Plasma Resurfacing in Canberra
Plasma resurfacing is an advanced resurfacing treatment at Skin Wellness Academy in Canberra. It uses fractional plasma energy to renew collagen and target fine lines, texture, pores and acne scarring on the face and body.
What is plasma resurfacing?
Alma Opus Plasma Resurfacing uses fractional radiofrequency energy to generate microplasma at the surface of the skin. This creates controlled micro-injuries, which trigger collagen renewal as the skin repairs. The treatment can be adjusted in intensity, so downtime depends on the treatment chosen, and it can be used across large areas or for spot and scar treatment. It can also be combined with RF skin tightening, as recommended by your clinician.
Who it suits
Plasma resurfacing may suit you if you have:
- Fine lines and signs of skin ageing.
- Uneven texture.
- Enlarged-looking pores.
- Acne scarring or other scars.
- Sun-damaged skin or uneven tone.
- Loss of firmness.
- Stretch marks on the belly.
Treatment areas include the face, eyes, neck, chest, arms and hands, and the belly.
Before your treatment
- For about 5 to 7 days beforehand, unless advised otherwise, avoid retinol, retinal, prescription vitamin A, exfoliating acids, scrubs, home peels and other strong actives.
- Keep your skin hydrated, and avoid tanning and significant unprotected sun.
- Tell us about any recent laser, IPL, skin needling, peels, injectables, surgery or other cosmetic treatments.
- Also tell us about medical conditions, medication changes, implanted electrical devices, metal implants near the treatment area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, any history of abnormal wound healing, active cold sores, or other changes to your health.
- We won't treat skin that is sunburnt, infected, broken or significantly irritated.
Numbing cream is optional. Plasma resurfacing can feel considerably stronger than many of our other treatments, so if you'd like to numb, please talk to us before your appointment.
What to expect
You'll start with a consultation. A patch test appointment may be required before your first treatment. Your skin is prepared beforehand with active skin care and/or LED. Expect redness after treatment; the amount of downtime varies with the intensity chosen, and your clinician will explain this before you book.
Concerns it can help
- Scarring: acne scarring, scars and texture.
- Ageing: fine lines and skin ageing on the face, neck and hands.
- Problem skin: post-acne texture and pores.
What it feels like
You may feel heat, prickling, stinging and a strong sunburn-like sensation. Discomfort can continue for up to about 24 hours afterwards, depending on the intensity.
Aftercare
- Days 1 to 2: your skin may look very red and feel warm, tight, swollen and sensitive, like a strong sunburn. Swelling can look more noticeable the next morning, especially around the eyes. A clean fan or cool compress can help.
- Days 2 to 5: tiny pixelated areas of crusting become visible, and your skin may feel dry, rough, tight, itchy or flaky. Don't pick, scratch, scrub or exfoliate.
- Days 5 to 14: the crusting and flaking release naturally as redness settles. More intensive treatments may take longer to heal.
How to care for your skin:
- With clean hands, gently cleanse morning and evening using the cleanser your clinician recommends and cool or lukewarm water. Pat dry. Avoid hot water, scrubs, brushes and face cloths.
- Apply Occlusiderm or your prescribed post-procedure barrier product as directed during the early healing period, then move to gentle moisturising and sun protection as the surface recovers. Don't add other skincare unless your clinician approves it.
- Avoid hot showers on the treated skin, saunas, steam, spas, vigorous exercise, heavy sweating and excessive heat while your skin is still red, swollen, sensitive or crusting.
- Don't apply regular makeup over freshly resurfaced or open skin. Once the surface has healed, you can use mineral makeup if needed.
- For at least 2 weeks, and longer if your skin hasn't fully healed, avoid retinoids and prescription vitamin A, exfoliating acids, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, strong pigment correctors, scrubs, exfoliating brushes and home peels.
- Avoid unnecessary direct sun for about 4 weeks. Once your skin can tolerate sunscreen comfortably, use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every day, reapply outdoors, and wear a hat.
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation is possible after any treatment that deliberately creates inflammation, so your clinician will consider your skin type, pigment history and recent sun exposure before treating.
Contact us if your pain increases instead of improving, or if you have spreading redness, swelling that gets significantly worse, pus or discharge, signs of infection, unusual blistering, persistent bleeding, a significant rash, or anything different from what you were prepared for.
Our approach
Every treatment at Skin Wellness Academy is part of the Skin Transformation System, our four-phase framework for holistic and clinical skin care. It integrates the best of Western scientific research, Eastern medicine and integrative wellness philosophy. It also looks at your biology, behaviour, goals and habitat to find the root causes of your skin concerns.
You're not just another patient in a clinic. Our dermal clinicians guide you through each phase of your skin journey:
- Strategy: understand your skin, history, lifestyle and goals.
- Rebuild: restore skin barrier, strength and healthy function.
- Regenerate: stimulate healthy cellular renewal.
- Maintain: protect results and age gracefully.
The strongest treatment is not always the best treatment. The right treatment is the one your skin is ready to use well. That's why all new clients begin with a Skin Strategy Session. Until we've properly assessed you and your skin, we can't recommend the best products, routine or treatments for you.
FAQs
Is there downtime?
Yes. Expect redness, and the downtime varies with the intensity of treatment.
Do I need a patch test?
A patch test may be required. Your clinician will advise at your consultation.
Can plasma resurfacing treat stretch marks?
Yes. It's available for stretch marks on the belly.
Where is the clinic?
Our clinic is at G1/5 Constitution Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, and is by appointment only. Not in Canberra? Start with an online consultation.
How much does it cost?
See current prices on our Phorest booking page.