Plasma Pen Aftercare: Easy as 1, 2, 3

Most skincare routines involve a bevy of in-office treatments to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity. However, one of the newest and most popular professional treatments to pack a powerful punch to rejuvenate the skin in every sense of the word is a plasma pen treatment (it’s also known as fibroblast skin tightening). Aftercare for the plasma pen is an important part of the treatment process. 

Utilizing a pen-like device that emits plasma, an electric current that results in micro-injuries in the skin, the collagen and protein-stimulating treatment, which doesn’t necessitate any anesthesia, focuses on the cells in the dermis, the layer of skin directly below the uppermost layer. Similar to other skin-improving treatments, a plasma pen creates tiny microscopic controlled wounds in the skin to incite new, healthy collagen. As the skin heals from the treatment, fibroblasts are signaled to help firm and tighten the skin while improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and even acne scars.

The results from a plasma pen treatment are rather dramatic—some lifting and tightening can be seen. It’s also a go-to treatment for effectively improving the overall tone and texture of the skin via new collagen production, allowing the skin to look healthier and younger. Popular treatment areas include the eyelids or where acne scars or signs of hyperpigmentation and stretch marks are present. But there is some downtime with a plasma pen treatment and aftercare, which isn’t difficult but is of the utmost importance to speed up the healing process for the best results possible.

To arm yourself with the ins and outs of plasma pen aftercare, we’ve assembled this go-to guide with everything you need to know about the healing process and results.

What is it like to have a plasma pen treatment?

During a plasma pen treatment, the skin is exposed to microcurrents that will cause small micro-injuries to form on the skin. As a result, there may be some mild tingling or stinging. These micro-injuries are necessary for proper skin healing, eventually turning into tiny scabs. The 30- to 60-minute treatment necessitates topical numbing cream first, even though the treatment is virtually pain-free.

A small handheld device with a fine probe is applied close to the skin to deliver electrical energy. At the proper distance from the skin, oxygen and nitrogen are mixed, and the energy produces an arc of plasma onto the skin, creating what resembles tiny dots. The skin may feel like a sunburn in the first few days post-treatment, but as the skin heals, the skin tissue begins to contract, and the skin dramatically improves. Old skin cells shed and are replaced with healthy new ones, and fibroblasts in the dermis are targeted to stimulate collagen and elastin production for firmer, more lifted skin. Overall, the skin emerges with greater elasticity and flexibility and is stronger.

What will my skin feel like after a plasma pen treatment?

After a treatment, it’s typical for the skin to feel a little dry, swollen, and inflamed. The skin will likely remain like this during the plasma pen healing process for the first seven days and then improve slowly. It will also appear red for the first week post-treatment, and some stinging may accompany it. It’s also normal for the skin to feel tight and dry and for the treated areas to itch and become scabbed.

It can take anywhere from eight to 12 weeks to see the full results of the treatment.

How long does recovery take for a plasma pen treatment?

Every patient is different, but it takes about seven days for the initial signs of downtime and recovery to subside. From there, it can take ten days, if not longer, for the skin to return to normal and free of any redness, swelling, and scabbing. Most patients report the entire healing process to last a few weeks.

What is the day-by-day aftercare for plasma pen treatment?

Like other skin rejuvenating treatments, a plasma pen procedure requires special aftercare. There’s also post-treatment downtime and recovery. To garner the best possible results, following your provider’s plasma pen healing process day-by-day is imperative to achieve optimal results and protect your investment.

Plasma pen treatments come with downtime. After the treatment, the skin will be swollen for about five to seven days, and small scabs will form on the skin that signals healing. No matter what, you should not pick these scabs. The treated area should not get wet or washed for at least the first day or two—keeping the skin dry is imperative. It’s advised to avoid using hot water on the face for at least seven days on the treated area since it can cause irritation.

Skincare products should be limited for the first week—nothing irritating, exfoliating, stripping, or containing acids should be used. Instead, stick with post-treatment-approved skincare products and Vaseline or Aquaphor to help restore the skin barrier and prevent dryness.

For the first seven to 10 days, it’s best to avoid wearing makeup as the skin heals since applying and removing makeup can disrupt or even damage the healing scabs. You’ll also want to keep the skin open and free of bandages and dressings to allow the area to heal.

To speed up healing, apply hydrating serums and creams and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. It’s also essential to avoid sun exposure -treatment. You’ll also want to avoid exercising after the treatment and avoid any heat or steam, too, which can cause additional inflammation.

As the skin heals, tiny scabs form on the treated areas signaling the positive effects of the procedure and skin tightening. However, redness, swelling, dark spots, and peeling can occur during healing.

Why do scabs form on the skin?

The formation of scabs on the skin as part of the healing process is an important step. These tiny dots, technically carbon crusts on the skin, are normal and will disappear. However, plasma pen aftercare is critical when it comes to these spots.

The scabs show healthy healing and will flake off independently after seven to 10 days. They form during the treatment and usually fall off after seven days.

However, the scabbing downtime varies depending on each patient. Avoid picking at the scabs, which can cause hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Once the scabs have fallen off, the skin may be a little pink since it is fresh and new. The pinkness will fade in a few weeks.

What type of results can I expect?

Plasma pen results effectively minimize puffiness on the upper and lower eyelids and hooded eyelids and droopy under eye bags due to the skin’s thinness and ability to heal quickly. It’s also an effective treatment for smoothing and toning lines around the mouth, known as barcode lines, that result from volume loss, sun damage, and repeated expressions.

The treatment also improves acne since the released plasma and ions break down the bacteria that induce acne.

Some patients require a second plasma pen treatment around the six-month mask.

How often should I do plasma pen treatments?

Plasma pen results are incredibly effective. On average, one to three treatments yields result. But there is some downtime with the plasma pen and a special aftercare process, so always keep that in mind.

The number of treatments an individual needs is best determined during a consultation since every patient is individual.

How can I maintain my results?

On average, plasma pen results last one to two years, although the degree of tissue damage and lifestyle choices can impact those results., Naturally, plasma pen results depend on several factors, including adhering to a proper post-treatment care regimen, proper nutrition, sun avoidance, and good general health.

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PRICING GUIDE

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Download our exclusive Charette Cosmetics Services & Pricing Guide to learn more about our service menu & treatment prices.