Plasma Pen for Wrinkles

Why is this device called the “Plasma Fibroblast Pen?”

The Plasma Fibroblast Pen, (or Plasma Pen) is a small handheld device named for the “plasma arc” it produces. The device uses heat to stimulate fibroblasts which are collagen producing cells. This non-surgical device is much less invasive than surgery. A Plasma Pen produces tiny wounds on the surface of the skin to smooth wrinkles, diminish scars and tighten loose skin.

How does the Plasma Fibroblast Pen Treatment work?

When the tip of the device is placed 1 mm from the skin, it creates a tiny electrostatic current called a plasma arc. This arc is targeting to create tiny heat injuries in the skin. These tiny areas of heat damage stimulate fibroblast activity which continues for up to 1 year after treatments. This causes firming, smoothing and tightening of the skin. The treatment also encourages regeneration of skin tissue.

How does fibroblast stimulation help tighten crepey skin and smooth wrinkles?

The Fibroblast Plasma Pen stimulates fibroblasts to heal the tiny injuries and builds collagen within the skin. This process repairs, tightens, and rejuvenates the skin surface.

Where on the body can the Fibroblast Plasma Pen be used?

The Fibroblast Plasma Pen can be used anywhere on the face or body with fine wrinkles, loose skin or crepey skin. It is most commonly used on the face for tightening skin of the upper eyelid and for wrinkles around the eyes.

Which skin conditions can the Plasma Fibroblast Pen used for?

The Plasma Pen can be used anywhere on the body to tighten crepey skin and sagging loose skin. The treatment has been used to treat the following skin problems:

How does the Plasma Fibroblast Pen work for eye wrinkles?

The Plasma Fibroblast Pen can help with tightening lax skin around the eyes. It can be considered as a less expensive alternative before undergoing invasive eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). The Plasma Fibroblast Pen is also helpful for those seeking wrinkle improvement too close to the eyes for Botox to be given. A study by Rossi, et al (3) performed three treatments to the upper eyelid on 10 patients. The eye wrinkles were classified according to the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale. The scale rates wrinkles with a score of 1 to 5 with “1” being absent wrinkles and “5” being extreme deep wrinkles. The study found an improvement of 2.6 on this rating scale for the participants. This translates to an approximately 50% improvement.

Another study by Bogel MA et al (5) Performed 3 treatments over the entire face every 3 weeks on eight subjects with photoaging. Three months after treatments were completed, a 37% reduction in crows feet wrinkles was noted. There was also a 68% improvement in overall facial appearance.

How long is the Plasma Pen Treatment?

Numbing cream will be used on the preferred area for at least 20 minutes. The procedure will take another 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the area. Typical duration of treatment is 60 to 90 minutes.

Does the Plasma Pen Treatment Hurt?

Numbing cream takes the pain away. You may feel some discomfort in sensitive areas of the face.

How long do I need to wait for the results?

The plasma pen produces skin tightening results immediately but healing must take place. Maximum results will be available after 3 to 4 weeks once complete healing and growth of connective tissue occurs. Typically, 2-4 treatments may result in aesthetic improvements that last for up to 3 years.

What are side effects caused by the Plasma Fibroblast Pen?

Make sure a highly trained technician provides the treatment to reduce the potential side effects. Ensure that only a very fine point is used to create the skin treatment pattern. The size of the finest needles are usually 0.25 mm in diameter, the same size used as fine acupuncture needles. There will be a tiny dot pattern of scabs over the treatment area. They typically scab over, fall off, and heal over 5-7 days. Side effects include swelling, redness, crusting, edema, scaling, scarring, and pigmentation changes. Those with darker skin have a higher risk of pigmentation changes. Those with dark skin complexions are better off with a microneedling procedure instead of the Fibroblast Plasma Pen. To reduce the chances of side effects, a small test treatment to a nonconspicuous area is typically performed. After the test treatment is successful, much fewer side effects will occur after the technician “learns” how your skin responds and heals. This results in much fewer side effects and faster recovery than other providers who perform plasma pen treatments.

Does the Plasma Pen treatment hurt?

Plasma pens create heat in pinpoint locations on the skin forming a pattern over the treatment area. Therefore it can be painful without the use of numbing cream. Furthermore, the pain is worse when numbing cream is a low strength or not properly applied. The cream should be rubbed in by your technician. Then another thin layer of numbing cream should be added. Plastic wrap applied over the cream helps to permeate the cream into skin. You must allow at least 30 minutes for the cream to soak in. Is your provider following this process? If not, you may hurt more during the treatment.

How many Fibroblast Plasma Pen treatments are needed to see results?

Typically 2 to 3 treatments are required to achieve an improvement of 40 to 70% in appearance of wrinkles depending on the area treated.

How long do the plasma pen results last?

Results are permanent and will be visible for years. Results can last for up to 3 years. The aging process does continue with aging. Facial lines can recur over time with age since muscles in the face can overpower skin. Less exposure to the sun will help reduce the process of photoaging.

How do I prepare for a Fibroblast Plasma Pen treatment?

1. Avoid any other type of procedure in the same area for 3 weeks prior to a Fibroblasting Plasma Pen treatment. This includes no acid peels, Botox, dermal filler‘s, microneedling, or laser procedures.
2. No sun tanning, tanning beds, or spray tans should be done for 2-4 weeks before the Fibroblast Plasma Pen procedure. Passive sun exposure for up to 15 min daily before the procedure is OK, but plan to stay out of the sun during the remaining course of your treatments. Sunblock with SPF 50 can be used before hand to prevent tanning.
3. Fibroblast Plasma Pen cannot be done until 9 months after any facial surgery or face lifts.
4. If you have signs of a cold or flu the treatment should be rescheduled.
5. Eyelash extensions receiving upper or lower eyelid treatment must have lashes removed before treatment and reapplied after eight weeks.
6. Remove contact lenses before the procedure and do not put them back in until the 4th day after the treatment.

What are the rules to follow after the Fibroblast Plasma Pen treatment?

There are some simple rules to follow to make sure you will have the best possible results after a Plasma Fibroblast Pen treatment.

1. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!! Allow the scabs to come off on their own. This will ensure the best possible healed result and avoid scarring and infection. It is normal to have some redness, swelling, and tenderness for the first five days after treatment. As it heals you will also experience some itching. Never scratch or rub the area. Scarring may occur if you pick or scratch the scabs on the area. This is the only reason that scarring might occur.
2. Tiny crusts will be visible after the treatment. Never touch or rub the treatment area. Some stinging and burning can occur up to an hour after the treatment. Swelling may be treated with ice packs over a clean cloth. Avoid steriods as well as NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Aleve, and aspirin. Tylenol is OK.
3. Gently apply your aftercare product (using only clean hands) to the treated area as needed to relieve pain/itching each day until your scabs fall off on their own.
4. Keep the area clean with very gentle cleansing using unscented glycerin, or Dove unscented soap and water morning and night. Gently splash the area with cool water and very gently clean with soap and rinse very thoroughly.Never use hot water over the areas. Use very mild gentle pressure to clean skin. Infection is unlikely since there will not be any open wounds.
5. Do not exercise for 2 days. Avoid wearing hats, hot water, hot air, dry air, steam and sweat. Avoid swimming. Prevent exposure to dust. These can increase inflammation.
6. Avoid all sun exposure, sun tanning, tanning beds, or spray tans during the course of treatments and for 3 months after your last treatment. Carry sunblock with you just in case.
7. Try to sleep on your back with your head elevated for 5 days to reduce swelling.
8. Do not shave, tweeze, thread or pluck hair from the area until fully healed. Avoid contact lenses for 3 days after the treatment.
9. Do not cover the treated area with any bandaid or occlusive dressing. Do not apply make up, mascara, creams, and sunblock until the area is fully healed.
10. You may return to work the following day. There will be a visible pattern of tiny dots over the area for 1 week after treatment. You will not be able to use make up to cover these up and therefore you will not be looking your best during this time.

Plasma Fibroblast Pen References:

1. Bernstein, Eric. (2007). Very low-energy plasma skin resurfacing treatments improve photodamage. 17-17.
2. Loesch M, Somani A, Kingsley M, Travers J, Spandau D. Received 14 May 2014. Published 28 August 2014 Volume 2014:7 Pages 231—241
3. Rossi E, Farnetani F, Trakatelli M, et al. Clinical and confocal microscopy study of plasma exeresis for non-surgical blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid: A pilot study. Dermatol Surg 2018;44(2):283-90.
4. Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale. The Korean Dermatological Association and The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology. Ann Dermatol. 2014 Aug;26(4):447-456.
5. Bogle MA, Arndt KA, Dover JS. Evaluation of Plasma Skin Regeneration Technology in Low-Energy Full-Facial Rejuvenation. Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(2):168–174.