hello@defymedsalon.com Salon: 540-972-8810 Medspa: 540-755-2242 Text: 540-306-5633
4266 Germanna Hwy Suite 101 Locust Grove, VA 22508
Plasma Renewal
As we age our dermal layer thins, less collagen is produced, elastin fibrils wear out & these changes in the scaffolding of our skin cause it to wrinkle & sag and to lose elasticity & texture – similar to how the scaffolding of a building would lose integrity & collapse if it rusted, weakened & became unable to bear loads.
The device we use at Defy is the Plasma Pen®, a pioneering fibroblast technique is specifically designed to dramatically repair, reverse & mitigate these effects & deliver a more youthful appearance using state-of-the-art technology, proven science & best practice technique.
How the Plasma Treatment Works
In nature there are four states of matter – solids, liquids, gases and plasma. Matter only becomes plasma when enough energy is delivered to split the atoms into electrons and the output of this is a ‘plasma cloud’ of charged particles which consist of free radicals, positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons and molecules.
Our device creates an electrical discharge between two electrodes which are separated by an ‘insulating dielectric barrier’. As the charge collects on the surface of our dielectric barrier, it discharges as a flash of plasma within millionths of a second. An intelligent combination of the design of our device and its continuous direct energy source ionises the nitrogen and oxygen in the air to create a plasma gas which is then both sustained and continuous in line with the unique fingertip control and on-demand nature of our Plasma Pen device. Although we are creating collisions between molecules and causing the emission of energetic photons; the energy required to do this is actually minimal so our device is (and only needs to be) low-voltage. The plasma we create with our device transfers to the skin with absolute precision and does not harm any of the surrounding tissue.
The first and most immediate effect is delivered to the outer layer of the epidermis where we create external micro-trauma which helps immediately contract and tighten the skin. The next major effect is that the plasma simultaneously penetrates down into the fibroblasts which are contained deeper within the dermis below and, in doing so, we stimulate accelerated fibroblast division and migration, as well as encouraging neovascularisation – the natural formation of new blood vessels and the release of growth factors. These growth factors include fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived endothelial growth factors and cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins that are very important in cell signalling and which affect the behaviour of cells around them. They help modulate our immune response, they regulate cell maturation (aging) and quarterback the growth of new cells. They are particularly important in directing our bodies response to the inflammation trauma that we cause because they stimulate both cell repair and new cell reproduction.
The inflammatory response which occurs during the healing process that we promote also activates what are known as “M2 Macrophages”. Macrophages are white blood cells which engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells, and indeed anything else without proteins that are good for healthy cells. M2 macrophages decrease the inflammation we cause and encourage tissue regeneration and repair. We also stimulate the migration of basal keratinocytes up to the surface of the skin. Wounds to the skin are repaired, in part, by the migration of keratinocytes from the basal layer of the skin which then fill-in the gaps created by the micro-wounds we create. Within the healed epidermis they are, in turn, replaced by keratinocytes that originate from the epidermis.
Who is a good candidate for Plasma Renewal?
There are a few medical conditions who are not good candidates, those with auto immune may not be treated due to compromised immune systems.Injury or recent surgery to the area to be treated are also, not candidates.
Patients who are not on blood thinners.
Dark skin tones, those who are Skin Type lV or darker are not candidates.
What to Expect & Aftercare
Aftercare will be discussed with you before and after your treatment. Printed information will also be provided by your technician who will also schedule your follow-up, post-treatment appointment.
Based on thousands upon thousand of Plasma treatments around the world, these are some of our recommendations, best practices and advice to consider in your own personal aftercare regime:
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Wait until your scabs have fallen off. You may resume activities immediately after any Plasma Pen treatment but may not look your complete best during the healing process (usually 3 to 7 days)
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The formation of brown/black crusts on the skin surface will occur. Do not pick pick them – these crusts will fall off in a few days
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For the first night or two, if you have had a facial treatment, you may wish to sleep on your back to avoid brushing your face on your pillow, or in a reclined position due to possible swelling.
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Keep your scabs/crusts moist by applying aloe vera up to three times per day. This will provide relief from any tendency to itch and expedite the healing process
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Keep the area clean using lukewarm water and do not use alcohol based cleansers
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Occasional weeping will settle
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There may be some mild swelling – especially around the eyes and periorbital region. Swelling for 1 to 5 days post-treatment is normal but is usually of a very minor nature and to be expected. Post-treatment downtime and recovery from Plasma Pen is frequently shown to be superior to treatment with other devices
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The treatment may be moderately uncomfortable and sensitive depending on where you are being treated – especially eyelid procedures where the skin is at its thinnest. Our device and our super-fine probes allow our technicians to work more quickly and efficiently which minimizes potential discomfort for you but this all depends on your own sensitivities and tolerances to start with
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The area treated must not be covered with any occlusive dressing or any type of make-up, mascara, creams or any other product until the area has fully healed (except specific products we recommend and which are available both from us/your technician)
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Taking Vitamin C supplements over the course of your healing process can give your immune system a big boost which will help you to repair.
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Avoid smoking
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Men should avoid shaving over any area that has been treated until the skin has fully healed
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After healing, you must use SPF 50 sunscreen when out and about for at least 12 weeks and you should avoid tanning beds and sunbathing
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We recommend our tinted aftercare product which is designed to safely camouflage treated areas but we don’t recommend oily skinned clients use this as they will already heal slower and this could inhibit their recovery period further
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It is highly unlikely you will ever get an infection from a Plasma Pen treatment as the wound we cause isn’t open. However, with any skin rejuvenation treatment, we are not in control of what you do when you leave and you should be aware that the first 12 hours is always the period of risk for you to get any kind of infection so please avoid activities where you could potentially expose the area to dirt or cause an irritation that opens the skin.
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We recommend not exercising right after a treatment because any heat, steam or sweat could add to the inflammation that’s already present
How long do Plasma Pen results last?
Plasma Pen delivers exceptionally long lasting results. From all observations, clinical trials and real world experience about three years is normal. Once the skin is tightened then that it is actually permanent. However, your skin will still continue to age and this will happen at different rates based on genetics, lifestyle choices and free radicals so although we suggest treatment results will lasts for around 3 years, some clients will experience longer lasting results than others. Remember too that in addition to rejuvenation, we are actually helping repair the scaffolding of the skin with our fibroblasting to mitigate the aging process.
If, for example, we treat your smokers lines and you then continue to smoke then results may possibly not be as long lasting compared to if you had stopped. If we make your eyelid hoods or bags disappear then that is also a permanent effect although, of course, they could potentially grow back in years to come.
Is Plasma Pen painful?
We don’t think so and especially not with our #1 device. For many, Plasma Pen is virtually a pain-free treatment and is often described as merely tingly. We see many clients fall asleep during their procedure. However, the treatment may be moderately uncomfortable depending on you and where you are being treated. Eyelid procedures (where the skin is at its thinnest) can be more painful for some people but our device, plasma delivery and super-fine probes allow our technicians to work very quickly and efficiently and this minimises potential discomfort for you by design.
Your technician will numb the area before treatment and sometimes during too depending on the products they use and the regulations in this area. For treatments on large areas, technicians will typically “numb as they go” so that the numbing effects don’t wear off while they are still working. It’s all relative too – think how painful something like cosmetic surgery can be after a procedure when your anaesthetic wears off.