How Does Plasma Remove Wrinkles?

By Nicole Hayre, MD

Wrinkles, watch out! There is an exciting, new treatment available designed to eliminate you. (Yes, even the deeper ones.)

The Portrait PSR delivers controlled bursts of plasma energy to the skin effectively resurfacing it. Treated skin regenerates, becoming smoother, tighter and healthier. Multiple studies have shown that the improvements continue for up to a year after the treatment, and last even longer.

What Exactly Is a Portrait PSR Plasma Treatment?

Portrait is a unique device that creates a burst of plasma, which is directed at the skin surface. It looks like a laser, but does not emit light, making goggles unnecessary. With each pulse, a popping noise is heard, and it feels like a blast of warm to hot air hitting the skin.

What Does the
Portrait PSR Treat?

The Portrait treats and improves many skin conditions, including fine lines, tone, dyschronia (uneven skin coloring), texture and overall skin quality. In addition, small growths such as keratosis and warts may be removed. It is also being studied to treat acne scars. Most importantly, this is one of the only treatments that will treat and dramatically improve deep wrinkles.

In comparison to treating wrinkles with a CO₂ laser, Portrait treatment is much quicker and easier, with comparable and natural looking results.

Another advantage of the Portrait is that it can be used to treat a range of areas from small zones, such as crow's feet, eyelids or lip lines, to larger ones such as the full face, neck, chest and hands.

What About Down Time?

The amount of down time depends on the type of treatment chosen, and can range from none to one week.

For no down time, a variation of the Portrait treatment called the Portrait Express may be used. This treatment is completed in a series of approximately six sessions, with an interval of three weeks between sessions. While this treatment takes longer, it is great for those who cannot risk any down time.

For those who can afford a couple of days of having mildly pink skin with some possible mild flaking, a series of three low energy treatments is a nice option. This rejuvenating treatment will most likely become the treatment of choice for getting rid of early crow's feet and eyelid skin changes.

For those with deep lines, or those who don't want to have multiple treatments, a single high-energy treatment may be performed. The treated skin will initially be red, then turn into a bronze, dry layer, which will flake off usually by day five. After the upper layer exfoliates, the new skin underneath is pink. Although this pink color may persist for up to another week, make-up may be applied to hide it.

Results take time to develop. Some results are seen as soon as one month after treatment. Typically patients see 50% improvement at 90 days, with improvements continuing for up to one year after treatment.

If you have further questions, please contact a board-certified dermatologist who has a Portrait PSR system.