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Portrait® Skin Regeneration at Medicetics, London

Although Portrait is a new treatment to the UK it has undergone many years of clinical trials and has been used in the US for some 2 years by over 300 Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons, it has full FDA approval.

Doctors from Medicetics came across the device approximately 18 months ago whilst visiting a Plastic Surgeon in Miami when we were astonished at the results patients were getting. It is the only device that has been proven to regenerate new skin. Furthermore due to the unique way it works there is no longer issues with irregular pigmentation (which marred older laser treatments) and all skin types can be treated.

What is plasma skin regeneration?

Plasma skin regeneration (PSR) is the latest technique in resurfacing and rejuvenating skin. Unlike lasers which use light energy to target a specific component of the skin such as water, haemoglobin, or pigment, PSR uses pulses of ionised inert nitrogen gas to alter structures below the surface of the skin, creating unique conditions for continuing regeneration and improvement in wrinkles, acne scarring, skin texture, tone, and discolouration. This technique preserves the skin's outer layers, which act as a protective 'biological dressing' until new skin regenerates. Working below the surface of the skin, PSR creates the right conditions and natural growth factors for generating new skin and creating new collagen for continuous improvement in wrinkles, acne scars, skin tone and texture. It is FDA approved for these purposes. Clinical studies show continued improvements for as long as a year after treatment.

How does plasma skin regeneration work?

Plasma skin regeneration involves the use of molecular nitrogen that is stimulated by an electric field produced by radiofrequency energy to form plasma. Plasma then flushes oxygen from the treatment area, which thermally stimulates the treated area without causing any actual 'burn'. Unlike traditional laser resurfacing or deep chemical peels, the skin remains in place and acts as a biological dressing for the treated area. This reduces the post-treatment care significantly by not creating an open wound that decreases the risk of infection and scarring.

Am I a suitable candidate for PSR?

Plasma skin rejuvenation is suitable for skin affected by sun damage, wrinkles (especially around the mouth and eyes), enlarged pores, acne scarring, and superficial pigmentation. It does not treat active acne, capillaries, rosacea, or deep hormonal pigmentation. It can be used to treat most skin types although those with darker skin types may not be suitable.

It is not advisable in those who are pregnant, breast feeding, immunodeficient, have abnormal bleeding conditions, lupus or any other auto-immune conditions, or have had treatment with Roaccutane in the past year. A history of keloid (thick/raised) scarring, psoriasis or vitiligo, treatment with blooding thinning medication e.g warfarin, treatment with gold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis precludes treatment also.

What can be treated?

The most common problems that are treated are;

  • sun damage - usually a full face treatment
  • wrinkles - a spot treatment can be performed around the eyes and mouth, or a full face treatment can be performed
  • pigmentation - usually superficial pigmentation only treated (not hormonal pigmentation such as melasma/cholasma)
  • acne scarring - a full face or spot treatment can be performed.
  • enlarged pores

There is also usually a small degree of skin tightening with the treatment.

Not only can the face be treated, but the neck and hands can also be treated. Lower energy levels are used for the hands and neck as the skin here is usually finer than the face.

What if I don't want too much downtime after my treatment?

Plasma skin rejuvenation can be performed at either high or low energy levels. Lower energy treatments do not penetrate as deep. Generally, 3 low energy treatments are required at 3 weekly intervals to achieve similar results to a single high energy treatment. The recovery time is usually about 3 to 4 days.

Higher energy treatments penetrate deeper into the skin and induce a powerful induction of collagen remodelling and tightening. There is significantly more downtime, but the results from one treatment are more substantial. The recovery time from one single high energy treatment is usually around 10 to 14 days.

How much does plasma skin regeneration cost?

The cost of plasma skin regeneration depends on the energy level used and the area treated. A full face, high energy treatment costs £3000. A full face, low energy treatment costs £900, and usually 3 are required. Regional treatments of the eye area or upper lip area cost £900 at high energy.

What precautions do I need to take before treatment?

Sunscreen should be used for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. Retinols, alpha-hydroxy acids, strong scrubs/exfoliation, tretinoin, or any vitamin A derivatives should also be ceased at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.

Anti-viral medication may be prescribed if you have past history of cold sores. Your doctor may prescribe these to you even if you don't have a history of cold sores.

What does treatment involve?

For high energy treatments, you will generally need to spend half a day at the Medicetics Clinic. Usually, we use a mild oral sedative and analgesic to help reduce any discomfort from the procedure. This is usually given two hours prior to the procedure.

Anaesthetic cream is applied for around 1-2 hours prior to treatment. This numbs the face for the procedure. In addition, anaesthetic nerve block injections are given to help numb the face further for low energy treatments, only anaesthetic cream is required rather than injections.

The face is divided into sections, and each section is systematically covered with the plasma pulses. Usually treatment takes around 45 minutes for a full face and 10 - 15 minute for peri-oral (around mouth) or peri-orbital (around eyes) only.

After treatment, your face may appear red and sunburnt. It will feel hot, and after your treatment, we usually allow you to rest before leaving.

What happens after treatment?

Your face will appear red and swollen immediately after treatment. Over the next few days, the treated areas will then bronze and eventually peel off. It is very important that you treat your face very delicately for at least 10 days. You will not be able to wash your face for 24 hours. Vaseline is usually applied to the face twice a day until the peeling process is complete. You will also need to use diluted vinegar to dab or spray on your face to reduce any itchiness that might be present.

Depending on the energy of the treatment performed, you may not be able to wear make up for 3 (lower energy) to 10 days (higher energy). Sun protection is essential after treatment. Daily sunscreen use is important, and direct sunlight should be avoided.

Are the results permanent?

The results gained from PSR treatments are permanent. Your skin will still be exposed to the environment and will be subject to the effects of the sun and gravity. It does not stop the ageing process, but helps in reversing any skin damage, wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne scarring present.

What is the difference between plasma skin regeneration and other technologies like Fraxel?

Plasma skin regeneration, unlike Fraxel, is not a laser, rather it is a unique technology using plasma energy instead. Plasma skin regeneration at high energy levels (PSR3) tends to be a much more effective treatment than even several Fraxel treatments for problems such as wrinkles and sun damage. The downtime of one high energy plasma treatment is longer however than a single Fraxel treatment, however, the accumulated downtime of several Fraxel treatments may be similar.

Why should I choose Medicetics as my provider of Plasma Skin Regeneration?

As one of the pioneers of skin treatments in London and UK, our doctors have a vast amount of experience in the use of laser and skin devices and have performed a large number of treatments. We take time to explain to you the pros and cons of treatment for your skin, and importantly, we give you appropriate advice in preparing your skin for the procedure.

On the day of the treatment, we also spend a large amount of time preparing you for the treatment by re-explaining the procedure, and taking time to prepare and anaesthetise the skin for treatment to ensure that your treatment is as comfortable as possible.

The first step is simply contacting us for your initial plasma skin rejuvenation consultation, where we will discuss with you what a realistic and achievable outcome is, and what to expect from your treatment.

Making that first phone call about any cosmetic procedure can be a confronting task - many of our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form. We can then contact you with an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate.



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