FAQ Plasmawave

Following a thorough consultation your Plasmawave Specialist will inform you if you are a candidate for the procedure or if your skin tone or other contraindications may prevent you from having the treatment.

Plasmawave is a controlled heat injury to the skin. It uses a unique element called plasma energy, which generates heat on the surface of the skin, resulting in pinpoint carbon dots or micro scabs. These scabs heal within 3 to 7 days, depending on your natural biology, however the skin can remain pink and slightly off-colour for about 30 to 90 days, depending on your skin tone and therefore your underlying pigment levels.

To accelerate healing and to eliminate PIH (post inflammatory pigmentation), your Plasmawave specialist will provide you with full instructions for homecare and you will be required to use a pigment inhibitor 3 to 4 weeks prior to your treatment. Don’t worry, there’s no need to be concerned. PIH rarely happens and it is always temporary if the aftercare steps are followed exactly.

Plasmawave is recommended for Fitzpatrick Skin types 1, 2 (very safe) and 3 (strict conditions apply) Fitz 3 skin types, which have a more tanned appearance require absolute compliance with using a pigment inhibitor 3 to 4 weeks prior and totally avoiding the sun for a good month following the procedure as well as SPF daily from day 3. This is best practice for all skin types undergoing Plasmawave, but pertinent for Fitz 3 Skin Types, as their melanin (pigment) is more abundant.

You should mentally prepare to not really look or feel amazing about your appearance for at least 7 days; however, you may cover with make up as the micro-scabs shed, but only once they have shed naturally. It is vital to the end results and to avoid scarring that the scabs are left to fall off on their own, even if you feel like they are dry and ready to come off, trust us, there is still healing taking place under those dry little scabs and your skin is generating C1 Collagen to tighten the target area.

The procedure is performed on topically numbed skin, although if you have high histamine levels, anxiety, are taking certain medication or if you have high adrenal levels then most topical numbing agents will just take the edge off. In this case a slight zap can be felt, but it is totally bearable, and your therapist will monitor your comfort and make adjustments throughout. In most cases the area is numbed effectively and not much can be felt on general areas. The most sensitive area is the inner and upper eyelid, so our technique is to work on that area first, while the skin is mostly numb.

Day of procedure
Slight swelling, redness, occasional blood spotting, skin discoloration, tenderness

Recovery Day 1:
Maximum swelling, still red, slightly tender like sunburn, micro-scab formation.

Recovery Day 2:
25% less swelling, micro-scabs start drying out, skin discoloration still present. Can cover with foundation.

Recovery Day 3:
50% less swelling, micro-scabs start shedding naturally, skin discoloration starts to fade. Skin starts showing signs of visibly tightening.

Recovery Day 4:
75% recovered, still tender to the touch, micro-scabs darken and continue to shed.

Recovery Day 5 + onwards:
For the next 6 to 8 weeks, the skin continues to recover and tighten during the healing process. 

Results last a minimum of 18 months depending on lifestyle, genetics, and external factors.