I had a plasma pen treatment 2 1/2 weeks ago and am left with a mask of red dots. Not sure if this will go away? (photos)

Question

I have been crying all week. I had a plasma pen treatment and have red dots like a mask all over the treated area. I'm so upset... there appears to be little holes as well at the treated area. I don't know what to do and feel helpless not knowing if I will look like this forever.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this takes 4-6 weeks to heal but around 2-3 weeks we do Cosmelan or enlighten peel, this is post inflammatory erythema and pigmentation that needs proper skin care and peeling now to ensure no long term issues.
Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimontly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.  If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement.  I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and posting your pictures. You have post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. This can result from sun exposure prior to or following your procedure, or if the skin had too much pigmentation prior to your procedure. We often pre-treat patients with hydroquinone prior to their procedure if we have concerns about pigmentation. This can also be a natural response to the Plasma Pen treatment. I would recommend treating this with an IPL or FotoFacial treatment to diminish the spots. They should resolve over time. Staying out of the sun is critical until they are resolved.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore

I had a plasma pen treatment 2 1/2 weeks ago and am left with a mask of red dots. Not sure if this will go away? (photos)

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I had a plasma pen treatment 2 1/2 weeks ago and am left with a mask of red dots. Not sure if this will go away? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about PlasmaPen

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.