Perfecting the Spa Experience

logo-small

What is Plasma IQ?

Plasma IQ is the latest advancement in dermatological ablative treatments that are used for controlled tissue destruction using microbeams of plasma. These plasma arcs are generated by ionizing atmospheric nitrogen using the handheld electrosurgical device. Retraction and tightening of the skin are triggered along with the production of collagen when micro damages are created on the treatment areas. Younger-looking results can be achieved for men and women aged 22 to 90 with Plasma IQ.

What is plasma?
Plasma belongs to the four fundamental states of matter. However, it is not as accessible as liquids, solids, and gases, but it can be produced with the right naturally occurring ingredients under the right conditions. Plasma can be observed when gas is electrically charged in glass tubes used as fixtures commonly known as neon lights.

How is plasma generated and used in the treatment?
Atmospheric nitrogen is ionized using the Plasma IQ device. The process of ionization then creates a reaction that is represented by the plasma arcs or what can be distinguished as electrically charged gas that can be observed between the electrode (tip) of the device and the skin.

When the plasma arc reaches the targeted area with precision, the arcs induce micro damages. These micro damages trigger the production of fibroblasts in the dermis. These connective tissues are important in creating collagen—a structural component of the skin that promotes strength and elasticity. Collagen slows the aging of the skin by reducing wrinkles and dehydration.

How it works

When the plasma arc touches the skin, it causes the targeted portion of the top layer (epidermis) to sublimate or turn from solid to gas with the heat generated. When this happens, the skin immediately tightens and retracts. Despite the intense heat released from the reaction produced by the device, only the targeted area is affected and surrounding skin remains undamaged.

Histopathology or a process that studies tissues at the microscopic level shows that Plasma IQ only reaches the papillary and reticular dermis. The level of penetration is determined by the voltage level used, high or low and for how long was the device used on the skin or the pulse duration (in seconds).

FDA 510(K) CLEARANCE

Plasma IQ has an FDA 510(K) Clearance which means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Plasma IQ device as a safe tool to carry out the procedure it’s intended for. The technology has also received a Health Canada Clearance. In addition, its patient safety and ability to achieve the best results are backed by human histology data.

How long will the results last?

The duration of results varies according to the lifestyle choices of patients but may last up to 3 years or even permanently. It should be noted that natural aging of the skin continues after this treatment.

Side effects

After the treatment, expect to have visible signs of the micro-injuries caused by the procedure. These visible signs include brown spots and scabs that may last up to one week. Swelling, tenderness, and redness should also be expected.

Contraindications

The Plasma IQ being an ablative and minimally invasive procedure is relatively safe with low chances of side effects. However, patients should not undergo the procedure if there exist contraindications and pre-existing conditions including but not limited to the following:

  • Allergy to topical preparations applied
  • infection at the treatment site, 
  • Conditions that may disrupt the healing process needed after the treatment such as keloid and hypertrophic scarring.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Cardiac Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cancer
  • Blood coagulation

Procedure

The procedure will take as little as 30 minutes but may last longer depending on the size and number of treatment areas. It’s performed using a handheld device that utilizes plasma microbeam technology that is designed to be handled with absolute freedom of movement made possible by its cordless technology.

It allows professionals to target treatment sites with precision and control using two output voltages which makes it possible to adjust from 950V to 650V settings depending on the need of the patient. The device is used to remove skin lesions, coagulations, and create controlled damages to tissues that will trigger collagen creation.

The Plasma IQ device is only to be used for non-invasive surgery in professional healthcare settings. Numbing of the treatment area will be done before proceeding with the non-invasive surgery. During the procedure, patients reported only slight discomfort and no pain. The number of treatments ranges from 1-3 depending on the patient’s skin type, treatment areas, age, etc.