A plasma pen treatment, also called plasma energy treatment or plasma skin tightening, uses plasma generated from gases in the air to contract and tighten the skin without any incision. It is also known as jet plasma. It is most often used for non-surgical eyelid tightening, lines around the mouth and small skin lesions.

The method works by ionizing the nitrogen and oxygen in the air with high energy, turning them into plasma. The potential difference between the device tip and the skin creates a very small arc, an energy discharge similar to a tiny spark. This energy instantly vaporizes a very small spot on the skin surface and causes the surrounding tissue to contract.

A key feature of plasma energy is that it works with millimetric precision at the target point, and heat spreads only to a limited extent into surrounding tissue. Over time, new collagen forms in the contracted tissue and the skin looks firmer.

A plasma pen treatment is generally an option for:

• People wary of surgery: Those who want to avoid anesthesia and incisions for eyelid surgery.
• Mild to moderate sagging: Eyelids where excess skin is not yet pronounced.
• Small lesions: Small raised spots on the skin surface such as skin tags and xanthelasma.
• Lines around the mouth: People who want fine vertical lines to soften.

Plasma energy is preferred especially for small, delicate areas:

• Non-surgical eyelid tightening: Mild to moderate upper eyelid sagging and fine wrinkles on the lower eyelid.
• Upper lip lines: Fine vertical lines, especially those related to smoking.
• Small skin lesions: Skin tags, xanthelasma and some superficial sun spots.
• Acne and injury scars: Helping shallow, depressed scars look smoother.
• Abdomen: Mild skin laxity after pregnancy.

A doctor’s examination is essential before moles or lesions are removed with plasma; suspicious-looking moles are not treated with this method. For other options, see nevus (mole) treatment.

Puffiness and darkness around the eyes can have different causes; for these, see dark circles, bags and discoloration treatment. If there are also spots or uneven tone, plasma treatment may be planned together with skin spot treatments.

The appointment begins with an examination and analysis of the area. The doctor assesses the sagging or lesion, your skin type and skin tone.

For a few days beforehand, it is recommended to stop aspirin and other medicines that may increase bleeding, after checking with your doctor, and to protect the area from the sun.

1. A numbing cream is applied to the area and left for 30–45 minutes to take effect.
2. The area is cleaned with an alcohol-free disinfectant.
3. Without touching the skin, the device tip delivers pinpoint shots from 1–2 mm away.
4. A small brown crust forms at each point.

Depending on the size of the area, the procedure takes 15–30 minutes. It does not require a hospital stay, and you can go home the same day. On delicate areas such as the eyelids, a doctor who knows facial anatomy well is essential for results and safety.

Shot density is adjusted to each area, and the very thin eyelid skin is treated with extra care. The eyes are protected throughout, and shots are kept at a safe distance from the eyelid margin.

Plasma energy has its own recovery process, and managing it correctly directly affects the result:

• Swelling: Swelling for the first 2–3 days is expected, especially around the eyes.
• Crusting: The small crusts usually fall off on their own within 7–10 days. Not picking them reduces the risk of marks and spots.
• Sun protection: The new pink skin under the crusts is sensitive to the sun; without sunscreen, spots may remain.
• Cleansing: Clean the area gently as your doctor advises, without rubbing.
• Makeup: Avoid makeup on the treated area until the crusts have fallen off.

Because of the crusts, plan eyelid or lip-area treatment a few weeks before an important event.

Some tightening may be noticed right after the procedure. The final result appears as the crusts fall off and new collagen forms, and usually becomes clear after about one month.

One session is enough for most people. For deep wrinkles or more pronounced sagging, a second session may be planned 2–3 months later. The number of sessions is decided at your examination; if a second one is needed, healing from the first is completed and the result allowed to settle first, so the need for more treatment can be judged accurately.

How long results last depends on your rate of aging, skin structure and sun protection. For eyelid treatments, results usually hold for a few years, but because aging continues, sagging can return over time.