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How Long Do Plasma Pen Treatments Last?

Image of Ginger Lizardo, RN
Ginger Lizardo, RN

The Subnovii plasma pen is our newest anti-aging tool here at Image Surgical Arts, and we think you’re going to love it as much as we do. The results can be impressive indeed, for both resurfacing and tightening skin. But we know you also want to know how long those results will last. So let’s take a closer look at the amazing plasma pen.

 

What Does It Do?

This little device, which gets its name from the fact that it looks like an oversized writing instrument, is truly non-invasive. The tip never touches your skin. It releases short bursts of carefully-controlled radio-frequency energy that reacts with plasma on the skin’s surface. (This plasma is an invisible, gas-like substance, not the blood plasma we’re all familiar with.) The reaction causes tiny wounds in the skin, which the body then works to heal by producing new collagen and proteins. The result is fresh, healthy skin cells.

The plasma pen is effective in treating very delicate skin such as around the eyes and mouth, yet it is also effective for treating deep creases. That means Dr. Harris and our expert staff can use this option to help you reduce fine lines and more obvious wrinkles, to improve the appearance of acne scars, to correct dark spots, and to tighten skin on the:

  • Brow
  • Upper eyelids
  • Under-eye area
  • Crow’s feet
  • Around the mouth
  • Jowls and jawline
  • Neck
  • Décolletage

A Better Alternative to Other Options

While dermal fillers can also restore lost volume to re-plump wrinkles and creases, they are not generally effective for the fine lines around the mouth, and many are not appropriate for use around the eyes due to the risk associated with injecting filler into a blood vessel. And none of them work to truly tighten skin. Laser treatments can work well to tighten skin, but they are not suitable for all skin types, nor are they appropriate for delicate skin. (The plasma pen may also cause hyper-pigmentation in certain skin types.)

Dr. Harris often recommends neurotoxin injections (such as Dysport or Botox) to supplement fillers, as these work to minimize and prevent further formation of wrinkles. For this same reason, he may recommend neurotoxin to augment your Subnovii plasma pen treatment, to prolong and improve the results.

So How Long Will Your New Look Last?

There is little downtime required following plasma pen treatment. That said, most patients experience some mild swelling and, sometimes, itching for the first few days. It will also take several days for the tiny scabs to disappear from the pinpoint wounds on the skin’s surface. During this time you will begin to see the results of your treatment, and your skin will continue to improve over the next six months. After that, results generally last about three years.

By comparison, dermal fillers produce instant improvement which gradually lessens as the filler material is absorbed by the body. Most fillers last a few months to a year, though some remain effective longer.

Treatments Sessions Don’t Last Long at All

Dr. Harris and his staff perform plasma pen treatments right here in our clinic, using a topical anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. Patients may also request to augment that with “laughing gas,” if they want. Depending on the area(s) being treated, the session may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

It doesn’t take long to learn more about the plasma pen, either. What can it do for your skin? All you have to do is schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Harris or one of our expert staff members to find out more. Call or text 615-499-4224 today to set up your consultation!