Fibroblasting: Is A Plasma Pen Treatment Right For You?

In the past, surgical options such as a facelift were among the only options for our patients that wanted to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. These days, we have many non-invasive treatment options, and fibroblasting is a non-surgical treatment that is becoming quite popular.

What Is Fibroblasting?

Fibroblasting is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that is known by several names including a plasma lift, plasma skin tightening, plasma fibroblast therapy, plasma pen treatments and others, but no matter the term, the procedure is the same.

Before we dive into the procedure, let’s talk a bit about collagen and elastin. These two proteins are what provide the skin with its elasticity and help the skin stay hydrated. Fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen, and as we age, our fibroblasts don’t produce as much collagen and that causes fine lines and wrinkles to appear. Fibroblasts also help our skin heal from wounds.

With fibroblasting, we use what is known as a plasma pen or plasma IQ pen to target areas of the skin that we want to tighten and smooth. While the plasma pen won’t touch your skin, it does send a current to the top layer of the skin which causes tiny micro-injuries in the treatment area.

These tiny “injuries” trigger the healing response in the fibroblasts which increases collagen production, and the result is tighter smoother skin. In addition to addressing lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around your mouth, fibroblasting treatments can be used as a skin-tightening treatment in many areas including targeting sagging skin around your eyes, neck and underarms

Additionally, we can use the plasma pen to reduce the appearance of acne scars, sunspots and age spots and even skin tags. While facial fibroblasting is the most commonly performed treatment, we can use the plasma pen on your hands and even your stomach to reduce sagging skin after pregnancy as well as the reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

Does Fibroblasting Hurt?

While we do use a numbing cream to reduce discomfort, some patients do find the procedure somewhat uncomfortable. Every person’s pain threshold is unique, so while some patients find the procedure uncomfortable others report little to no discomfort. You may feel a light burning sensation as we move the pen over your skin, and typically, that is the extent of the discomfort.

What About Side Effects? Is There Downtime?

As with many skin procedures, you will experience some redness and swelling after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a day or two at most. We can provide you with a cream or balm to rub onto the treated areas for the first few days after fibroblasting treatment.

You also will experience some scabbing and some itchiness, but the balm will help with that, as well. There will be tiny scabs or crusts in the treated areas, and these typically fall off the skin within a week of treatment. Patients must avoid touching these crusts and allow them to naturally come off of their face.

In terms of downtime, you can return to your regular activities immediately following the procedure. It can be a good idea to avoid vigorous activity for the remainder of the day, if possible, to help reduce swelling, and we do recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight until the skin has had a chance to heal.

How Long Does Fibroblasting Last?

After the redness fades and the scabs have fallen away, you should notice an immediate improvement in your skin. Of course, the collagen production will continue to build for several months after the procedure, so it can take a few months to enjoy the full results. Plasma fibroblasting treatments last for about three years, and most patients only need one treatment session to see full results.

As with any procedure, results can be prolonged by taking good care of your skin. Staying hydrated, using a good-quality moisturizer (with broad-spectrum SPF coverage) and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can help to extend the results and keep the skin as youthful as possible.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Fibroblasting?

In general, fibroblasting works best on patients with fair to medium skin tones. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we do not recommend this procedure. We also don’t recommend the procedure if you have an active infection or acne breakout in the treatment area.

Be sure to let our staff know about any medical conditions you might have as well as all medications and supplements that you take. This is good advice for any type of medical or cosmetic procedure. We also always recommend that you book an appointment at a board-certified plastic surgeon’s office. Not only are you much more likely to enjoy the best results, but this is the safest option in general.

Other Treatment Options

While fibroblasting can be a good option for many of our patients, we have many other options for those that don’t feel comfortable with plasma pen treatment. For instance, we offer dermal fillers, Botox® (including mini Botox®), Juvéderm®, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, ThermiTight®, ThermiSmooth® Body and different types of facials to help you look and feel your best. Of course, Dr. Thaxton also can provide you with surgical options, as well.

Book A Consultation Today!

Whether you are interested in a fibroblasting plasma pen procedure or another of our non-surgical or medical spa treatments, call us at any time to book an appointment or consultation. Our staff is always happy to answer any questions you might have about fibroblasting as well as our other procedures.