Plasma Pen

Over the last several years, Plasma Pen has become the premier internationally recognized device for precise skin rejuvenation. The Plasma Pen is designed to significantly repair, reverse, and mitigate the negative effects of aging by using state of the art nitrogen plasma technology. Plasma Pen can tighten, lift, resurface, rejuvenate, and regenerate practically any area on the skin and compliments most other cosmetic procedures and injectables. No blood, no scalpels, no cutting, no stitches, no scars and little to no pain. Patients should plan on 5 to 10 days down time. All with natural-looking results. This is a physician-directed treatment.

Why Plasma Pen?

As we age, the dermal layer thins, less collagen is produced, the elastin fibers which provide elasticity wear out & all these changes in the scaffolding of the skin cause it to wrinkle and sag. Plasma Pen is designed to significantly repair, reverse & mitigate all these effects by using state-of-the art technology, proven science and technique, training and aftercare.

Plasma Pen Technology:

The Plasma Pen treatment hand piece converts electrical energy into an electrostatic energy which is then transmitted to the applicator tip (the probe) by impulse. At the right distance from the skin, oxygen and nitrogen are mixed and the electrostatic energy produces an arc of plasma which discharges onto the skin.

Anticipated Results of Plasma Pen:

• Contraction of the surface skin tissue creating immediate & dramatic skin improvement.
• Revitalization of the epidermis by making it shed old skin cells & replace them with healthy new skin cells.
• Fibroblasts in the dermis are targeted, stimulating collagen & elastin production and promoting strengthening and lifting of the skin structure over a sustained period of time.
• We help re-shape, re-build & strengthen the scaffolding within the dermis to promote elasticity and flexibility.
• Activation & release of important proteins in the dermis to regulate cell maturation & encourage tissue regeneration & repair.
• Regeneration continues—we achieve immediate results & those results then improve significantly over the coming months.
• Reported results lasting from 1 – 2 years. Individual results will vary depending on the degree of tissue damage, and the healing response generated.

End results depend on many factors, including the aggressiveness of the treatment, adherence to post treatment care regimen, proper nutrition and good general health. The most important being the degree of cumulative sun and environmental damage to your skin and tissues.

Treatments are designed to maximize the results of the treatment within safe and predictable parameters. The number of treatments needed cannot always be accurately predicted, even under the best of circumstances. Appropriate intervals between treatments are needed to allow the healing process to complete the cycle. The next treatment is then decided upon, given the results of the previous one.

Good general health is the key to excellent and predictable outcomes by supporting your cells to work well and promote healing.

Any successful skin rejuvenation treatment is cumulative in the overall improvement of skin health, and therefore the skin’s appearance.

Please ensure you read and follow the advice provided. If you have any concerns before or after your treatment, if you do not understand any area of your aftercare, or if you have additional questions then please do not hesitate to contact your clinician at Boulder Plastic Surgery/ IV Seasons Skincare.

Like most skin rejuvenation treatments, there may be some side-effects, however the post-treatment downtime and recovery from Plasma Pen –plus the end result—is frequently shown to be far superior to treatment with other devices, including some ablative laser procedures. We, however, are not in control of how adherent you are with your post-treatment care. You must follow these important post treatment guidelines carefully if you wish to enjoy optimal results and protect your investment in Plasma Pen treatment.

Although for most patients, Plasma Pen treatment is virtually pain-free, your own treatment may be moderately uncomfortable and sensitive depending on where you are being treated – especially eyelid procedures where the skin is the thinnest –and your own sensitivities and tolerances. Our Plasma Pen device and super-fine probes allow your clinicians to work quickly and efficiently which will dramatically minimize any potential discomfort for you.

Before Your Treatment:

• We recommend you avoid sun-tanning, spray-tanning, tanning injections and sunbed for 4 to 6 weeks before your treatment. Ideally, we recommend using SPF40 to prep your skin for 2 to 4 weeks before your treatment, especially if you are naturally darker skinned. You may be asked to start a Pre-treatment product using a Tyrosinase Inhibitor such as Hydro-Quinone, or a combination of Retin-A with Hydro-Quinone.
• Avoid any other type of procedure for 3-4 weeks on the same area which you intend to have treated with Plasma Pen, such as laser therapy, or chemical peels. This may prevent your treatment being performed by your clinician at the time you want it.
• Discontinue any use of topical Retin-A products a minimum of 10 days prior to treatment, and Retinol products a minimum of 3 days prior to treatment.
• Remove contact lenses and any eyelash extensions prior to treatment.• We frequently will pre-treat some treatment sites, such as the upper lip and crows feet region with Botox to minimize muscle activity post Plasma Pen. This is done at least seven days prior to treatment for an improved long-term result.

Immediately Following Your Treatment:

• You may not look your absolute best during the initial healing process (usually 3 to 7 days)
• We recommend NOT exercising right after a treatment because any heat, steam, or sweat could add to the inflammation that’s already present. Ideally you want to avoid excessive sweating for 7-10 days during the healing process. Sun avoidance is also key, because you cannot apply sunscreen until crust has separated.
• We recommend the only product you should use after treatment and during the 7-10 day healing process is Factor Five serum 2 x per day (morning and evening).
• You may experience a mild tingling or stinging sensation with application of Factor Five serum and this will subside within a very short time. This is to be expected depending on your skin sensitivity and is caused by the healing ingredients intentionally formulated in the Factor Five serum.
• Patients may find waiving a fan or a magazine or using a small handheld fan after application of Factor Five will be comforting in the event you experience any uncomfortable tingling or stinging sensation.
• We recommend you do not wear makeup in the area treated during the 7-10 day healing process because the application and/or removal of makeup could prematurely disrupt the scabs before they are ready to separate.
• We recommend all patients apply small amounts of Factor Five serum 2x days (morning and evening) to soothe inflamed skin and to allow faster healing. It also provides relief from possible itching and helps expedite a scar free healing process.
• There may be some mild to moderate swelling in the area(s) treated, especially around the eyes and within the periorbital (eye) region.
• Swelling and inflammation for 1 to 5 days post-treatment is normal. If swelling lasts beyond 7 days, contact your treatment provider.
• We recommend the you do not apply cold packs or ice packs during the swelling period, as icing will diminish the outcome and inhibit the inflammation process that we want to happen naturally. Applying cold or ice packs on the skin could interfere with the mechanism of action performed by the device and the skin’s natural heat and healing process to achieve the desired result. Swelling is a minor inconvenience to achieve the desired outcome.
• If possible, we recommend you take a high dose of Vitamin C (1 gram/Day) supplements over the course of the healing process as this will help give your immune system a big boost. In turn this helps you to repair and also helps avoid hyperpigmentation.
• You may experience a “stinging” sensation in the “treated” area(s) immediately after treatment. This is normal and is simply the heat exiting the skin. It generally only lasts for about 1-2 hours.
• Facial areas that have been treated must NOT be covered with bandages, occlusive dressing or any type of make-up, mascara, creams or any other product until the area has fully healed.
• If you have received facial treatment, we recommend you sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimize swelling. If you have received treatment to your eye area then it is important you sleep slightly elevated for up to 7 days as this can greatly reduce swelling.
• It is highly unlikely you will ever get an infection from a Plasma Pen. However, the first 12-24 hours post-treatment is of vital importance in protecting you from any kind of potential infection so please avoid any activities where you could expose yourself to contaminants.

In the Following Days After Your Treatment:

• It is normal for the area that has been treated to feel tight and dry.
• Occasional weeping will settle.
• Tiny crusts (scabs) will quickly form on the treated area. Scabs are formed at the time of the treatment and will be visible. For some patients, that may be the reason they feel the need to take more time off from their social or lifestyle activities. This is what we refer to as “Social Down Time.” There is no medical reason you can’t return to work but you may feel self conscious. The scabs usually fall off anywhere from days 7-14.
• Do NOT pick crusts off as this will delay the healing process and could cause scarring.
• The area(s) treated may be cleansed daily with lukewarm water and a soft, lint free cloth. You are only removing excess oil and do not need to thoroughly cleanse the treated skin. Do NOT be tempted to rub or brush the area to aid the removal of the crusts. Pat dry with a clean tissue.
• We advise you do NOT stand with your face under a hot shower or direct water from shower head for the 3 to 5 days. This could increase swelling. Try to avoid shower gels or hair products running onto your face as this could cause irritation. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water if products do come into contact with the area(s) treated and gently pat dry.
• Outside of using Factor Five serum please do NOT apply any other lotions or creams unless your practitioner has specifically advised you to do so. Absolutely do NOT use any lotions or creams that contain perfume, alcohol or acids. The area must be kept free of oil to help the crusts form and then fall off of the skin naturally. Do NOT rub or abrade the area(s) or use the exfoliating products. This could result in scarring and/or pigmentation.
• Shaving in the area treated should be avoided until it is fully healed.
• If you have had treatment around your eyes, you should avoid wearing contact lenses for 1 week after your treatment because pulling on your skin can disrupt crusts.
• When the crusts have fallen off then your skin may be a little pink as it is fresh, new and rejuvenated skin. This pinkness will fade over time in as little as 2 weeks up to a few months. In rare cases it may take up to 6 months.
• Once the crusts have all fallen off you may apply your normal foundation/ make-up but avoid using skincare products containing Glycolic or any other active exfoliating ingredients as this will cause irritation.
• Continue to use Factor Five serum morning and night. Your Plasma Pen clinician can offer you a 30- day supply 1oz. bottle.
• You absolutely must NOT use saunas or sunbeds during 10 -12-week healing period and ideally for longer. Avoid the midday sun.
• All other facial treatments on the same area should be avoided whilst your skin is healing
• Use of topical Retin A, Hydroquinone and Vitamin C products should be avoided for 4 weeks (OTC products) to 6 weeks (prescription strength).

Other Important Aftercare Recommendations:

• Please minimize sun exposure with shading, hats, avoiding midday sun, and masks for perioral treatments until you can apply sunscreen to treated areas, usually 7-10 days.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Taking Vitamin C supplements over the course of your healing process can give your immune system a big boost and help you to repair. Continue the use of Factor Five serum morning and evening.
• Any additional treatments that may be required must only be performed once the skin is completely healed and has returned back to its normal color. This usually takes about 12 weeks.
• Plasma Pen treatment is the gift that keeps giving and, on top of the immediate rejuvenation, lifting and tightening affects you will likely experience, it can actually take 8 to 12 weeks for the full effects of your original treatment to be seen.
• Please note that if you do require a longer period of time between treatments then the delay will not alter the outcome/results.
• Evaluation of treatment results should not be considered before 12 weeks. At which time, a future treatment plan can be discussed with you.

If you have questions about aftercare, please contact your clinician at Boulder Plastic Surgery/IV Seasons Skincare.

Pre-treatment considerations

• If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that this treatment could contribute to a recurrence. You will be asked to take antiviral medication in this circumstance.
• No one who has taken the medication Accutane or its generic forms within the last year may have this procedure.
• Skin care or treatment programs may be used before and after Plasma Pen skin treatments in order to enhance the results.
• End results depend on many factors, including the aggressiveness of the treatment, adherence to post treatment care regimen, proper nutrition and good general health. The most important being the degree of cumulative sun and environmental damage to your skin and tissues.
• Treatments are designed to maximize the results of the treatment within safe and predictable parameters. The number of treatments needed cannot always be accurately predicted, even under the best of circumstances. Appropriate intervals between treatments are needed to allow the healing process to complete the cycle. The next treatment is then decided upon, given the results of the previous one.
• Good general health is the key to excellent and predictable outcomes by supporting your cells to work well and promote healing.
• Any successful skin rejuvenation treatment is cumulative in the overall improvement of skin health, and therefore the skin’s appearance.

Treatment Considerations/Contraindications

The procedure necessitates a post treatment care regime that must be followed.

Absolute Contraindications to Plasma Pen include, but are not limited to:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• Accutane treatment within 1 year
• Active acne
• Botox to area within 7 days
• Filler to area within 14 days
• Skin cancer or suspicious moles
• Herpes Simplex (cold sores)
• Shingles
• Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Hemophilia, hepatitis, HIV/Aids
• Hyperpigmentation
• Lupus
• Retinal Detachment
• Hypertrophic (keloid) scars
• Steroids (cortisone)
• Vitiligo

Common side effects and risks

• Edema (swelling) of the skin may occur and can be minimized by keeping the area upright.
• Urticaria (itching) often times occurs as the old skin is shed and the new skin is being formed.
• If any of the above symptoms intensify, your clinician should be notified.
• Discomfort, especially a sunburn feeling, may persist for a few days.
• PIH or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (browning) and hypopigmentation (lightening) have been noted with Plasma Pen procedures. These conditions usually resolve within 2-6 months. Permanent color change is a rare risk. Vigilant care must be taken to avoid sun exposure (tanning beds included) before and after the treatment to reduce the risk of color change. After the skin has gone through its healing phase and is intact, sunscreen and / or sun block should be applied when sun exposure is necessary.
• Infection is not usual after treatments; however, herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth can occur following treatments. This applies to both individuals with a past history of the virus or individuals with no known history. Other signs of an infection can be a fever, purulent (pus) material, severe redness, swelling in the area, and skin that is hot to the touch. Should these symptoms occur, the clinician must be notified to prescribe appropriate medical care.
• Allergic reaction is uncommon from treatment. Some persons may have a hive-like appearance in the treated area. Some persons have localized reactions to cosmetics or topical preparations. Systemic reactions are rare.

Additional Treatment or Surgery Necessary – There are many variable conditions which influence the long term result of Plasma Pen treatments. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are the ones that are particularly associated with these procedures. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. Should complications occur, procedures, surgery or other treatments may be necessary. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied on the results that may be obtained.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – The cost of Plasma Pen treatment involves several charges for the services provided. This includes fees charged by your doctor, the cost of pre and post operative skin care medications, surgical supplies, equipment and personnel, laboratory tests, and possible outpatient hospital charges, depending on where the procedure is performed. It is unlikely that cosmetic surgery costs would be covered by an insurance plan. Even if there is some insurance coverage, you will be responsible for necessary co-payments, deductibles and charges not covered. Additional costs may occur should complications develop from the treatment.

Disclaimer: Informed consent documents are used to communicate information about the proposed treatment of a disease or condition along with disclosure of risks and alternative forms of treatment. The informed consent process attempts to define principles of risk disclosure that should generally meet the needs of most patients in most circumstances. However, informed consent documents should not be considered all-inclusive in defining other methods of care and risks encountered. Your physician may provide you with additional or different information which is based on all the facts in your particular case and the state of medical knowledge.

Informed consent documents are not intended to define or serve as the standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all of the facts involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and as practice patterns evolve.