Plasma skin resurfacing (PSR) uses the energy source of plasma to deliver heat to a targeted treatment area to achieve skin rejuvenation without effecting the surrounding tissues.
The treatment is unique in cosmetic medicine in that it does not use a more traditional energy source, such as lasers and light (IPL, LED etc.), radiofrequency or ultrasound to deliver the heat required to target the desired skin cells.
Instead, it uses plasma which is an activated ionised gas converted from inert nitrogen gas. Plasma is known as the fourth state of matter, with the others being solid, liquid and gas.
The technology was pioneered by the development of the Portrait® Plasma Skin Rejuvenation (PSR3) device by Rhytec, this was subsequently acquired by the Energist Group who rebranded the technology and launched a second generation device called Portrait® NeoGen in 2012 and later as the Neogen™ Plasma Skin Regeneration (PSR) System in 2013. Currently this is the only device being commercialised which uses plasma for a skin rejuvenation indication.
Unlike light based technologies, PSR doesn’t require a chromophore to attract it to the target area such as pigment, blood or water. Instead it provides a controlled, uniform, non-fractionated energy absorption or heating across the whole skin area being targeted, without damaging the outer layers of skin. It produces high levels of energy which it is claimed provides significant tightening.
Varying settings (PSR1, 2 & 3) can be utilised in order to deliver differing depths of effect, including deep dermal heating to promote collagen renewal, and superficial epidermal sloughing to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Plasma skin resurfacing is designed to improve skin tone and texture, giving it a brighter, more contoured and more youthful appearance, tightening sagging skin and reducing the appearance of loose skin around the jaw. Fine lines and deeper wrinkles are reduced, hyperpigmentation and discolouration reversed and more severe skin complaints such as actinic keratosis, acne scarring and seborrheic keratosis treated effectively.
If you’re considering plasma skin resurfacing the following information will give you a basic understanding of the treatment. It can't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the practitioner. Please ask a practitioner about anything you don't understand.