Soft surgery

Aesthetic Medicine ‘Soft

surgery’

Also 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. 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 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, 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.

of the skin. The treatment is performed by using the device to create a pattern of these burn marks along the crease of excess skin. This causes the epidermis to instantly shrink and firm. Due to the fact that the treatment works by making tiny burns on the epidermis, there is a potential for scarring post treatment. This potential is trebled due to the fact that it generally takes three treatments – spaced at six week intervals – to get the optimum results. However, once the result is achieved, the effects are expected to last several years.

After the treatment The client can expect immediate swelling that may get more severe on day two, especially if you are working on the eye area. This is then followed on day three with scabbing and crusting, which are both normal parts of the healing process that the treatment provokes.

Whilst the scabs are still intact, the area will appear more painful than it actually is. One is advised to cover the area with a concealer, but it may make the area look worse than it is.

Once the scabs have fallen off, the area will initially be red but this will slowly fade. The treated area will appear smoother than it was before.

What areas can be treated? Due to the very thin discharge of the plasma pen’s beam, this device is very popular for treating the eye area. The treatment has become known as a nonsurgical blepharoplasty due to the dramatic reductions of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin that can be achieved in the ocular region with a plasma device.

Other areas that can also be treated are: • Complexion – treat sun spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation anywhere • Lips – treat marionette lines and smoker’s wrinkles. • Nasolabial – diminish smile lines. • Neck – lift sagging skin and treat jowls • Skin laxity

Number of treatments This depends on the individual’s response to the treatment, the area being treated and the desired degree of correction required.

The treatments may be repeated every eight to 12 weeks, but generally a maximum of two treatments is required.

Who can perform the treatment? When plasma pens initially launched in South Africa it was an exclusive doctor only treatment. However, with the increased popularity of the treatment and a variety of different plasma devices entering the market, SAAHSP (the Professional Body for skincare therapists and somatologists), has been forced to take a strong stance on this issue.

Thus SAAHSP’s requirements for a skincare therapist to operate a plasma device on clients is as follows:

SAAHSP members working with any type of Plasma Device should have a minimum 2- or 3-year Qualification – Health and Skincare Therapy and hold a Beauty Therapist / Somatology Designation.

A Beauty Therapist / Somatologist, as part of their training, must have completed the following Modules in great detail: A full 2- or 3-year’s training comprising the following subjects: • Anatomy and Physiology and Pathology • Dermatology and Diseases and Disorders • Facial Treatments including electrical equipment • Specialised Body Treatments including electrical equipment • Full Body Massage • Hygiene and Sterilisation • Chemistry and Physics • Cosmetology • Cosmetic Science • Provide advice to clients on treatment plan, homecare and use of cosmetic and health products • Business Module to enable them to perform Administrative and Managerial tasks in the working environment A Beauty Therapist or Somatologist working with a Plasma Device or any electrical equipment – Galvanic, Iontophoresis, High Frequency, Vacuum Suction, Micro Current, Interferential, Faradic, G5, Microneedling, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Derma-planing – should refer patients/clients/ guests to a Dermatologist if uncertain of various skin diseases, disorders and lesions. The Plasma Training offered does adhere to a 2- or 3-year qualification within the Health and Skincare Industry, therefore, an unqualified person/therapist who lacks the in-depth knowledge and does not have a full understanding of the Skin and Body will not be permitted to use a Plasma Device. This person/therapist will be working out of their scope of practice, which is unethical and irresponsible.

Due to the wounding nature of this treatment, an extensive knowledge of wound caring, healing and post care application is essential when administering a Plasma Device.

It is therefore of the utmost importance that this ruling is enforced as insurance will not cover a skincare therapist or skincare business that does not meet the above requirements, if something were to go wrong with a client’s Plasma rejuvenation treatment. PB

A qualified aesthetician, Karen Ellithorne has been actively involved in the skincare industry since 1992, working as a lecturer and therapist, as well as successfully importing and distributing various products throughout South Africa.

karen@spaandsalonsolutions.co.za