Plasma resurfacing is a skincare procedure also known as Plasma Skin Regeneration (PSR). This procedure uses energy from plasma, known as the fourth element, instead of energy from light or radio frequency. The plasma is emitted in millisecond pulses that deliver energy to target tissue upon contact, and can be used at several energy levels for different depths of effect. PSR is becoming an alternative to ablative resurfacing, a traditional method which involves removing a thin layer of the epidermis with a carbon dioxide or erbium (a chemical element) laser. Although ablative resurfacing has so far been proven to be the most effective method in reducing deep wrinkles, the potential side effects could include scarring, risk of infection and loss of pigmentation since it can create open wounds on the epidermis.

Skin resurfacing works on the principal that damaging a thin layer of the epidermis in a controlled manner can trigger a healing response. After this damage occurs, skin cells and tissue will remodel themselves and the new layer of epidermis will have minimal to no fine lines, wrinkles or scarring and will be firmer. PSR differs from ablative resurfacing in two ways: first, plasma (a high energy gas) is used as a damaging agent, and second, nitrogen is used, which can suppress tissue burning by displacing oxygen that is needed for oxidation. These factors allow for skin layers to be damaged but not burned off, as they are burned off with ablative resurfacing. By dispensing plasma to the dermis, the skin’s surface is intact for several days after treatment, with no risk of open wounds. PSR can be administrated at several energy measures: these are named PSR1, PSR2 and PSR3. PSR1 uses low energy and the treatments are spaced three weeks apart. PSR2 uses slightly more energy and treatment is completed in one visit, and PSR3 is at the highest energy amount and treatment is also completed in one visit. After PSR, skin cells slough off and reveal a new layer of skin, and results include the minimizing of fine lines and moderate wrinkles, improvement of skin lesions, acne scarring, sun damage and discoloration, and some moderate firming.

Currently, the only machine able to dispense PSR treatments is a Portrait machine, which can be used at the three levels of energy. PSR1 is performed with local anesthetic, while PSR2 and PSR3 require local anesthetic with preoperative sedation. After PSR, downtime ranges between one to two weeks, as opposed with ablative resurfacing, which requires at least two weeks of downtime.

PSR may be considered for those who want a skin care procedure that targets slight to moderate skin concerns, but since PSR is a new procedure, remember that it may evolve with time as equipment will upgrade and surgery techniques improve.

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