Plasma Soft Surgery

WHAT IS Plasma soft surgery?

Plasma soft surgery is a non-surgical treatment used to lift the eyes (blepharoplasty), remove excess skin such as eye bags, tighten the skin and erase scars, moles, skin tags and other unwanted features (see below for before and after
pictures). Unlike surgical treatments for these problems, Plasma soft surgery does not require general anesthetic and recovery time is much shorter.

The treatment uses plasma – the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid and gas – and is performed using wireless handheld devices which are manufactured in Italy. It was launched in the UK in 2014.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Plasma is created when the electrons in neutral gases are stripped away from the atoms. The high-energy matter has many uses in modern life including in televisions – and now cosmetic treatments. The Plasma device creates plasma by ionizing gas particles between its precise

0.5mm-wide needle and the skin, creating an electrical arc. The technology is very precise so specific areas like the eyelids can be treated without touching or harming the skin.

Plasma is “like a lightning bolt”. “When lightning hits the ground it vaporizes everything and leaves only black carbon. On the skin, plasma vapourises cells and all that is left is carbon in the form of a crust.” This crust heals, leaving the treated skin behind. As well as vaporizing – or “sublimating” – unwanted skin, it has the triple effect of causing the remaining tissues to tighten and boosting collagen production.

Plasma has a wide range of uses. The most popular is non-surgical blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), but it can also be used for removing moles, skin tags, scars, tattoos, acne, keloid scars, stretch marks, undereye circles and for mini face and neck lifts. It can even be used to tighten up skin in cases of so-called “mummy tummy” after having children.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Depending on what the area is that’s being treated patients will either be given a local anesthetic or topical anesthetic cream which takes around 15 minutes to take effect. There is no need for them to have local anesthetic injections, go under general anesthetic or stay in a hospital. Non-surgical eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty) will be done with the anesthetic cream.

Treatment can usually be done in 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the area. Patients have reported some procedures using Plasma soft surgery as being painless with the anesthetic cream, but treatment around the eye area may still be a level of discomfort and it may feel prickly.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME?

You may feel a burning sensation for a few hours after treatment but should otherwise be fine to go back to work, and even drive, straight away unless you have had treatment to the eyes where you will have to wait for swelling to subside.

Zen Medi spa will provide you with a medicinal cream to cover the treated area and protect it from light which should be used for around a week afterward the treatment. You will also need to avoid using exfoliating washes and cleanses until it is completely healed – usually around seven days.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

As Plasma soft surgery is non-invasive and does not require general anesthetic or stitches, there are very few risks in comparison to surgical procedures.

You may feel a burning or tingling sensation and a crust, scab or brown marks may form over the affected area – this must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Treatment insensitive area, particularly the eyes, may cause swelling for up to a week.

Unlike many other treatments, Plasma soft surgery can be used on all skin types. hypopigmentation (light spots). As with most cosmetic procedures, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not have the treatment.

SO IS IT WORTH IT?

The results of Plasma soft surgery for skin tightening and eyelifts will last up to five years, although, as with any cosmetic treatment, it will not stop the skin from aging further.

As far as cost and convenience are concerned, Plasma soft surgery is a relatively inexpensive and hassle-free form of cosmetic treatment.

However, it is important to remember it may not suit everyone and those with particularly heavy excess skin may be better off with surgery.