Functional Performance, Health & Wellness
Perform, Function & live Pain-Free
Plasma skin tightening
How does PST work?
The concept of PST is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical damage such as cuts, burns and other abrasions. Immediately after an injury occurs to the skin our body reuses the damaged collagen and elastin fibres as well as other damaged skin components to produce new ones. The device stimulates the fibroblasts in the skin, and creates micro “injuries” which triggers new collagen synthesis, yet does not pose the risk of permanent scarring. The result is smoother, firmer and younger looking skin.
How does PST work?
The concept of PST is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical damage such as cuts, burns and other abrasions. Immediately after an injury occurs to the skin our body reuses the damaged collagen and elastin fibres as well as other damaged skin components to produce new ones. The device stimulates the fibroblasts in the skin, and creates micro “injuries” which triggers new collagen synthesis, yet does not pose the risk of permanent scarring. The result is smoother, firmer and younger looking skin.
Who's the best candidate for PST?
Well we all age right? But lets face it, some clients show wrinkles much sooner and/or more prominently than others, lucky us! Clients will see noticeable results if they have more prominent wrinkles and/or their skin is sagging. Those with relatively subtle wrinkles won’t see as dramatic of a result. This doesn’t mean a person with low/mild wrinkles won’t benefit from the treatment. There is a list of contraindications below.
What can I expect during the treatment?
PST procedures are performed by a professionally trained artist. The procedure is normally completed within 30-60 minutes (sometimes longer) depending on the required treatment and anatomical site. Before the procedure commences, a topical anesthetic is applied to the client’s skin to ensure their comfort and a painless experience. After the skin is numbed, the artist starts the procedure on the client’s skin to create small dots (a minor smell is normal); a needle is NEVER punctured into the skin. Only the outermost layers of the skin are affected, and this creates miniscule sub-cutaneous injuries. These microscopic wounds stimulate new collagen deposition, which may last for up to a year; minor swelling is normal. Every client will vary with results.
What is the science behind the treatment?
Plasma is the 4th state of matter. Prior to plasma we believed matter could only come in three states (solid, gas and liquid). Plasma occurs when the gases of the atmospheric air are ionized. When plasma comes in contact with our skin it causes the effect of sublimation (definition: turning something that's solid from solid into gas). The reaction that's created is when the skin goes through the process of sublimation by coming into contact with plasma, meaning we are evaporating the skin (sounds scary but it's not). The sublimation caused by the machine occurs in a superficial, non-invasive level, and is safe for the skin. When skin is exposed to plasma and goes through sublimation, the reaction causes an instant contraction to the surrounding tissues of the skin without damaging any adjacent skin tissue. It's important to know that this instant contraction is a reaction that occurs when cells in the skin become dehydrated. This instant contraction will be reduced as the skin heals in the following weeks and the results get better after 8 weeks. This process is non-invasive, almost painless with no downtime, and is much more affordable than surgery.
What happens post-treatment?
After the procedure, the clients skin will immediately create carbon crusts; these are never to be picked off, and will eventually shed within 5-7 days. Minor redness or swelling is normal. The client will also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity to touch of the area being treated. This will diminish greatly after a few hours and will improve over the next 24 hours. After 3-7 days, there is barely any evidence that the procedure has taken place.
How quickly are results visible?
Visible results of skin rejuvenation are seen almost immediately, and they aren’t final. Due to the dehydration of the skin, cell tightening is very radical in the beginning and will slow down the next two weeks, however the condition of the skin will continue to improve for 8 weeks. To see true results, a client will need to wait 8 weeks. The duration of results will vary; the usual client will see results for 9 months to a couple of years. Plasma Skin Tightening does not stop the progress of aging, however the treatment will help reduce and even eliminate signs of aging (wrinkles). As your body ages the wrinkles will show up again. We recommend you repeat the treatment within 9-12 months. A course of 3 sessions is recommended at 6-8 week intervals in order to achieve optimal results.
Is PST safe?
The process does not involve injections, therefore allergic reactions and side-effects are unlikely. Rapid healing takes place immediately and the procedure requires simple after-care. Side effects experienced with PST are very minimal and will usually subside within 24-48 hours. Some clients may experience redness, stinging, minor swelling, itching, tightness and shedding of carbon crusts.
Can PST be carried out on darker skin types?
This treatment is recommended on skin types that are lighter (Fitzpatrick I-IV), however a patch test can be performed on darker skin types (Fitzpatrick V-VI). Hyperpigmentation can occur in darker skin types.
Does it hurt?
Heck yes! Just kidding!! ;) The tip of the electrode is designed to hit the surface of the skin so pain is minimal, we do not go deep enough to touch nerves and cause excessive pain. When done correctly minimal discomfort is felt. There are certain areas of the face that are more sensitive. We use a topical numbing agent which is applied 30 minutes before the procedure takes place. Once the procedure starts if the patient is still experiencing pain then additional anaesthetic may be applied after the skin is slightly broken to allow the topical to penetrate quicker.
What are the contraindications of PST treatments?
Relative contraindications include: botox/fillers within 30 days, darker skin types due to hyperpigmentation (patch test), high blood pressure (physician consent), history of eczema, psoriasis and other chronic conditions; history of actinic (solar) keratosis, history of Herpes Simplex infections, and history of diabetes (physician consent). Absolute contraindications include: scleroderma, collagen vascular diseases, cardiac abnormalities, Rosacea, blood clotting problems, active bacterial or fungal infection, immunosuppression, scars less than 6 months old, pregnant/nursing women, keloid tendancies, cancer and/or pacemaker patients.