Plasma Pen treatment, a small handpiece will be used to deliver plasma energy to the area being treated. You may feel a tingling or pinching sensation as the plasma energy is delivered to your skin. The entire treatment usually takes less than an hour.
After Your Treatment
After your Plasma Pen treatment, you may feel like you have been sunburned. This is normal and will go away within a few hours. You will also be given an aftercare kit that includes everything you need to care for your skin after the treatment. Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions carefully to minimize any side effects or complications.
You should avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after your treatment, as this can increase your risk for pigmentation changes. You should also avoid using makeup or skincare products that contain active ingredients such as retinol or glycolic acid for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Plasma Pen?
With the latest technological advances, there are many ways to achieve many of the same aesthetic goals. So what are the specific benefits of using a Plasma Pen for skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and other anti-ageing treatments?
Here are just a few of the advantages:
Fast Results
One of the biggest benefits of using a plasma pen is that you will quickly see results. In most cases, you will only need one treatment to see a noticeable difference in your skin. Plasma pen treatments are also very short, so you won’t have to take much time out of your busy schedule to get them done.
Guaranteed Effectiveness
Who doesn’t want to look younger and more refreshed? With plasma pen treatments, you can be sure that you will see the results you are looking for. Not only is the treatment effective, but it is also long-lasting. In fact, many people only need the treatment once a year to maintain their results.
Minimal Downtime
Unlike some other anti-ageing treatments, such as surgery, there is minimal downtime associated with plasma pen treatments. In most cases, you will be able to go about your normal activities immediately after the treatment.
No Pain Involved
Unlike other types of cosmetic procedures, there is no pain involved with plasma pen treatments. This is because the plasma pen emits a controlled electric charge that delivers plasma gat particles onto your skin rather than needles or lasers. As a result, you can expect to feel nothing more than a slight tingling sensation during your treatment.
No Surgery or Anesthesia Required
It doesn’t require surgery or anaesthesia. This means there’s no risk of infection or other complications with surgery. It also means you won’t have to take time off work or miss any important events to recover from the procedure.
Natural-Looking Results
Plasma pen procedures can give you natural-looking results. This is because they use your body’s own collagen to lift and tighten skin. This gives you results that look and feel natural, unlike fillers or surgery, which can sometimes give you an unnatural appearance.
Minimal Side Effects
You may experience some redness, swelling, or bruising after the procedure, but this is usually temporary and will go away within a few days. You may also experience tightness in the treated area, but this is temporary and will resolve within a few days.
Fat Loss in the Treated Area
In addition to tightening and lifting skin, the plasma pen can also help you lose fat in the treated area. This is because the heat from the plasma destroys fat cells, which are then eliminated by your body. This can help you achieve a slimmer appearance without undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures.
How to Choose the Right Plasma Pen Technician?
If you’re considering a Plasma Pen treatment, you want to make sure you’re in good hands. After all, this is the face we’re talking about! Here are a few things to look for when choosing a technician:
Experience and certification
You want to make sure your technician is experienced and certified. The last thing you want is someone trying out the treatment for the first time on you! Look for someone who has been doing Plasma Pen treatments for at least a year and ideally has completed a certified training program.
Uses the right device
Not all Plasma Pens are suitable for your skin. There are many different brands and models on the market, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Make sure your technician uses a brand and model well-suited for your specific needs.
Has a good understanding of the skin
A good technician will thoroughly understand the skin and how it responds to Plasma Pen treatments. They should be able to answer any questions about the procedure and put your mind at ease.
Communicates well and takes the time to answer your questions
Plasma pen treatment can be daunting, so you want to ensure your technician makes you feel comfortable every step. They should take the time to answer all your questions, and put any concerns you have to rest.
Provides Aftercare Instructions
One of the most important things to look for when choosing a plasma pen technician is whether or not they provide aftercare instructions. A qualified technician will always provide you with a detailed list of aftercare instructions that you should follow to ensure optimal results and minimize side effects.
Has a Good Reputation
Read online reviews and ask around for recommendations from people you trust. A good way to get an idea of a technician’s skill level is to look at before-and-after photos of their previous clients.
Offers Competitive Pricing
Though plasma pen treatments can be expensive, be wary of technicians who charge significantly more than their competitors unless they can offer some sort of guarantee or explanation for their higher prices. In most cases, you should be able to find a qualified technician who offers competitive pricing.
Has a Convenient Location
You’ll likely need to visit the technician several times for follow-up appointments, so choosing someone conveniently located is important. Ideally, they should be located near public transportation or have ample parking.
Plasma Pen Aftercare
After your treatment at the esthetician’s clinic, the healing process will continue in your skin’s dermis layer for many weeks. Your care provider will go over extensive aftercare instructions based on your particular therapy, but in general, you should expect to take care of the following things:
- Keep the area clean and dry until it heals.
- Apply ointment as directed.
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes.
- Use only gentle, non-abrasive cleansers on your skin.
- Don’t touch or pick at the treated area.
- Avoid sun exposure and extreme temperatures.
- Don’t wear makeup for at least 24 hours.
Plasma Pen vs Cosmetic Surgery
The debate between Plasma Pen and cosmetic surgery has been going on for years, with each side claiming their method is superior. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best treatment method will vary depending on the individual’s needs and goals.
That being said, here are some of the key advantages that Plasma Pen has over cosmetic surgery:
- Plasma Pen is less invasive than surgery, meaning there is less risk of complications and side effects.
- Plasma Pen treatment is typically much less expensive than surgery.
- The results of Plasma Pen treatment are more natural-looking than those of surgery.
- Plasma Pen can treat various concerns, while surgery is usually only effective for one or two specific issues.
- The recovery time after Plasma Pen treatment is typically shorter than the recovery from surgery.
- Plasma Pen can be used to target specific areas, while surgery usually involves treating the entire face (or body).
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Plasma Pen
Do your research
Before you book a treatment, make sure to do your research. There are a lot of different brands of plasma pens on the market, and each one offers slightly different results. Talk to your friends or consult a dermatologist to see which pen is best for you.
Choose an experienced technician
The person using it is even more important than the pen itself. Make sure to choose an experienced technician who understands the skin well. A good technician can adjust the settings on the pen to give you the best results possible.
Prepare your skin
Before your treatment, cleanse your skin and remove any makeup or oils. This will help the pen glide over your skin more easily and prevent any irritation.
Apply numbing cream
If you’re worried about pain, apply numbing cream to your skin before your treatment. You’ll still feel some discomfort, but it should be manageable.
Don’t skip aftercare
After your treatment, it’s important to follow your technician’s aftercare instructions. Unnecessary exposure to sunlight, picking at scabs, and using harsh products on your skin can lead to irritation and delay healing.
Be patient
Plasma pen treatments can take some time to show results. In most cases, it takes multiple treatments spaced out over several weeks or months to see the full effects. So be patient and don’t expect miracles overnight.
FAQs on Plasma Pen Treatment
How much does the plasma pen treatment cost?
The cost of the plasma pen treatment varies depending on the brand of pen used, the technician’s experience, and the treatment’s location. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from R1750 to R9000 per session.
What areas of the body can be treated with a plasma pen?
The plasma pen can be used on almost any area of the body. However, common treatment areas include the face, neck, and hands.
How long will it take to see results?
In most cases, it takes multiple treatments spaced out over several weeks or months to see the full effects. So be patient and don’t expect miracles overnight.
Is the plasma pen treatment painful?
Discomfort during a Plasma Pen treatment can vary from person to person and entirely depend on your pain tolerance. Some people may find the treatment mildly uncomfortable, while others may find it more moderate. Additionally, depending on the treatment area, you may experience different levels of discomfort. Numbing cream can help reduce any sensation of pain during the treatment process.
What are the risks of the plasma pen treatment?
The risks of the Plasma Pen treatment are relatively low. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there is always a risk of infection, scarring, and pigmentation changes. Be sure to consult with a qualified technician beforehand to help minimize any risks.
Conclusion
The takeaway is that if you are considering a Plasma Pen Treatment, then there are some things that you should expect before, during and after the procedure happens! All in all, it’s nothing too serious, and as long as you follow the aftercare directions, you should be just fine!