Plasma Fibroblast Therapy
Minimally-invasive treatment to tighten skin and remove minor skin imperfections
How plasma fibroblast therapy works
Plasma fibroblast therapy uses an arc of energy to cause microtrauma to the treated skin. The heating of the skin activates the healing cascade, recruiting fibroblasts to produce collagen. At Limelight Medical Aesthetics, we use Plasma IQ™, the first FDA-cleared hand-held plasma energy device. It is indicated for removal and destruction of skin lesions and tightening of tissue. Treatment involves use of an electrostatic plasma spark to heat the skin and create discrete microthermal wounds.
This treatment is incredible for those with dermatochalasis (loose/redundant eyelid skin). If you have been thinking that you need surgery for around your eyes, consider plasma fibroblast therapy as a way to delay going under the knife.
If not properly protected, the skin treated can have hypopigmentation and scarring. To prevent these complications, each session includes application of topical AnteAGE Exosomes. Using exosomes rapidly increase the healing process, cutting the downtime, and chance of issues, by at least 50%.
This treatment is not appropriate for darker skin tones without several weeks of skin conditioning. We will provide a thorough consult and advise if this is an appropriate treatment for you at the time of your visit.
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Prior to Arrival
Prior to arrival, you would have received a questionnaire and consent for treatment. We will review these forms with you and answers any questions you may have.
Photos
We do photos with each visit. Not only does it show progress through your aesthetic journey, it also helps to understand and tweak subsequent treatments, based on outcomes from each encounter.
Preparation
Once images are obtained, the skin is cleansed and a strong numbing cream is applied.
While the numbing cream takes effect, We will prepare the device. This is a great time to discuss other skin concerns or treatments.
After 30 min, the numbing cream is removed with micellar water and gel cleanse.
The Treatment
The plasma pen session will have varying treatment times based on the area being treated.
You may have some pain during the treatment, despite topical numbing. Every step will be made to make you as comfortable as possible during the treatment. You will notice a burning smell during the treatment, as the skin is rapidly heated.
Once the treatment is over, the skin will be red, swollen, and have tiny brown dots. The dots are the spots were the plasma arc contacted the skin. AnteAGE Exosome are applied after every session, as they rapidly improve healing time. The cost for this improved healing is included with the treatment.
Complications/Side Effects
HYPOPIGMENTATION
Because the skin is heated and damaged, it requires time to heal. Hypopigmentation can occur with this treatment if not cared for properly. This is more common in darker skin tones. It is crucial that the area be protected from the sun using both SPF and physical barriers. The AnteAGE Exosomes will speed up the healing process, helping to prevent this complication.
SCARRING
There have been reports of scarring with this treatment. The reports mention that the skin has tiny dimples. These dimples correspond to the areas of scabbing. It is of upmost importance that the post-treatment instructions are followed precisely. Again, the AnteAGE Exosomes will help to speed recovery, greatly decreasing the chance of this occurring.
PAIN/SWELLING/REDNESS
These are expected after this procedure and can be managed with ice and over-the-counter medications.
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Day 1 - 3: The skin will be swollen and red immediately after treatment. This may continue for the first couple of days. The dots will scab during this time.
Day 4 - 7: The swelling and redness should be improved. The scabs have formed and may start to fall off by the end of week one. It is crucial that you continue to protect the treated area from sun exposure.
Day 7 - 14: Your skin may appear dimpled or slightly lighter than the surrounding skin. It is fresh skin and needs time to heal. Continue using sun protection.
At 2 weeks, it is safe to resume your regular skin care regimen.Day 21 and onward: You skin should be mostly healed during this time. However, it is still crucial that you are protecting the area from sun exposure.
Instructions + Forms
Prepare for your appointment and learn how to take care of your treated area after your procedure for the best results in a reasonable amount of time based on the treatment received.
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In preparation for your treatment, if able, please have cleansed skin. Your skin will be sanitized before injection, but to give best results with least complications, cleansed skin is best.
One week prior to treatment, you should stop all products containing Retinol, glycolic acid, Alpha or Beta hydroxy acids.
Notify us of any allergy to Lidocaine or any other numbing agents, as these will be applied prior to the treatment.
Limit sun exposure for a minimum of 1 week prior to the procedure.
Do not use self tanner over the area being treated for 1 week prior to the procedure.
Patients should be off Accutane for a minimum of 6 months prior to treatment.
If you have a history of cold sores, please let us know at least one week prior to treatment. We may nee to prophylactically prescribe you antiviral medications to prevent a flare. If prescribed, start anti-viral medication 2 days before treatment and as directed.
Men should have a cleanly shaven face the night before or the morning of the procedure - without visible stubble.
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A sunburn sensation may linger for 12-24 hours after the procedure is completed.
Icing the area for the first 24 hours is acceptable for extreme swelling.
Immediately after the treatment, AnteAGE Exosomes and AnteAGE Biogel will be applied. You will reapply the Biogel again before bed. This should be left alone until the next day.
Each morning and evening, while the scabs are present, you may cleanse the area by GENTLY splashing lukewarm water over the area. DO NOT RUB. Use a hairdryer (on the cool setting) until the crusts are dry then, apply a VERY THIN layer of the AnteAGE Biogel Occlusive . Pat the gel on with clean fingers and do NOT rub in or use a sponge. You will repeat this process until the scab fall off.
DO NOT intentionally pick or remove the scabs. Every manipulation of the scabs can cause an adverse effect. They will fall off on their own within 7 days.
When the scabs have fallen off, use sunscreen with min SPF 30 on the treated areas. Avoid extreme sun exposure for several months and UV rays and extreme low temperatures for 2 weeks. Not following instructions can lead to pigment deviations.
As long as the scabs are present avoid the sun, sweating, sauna, and steam rooms.
2 weeks after the treatment, you can resume your regular skin care routine. Including aggressive sun protection.
The skin beneath the scabs may be sensitive and may remain pink for several months.
Please note: depending on the desired results, more than one treatment may be necessary. Follow-up treatments may only be performed 12 - 16 weeks after the previous treatment as the collagen fibers are still contracting and the skin is very sensitive.
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Science + Education
Ionized gas particles
As the device is brought close to the skin during treatment, it ionizes nitrogen gas particles in the air to create a plasma arc that looks like a spark.
Skin retraction and reaction
The plasma arc causes sublimation of the epidermis of the skin; turning a solid into gas, resulting in immediate skin tightening and retraction in the target area. This method of plasma sublimation is highly targeted and controlled. It does not transfer heat to the surrounding area.
The procedure creates tiny brown carbon crusts or scabs in the treated area that persist for approximately one week before dropping off.
Healing response
The microinjuries sustained during treatment promote the long-term firming, tightening, and smoothing effects that are part of the natural healing response.