Smooth, firm, healthy skin is something we all strive for, but aging, sun exposure, scars, and weight fluctuations can all lead to skin that looks and feels loose and saggy. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of loose skin but you’re not ready to undergo invasive surgical lifts, PlasmaMD treatment from U.S. Dermatology Partners may be a better solution to meet your needs. If you’re interested in learning more about this innovative fibroblast skin tightening technology, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a U.S. Dermatology Partners location near you.
PlasmaMD is a cosmetic dermatology treatment device that utilizes plasma energy to reduce the appearance of imperfections on the surface of the skin as well as tightening and generally rejuvenating skin’s health and appearance. It is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared, minimally-invasive treatment that can safely target all areas of the body, even the very sensitive skin around the eyes, while still producing dramatic, long-lasting changes. After your skin heals following the initial procedure, you’ll see immediate improvement, but one of the most impressive things about PlasmaMD treatment is that it promotes the natural production of collagen and elastin, which leads to long-term improvement in the appearance and firmness of the skin. The skin tightening results of PlasmaMD have been compared to surgical skin rejuvenation treatments like neck lifts and facelifts, but the procedure is significantly more comfortable with less downtime.
PlasmaMD is a versatile skin tightening treatment that effectively improves the appearance of loose skin for men and women of all skin types. While PlasmaMD is most commonly used to address skin laxity, it can also be utilized to address fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, irregularities in skin texture, scars (including acne scars and stretch marks), age spots, freckles, skin tags, and more.
The state-of-the-art PlasmaMD tool can be used on just about any part of the body, including treating:
While PlasmaMD can be effective in treating patients of all skin types, certain skin types are at higher risk for changes in pigmentation, scarring, and other potential concerns following treatment. Your dermatologist will discuss any potential risk with you prior to the procedure to ensure you choose the best treatment for your unique needs.
PlasmaMD is minimally invasive and safe for most people who are in relatively good health, but the treatment may not be appropriate for the following individuals:
Before your dermatologist begins the PlasmaMD procedure, they’ll apply a numbing agent to ensure your comfort throughout the process. It can take 20 to 30 minutes for the skin to become fully numb so the dermatologist can provide safe and comfortable treatment. After numbing, the PlasmaMD procedure is relatively painless. Most patients describe the treatment as feeling warm, tingly, or tickling.
The PlasmaMD treatment itself is very similar to other cosmetic dermatology treatment options like laser skin resurfacing, deeper laser treatments, and chemical peels because it uses plasma energy to remove the outer layers of skin. In addition to removing the outer layers of skin, PlasmaMD treatment stimulates the fibroblasts, skin cells that produce collagen and elastin, leading to both short and long-term skin rejuvenation.
During PlasmaMD treatment, the innovative handheld device emits plasma energy that reacts with the nitrogen in the air, creating bursts of energy between the surface of the skin and the PlasmaMD device. The dermatologist will precisely pinpoint areas with sagging, discolored, scarred, or otherwise flawed skin and move the plasma energy tool across the desired area, making microscopic injuries to the surface of the skin. The entire treatment process from the application of the numbing agent through the PlasmaMD procedure usually takes about an hour, depending on the size and location of the treatment area.
After your PlasmaMD procedure, you’ll go through a healing process that takes five to ten days before seeing the desired tighter, smoother appearance. In addition to this immediate improvement in skin firmness, tone, and texture, the PlasmaMD device also jumpstarts collagen and elastin production, so you’ll continue to see improvement in the appearance of skin for the long term, creating a naturally tighter, lifted appearance. In most cases, one treatment is adequate to achieve the desired results, but your dermatologist will schedule a follow-up appointment for a month or more after your initial procedure. During this visit, your dermatologist can schedule additional treatment sessions as necessary.
Every patient will respond differently to PlasmaMD treatment, but most people will need between five and ten days to fully heal after their procedure. Your dermatologist will give you a customized aftercare plan to minimize any discomfort and help you heal as quickly as possible, so make sure to follow their instructions to avoid unnecessary side effects. The most common side effect is scabbing. These scabs form in the treatment area and flake away as the skin heals. It’s important to avoid wearing makeup, exposing treated skin to the sun, and follow the skincare routine set out by your dermatologist throughout this healing process. Avoid picking or pulling at the scabs as this can lead to increased risk for scarring and infection. In addition to the scabs, you may also experience some swelling, redness, and sensitivity in the treatment area as your skin heals. Most patients receive effective relief from any post-treatment discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and using topical treatments to alleviate discomfort as directed by their dermatologists.
The changes caused by the PlasmaMD procedure are permanent, but they don’t stop the body from aging. Over time, patients will likely begin to see skin sagging and looseness again. Depending on the individual’s response, results can last between two and four years. Patients can typically further extend their results by partnering with a dermatologist to develop a daily skincare routine, using the right types of skincare products for their unique needs. Additionally, taking steps to limit sun exposure and protect the skin from sun damage will help to maintain results as well as keeping skin healthy and avoiding other adverse effects of the sun’s UVA/B rays, including the development of fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, or skin cancers.
*Results may vary by individual
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