The Plexr plasma soft surgery system was launched in the UK marketplace in 2014, and is manufactured by the GMC Group, which is based in Italy.
Plexr offers an alternative to invasive surgical cosmetic procedures, reducing recovery time and any complications that can arise before and after surgery.
It is an innovative development in aesthetic medicine and rejuvenating treatments, by utilising the fourth state of matter: Plasma.
The system is very precise and doesnt spread heat to surrounding areas, meaning it is perfect to operate on areas (such as eyelids), that are not really suitable for other devices, like radiofrequency scalpels or lasers. It is therefore marketed for use as a non-surgical blepharoplasty, or soft eyelid surgery.
There are a number of studies that have shown Plexr has positive results in the treatment of acne, excess eyelid skin and wrinkles around the mouth1-3.
The Plexr soft surgery device has been ergonomically designed, and it is completely cordless, with 3 hand pieces and a docking station. The hand pieces are rechargeable and pre-calibrated, with single-use tips, i.e. no tips are reused, there is a new tip per patient.
The Plexr method has many advantages over cosmetic surgery, which makes it an increasingly popular treatment method. There is no cutting of the skin, which means that there are no stitches required, and most people can return to work the same day. It is much quicker than surgery, as no injectable anaesthetic is required.
Plasma is a relatively new innovation in the beauty industry. The extremely accurate instrument works by ionising the gas particles in the air between its tip and the skin, to form plasma. An electrical arc is created, which results in sublimation i.e. turns a solid straight into gas. Therefore, the results are instant, but also no heat is transferred to the surrounding area. The resultant tissue retraction and tightening (as opposed to removal) gives results that are comparable to the ones seen with invasive surgery.
The Plexr system is certified Class IIb for devices for dermatological and plastic microsurgery and electrical stimulation. And it is EU certified with CE certificate number: Medical Device 16984/MDD
The Plexr machine is considered to be very safe when it is used by a fully trained medical practitioner. Be sure to ask any questions about the practitioner’s experience and address any concerns during your consultation.
Plexr has a wide range of therapeutic uses, being able to treat a number of imperfections without any actual cutting of the skin. It can be used for:
• Eyelid reconstruction (non-surgical blepharoplasty), including resolving baggy lower eyelids and excess upper eyelid skin.
• Tattoo removal.
• Skin imperfections and benign lesions, including warts, fibromas, pigmentation and sun spots.
• Improvement in the appearance of scarring, including post-surgery scars, acne scars and stretch marks.
• Lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
• Facelift and necklift.
• Active acne.
As Plexr is more than a simple tightening treatment, skin is actually removed, so the effects should last as long as they would with invasive surgery.
Like all surgical and cosmetic procedures, the effects of Plexr treatment are not entirely permanent as it does not halt any further ageing. But, the positive results should last you years as opposed to months. Additionally, there are lifestyle factors that can prevent the result from lasting as long as they can, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure. Those planning on treatment should also be aware that their race and genetics can also have an effect of the length of beneficial effects. Your consultation should be able to provide more information.
Plexr has been shown to be a safe treatment due to its non-invasive nature. Still the majority of patients are likely to experience some minor side effects in the 7 days following treatment.
There will be some brown marks that have the appearance of minor scabbing, which are carbon crusts, but after around 5 days, these will fall off, revealing new pink skin beneath. Some swelling will be seen (especially in cases of eyelid treatment), but it is likely to only last 3-5 days at most. To avoid any more serious side effects such as hyperpigmentation, follow the aftercare regime recommended to you by your practitioner.
As with the majority of cosmetic procedures, Plexr should not be used on women who are pregnant or breast feeding. Although some darker skin types are suitable for the soft surgery procedure, it is not advised for those with very dark skin. This is because there is a higher risk of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots) following treatment, particularly if the carbon crust are disturbed by scratching, scrubbing or picking.
Always consult a health care professional or your own doctor, before proceeding with any treatment regime.
On the treatment day it is recommended that no make-up is worn on the treatment area, which will make it quicker to clean the area. An anaesthetic cream is applied and is left to take effect for around 30 minutes. When the treatment area is sufficiently numb the session begins with multiple shots of the plasma tip, spaced closely together. You may feel some heat in the treatment area, which may be uncomfortable and slightly painful. Treatment time is usually between 10-40 minutes, depending on the size of the area.
After the treatment, you may experience a burning sensation, but it should only last a few hours, and your practitioner will apply a cooling gel to the treatment area.
Following treatment your practitioner will give you thorough aftercare instructions to ensure that you see the best results. You should be given a specially developed medical foundation to protect the scabbed area from the light, but it has the added bonus of coverage. In the week following treatment (or until the treatment area has fully healed) an exfoliating wash or cleanser should not be used. Instead opt for a pH balanced soap, and avoid rubbing the area.
The majority of people are safe to drive following their Plexr procedure, but if the treatment area is around the eye, it is advised to avoid driving, due to potential irritation or swelling.
Plexr is certainly more affordable than cosmetic surgery and the prices of treatment will vary between clinics, and exact prices can be provided at a consultation. You can expect to pay around £1,500 for complete eyelid treatment (3 sessions), around £600 for a facelift, and around £150 for small areas.
The positive effects of treatment will be evident immediately after the first treatment, but the best results will be seen after three weeks. For maximum beneficial appearance, 3 treatments are usually required at 6 weekly intervals.
Images Coursey of FusionGT
1. Scarano A et al (2011) ‘Skin lesions induced from the radiosurgical unit and voltaic arc dermoabrasion: A rabbit model’, European Journal of Inflammation. 9: 89-94.
2. Scarano A et al (2012) ‘Treatment of perioral rhytides with voltaic arc dermabrasion’, European Journal of Inflammation, 10: 25-29.
3. Stamatina G et al (2015) ‘Plexr in acne treatment’ Pinnacle Medicine & Medical Sciences, 2: 482-486.