Plasma Jet

Plasma jet is a non-invasive treatment used to address various skin issues. This technology uses a device that delivers electrical energy to the surface of the skin without the need for surgery. It creates tiny sparks on the skin that cause the skin tissues to contract and tighten, while stimulating collagen production. As a result, it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and density. The method is also effective in treating mild skin sagging.

The advantages of this procedure include a very short recovery period and minor side effects such as redness and swelling, which usually subside within a few days to a week. Basic aftercare is required, such as using sunscreen to prevent pigmentation.

However, plasma jet is not suitable for individuals with significant skin sagging or deep scarring. For instance, if you have severe eyelid drooping or pronounced dark circles and sagging around the eyes, other treatment methods are more appropriate. But if you have fine lines, dry skin with crow’s feet or fine wrinkles around the eyes and nose, mild sagging, or superficial freckles and moles, plasma jet can be an effective solution.

The world of anti-aging treatments is an exciting one, with constant innovations offering more effective and less invasive solutions for aging-related issues. Plasma jet is a modern treatment that can rejuvenate the skin within a few days—without surgery or scarring—by creating a younger and more radiant appearance. The plasma energy stimulates new collagen formation, and the activation of elastin fibers helps repair sun damage, reduce wrinkles, and ultimately result in smoother skin.

Unlike traditional facelift methods, plasma jet requires no cutting, stitching, or prolonged downtime. It leaves no scarring in the treated area, and the results are long-lasting. Overall, plasma jet is a natural treatment that leverages your body’s own healing process to enhance and prolong skin-smoothing effects.

Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter, alongside solid, liquid, and gas. Unlike the other states, plasma has unique properties. It is an ionized gas composed of ions and electrons, formed through ionization—when electrons are separated from gas atoms or molecules are broken apart.

Plasma jet treatment uses this plasma energy to vaporize unwanted skin cells, resulting in tighter, younger-looking skin. Plasma has been successfully used in the medical field for many years. The plasma jet device resembles a pen and targets specific treatment areas. A small arc forms between the pen tip and the skin, creating a spark of plasma energy. This spark vaporizes skin cells, leaving behind a carbon crust. The skin then naturally flakes off, revealing smoother, firmer skin underneath.

Plasma jet is unique as it operates with a continuous current, allowing it to depolarize cell membranes and tighten the skin simultaneously—unlike most other devices that use alternating current. Cell membranes contain channels that regulate the flow of water, nutrients, and ions like sodium and potassium. As we age, these channels can become blocked, disrupting ion exchange.

Plasma energy helps reopen these channels through membrane depolarization, enabling water and ions to move freely through the cell membrane. This plasma discharge helps separate potassium ions inside the cell and sodium ions outside, restoring the cell’s electrical potential. As a result, the membrane's electrical potential is reestablished, the cells are rehydrated, and the skin becomes firmer.

No, plasma jet is a comfortable procedure, and most individuals feel at ease during the treatment. A topical anesthetic is applied before the session begins, making the process virtually painless. Some people may experience a mild burning or tingling sensation afterward, but this can be easily managed with a cooling gel.

Plasma jet is primarily known as a non-surgical alternative to eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), but it can also be used to treat a variety of other conditions, including:

• Lip Lines: Vertical fine lines extending from the outer edges of the lips. These are not limited to smokers, although nicotine can exacerbate them.

• Wrinkles: Caused by the reduction of collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to fine lines such as crow’s feet, marionette lines, frown lines, and more, which can make one look older and more fatigued.

• Plantar Warts: These can be painful and interfere with physical activities. When they form in weight-bearing areas like the feet, they can even make walking difficult.

• Nasal Plasma Therapy: Also known as plasma jet for the nose, this method melts subcutaneous fat to lift the nose upward and create a slightly smaller and more refined appearance.

• Keloid Scars: Raised scar tissue resulting from skin conditions like severe acne, piercings, or infections.

• Stretch Marks: Caused by rapid stretching or shrinking of the skin, leading to deep, uneven lines often seen on the abdomen, legs, and arms.

• Acne Scars: Persistent marks that remain long after acne clears, potentially causing embarrassment or anxiety.

• Navel Sagging: Often a result of weight loss, where loose skin around the belly button becomes particularly noticeable.

• Eyelid Sagging: The delicate skin around the eyes is often the first to show signs of aging and may droop over time.

• Skin Lesions: Small, harmless skin growths that may be cosmetically unappealing.

The treatment begins with a consultation with a dermatologist to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for plasma jet. About 30 minutes before the procedure, a topical numbing cream is applied to the targeted area to minimize discomfort, allowing for a nearly pain-free experience.

During the treatment, you may feel warmth in the areas where the microplasma beam is concentrated, and a mild burning or tingling sensation may follow. The treated area typically becomes red and warm immediately afterward and may remain sensitive for a few days.

A visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles is usually noticeable right after the session. Small brown spots—carbon crusts—will form at the treatment sites and begin to flake off over the course of up to two weeks. It's essential not to pick or remove these crusts prematurely, as doing so could lead to scarring or infection.

For optimal results and full recovery, follow all post-treatment care instructions provided by your dermatologist.

Since the plasma jet treatment causes skin cells to sublimate (turn into gas), the results are long-lasting. Additionally, the treatment stimulates your body to produce new collagen in the treated area, which gradually adds volume and improves skin texture over time. For issues like skin tags, moles, and tattoo removal, plasma jet offers a permanent solution.

Typically, only one session is needed to treat fine lines or smaller areas. However, if you’re aiming for a more dramatic transformation or targeting a larger area, multiple sessions may be required.

Your doctor will provide personalized guidance during the consultation to help you understand the recommended treatment plan and the expected number of sessions.

The most commonly reported side effect is swelling in the treated area. This can be managed with cold compresses or anti-inflammatory medication. These side effects are typically short-term, with swelling and redness lasting for about 2 to 3 days.

If swelling or redness persists beyond that, you should contact the clinic for further evaluation. The healing process also includes flaking or crusting of the skin, which should be allowed to resolve naturally over approximately one week.

After the treatment, your skin will begin to flake and form crusts over the course of about 14 days. These crusts appear as small brown or black dots. While traditional makeup primers should be avoided, you can use breathable, medical-grade primers like Oxygenetix that won’t interfere with the healing process.

Some patients may experience moderate swelling, especially when treatment is done around the eye area. Full recovery typically takes between 7 to 10 days for most individuals. Initial results are visible immediately, and improvements continue over the next 2 to 4 weeks.

It’s generally not recommended to undergo additional treatments on the same day as your plasma jet session. However, plasma jet can be safely combined with several other anti-aging procedures to enhance your overall appearance.

Popular combination treatments include dermal fillers to restore youthful volume, Profhilo injections to further boost collagen and elastin production, and facial HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) for deeper skin tightening.

Pre-treatment care for plasma jet includes the following:

• Discontinue use of strong topical products, such as those containing retinoids, at least four days before the treatment.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure before your plasma jet session.

• Inform your dermatologist of any skin infections or irritations, as these may require rescheduling the treatment.

• Let your dermatologist know if you are taking strong medications, including immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, or if you have recently undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Most scabs from each plasma jet session will fall off within two weeks—often sooner. You should follow a daily care routine as outlined below until all scabs have naturally detached:

• Gently wash and cleanse the treated area twice a day using water and a non-abrasive cleanser recommended by your dermatologist.

• Pat the area dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure.

• If the treated area includes the eyelids, use the prescribed antiseptic drops. Apply them gently with your fingertips as instructed.

• You may apply liquid foundation up to three to four times a day, but only use products approved by your dermatologist.

• Do not use any other cosmetic products until all scabs have fallen off.

• Do not apply any creams, including antibiotic or corticosteroid creams, without consulting your dermatologist.

• Avoid smoking, as it can impair blood circulation in the treated area.

• Once the scabs fall off, you will notice fresh new skin underneath. Follow your dermatologist’s recommendations regarding sunscreen and ongoing skincare to ensure complete healing.

What is plasma jet?
Plasma jet lift is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses plasma energy to tighten and lift the skin.

Which areas can be treated with plasma jet?
Plasma jet is commonly used to treat skin laxity and wrinkles on the upper and lower eyelids, forehead, around the mouth, and neck. It can also be used to tighten skin on other parts of the body.

How long does a plasma jet treatment take?
The duration of the treatment depends on the size of the targeted area. Typically, one session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

How many plasma jet sessions are needed for optimal results?
Many clients notice significant improvement after just one session, though some may require additional treatments to achieve their desired results.

Who is a good candidate for plasma jet?
Plasma jet is ideal for individuals seeking skin tightening and rejuvenation of the face and body without undergoing surgery.

How much does plasma jet lift cost?
The cost of plasma jet treatment varies based on the treated area, the type and severity of the condition, number of sessions needed, physician’s experience, and the clinic’s location.