WHAT IS PLEXR?
Plexr (or plasma soft surgery) is a non-surgical treatment used to lift the eyes (blepharoplasty), remove excess skin such as eye bags, tighten the skin and erase scars, moles, skin tags, and other unwanted features (see below for before and after pictures). Unlike surgical treatments for these problems, Plexr does not require a general anesthetic and has little to no downtime.
The treatment uses plasma – the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid, and gas and is performed using wireless handheld devices which are manufactured in Italy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Plasma is created when the electrons in neutral gases are stripped away from the atoms. The high-energy matter has many uses in modern life including in televisions – and now cosmetic treatments.
The Plexr device creates plasma by ionizing gas particles between its precise 0.5mm-wide needle and the skin, creating an electrical arc. The technology is very precise so specific areas like the eyelids can be treated without touching or harming the skin.
On the skin plasma vaporizes cells and all that is left is carbon in the form of a crust. This crust heals, leaving the treated skin behind. As well as vaporizing – or “sublimating” – unwanted skin, it has the triple effect of causing the remaining tissues to tighten and boosting collagen production.
Plexr has a wide range of uses. The most popular is non-surgical blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), but it can also be uses for removing moles, skin tags, scars, tattoos, acne, keloid scars, and for mini face and neck lifts. It can even be used to tighten skin in cases of so-called “mummy tummy” after having children.
WHAT IS IT LIKE?
Topical anesthetic cream is used for comfort of patient which takes around 15 minutes to take effect. There is no need for local anesthetic injections, to go under general anesthetia or stay in hospital. Non-surgical eyelid lifts (blephoplasty) will be done with the anesthetic cream while moles and keloid scars may require an injection.
Treatment can usually be done in 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the area. Patients have reported some procedures using Plexr as being painless with the anesthetic cream.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME?
You may feel a burning sensation for a few hours after treatment but should otherwise be fine to go back to work, and even drive, straight away unless you have had treatment to the eyes where you will have to wait for swelling to subside.
Your practitioner will provide you with a skin-toned medicinal cream to cover the treated area and protect it from light which should be used for around a week afterward the treatment. You will also need to avoid using exfoliating washes and cleanses until it is completely healed – usually around seven days.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
As Plexr is non-invasive and does not require general anesthetic or stitches, there are very few risks in comparison to surgical procedures.
You may feel a burning or tingling sensation and a crust, scab or brown marks may form over the affected area – this must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Treatment in sensitive area, particularly the eyes, may cause swelling for up to a week.
Unlike many other treatments, Plexr can be used on all skin types but those with very dark skin are at risk for hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots). As with most cosmetic procedures, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not have the treatment.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Plexr costs from as little as $65 for skin tag removal and up to $600 per treatment for an eyelid lift. It is important to remember you may need up to three treatments to get the desired effect. Equipment is only provided to medical professionals such as doctors.
Be aware that non-medical professionals saying they offer plasma soft surgery are practicing medicine without a medical license. We do see and treat patients with complications from those treatments.