Skin Resurfacing Geelong

Improvement after an Opus Plasma treatment will typically become apparent within 3-4 weeks. 

The number of sessions required varies depending on the specific modality and settings utilised, the severity of your skin condition, and your desired outcome.

At RiverEnd Aesthetics we customise a realistic and achievable treatment plan to suit your individual needs, and often combine Plasma treatments with other regenerative aesthetic procedures.

Potential benefits of Opus Plasma treatments are smoother skin texture, a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and superficial scars, with greater results expected when used in combination with Rejuran polynucleotide injections and Exosomes. 

The Alma Opus Plasma device can be used with different handpieces and settings to deliver radiofrequency energy and microplasma to the skin surface. The opus device has both thermal and ablative functions. The majority of treatments involve running a roller with tiny metallic pins (not needles) over the skin, or using a similar, smaller handpiece for spot treatments. The handpieces can deliver radiofrequency energy into the dermis (deeper layer of the skin), or allow RF to generate plasma sparks to create micro-perforations in the surface of the skin.

Topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand to minimise discomfort, and most patients experience mild-moderate sensations of warmth and tingling during the procedure. Sometimes, higher settings can feel like an elastic band is being flicked against the skin. Treatments are generally over reasonably quickly.

Alma Opus Plasma treatments can improve a range of skin concerns:

– Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes
– Scars, including acne scarring
– Uneven skin tone and texture
– Mild skin laxity
– Dull, lifeless and dry skin

Topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand to minimise discomfort, and most patients experience mild-moderate sensations of warmth, prickling and tingling during the procedure. Sometimes, higher settings can feel like an elastic band is being flicked against the skin.

Treatments are generally well-tolerated and over reasonably quickly.

Downtime varies depending on the settings used and the areas treated. On higher, more ablative settings, you can expect the following:

Day 1 to 2 – Moderate-to-severe redness, swelling, skin sensitivity, and a sunburn sensation.​

Day 2 to 5 – Pixelated scabbing and areas of dryness, flaking, redness, and mild itching.​

Day 5 to 14 – Scabbing will start to flake off (micro-peeling) and the redness will continue to subside.

Mild side effects are expected after an Opus Plasma treatment, given we are creating micro-perforations and thermal injuries to the skin. Lower settings will result in minimised downtime, however, more treatment sessions are likely to be required to achieve the desired outcomes.

– Sunburn sensation: skin should look and feel hot, red and sensitive after treatment, much like sunburn. Most of the time, the sunburn sensation is mild and lasts 1-2 days, however the “sunburn” can be moderate-to-severe and last a few days, or longer for fully ablative treatments.

– Pixelated marks: there will often be tiny, visible dots or lines where the device has been tracked along the skin to create micro-perforations. These tiny areas of skin will form micro-crusts that will flake off over a week or so.

– Swelling: treated areas may be slightly swollen; this should resolve within 24 hours. Major swelling can occur on high ablative settings and last for up to 1 week.

– Burns and blisters can occur if the settings are too high or the handpiece is applied for too long to the treatment area. Burns can lead to skin infection and scarring.

– Bruising is unlikely but can occur if settings are too high, or treatment is applied to delicate areas with fragile skin. Bruises can last up to 2 weeks.

– Pinpoint bleeding can occur with more ablative treatments. Tiny scabs might form after pinpoint bleeding.

– Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is rare, but can occur in predisposed skin, or those with darker skin types.

– Disappointment with the outcome is also a possibility, no guarantees can be made regarding your results.

– Optimal results require multiple treatments about 4-6 weeks apart, and ongoing maintenance treatments are recommended. Treatment regimes will vary according to skin type and the intended treatment outcome. 

We will provide specific aftercare advice and various topical treatments to soothe your skin afterwards and promote healing. Adding exosomes to your treatment can significantly reduce downtime and we can discuss whether exosomes are appropriate for you at your initial consultation. 

Pre-Treatment:

– Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before your treatment, if you can.
– Discontinue using retinoids, exfoliants, and acid-based products a few days prior.
– Our doctors will discuss your medical history and medications before treatment, and provide specific advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Aftercare:

– Manage the treated area like a skin graze or open wound, remembering to keep the area as clean as possible to avoid bacteria and other debris from entering your skin and encouraging infection.
– Apply topical ointments/creams as directed by your treating practitioner. These are usually gentle, neutral ointments, but might sting a little when applied to treatment areas. Any stinging should subside after 2-3 minutes.
– Clean makeup can be applied once all crusting & scabbing has formed. Remember your make-up brushes & sponges need to be clean too.
– Be mindful of the force and pressure used to remove any makeup, as excessive friction or scratching can break the skin and allow bacteria and debris in, which increases infection risk.
– A cool compress to the treatment area can help with any sunburn sensations. Do not apply ice.
– Paracetamol as per packet instructions can help with any mild tenderness.

Things to avoid:

– Hot spa’s, saunas and very strenuous exercise for 12 hours after treatment.
– Avoid cleaning the treatment areas with hot water until any skin sensitivity subsides.
– Avoid active topicals (Vitamins A, B and C) for 3 days.
– Avoid other skin irritants such as hydroquinone, bleaching creams, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels, glycolic and salicylic acids for at least 2 weeks.
– Do not pick at any crusts or scabs – this can lead to scarring or post-inflammatory pigmentation changes.
– Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks after treatment to minimise the risk of pigment changes. As always, sunscreen should be applied every morning, and your skin should be ready for your usual sunscreen once all micro-crusts have formed (3-4 days after treatment).