For most people, the first signs of skin aging appear in their mid-20s, with fine lines around the eyes and a slight dullness of skin. By the time you reach 40, signs of aging are more pronounced but still reversible with the right skincare products and cosmetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers.
The Plasma Pen is a newcomer among anti-aging cosmetic treatments. It boasts a wide range of benefits equal to those of surgical facelifts.
Let’s see how the Plasma Pen works and what you can expect from the treatment.
What Is the Plasma Pen?
The Plasma Pen or plasma fibroblast therapy is an innovative anti-aging treatment that stimulates increased activity of fibroblasts, collagen-producing cells in the connective tissue.
Note: Find out what are the multiple benefits of collagen for the skin.
How Does the Plasma Pen Work?
The Plasma Pen involves the use of an FDA-approved pen-like device that sends a controlled electric current or plasma arc (thermal energy mixed with oxygen and nitrogen) to the skin. The Plasma Pen is held close to the skin but doesn’t come into contact with it.
The electric current emitted by the Plasma Pen causes micro-injuries, visible as scabs. These scabs, also called carbon crusts, contract the skin, producing an instant tightening effect. The Plasma Pen stimulates the body to naturally heal by producing an increased amount of collagen and elastin. The tiny scabs disappear after about ten days, while the treated area is left tightened, smoothed, and youthful.
Note: Read our comparison article collagen vs. elastin and learn how these two proteins differ and how can you increase them.
What Does Plasma Pen Do to Your Skin?
Plasma fibroblast therapy provides many aesthetic benefits, much like those after surgical lifts but without knives and anesthesia.
The Plasma Pen treatment:
- Tightens, repairs, and regenerates skin
- Improves skin texture
- Lifts drooping eyelids and sagging jowls
- Smooths the under-eye area
- Reduces lines and wrinkles
- Reduces stretch marks
- Tightens loose belly skin
- Tightens loose arm skin
- Improves scar tissue
- Reduces age spots and sunspots
- Adds volume to lips
- Provides long-lasting results
Note: If you want to explore other options to treat stretch marks, find out how microneedling for stretch marks works.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Plasma Pen?
Plasma fibroblast therapy can be used on any area on the face and body.
The Plasma Pen most commonly treats:
- Drooping eyelids
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Nasolabial folds
- Sagging jowls
- Loose arm skin
- Loose belly skin
- Neck folds
Note: If you are dealing with frown lines and want to see what else might work for you, find out how Botox for frown lines can help you deal with this condition.
Who Can Undergo Plasma Pen Treatment?
The Plasma Pen is safe for most healthy adults who want to rejuvenate their skin. However, a serious medical issue will disqualify you from having the treatment.
Your chosen medical provider will examine your medical history during the consultation session to determine your eligibility. For your own safety, please disclose information about any medication you are taking.
Plasma Pen Procedure
The Plasma Pen is a non-invasive, non-surgical cosmetic treatment performed at a clinic or medical spa. The procedure lasts about an hour, depending on the size of the treated area.
The Plasma Pen-trained medical provider first cleans your skin and applies a topical numbing cream to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. Then, they use the Plasma Pen device to deliver high-frequency electric current to the target area.
After the procedure, the medical provider applies a cooling gel to soothe the irritated skin.
Does Plasma Pen Hurt?
Patients describe the pain level during a Plasma Pen treatment as mild to moderate. The topical numbing cream significantly decreases pain and discomfort.
Plasma Pen Treatment Results
The results of the Plasma Pen treatment are immediate. Patients usually notice tightened and rejuvenated skin as soon as the carbon crusts fall off. These effects get better over the following weeks because the collagen builds up gradually.
Some patients require only one treatment for full results, while those with more prominent signs of aging need two or three.
How Long Do Plasma Pen Results Last?
The results of the Plasma Pen are permanent. Some patients return for a new treatment after three to five years because the natural aging process has continued, not because the results of the initial treatment have disappeared.
Plasma Pen Treatment Aftercare
The effectiveness of the Plasma Pen treatment and how fast you heal after the procedure depend on your adherence to aftercare instructions.
Follow these tips for best results:
- Don’t exercise for 24 hours
- Don’t wear make-up until the crusts fall off
- Don’t pick at the crusts
- Sleep on your back for several days
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun and sources of heat for 12 weeks
- Wear an SPF 30+ whenever you leave the house
- During the healing period, use only cosmetic products recommended by your medical provider
Plasma Pen Side Effects
Plasma Pen side effects are mild and typically resolve within two weeks.
They include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Skin sensitivity and tightness
- Itching
- Skin crusting and peeling
Should Anyone Avoid Plasma Pen?
Some of the health issues that disqualify you from the Plasma Pen treatment are:
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Allergies
- Autoimmune disorders
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Skin disorders (psoriasis, eczema, pigmentation disorders)
- Blood pressure issues
- Bleeding disorders
- Keloid or hypertrophic scarring
Plasma Pen Treatment Cost
The cost of the Plasma Pen treatment depends on your medical provider’s expertise, the extent of your skin issue, the size of the treatment area, and your desired results. The Price range is between $300 and $1800.
Conclusion
We can’t stop the aging process completely, but we can continue to enjoy vibrant, youthful skin thanks to non-invasive procedures like the Plasma Pen.
If you don’t want to have surgery and you wish to avoid the needles that come with Botox and fillers, the Plasma Pen may be the right treatment for you.
Contact our Vibrant Skin Bar skin experts to schedule a free consultation and find out the cost of your customized treatment plan.
