Q&A

Does it hurt?

The treatment can be uncomfortable and really depends on your pain threshold. For a comfortable experience we recommend attending your appointment on time to allow the topical anesthetic application to have the required time to absorb and take effect in the areas you would like to have treated. The topical anesthetic is applied for 30 mins for the best effect.

What is involved with the treatment?

Your practitioner will apply topical anesthetic to the skin’s surface for 30 mins prior to the treatment, the cream will be removed and the treatment using a small, hand help pen shaped device will apply the treatment. A 60 min appointment is allocated to allow you to relax and receive your after-care advice prior to leaving the clinic.

How long will it be before I see results?

An immediate tightening will be seen with the plasma pen and dermal fillers. Once healing has taken place you will see an improvement in skin condition and tone.
Collagen production and skin tightening gets progressively better over 10-24 weeks and continues to improve up to a year later.

How long does it last?

Once collagen is formed, the natural ageing process of breaking down the collagen will then take place. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors can contribute to the collagen breakdown such as UV exposure and smoking. However, depending on the amount of sagging skin, sometimes it may require more than a single session.

How many treatments will I need?

This is a single treatment, but depending on the skin laxity, more than one treatment may be required.

How will my skin look?

The skin will have multiple millimeter trauma marks to the skin’s surface, and as healing occurs the skin will appear dry and flaky. In the first couple of days, redness and swelling will be present. Every individual will vary, others may have more swelling, whereas some may swell for over a week. Pigmentation from the small marks can be present for longer if the scabs come away earlier than expected, for example when lying on one side of the face whilst sleeping.  

What are the side effects and risks involved?

Tenderness, redness and swelling are common side effects and are to be expected following the treatment. As the skin starts to heal, itching may occur. After care gel that is included in the price of the treatment, should be used to alleviate the side effects. Other side effects are not limited to but may include slight redness for a few weeks after the treatment, with a risk of scarring, infection and hyperpigmentation (darker skin) or hypopigmentation (lighter skin), being rare but possible.

Are there any specific after care tips?

You will be required to stay out of direct sun light during the healing process. Whilst the scabs are still present you won’t be able to get the areas wet such as having a shower, steam room, swimming or sweating from exercising.  

How do I prepare for the procedure?

It is important to have a test patch prior to the treatment. No active sun exposure is important with no active tan being present for the test patch and treatment. We suggest not to apply any cosmetics beforehand, and you should let us know about any recent medical conditions and medications taken. 

Is there anything I should do after the treatment?

We advise that you don’t take a hot shower on the day of the treatment, and to keep the area dry for the duration of the scabs being present. It is advised that you don’t apply make-up to the area for the duration of the scabs, as attempting to remove the makeup at the end of the day, can cause the micro scabs to come away from the skin too early and cause scarring. Sun exposure should be avoided for 4 weeks after the treatment, sunblock application is highly recommended for 4 to 6 weeks after the initial treatment. 

What are the contraindications to having the treatment?

Reasons you may not be suitable for the treatment are due to the following. In which case, we would ask for a specialist’s letter stating that they are happy for you to proceed with the treatment, where applicable:

Metal plates or pins

Severe circulatory deficiencies, ischemic tissue, thrombosis, severe uncontrolled blood pressure

Severe Cardiovascular conditions

Pacemaker

Pregnancy

Current or recent hemorrhage

Malignancy and chemotherapy in the past 3 years.

We need to be cautious with certain illnesses, Cosmedic-Ink will confirm your full medical history prior to commencing any treatments. 

How long does the treatment take?

The treatment takes less than 30 mins; however, we allow 60 mins per treatment to ensure that you’re happy with the treatment choice and to ensure you’re happy to proceed. The skin is treated, and an after-care cream is applied. 

Are the results after the treatment permanent?

Yes. Once new collagen is stimulated, new collagen is formed. It doesn’t, however, stop the ageing process, therefore the natural ageing and collagen breakdown will occur. You can help reduce the natural ageing by protecting the skin from further UVA rays and external environmental damage.

What are the advantages over surgery?

No cutting of the skin
Very low risk procedure
No stitches
There is no thinning of the skin
No general anesthetic
Far less recovery time
Significantly lower cost
Quick and easy treatment