Technology Briefs

Plasma Skin Resurfacing

This technology is very new, so long-term results are not currently available for comparison to other treatments. Randomized double blind studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this technology.

According to documents filed with the FDA, this technology generates UHF (ultrahigh frequency) energy which converts Nitrogen gas into plasma. The plasma emerges from a specialized hand-piece and is directed onto the skin to be treated.

Rapid heating of the skin occurs as the excited gas gives up energy to the skin.

Through the combination within the hand-piece of precisely controlled energy and Nitrogen gas, individual plasma pulses are produced that are intended to heat different layers of the skin, depending on the desired outcome, in order to rejuvenate the skin or tighten the tissue.

This procedure is intended to be relatively pain-free, but a topical anesthetic can be applied. The procedure can take less than 30 minutes. Shedding of skin likely will occur, and patients may experience redness, swelling and some oozing.

FDA approved for treatment of the following conditions:

• Wrinkles or fine lines
• Superficial skin lesions
• Actinic and seborrheic keratosis (colored, textured patches of the skin)
• Viral papillomata (benign tumor such as a wart)