Plasma Resurfacing
Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics in South Hill, WA
What is Plasma Resurfacing (NeoGen)?
Plasma Resurfacing is a skin regenerative procedure using ionized Nitrogen gas.
The energy from the Nitrogen gas travels into your deeper skin layers, without breaking the surface layers. Your cells respond to this energy by building more collagen cells and restructuring your elastin. Those cellular changes lead to the more youthful appearing skin of your younger years!
How it works
What are the benefits of Plasma Resurfacing?
The benefits of Plasma Resurfacing include:
-
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
-
Tightening of the skin.
-
Improvement in skin elasticity.
-
Better skin texture.
-
Reduced pore size.
-
Softening of any scar tissue.
-
Tightening of the eyelids.
​
Here at Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics, we use NeoGen PSRT™ (Nitrogen Plasma System) to deliver world class Plasma Resurfacing to our patients.
When do I see results & how often should I have Plasma Resurfacing?
An initial series of three (3) lighter treatments or one (1) aggressive treatment is highly recommended.
​
There are immediate results that are visible. After 5-10 days, the upper layers of the treated skin will come away with washing your skin. Your face will be bright and fresh! Plasma resurfacing triggers collagen and elastin reproduction, which take time to build. You should be able to see a difference in your skin lifting and tightening beginning three (3) months after your treatment(s). Patients report seeing improvement for up to a year!
​
A light (low energy) treatment can be repeated monthly. We recommend trying three treatments, one month apart to begin with.
​
An aggressive treatment should not need to be repeated for 2-3 years or whenever you desire to stimulate your collagen and elastin again. You may repeat treatment yearly!
What are the risks and complications of this treatment?
Plasma Resurfacing is safe for most patients! As with any resurfacing procedure, there is a small risk of infection. Since Plasma Resurfacing does not create wounds into the skin like other resurfacing treatments (i.e. CO2 Laser), the likelihood of infection is low. Different settings can be used to accommodate different skin tones. There is the possibility of permanent changes (hyper- or hypo-pigmentation) to the color of your skin. Avoiding sun exposure two weeks prior (or longer) and 4 weeks after your treatment will minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation.
​
If you have had cold sores in the past, it is possible that this procedure can trigger an outbreak. Please let us know if you have had a Herpes Simplex infection before and a prescription can be written prior to your procedure. There is a possibility of scarring as a complication. You hair may be singed during treatment, but will regrow with time. Great care will be taken to minimize your risks. If you have any concerns, please address them with your provider prior to your treatment.
Plasma Resurfacing may not be safe for the following patients: (Please discuss this with your provider before considering treatment.)
-
Patients who are considered ineligible for general surgery.
-
Patients with poor wound healing or a history of keloids.
-
Patients with active skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, infection, any inflammatory condition of the skin or skin cancer).
-
Patients who have used oral tretinoins, like Accutane, 6 months prior to treatment OR patients who are currently applying topical steroids on the treatment area.
-
Patients with broken skin in the area that is being treated.
-
Pregnant or lactating women (until normal menstrual cycles resumes)
-
Patients who have tanned or used self-tanner within one week of their treatment.
-
Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI
-
Patients with Vitiligo
-
Patients with a weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, leukemia, other autoimmune disease) or patients with poorly controlled diabetes.
-
Patients with a pacemaker, ICDs and/or monitoring equipment.
Preparing for your Plasma Resurfacing appointment
No
sun exposure or tanning a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
No
exfoliating treatments (microdermabrasion, dermaplane, chemical peel, hydrafacial, etc) OR use of at home exfoliators 1 week prior.
No
topical acids, retinols, Retin-A, or any exfoliating treatment 1 week prior to procedure.
Begin
drinking more water in the days leading up to your appointment.
Begin
using Sente Dermal Repair Cream to prepare your skin for treatment.
If you have a history of cold sores, let us know so we can prescribe you medication to avoid an out break.
​
USE a mineral based (zinc oxide) SPF of 30 or higher sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage before your appointment.
Preparing for your Plasma Resurfacing Treatment
-
Avoid sun exposure and tanning a minimum of 2 weeks before your procedure.
-
Use a mineral based sunscreen (zinc oxide + titanium dioxide) of SPF 30 or greater on all areas being treated with Plasma Resurfacing.
-
Use clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and other items to protect the areas being treated, in addition to your sunblock.
-
Avoid retinol based products and tretinoin products at least one week prior.
-
Avoid exfoliating treatments (microdermabrasion, dermaplane, hydrafacial, chemical peel, etc.) and at home exfoliators 1 week prior to your procedure.
-
Begin drinking more water to be well hydrated. It is important to be well hydrated for energy delivery of the ionized nitrogen gas.
-
Begin using Sente Dermal Repair 2 weeks before your procedure! This will reduce the redness of your skin after procedure and quicken your healing time.
-
Have a pre-procedure appointment 2 weeks prior (for aggressive treatments only).
During your Plasma Resurfacing Treatment
You may (for aggressive treatments only) be given prescription medications to help you relax during your procedure. In this case, you will need a driver to get you home.
​
Your skin will be cleansed (and for patients receiving a more aggressive treatment, numbing cream applied before your treatment for 45-60 minutes). For patients receiving a gentle, more spa-like treatment, no numbing is necessary.
​
During your treatment, you will hear a clapping or snapping sound with each pulse of the plasma. You will experience a warm sensation, like a puff of heat, and possibly the feeling of a mild sunburn. If your treatment is aggressive, you will feel a more focalized concentration of heat, almost like a pin prick.
After your Plasma Resurfacing Treatment
For patients who opt to have a lighter Plasma Resurfacing treatment, the down time is 2-3 days. For an aggressive Plasma Resurfacing treatment, down time is 7-10 days. You may feel warm, like a sunburn for several hours afterward. You may have mild, temporary swelling. It is possible to have an acne break out after your treatment as well. Those side effects should resolve on their own should they occur.
​
Patients will go home with Dermal Repair Cream on their skin OR Aquaphor (for aggressive treatments). Your skin will be fragile and needs to be treated with care. Depending on the type of treatment you have received and your sensitivity, your top most layers of skin may appear pink or red. You will keep your skin moist and protect it from the sun. Sun exposure should be avoided for 3-4 weeks after your treatment.
​
Avoid touching your face or coming in contact with animals, other people and even your own hands. Avoid exercise or raising your body temperature (baths & hot tubs) for 2 weeks after your procedure. Raising the body temperature puts you at risk for permanent pigment changes to your skin.
​
Your skin may darken from pink to a brown color over the next 3-5 days. Avoid picking your skin at all cost, as that may lead to scarring. The brown layer will come off when it is ready.
​
Use a gentle cleanser after 24 hours (do not wash prior to that time), and continue using it for the next 2-3 weeks. All patients who have a Plasma Resurfacing treatment should use only mineral make up (chemical free) after their treatment (Light treatments wait 2-3 days and Aggressive treatments wait 7-10 days). Men must wait to shave the same length of time (Light treatments wait 2-3 days and Aggressive treatments wait 7-10 days).
​
Comprehensive written instructions will be given to you at your appointment. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office or talk to your aesthetician during your pre-procedure appointment!