What is Plasma and how does it treat the skin?
Plasma is known as the fourth state of matter. Solid, liquid, gas and plasma.
At Lucent Skin and Beauty, we use the superior Plasmatek device.
It offers ablative (no contact) and non-ablative actions.
For ablative methods, the tip of the probe never touches the skin, but when held just above the skin, it ionises gases in the air, and creates a small electric arc which is delivered to the epidermis. (top layer of skin) It does this without causing any damage to surrounding tissue.
Skin cells are removed by sublimation (evaporation), and fibroblast cells in the skin are stimulated to produce new collagen.
The targeted skin contracts and is essentially eliminated without any cutting, which results in the tightening and shrinking of the targeted skin. It is truly one of the best non-surgical options for skin tightening.
This advanced procedure helps to revive natural levels of collagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin needed for fresh youthful skin.
A series of tiny brown spots are strategically placed to attain the desired result. The skin around the dot tightens instantly, pulling the cells closer together. No over tightening will occur. The excess skin cells are seen as tiny brown scabs on the treated area. The tiny ‘microdot’ (brown scabs or protective carbon crusts) on the surface fall off on their own in approximately 3-7 days.
It is very safe, low-risk, and highly effective.
As with most treatments, a consultation prior to service, as well as a strict aftercare routine, is required to promote proper healing and to help you achieve the maximum results.
The non-ablative method uses electromagnetic current with a different probe, in full contact with the skin, and should be done in courses of 4 treatments, a week apart. There is no downtime with this method, but more sessions are usually required.
What can Plasma treat?
Sagging or loose skin
Upper and lower eyelid reconstruction/lift (non-surgical blepharoplasty)
Neck/jowl lift
Lines and wrinkles
Skin tag removal
Age/sun spot removal
Mole removal (only if safe to remove)
Different types of scarring
Stretch marks
Non-hormonal skin pigmentation
Smokers lines (above upper lip)
Crows feet
Marionette lines (sides of mouth)
Skin rejuvenation
Raised, benign skin lesions
How fast will I see results with Plasma?
Results are immediate, however, as the deeper layers of the skin continue to heal over a 6-8 week period, results will improve over time.
Most clients start to see their best results around 4 weeks post-treatment.
How many Plasma treatments will I need?
This varies per client. Most clients only require an average of 1-3 treatments, depending on how much skin needs tightening and how well the clients skin responds to the treatment. Deep wrinkles and expression lines usually require touch-ups. Most clients will see fairly significant results after the first treatment, and if additional treatments are required, they can be done 4 - 8 weeks apart.
What to expect during the treatment and recovery?
A topical anaesthetic cream is applied for the client's comfort, and the entire procedure lasts approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the area to be treated. (for a few sun spots/skin tags, this may only be 2-15 minutes)
Depending on the technique used for each treatment, the plasma either leaves a tiny dot on the skin's surface, referred to as ‘carbon crusts’, or the lesion is removed, leaving that part of the skin a little pink and without a ‘crust.’
If you have crusts, these are quite small and usually fall off within 3-7 days after the treatment, revealing new pink skin beneath.
Most clients will notice some swelling and tenderness for about 3-5 days post-treatment, particularly around the eyelids, if treated, as they are most sensitive.
After that period, most clients will notice that the majority of the swelling has gone down, however, the deepest layers of the skin will still be healing for up to 8 weeks while collagen and elastin fibres are replenishing.
Where little lesions are removed, the skin can remain a bit pink and sensitive for up to a week.
Suitable and essential home care instructions will be given for all treatments.
How long will the Plasma effects last?
Lesion removal is permanent. Sometimes, raised benign lesion require a second session, but one session is usually enough.
For skin tightening, the effects of plasma treatments are not entirely permanent as it does not stop future skin ageing.
However, the positive results can last for years, depending on the area, client, quality of aftercare, and on-going skin care plans.
Are facial expressions affected by Plasma Lift?
Plasma treatments will not affect your facial expressions, which adds to the beauty of the results. There is no risk of over-tightening and over correction, which may happen with other surgical procedures.
Are you a good candidate for Plasma Lift?
We do not recommend the PLASMA procedure if you:
Are pregnant or nursing
Have a pace-maker
Are having a current outbreak of the Herpes Simplex Virus (oral cold sores)
Are on a current chemotherapy treatment plan
Are taking warfarin or any other blood thinner
Are a diabetic or have a healing disorder (we may ask for a doctor's clearance).
Have any issues with lymphatic drainage (lymph collects under the skin in pockets, usually beneath the eyes)
Have any auto-immune disease (we may ask for a doctor's clearance)
Have viral infections and/or diseases, are sick, or are on antibiotics
Suffer from epilepsy
Have skin irritations or psoriasis near the treatment area (rashes, sunburn, severe active acne, etc.)
Have any recent suntan or sunburn - treatment will be postponed until there is no sign of sun damage
Are prone to keloid scars (raised scars)
Have had Botox in the past 3 weeks
Have used Accutane orally in the last year, or topical Vitamin A in the last week..
Have eyelash extensions - these must be removed prior to any work near the eyes.
Are under the age of 18 (clients may be asked to provide proof of age)
Interested in a plasma treatment? What's next?
A consultation is required before an appointment can be booked. The consultation will determine if you are suitable for this treatment, and to answer any questions you may have.
To obtain the best results, appropriate skin skin prior and post the treatment will be advised.
Winter is an especially good time to consider plasma treatments, due to less sun exposure.
Pricing
Upper eyelid / non-surgical blepharoplasty R 3245
Bottom eyelid and crow's feet R 3245
Upper & Lower Eyelid Combo R5280
Peri-oral area / smokers lines R 3245
Side of oral area/naso-labial folds R 1870 to R 2475
Neck R 3520
Forehead lines from R 1870
Lip Flip R 1540 (just above upper lip line to create volume and enhance lip line)
Scarring from R550
Ear folds R 935
Skin tag/mole/xanthelasma/sun spots/raised benign skin lesion removal/DPN's
from R 550
1 or 2 sunspots only from R330
Stretchmarks from R550
Non-ablative tightening R 550/session R 1650/course of 4 sessions
Often areas for skin tightening may require further sessions. There is a 20% discount on a second session, and 40% discount on a third session for the same areas treated.
A potent stem cell recovery serum is applied immediately after skin tightening treatments.
For all skin tightening and larger lesion/spot removal areas, an essential pre/post product must be used.
All clients having any plasma treatments, must have a medical-grade facial sunscreen spf50 to use at home. These are also available to purchase.
Medical skin needling is an optional extra, 2 weeks post any plasma treatment. It is especially recommended for those prone to pigmentation, or those that want additional rejuvenation benefits. Without a doubt, those that follow with this have increased results.
Pricing starts at R1485/session. (a full face treatment is done, including all the areas previously treated with plasma.)
