Melbourne cosmetic physician Dr. Gavin Chan discusses the reduction of wrinkles using Portrait Plasma, a non-invasive skin regeneration machine. Christine Doggett reports.
While some treatments lead to improved skin only at a the surface, the clinically proven Portrait plasma technology alters structures below the surface including continuing regeneration and improvement in wrinkles and skin tone, texture and discoloration. In addition, clinical studies show the improvements following treatment will become even more dramatic over time.
'The Portrait plasma treatment is not a laser, nor is it a form of IPL', explains Melbourne cosmetic physician Dr. Gavin Chan. 'The treatment works through the use of inert nitrogen gas, passed through a handpiece. The gas reacts to radiofrequency energy, carrying that energy towards the area of skin to be treated and dissipating any existing oxygen around the skin. For this reason, there is no burning of the skin.'
During the procedure, the unique scientific action of Portrait transfers plasma energy to the treated area without direct contact with the skin. 'The procedure induces a zone of thermal damage and a zone of thermal modification, resulting in the emergence of "new" skin,' says Dr. Chan. 'The production of collagen in the elastin fibres results in a remodelling of the skin and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, without disrupting the top layer of the epidermis. In fact, the stratum corneum remains intact and acts as a biological dressing, so that no bandages or dressings are required after treatment.'
The treatment is suitable for the reduction of wrinkles in both younger and older age groups, and there is no risk of scarring or hypo-pigmentation (loss of pigment). Performed at lower energy levels, it is also suitable for darker skin types. Down time is usually seven to 10 days.
The Portrait Plasma technology has been available in Australia for a relatively short period of time, after TGA approval for thermal heating of the epidermis and dermis. However, clients are becoming more aware of its advantages as an anti-ageing and minimally invasive treatment for the reduction of wrinkles.
'Compared with other procedures available, such as lasers and chemical peels, to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and to re-epithelise the skin, Portrait plasma offers huge advantages.' Dr. Chan explains. 'Carbon dioxide lasers burn off the skin to achieve a similar effect in wrinkle reduction via collagen remodeling. However, clients are often reluctant to undertake the laser due to the prolonged redness of the skin after treatment. The skin can appear quite raw for a period of about two weeks, and it may take up to three months for complete recovery.'
