What is a PlasmaLift Treatment?

Also known as “Soft Surgery” or “Fibroblast” treatments, the PlasmaLift is a new technology that uses a plasma pen to generate a tiny super-heated ball of gas that tightens and tones loose skin. This super-heated ball of gas is also called “plasma” (Different from the plasma you have in your blood). When the plasma pen is applied in specific patterns over certain areas of the face (or body) it affects a tightening and lifting of the skin. This is new technology, similar to a CO2 ablative laser in its effects, that has been in Europe and South Korea for a while and is just now being introduced into the US.

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The plasma generated hits the tissue which is then sublimated; a direct transfer of the tissue from a solid state to a gaseous state. The heat is absorbed by the treated tissue being targeted and is not transferred to surrounding tissue or the subcutaneous layer. The heat from the plasma then stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen. After treatment the skin begins to plump up over time as the new collagen matrix is being re-built. Also referred to as Soft Surgery because the PlasmaLift can lift and tighten skin similar to a surgical face lift, neck lift, and eye lid lifts.

It’s important to note that this is not the same plasma that we have in our blood and that is used in PRP procedures. Although the same name, this is plasma as in the 4th state of matter. It is the plasma that the sun generates and that is used in industrial welding to melt steel. In a PlasmaLift we use a tiny fraction of that power to sublimate loose skin and make it disappear in a puff of smoke.

What patients are the best candidates?

Any patient, male or female, with an area of loose skin on their face, eye lids, neck or body that wants to have it lifted is a good candidate. The treatment can also help with skin discolorations and scars. It even can be used on cellulite and loose skin of arm and abdomen.

Darker skin patients (Fitzpatrick 4 or 5), patients who scar easily, patients who form keloids, patients with cancer, or immunosuppressed patients are generally contraindicated for the PlasmaLift. Patients with an allergy to lidocaine, benzocaine or tetracaine may also be contraindicated. Patients on blood thinners may bruise more easily.

How long do results last?

If you take good care of their skin results can last years. Typically one treatment will be all you need but some people with larger areas or more skin with deeper lines may require more than one treatment. Treatment packages are available.

Is it painful?

There is a little bit of pain but we use a prescription strength numbing cream on the area being treated before starting the procedure. This keeps the discomfort to a bare minimum.

What is the pre and post procedure care?

During the first half hour consult we will go over pre-procedure care. The pre-procedure care is fairly minimal; it is the aftercare that is most important. You will be given a new patient packet that includes pre and post procedure care.

After the treatment the area that was treated will be swollen for around 2-3 days. IBprofen and Benadryl can be helpful at this time. You will have small tiny dark crusts that need to be coated with Aloe Vera twice per day every day for a week (Marin wellness compounds a pure Aloe vera that we can write a script for). The scabs will begin to fall off in about a week’s time. Afterwards the new skin underneath will be pink and raw. It will be important to keep protected with a good organic SPF 30 mineral block every day. A good moisturizer with shea butter will also be great at this time. Full healing takes about 8 weeks.

Does it work?

Yes. Results can be seen instantly as the skin shrinks and tightens up. Full healing takes 8 weeks and results will continue to evolve from there.