Plasma Skin Resurfacing
Plasma skin regeneration (PSR) is a new technique for rejuvenating facial skin through the use of a unique technology. PSR delivers energy to the skin through ‘plasma pulses’ induced by passing radiofrequency into nitrogen gas. It is different from current techniques in that in relies neither on chemicals, light or radio frequency waves. According to a 2007 study reported on in the journal Archives of Dermatology,
“Plasma is a unique state of matter in which electrons are stripped from atoms to form an ionized gas. The plasma is emitted in a millisecond pulse to deliver energy to target tissue upon contact.”
Plasma skin regeneration technology can be used at varying energies for different depths of effect, from superficial epidermal sloughing to deeper dermal heating. The handheld device used to deliver the energy to the face can be set so that varying layers of facial skin can be impacted depending on the level of energy generated. Thus the treatment is held to be capable of impacting skin layers beneath the epidermis without impacting the outer layer. Once again from the journal report, “The technology can be used at varying energy settings for different depths of effect, from superficial epidermal effects similar to microdermabrasion to deeper dermal heating similar to carbon dioxide resurfacing.”
The professional dermatology website SkinTherapyLetter.com describes the process as follows: “As the plasma hits the skin, energy is rapidly transferred to the skin surface, causing instantaneous heating in a controlled, uniform manner, without an explosive effect on tissue or epidermal removal. The depth and area of thermal effect are determined by the energy setting and spot size of the handpiece. The intended spot size of 6mm is reached when the device is held approximately 5mm from the surface of the skin; however, the thermal effect can be increased or decreased by defocusing the handpiece either closer or farther away from the skin surface.”
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a cautious report on the technology on its website. While initial results have been encouraging, the Society feels that an in-depth study of results and potential side effects is necessary. There are three different types of treatments for PSR. One is a low-energy treatment taking three sessions. One is a high energy treatment of one session, and one is a high-energy treatment that also utilizes three sessions. According to the ASPS, FDA approval has been issued for treatments of these conditions:
• Wrinkles or fine lines
• Superficial skin lesions
• Colored, textured patches of the skin
• Benign tumor such as a wart
Cosmetic plastic surgeons have reported generally good results with the technology. It is effective with facial blotching, although some patients who received one of the high-energy treatments reported temporary blotching as a side effect after treatment. The penetrating, high energy treatment is believed to be a catalyst for the growth of new collagen, resulting in the smoothing of wrinkles and a more youthful face.
The online newsletter sums up professional experience: “Plasma skin regeneration technology is a novel method to rejuvenate the skin and has shown good results in the improvement of fine lines, dyspigmentation (color blotches), and textural irregularities. High-energy protocols can offer the added benefit of increased tissue tightening.”
The earliest product on the market and the most widely used is Portrait Plasma Skin Regeneration system by Rhytec Inc. There may well be a number of options however, and it’s likely that the technology will undergo some advancement as newer generations of PSR devices are developed. Consult with your cosmetic plastic surgeon about the options for PSR and what might be appropriate for giving your face a more youthful and smoother appearance.
