After J Plasma, swelling & bruising for how long?

J Plasma resurfacing is a newer form of skin rejuvenation utilizing radiofrequency and inert helium gas to create a plasma that causes a controlled injury to facial skin.  It is along the same lines as the Rhytec nitrogen plasma skin regeneration (PSR) that was in use before the company went bankrupt in 2006-2007.  Having used the Nitrogen plasma skin regeneration for several years, I found the results were good to moderate on most of the face, but relatively ineffective around the mouth.  Since 2009, I have used a fractionated CO2 laser (Lutronic eCO2).  In agreement with the statement in your question and contrary to other opinions you may hear, the Fractionated CO2 laser remains the gold standard for facial resurfacing.  Resurfacing results depend on on depth and extent of injury, which rely on 1) ablation and 2) thermal injury.  Until data shows otherwise, for moderate to sever rhytids in the face, the fractionated CO2 laser provides for these criteria and great results.  Lastly, I would rely on Core Trained Physicians (Facial Plastic Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, and Oculoplastic Surgeons) for advice on issues regarding aesthetic skin regeneration.  I have included a typical result in the link below. 

J-Plasma / Renuvion is a fantastic tool for skin resurfacing, but does have some downtime.  You can expect to stay out of the public for 10-14 days while your skin heals (there will be oozing for the first couple of days).  Your skin will be red and sensitive for the next few weeks, with mild redness persisting for 2-3 months. The skin will show its new amazing appearance within the first month and continue to improve with peak results showing even 6 months after treatment.  I wish you the best,Dr. Gabbay. 

Thank you for your question. Let me begin by saying that CO2 is no longer the gold standard. The results of J-Plasma blow away the results of CO2 resurfacing. Further, the J-Plasma is a safer procedure as there is much less heat and no laser involved. As for swelling, this is going to vary from patient to patient. You should plan to stay home for 10-14 days following your procedure as the skin needs to heal. Skin may be pink to red for 2 to 3 months following the procedure. Very impressive results are seen in just a few weeks with optimal results seen at 6 months. The results of J-Plasma are as good or better than a facelift in many instances. The precision of the hand piece allows us to treat the eyelids and below the eyes right up to the lashes safely. The improvements around the lips are like no other treatment I have seen. The ideal candidate for the J-Plasma will have fair skin and wants to have wrinkles and imprinted lines dramatically reduced while resurfacing the skin to remove pigment irregularities and reshaping the face to a more youthful position. As for duration, it is like setting the reset button on your face and turning back the clock 10 years or more. From that point forward, your skin and face will age normally. This means the results are likely to last nearly as many years as have been shaved off your appearance.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

We use the J plasma for facial skin resurfacing in moderate to severe wrinkling and sun damage.  I find the results very impressive.
The downtime is 2-3 days of oozing then  8-10 days of redness and swelling while the skin heals.  The redness sliwly resolves over a couple months but can be covered well with our Oxygenetix post-resurfacing foundation.
Overall, if you can handle the downtime, the J plasma can give terrific results.
Ken Oleszek, MD
La Fontaine Aesthetics
Denver, Colorado