Plasma Fibroblasting: What You Need to Know

Pros

• Results can be impressive, when patients are treated by an experienced professional.
• It's a relatively inexpensive, quick procedure.
• Unlike more temporary cosmetic treatments like Botox or dermal fillers, results from plasma fibroblasting treatments typically last about three years. 
• Providers can target very small areas of the skin, such lip lines, frown lines, crow's feet, and mild laxity along the jawline.
• Thanks to the topical anesthetic, most patients report very little discomfort during the procedure.

Cons

• Peeling, swelling, and crusting along the skin are common post-treatment, so you may need one to two weeks of social downtime.
• People with olive or brown skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) are not good candidates for this procedure due to a heightened risk of hyperpigmentation. Even people with lighter skin tones have experienced lingering pigmentation issues. 
• In 2018, Health Canada warned that plasma fibroblasting may pose health risks, including pain, swelling, and sagging skin. Plasma iQ is currently the only device of its kind approved for use in Canada.
• Some RealSelf members have reported hypertrophic (raised) scars and permanent pigmentation changes that appear to be permanent, requiring laser resurfacing and other treatments to resolve. 

Like other nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatments, plasma procedures can't deliver the kind of results you'd see from a surgical procedure. People with a lot of excess skin around the eyes, jowls, or cheeks will likely be better candidates for a surgical procedure, such as a facelift or blepharoplasty.

Your plasma fibroblasting price will depend on the size of your preferred treated area, your provider’s level of experience, and their practice location, as well as the number of treatments you have. 

Some providers offer discounts if you buy a series of treatments up front.

The science hasn't fully settled the question of how well the treatment works. 

A review article published in the PMFA Journal in 2019 found multiple skin benefits to plasma fibroblasting. The treatment has been found to encourage tissue regeneration and stimulate fibroblast cells, thereby increasing collagen and elastin in the dermis. Over time, the new collagen firms mildly lax skin, smooths acne scars, and reduces wrinkles. 

However, realistic expectations about results are essential. “It’s not a substitute for surgery, but fibroblasting can be an effective treatment to improve appearance of fine lines, lessen appearance of deep wrinkles, and smooth texture,” says Dr. Brain Windle, a plastic surgeon in Bellevue, Washington.

Depending on the size of the treatment area, this cosmetic procedure can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes.

Your provider will begin with a quick skin cleanse. Then, a topical numbing cream will be applied, to minimize discomfort during the treatment. 

Once you’re numb (which takes about 30 minutes), your provider will use the tip of the device to send the heat energy into your skin, leaving behind scabs in a grid-like pattern.

Once they've finished, they'll apply a cooling gel or ointment, like Vaseline, to help soothe the skin.

RealSelf Tip: If you have a history of herpes simplex, your provider may have you take an antiviral, like Valtrex, before treating around the mouth to prevent any potential outbreaks.

Your face will show redness, irritation, and a grid pattern of brown, dot-like wounds during the healing process, so most people will want to take up to two weeks of social downtime. During this time, you’ll likely experience redness, swelling, scabbing, and flaking.

Avoid exercise, heat, steam, and any activity that makes you sweat for at least 48 hours after treatment; this can intensify inflammation.

To help reduce swelling, apply covered ice packs (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) and sleep with your head elevated. 

By day three, most of the swelling will have subsided and the plasma-induced dots will begin to crust and scab. “Tiny scabs from micro-injuries usually fall off within five to seven days. To avoid scarring, patients need to let scabs fall off naturally—no picking,” says Dr. Windle. “The remaining skin will appear pink, which can be covered up with mineral based make-up. New skin will be more sensitive to UVA/UVB rays, so wearing protective sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide is important.”

Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a Philadelphia-based dermatologist, agrees that when heading outdoors, you’ll need to “be very strict about sun protection for at least two weeks." She suggests using a mineral-based powder sunscreen and wearing oversize sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Some providers say you'll need to stay out of the sun or really slather on the sun protection for up to two months.  

Your provider will give you additional instructions for aftercare and optimal healing, which may include:

• Not wearing makeup until all the scabs have fallen off and skin is completely recovered 
• Not waxing the treatment area for at least 21 days, if not longer 
• Not touching, scratching, or rubbing the area

Dr. Saedi does not recommend washing your face the day of treatment, or even the following day. “You have to be incredibly careful not to irritate the treated areas,” she says, but “you can dab a washcloth on non-treated areas.” 

When you resume regular face washing, use only a mild, creamy, fragrance-free formula. 

One of the most important parts of aftercare is keeping the scabs moist and intact by applying an occlusive ointment (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) several times a day until they're fully healed. 

For at least three weeks, refrain from using grainy scrubs; products with irritating active ingredients, like acids and retinoids; and skincare with unfamiliar ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions.

Experts are divided on the safety and efficacy of plasma fibroblasting. The Subnovii and Plasma iQ devices are FDA-cleared for lesion removal and soft tissue coagulation, but plasma fibroblasting for wrinkle reduction and other skin rejuvenation is considered an off-label use.

According to Dr. Sameer Bashey, a board-certified dermatologist with offices in New York City and Los Angeles, plasma technology carries a greater risk of complications than lasers and chemical peels do. 

“Because it is so highly dependent on technical skill, there’s more that can go wrong, as we’re not able to control the ablation the way we can with an erbium or CO2 laser, for instance.”

The biggest risks with plasma fibroblasting devices are cosmetic. RealSelf member reviews 

Related: Why the Plasma Pen Is So Divisive

The most notable post-treatment side effects of plasma fibroblasting include:

• redness and/or swelling
• pigmentation changes
• skin crusting
• scarring

Since this treatment can be potentially damaging to the skin if not performed correctly, it's vital to go to an experienced provider. Do not bargain shop for a plasma fibroblasting provider. Look up your provider's patient reviews and photos before booking your appointment.

Results from plasma fibroblasting treatments typically last about three years, but this varies depending on the patient. 

Once new collagen forms, it has been shown to stick around for upwards of 15 years. But since the aging process never stops, existing collagen is constantly being broken down.

A treatment plan that includes annual follow-ups can help prolong results. Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ will also help preserve collagen and prevent new wrinkles.