Aesthetic Medicine
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‘Soft surgery’ Positioned as the next generation technology for skin tightening and collagen production, plasma treatments are offered by numerous skincare centres and medical aesthetic practices countrywide, writes KAREN ELLITHORNE.
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lso known as ‘soft surgery’, plasma skin tightening is a minimally invasive and affordable treatment that delivers results similar to surgery. However, there is no scalpel, stitches or bandages involved, and downtime is limited. We are all familiar with solids, liquids and gases.
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Plasma is the fourth state of matter. As such, plasma pens ionise the gas in the air to create an electrical spark that is similar to a lightning bolt, which vaporises a tiny patch of skin. Visually, as the treatment is being performed, the tip of the plasma pen appears to be emitting miniature lightning bolts onto the skin’s surface. Plasma skin tightening is a preferred method for skin tightening and rejuvenation, due to the fact that the treatment can be more selective and precise, and the client’s exact needs can be met with a higher degree of precision. Therefore this treatment is referred to as ‘localised skin tightening’ A young, healthy skin contains a large amount of structural proteins (namely collagen) and elastin. The more collagen and elastin that is available in the skin, the less it will wrinkle and fold. As we age, these structural proteins decline,
leading to crow’s feet, wrinkles and lines. Prior to treatment, the patient will require the application of an anaesthetic cream to numb the skin and make the treatment more tolerable. Post treatment, the area will be red and, depending on the treatment area, will become swollen and develop tiny pin prick scabs. These scabs will gradually fall off after a few days. It is highly recommended that the client stay out of the sun and keep the treatment area occluded post treatment. Clients must also not pick or rub the scabs as this may lead to hyperpigmented areas. As soon as the wounds are healed, it is highly recommended to apply an anti-oxidant, like pure vitamin C, and sunblock to the area.
How does it work? Aesthetic skin tightening treatments are achieved when a mild, superficial, or controlled burn is performed on the epidermis. This in turn restores more elasticity to the skin, as localised wounding stimulates the skin’s regeneration process, resulting in firm and tighter skin. Wrinkles will appear reduced and the skin much tighter. The treatment tightens the skin by burning small patches of the epidermis. Each spark from the plasma device creates a tiny burn and, because of the wound, causes an instant tightening
