The Plasma Pen, also called “Fibroblast,” is a treatment that has been in use for many years across the globe. This procedure is intended to treat loose, crepey skin and wrinkles or fine lines, but unfortunately, many patients have faced complications with Plasma Pen treatment. These complications can be severe, and for this reason, Reflections Center does not offer Plasma Pen treatment.
How Does Plasma Pen Work?
The Plasma Pen works by delivering electrostatic energy to the surface of the skin. The device essentially causes a burn to the surface of the skin as it delivers energy with the intention of tightening and resurfacing the skin. The idea is that the natural healing process will result in rejuvenated skin with improved tone, texture, and elasticity, but this is not always the case.
Poor Results from Plasma Pen
At best, results from the Plasma Pen are not what patients hope for, and much of the skin laxity remains after the treatment. Many patients will also have pigmentation issues in the form of either light or dark spots. Burns from a Plasma Pen can also result in scarring. So, rather than reducing crepey or loose skin, Plasma Pen patients can be left with worse damage than they originally wanted to treat.
Is Plasma Pen FDA Cleared?
The Plasma Pen is not FDA cleared. Plasma Pens have been in use, especially overseas, for many years, and the technology is outdated compared to improved methods of rejuvenating the skin. In fact, the device has been banned in some countries, including Canada. This is because, in addition to negative results like scarring, the Plasma Pen lacks the safety monitors of modern options. In the U.S., the FDA has not yet evaluated the Plasma Pen for safety at all. Some Plasma Pens can even be purchased for at-home use online — of course, this is not recommended.
In fact, you will find that physicians in the U.S. do not offer Plasma Pen. Instead, this system is usually offered by non-medical technicians with less extensive training and knowledge. At Reflections Center, our non-surgical procedures are performed by physicians, who have extensive knowledge of the treatments they offer and ensuring safety for their patients.
Alternatives to Plasma Pen
There are several good alternatives to Plasma Pen treatment that offer excellent results without scarring or other complications. Here are just a few of your options.
Injectables
Patients with wrinkles or fine lines in the forehead or around the eyes can often benefit from Botox, which relaxes the muscles that cause these lines. Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, or some lines in the forehead or near the eyes can also be treated using dermal fillers, which are generally composed of hyaluronic acid and include options like Voluma, Restylane Defyne or Refyne, or Juvéderm. Reflections Center offers a full range of FDA-approved injectables, meaning we can meet each patients’ unique needs with tailored treatment.
Microneedling
RF Microneedling can also be a good option for rejuvenating the skin and addressing signs of aging. This treatment creates microchannels in the skin using very small needles, through which radiofrequency energy is delivered. However, this treatment is not appropriate for those who are prone to scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a more advanced and precise option for rejuvenating the skin, encouraging collagen production, and reducing signs of aging. Reflections Center offers a wide range of laser resurfacing options, and our physicians can help choose the best technology for your skin type.
Thread Lifts
A thread lift is a non-surgical method of lifting loose or sagging skin using sutures, which also stimulates natural collagen production. At Reflections Center, we offer three types of thread lifts: Silhouette Soft Instalift, Nova PDO Threads, and MINT Threads.
Sofwave
Sofwave is an ultrasound skin tightening treatment that is more affordable than many other options. Using high-frequency ultrasound, Sofwave stimulates collagen production to tighten the skin, creating a firmer and more youthful appearance and reducing jowls or sagging skin through the face.
Skin Classic
Strangely enough, plasma pen is now being advertised as a treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia – and that’s like using a machine gun to kill a fly (overkill on a level that’s mind-blowing and dangerous to us). We use Skin Classic, which is a fine tipped device (the treatment tip looks very much like a plasma pen) that delivers adjustable levels of radiofrequency heat to melt the sebum inside the sebaceous hyperplasia spots, so it can gently be removed by your body. There’s no need to risk burns with plasma pen for this one!
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about safe and effective alternatives to Plasma Pen, schedule a consultation with one of our expert physicians at Reflections Center. Call our Martinsville or Livingston offices or request an appointment through our online form to get started.