WHAT IS THE PLASMA FIBROBLAST SKIN TIGHTENING TREATMENT?

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Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening is a minimally invasive procedure that produces exceptional tightening of the skin and regeneration of collagen without surgery. Using a plasma pen with a disposable probe, sublimation of micro-columns of skin can be achieved. Essentially the skin is heated and vaporized, producing a tightening effect and stimulating fibroblasts within the dermal layer of the skin. 

 

This technology has been utilized within the medical field for decades and is completely safe. Only recently have the benefits of using this technology for beauty and aesthetic purposes come to light. In the medical field what we know as plasma fibroblast treatments are essentially electrocoagulation or electrofulguration. According to the National Cancer Institute electrofulguration is, "A procedure that uses heat from an electric current to destroy abnormal tissue, such as a tumor or other lesion. It may also be used to control bleeding during surgery or after an injury. The electric current passes through an electrode that is placed on or near the tissue. The tip of the electrode is heated by the electric current to burn or destroy the tissue. Electrofulguration is a type of electrosurgery. Also called electrocautery, electrocoagulation, and fulguration."

 

When the plasma pen tip is held close to the client’s skin, a plasma arc is created producing energy that is targeted deep within the skin’s tissues. This unique treatment produces amazing results without ever physically touching the pen to the skin’s surface. As we age, our fibroblasts don’t function as optimally as they used to. These wound-repairing cells are responsible for the extracellular matrix of our skin-- collagen, elastin, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and other vital skin components are what keep the structure and function of our skin healthy. In fact, the decreased capacity of fibroblasts to do their job as we get older is one of the main reasons that elderly people are more susceptible to skin infections than someone of a younger age. Healthy fibroblasts repair the skin’s damaged collagen with white blood cells called macrophages, keeping wrinkles and sagging skin at bay. 

 

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS PLASMA?

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This treatment derives its name from the innovative technology used within the pen. Plasma within this context refers to an ionized gas. Using electrical energy and the gases emitted from the skin, the pen creates a plasma arc. It is this thermal energy source that produces the tightening effect. 

 

Similar to microneedling and fractional lasers, creating a controlled micro-trauma triggers the skin’s fibroblasts to repair the wound, which creates a reduction in wrinkles and other surface irregularities. 

 

While this is the main type of plasma that this treatment refers to, it also relates to another form of plasma; the plasma within our blood. Making up 55 percent of our blood, this nutrient-dense yellow liquid contains water, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, blood clotting factors and other substances to enhance the healing process of your client’s plasma pen procedure. 

 

 

SCABS - OUR WOUND HEALING RESPONSE

How often have we scraped our knees or suffered a cut fully expecting it to scab over, not giving it another thought? This routine process is actually quite complex. It’s important to know about this process since the plasma pen procedure will leave hundreds of tiny pinpoint scabs over the surface of your client’s skin. 

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THE FOUR STAGES OF WOUND HEALING

 

• 1) Hemostasis: “hemo” means blood and “-stasis” means balance. In other words, your body begins processes to stop the flow of blood. Blood platelets clump and stick together, forming the beginnings of what will become a scab. 

 

• 3) Proliferation: Once the white blood cells have done their job cleaning the site of the wound, fibroblasts begin the building blocks of what will become your new skin cells... boosting collagen, hyaluronic acid and other critical parts of the skin’s extracellular matrix.

• 2) Inflammation: When an area of the body is inflamed it usually appears red. This is due to dilated blood vessels and increased circulation in the area of the injury. Your body is rushing nutrients and white blood cells directly to where they are needed the most.

 

• 4) Remodeling: Within this final phase fresh skin cells emerge and the wound is closed. 

 

The heat emanating from the plasma pen creates a cauterizing effect within the skin, quickly sealing off the vessels from bleeding. The blood in the treated area clots and is covered by a brown scab. This effect means you will not see the bleeding that is associated with other controlled micro-trauma treatments like microneedling. It also promotes a safer treatment with reduced risk of infection. 

 

It's important to stress to your client that no matter how tempting, picking at the scabs will interfere with their body's fine-tuned healing response. The micro-dot scabs will fall away on their own in approximately 3-7 days. During this time period the area should be kept sterile and free of makeup. Makeup is easily cross contaminated and should be avoided for 7 days following treatment. An aftercare cream or antiseptic ointment will help ensure the area heals properly.  

 

The inflammation response of the body will swell the area and create an instant tightening effect. Be sure your client understands that true results will take some time to see and this is simply swelling in the area of the micro-injury. Some individuals will experience redness for up to two months following this procedure as the skin takes time to repair and remodel itself.