skin tightening

Naturally, as we age the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin fibres within the skin decrease. This will cause a loss in laxity. The skin becomes thinner, fat is lost, plumpness is reduced, and fine lines and wrinkles will appear. 

Plasma skin tightening is a revolutionary and non-invasive procedure that dramatically enhances looks by fibroblast stimulation and collagen induction. Plasma skin tightening is an ultimate anti-ageing treatment to achieve more youthful and radiant skin. Others may consider plasma skin tightening for excess skin due to weight loss and/or after pregnancy. 

At Cambridge Plasma we use the Zeus Plasma Device, a multi-frequency electrosurgical system that generates a small electrical arc targeting specific tissue and depth. These visible sparks cause superficial carbonisation of the epidermis.

This reduces the surface area of the skin and causes immediate contraction and tightening of the skin fibres. The thermal disruption also prompts fibroblast activation. These cells are responsible for producing collagen and elastin. With the support structure of the skin improved it can become firmer and tighter. 

The electrode (tip) is very fine to allow precision and control especially when treating delicate areas. This also determines the size of the carbon crust, which is small in comparison to other devices. 

The Zeus Plasma Device causes sublimation of the skin. This is the process of turning a solid into a gas without the transition through the liquid phase. This instantly lessens the surface area causing the skin to contract and tighten. Simultaneously, the thermal disruption prompts fibroblast activation. The deliberate and controlled micro-trauma reinforces the support structure of the skin giving a firmer and less wrinkled appearance.  These lovely little fibroblasts will continue their magic over 12 weeks, where optimal results will be seen. 

The Zeus Plasma Device can offer a safe and effective alternative to surgical procedures.

There is no need for a general anaesthetic, no needles, no scalpels, no stitches and next to no bleeding. The Zeus Plasma Device offers less invasive treatment, less swelling, less down time, quicker treatment time, reduced risk of bruising, scarring and infection, no chance of over correction, reduced cost and less impact on your day-to-day life following the procedure. However, more than one treatment session is usually required. 

The time depends on what areas are being treated. We have to give at least 30 minutes for the topical anaesthetic cream to take effect. When treating the eyelids, it can take 30-40 minutes. The longest treatment time is the tummy which can be 2-4 hours.

One to three sessions are usually required for plasma skin tightening. This would be no sooner than 12 weeks. 

The price of treatment can vary depending on the areas being treated. This starts from £250 for the eyelids and up to £800 for the tummy. 

Plasma skin tightening is a safe treatment. After the initial swelling and crust formation, there will be new, pink ‘baby’ skin which will slowly achieve normal colouring. Immediate reactions from the treatment include: skin redness and swelling, scabbing and crusting of the skin, tightness, dryness, itching, temporary skin discolouration, flaking and increased sensitivity to sunlight. 

If you are having treatment around the mouth and suffer from cold sores it may trigger a reactivation. Prophylactic Acyclovir tablets can be taken at least 3 days prior to the treatment. These reactions are temporary and typically resolve within 5-20 days as the skin returns to normal. It’s imperative to adhere to the aftercare instructions. In extremely rare cases infection may occur and scarring could result but this is usually if the proper aftercare instructions are not followed.

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied for at least 30 minutes prior to the procedure to ensure no discomfort. Some areas can be slightly sensitive especially when treating around the eyes but this does depend on individual sensitivities. 

Tighten and lift skin 

Shrink excess skin 

Reduce fine lines 

Reduce crepey skin

Reduce hooded or heavy eyelids 

Reduce bags under the eye 

Reduce the appearance of stretch marks and acne scarring 

Rejuvenates the skin 

Strengthens and plumps the skin 

Improves complexion 

Anti-wrinkle injections stop targeted muscles from moving. When these muscles are frozen they cannot move to cause deep lines and wrinkles. This treatment will last for 3-4 months. As the treatment wears off the movement will return often with the lines and wrinkles. 

Plasma skin tightening works to reduce lines and soften wrinkles through tightening and rejuvenating the skin. It still allows the underlying muscles to move so the results are not as drastic, however they last longer. 

The contraindications for plasma skin tightening are listed below. 

• Allergies to local anaesthetic.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Fitzpatrick skin types 4 or above.

• Active autoimmune diseases.

• Bacterial and viral skin infections.

• Fever or current infections.

• Diseases that may affect the healing process (eg. uncontrolled diabetes).

• Any form of cancer.

• Patients with known history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

• Skin peels – wait 2 weeks.

• Filler, PDO threads or botox in the area being treated – wait 12 weeks.

• Use of acne medication such as oral retinoids.

• Heart disease, heart murmur or irregular heart rate.

• Having a pacemaker.

• Epilepsy.

• Unrealistic expectations.

Yes, the results from this treatment are long lasting although, unfortunately, we can’t stop the natural clock on ageing. Some clients may wish to repeat the procedure approximately 5 years later. 

A consultation is necessary to discuss the treatment procedure and aftercare in more detail. This can be arranged in clinic or via a Zoom call. Your concerns can be discussed and an individual treatment plan can be arranged for you. 

Prior to the treatment it’s very important to protect your skin from the sun. Use an SPF daily. The treatment cannot be carried out on tanned skin or skin that is dry or inflamed. 

Daily application of good skin care is highly recommended for the acceleration of regenerative processes. The daily application of a gentle skin care is also highly recommended following the procedure for consolidation of results.

Depending on what skin care you use at home some products should be avoided for at least a week prior to your treatment. This includes: topical retinoids (Vitamin A, Retinol, Retin A etc). Exfoliants or products containing alpha hydroxy (AHAs), beta hydroxy (BHAs) acids (such glycolic acid, lactic acid, fruit acids) or hydroquinone.  

All make up must be removed prior to the treatment. 

If having treatment around the eyes contact lenses must be removed for up to 2 days. The eyes are a sensitive area to treat and swelling is expected for 2-3 days. Please bear this in mind and bring suitable glasses with you to your appointment if required. 

Yes when having treatment around the eyes. False lashes can harbour bacteria. Also the lash glue is flammable. We need to maintain a clean environment prior to your treatment and during the healing process. 

The dots are CARBON CRUSTS, where the device tip sublimates the skin.  This is controlled, deliberate and precise micro-trauma. The small crusts usually last for 2-7 days following treatment. They tend to stay longer on areas treated on the body. This could be up to 14 days. Once they come away (on their own accord) the new skin will remain pink and gradually return to normal skin colour over the following weeks.

The small crusts usually last for 2-7 days following treatment. 

Once they come away (on their own accord) the new skin will remain pink and should gradually return to normal skin colour over the following weeks. As everyone is different some dots fade sooner than others. 

There is a risk of post inflammatory hyper- or hypo- pigmentation. Providing you’re the right candidate for the treatment and that you follow the aftercare this can be avoided. 

Fitzpatrick skin types 4 and above are not suitable candidates for plasma skin tightening. Also, following the treatment your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. You must use an SPF to protect your skin. Another important factor to remember to prevent pigmentation issues is to NOT pick, rub, knock or scratch the carbon crusts off.

The eyes are a sensitive area to treat so some swelling is expected for 2-3 days. 

The small carbon crusts last for 2-7 days following treatment. The face is normally the quickest time to heal. Carbon crusts can last up to 14 days on the body. 

If you were having treatment on your face you would be able to work from home the next day. You may not look your absolute best during the initial healing process. You may have carbons crusts on your skin for up to approximately 5 days. 

For treatment on your body you do have to be careful with clothes rubbing. Loose clothing is advised to protect the areas from trauma. 

It’s difficult to predetermine the amount of swelling expected as each individual is different. You must keep the area clean following treatment. Bearing this in mind, if your swelling is mild and can avoid applying a cold compress then this is best. However, if the swelling is more extreme then, if required, a cold compress may be applied intermittently for the first 48 hours. Do not apply solid ice as this will freeze and damage human tissue.  If possible, sleep in a more upright position. This will allow gravity to help reduce the swelling. Also, drink plenty of water following your treatment. 

It’s difficult to predetermine the amount of swelling expected as each individual is different. If your swelling is mild and you can avoid taking antihistamines, then this is best. We are deliberately causing trauma and we want your body to naturally respond to this to prompt fibroblast activation. If we take antihistamines following treatment we are dampening down this response. This could potentially affect your results following the treatment. However, if the swelling is severe then antihistamines can be taken. The area most likely to swell is when treating around the eyes. If possible, sleep in a more upright position. This will allow gravity to help reduce the swelling. Also, drink plenty of water following your treatment.  

There is usually no bleeding after plasma skin tightening, however, if there is a small superficial blood vessel close to the surface of the skin it may cause a little spot of blood.  

There may also be some weeping and crusting after the procedure. This is normal. 

It is likely to be slightly uncomfortable, usually on the day of the treatment. This is similar to the feeling of sunburn. If it’s uncomfortable you can take something as you would for a headache. For example, paracetamol. It’s recommended to avoid ibuprofen as this is an anti-inflammatory. We are deliberately causing micro-trauma to stimulate fibroblast activation. We do not want to dampen down the body’s natural inflammatory response. This could potentially affect your results following the treatment.

Clean as necessary using water that has been boiled and has cooled down. If soap is needed use only non-perfumed, non-colored soap such as Cliniccare Concentrated Cleansing Foam. 

DO NOT apply any solution containing alcohol. Do NOT apply any type of glycolic acid or exfoliation products. This can damage or irritate the skin during the healing process.

Gently pat dry with a clean towel, taking care not to rub any carbon crusts off. 

It is not advised to apply adhesive plasters to cover the treated skin. Removal of such items may also inadvertently remove healing skin cells and slow down the recovery.

It’s normal for the sites to feel itchy a few days following the treatment. DO NOT pick, rub, or scratch your skin at any time. You need to protect the carbon crusts and allow them to naturally shed away when they are ready. Picking the carbon crusts WILL cause damage and compromise your results, as well as possibly cause scarring.

This part of the aftercare is very important! Direct sunlight exposure is to be completely AVOIDED immediately following the treatment. This includes any strong UV light exposure and tanning beds. Do also take care even when indoors with natural light coming through windows and when working close to computer screens. If some sun exposure cannot be avoided, apply sunscreen with an SPF30 or greater. 

Your skin will become more sensitive to the sun as a result of this treatment. Avoid tanning of the treated area until the skin returns to normal. Failure to do this may  induce pigment changes. 

Following the treatment you will be provided with an aftercare cream (Cebelia LCE Balm) to apply with clean hands 2-3 times a day. This will encourage good healing and reduce the risk of infection. 

A Colloidal Silver gel can also be used to soothe the skin and encourage healing. 

Direct sunlight exposure is to be completely AVOIDED immediately following the treatment. This includes any strong UV light exposure and tanning beds. Do also take care even when indoors with natural light coming through windows and when working close to computer screens.  If some sun exposure cannot be avoided, apply sunscreen with an SPF30 or greater. Once the carbon crusts have fallen off you may apply foundation make up, such as Cliniccare Dermo Corrective Cream SPF50, to protect the treated area. 

You may have some mild swelling straight after the appointment, but this again can vary for each individual. As a safety precaution you could have someone available to drive you home. 

Aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity should be avoided for the first 48 hours. Any heat, steam, or sweat could add to the inflammation that’s already present. We also want to avoid knocking or rubbing any carbon crusts off. 

Make up must be avoided until the carbon crusts fall off. Until any redness has disappeared you may apply foundation make up, such as Cliniccare Der-mo Corrective Cream SPF50, to protect the treated area.