Columbus Plasma Resurfacing
Rhytec, Inc.—the pioneer of Plasma skin resurfacing and the sole provider of the device that uses a novel thermal energy called Plasma for reversing the signs of aging—has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to market a new methodology for treating acne scars. “Portrait Plasma” has already been cleared by the FDA for treating facial and non-facial areas for wrinkles, superficial skin lesions, actinic keratosis, suborrhoelc keratosis, and viral papillomata.
Portrait Plasma is a one-of-a kind, non-invasive, in-office technology clinically proven to treat unhealthy signs of aging often accelerated by sun exposure. Plasma treats 100% of the skin; it stimulates a natural response, producing healthier regeneration of the skin. Different from lasers that only target specific components of the skin, physicians and patients feel that Plasma’s unique approach maximizes the results. This is especially important when treating acne scars, wrinkles, skin laxity, and pre-cancerous lesions. Unlike other procedures on the market (CO2, erbium, and factional lasers, for example), Portrait Plasma offers shorter downtime and little or no risk of hypo-pigmentation, scarring, or discoloration.
Portrait Plasma resurfacing harnesses the power to deliver dramatic skin care results without the risk or downtime associated with laser procedures. The hand-piece delivers nitrogen plasma energy that works both at and below the surface of the skin to modify its architecture and generate new collagen for up to two years. Portrait Plasma resurfacing has been proven to treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, pre-cancerous lesions, dyschromia, and loose skin. It also improves pore size and elasticity, as well as tone and texture of the face and body.
What is Plasma skin resurfacing?
Plasma skin regeneration is an exciting new technology that uses plasma energy to rejuvenate the skin. There is only one Plasma skin resurfacing device commercially available. Portrait Plasma is FDA-cleared for use in treating facial and non-facial rhytids (wrinkles), superficial skin lesions, actinic keratoses, seborrheic keratoses, and viral papilomata.
How does this technology work?
Columbus Plasma resurfacing involves the creation of high-energy plasma, which is rapidly delivered to the skin. This minimally invasive, non-ablative skin rejuvenation tool delivers heat under the surface of the skin, resulting in skin tightening and new collagen development. The outer epidermis of the skin is eventually shed, while the new skin is smoother, less wrinkled, and more uniform in color. Contrary to laser resurfacing, Plasma skin regeneration provides rapid healing with minimal pain and downtime, producing only mild redness for a few days. The depth of effectiveness of Plasma resurfacing is determined by the amount of energy delivered per pulse.
Who is a candidate for Plasma resurfacing?
There are many ideal candidates for Portrait Plasma, including:
- Individuals considering laser surgery, a facelift, and/or plastic surgery
- Individuals seeking to repair photo-damage and improve the appearance of age spots or hyperpigmentation
- Individuals seeking to remove pre-cancerous lesions
- Individuals wanting to reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles
- Individuals wanting to tighten their skin
- Individuals wanting to improve their overall skin tone and texture to recapture a youthful skin quality they have not enjoyed for years
- Individuals wanting to reduce acne scarring*
* A pilot study on acne scars showed significant improvement; an expanded study is currently under investigation.
At your consultation, Dr. Michael Sullivan will recommend the treatment options that would best address your concerns.
What kind of improvements can I expect from Plasma resurfacing?
Plasma resurfacing will improve your skin texture and tighten your skin at low-energy levels. You should expect improvement with fine lines and pigment irregularities such as brown spots. At higher energy levels, deeper lines and wrinkles are erased, and your skin color becomes more uniform.
What does the procedure feel like and how long will it take?
Plasma resurfacing is relatively painless at low-energy levels. At higher energy levels, you will experience a sense of heat. A topical anesthetic cream and an oral sedative are adequate to make the procedure comfortable.
How many treatments will I need?
Dr. Sullivan will recommend an appropriate regimen for you. Typically, this will vary from 1–3 treatments, depending on the area treated, your skin condition, and the level of improvement you are expecting.
What should I expect following my treatment?
With Plasma resurfacing at lower energy levels, you will experience some mild redness and flaking of the skin for 24–48 hours. You can apply makeup and return to your normal activities the very next day. At higher energy levels of Plasma resurfacing, the outer layer of the skin browns and is shed 3–5 days after treatment. Mild redness may persist for 7–10 days. You can apply makeup and resume normal activities 7 days after the treatment.
How soon will I see a difference and how long will it last?
With Plasma resurfacing, you should expect to see improvement immediately. Plasma Portrait stimulates a natural process of regeneration that can take months to fully reveal itself. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the results will continue to improve for up to a year after the procedure. Results may vary by intensity level, but are expected to last 2–3 years.
- View a Plasma resurfacing video—Coming soon!
