Opus Plasma is an FDA-cleared, nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) and plasma to address a broad range of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, scars (including acne scars), stretch marks, uneven skin tone, dullness, and skin texture.
Results are similar to those from fractional laser resurfacing, with more minimal downtime. “One of the major advantages of Opus Plasma resurfacing is the versatility of the platform and safe applicability to a wide range of skin types,” says Dr. Parag Gandhi, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon who practices near Baltimore, Maryland. “This is unique to Opus, and we have not seen this with traditional laser resurfacing options.”
Here’s how Opus Plasma works:
- The device has metal pins that emit high-frequency radiofrequency energy.
- The RF energy reacts to atmospheric pressure and creates plasma energy.
- The plasma heats the skin, creating micro-injuries that prompt the body’s natural wound-healing response.
- This stimulates new collagen production, which improves skin quality and appearance over time.
Treatments are customizable and can be precisely adjusted for the face, neck, chest, or elsewhere on the body.
Opus Plasma skin resurfacing is considered “microablative” or fractional, meaning only a fraction of the skin is treated. According to the device manufacturer, Alma, their plasma technology “precisely controls the energy-to-tissue contact time, minimizing unwanted inflammation” and recovery time.
While some people see noticeable improvements in skin tone and skin texture following just one Opus Plasma treatment, a series of 2–5 is recommended for best results.
- Treatment sessions are quick. Providers say the combination of RF and microplasma energy allows them to complete a full-face treatment in about 20 minutes, much less time than most other fractional skin resurfacing treatments.
- The device can treat both face and body, with different tips for large or small areas and a range of settings (light, moderate, or aggressive) that can be adjusted to suit your skin type and desired results.
- Downtime for treatments with light to moderate settings is relatively brief: just one to two days with skin looking like it has a bad sunburn. If you want a more significant improvement, your provider can treat you with higher settings. In that case, you can expect about one week for recovery, though it’s usually possible to look presentable with good mineral-based makeup after 24 hours.
What happens during treatment?
Treatment of the entire face can be performed in approximately 20 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
- First, your provider will cleanse your skin and apply a topical anesthetic, to minimize discomfort during your treatment session.
- More experienced providers may also offer injectable anesthetic nerve or field blocks to increase your comfort level, according to Dr. Gandhi.
- Mild oral sedation can also be helpful in certain settings.
- When you’re sufficiently numb, your provider will place the handpiece lightly against your skin and roll it across the entire treatment area, using settings suitable for your skin type and concerns.
- Your provider may also use focus tips for stamping heat energy into smaller areas.
- Once your fractional plasma treatment is complete, your provider will apply a balm to your skin to protect it as it heals.
How long does recovery take?
How much downtime you’ll need will depend on how aggressive your treatment was and how your body heals.
- For light to moderate treatments, the most common side effects are swelling and redness for 24–48 hours post-treatment, as if you had a bad sunburn. After that, most people can return to their normal activities and cover any residual redness with mineral-based makeup.
- More aggressive treatments typically involve 3-5 days of recovery time, but some patients have significant swelling for up to a week.
- As you go through the healing process, your skin tone may change from red to brown, before the new skin starts to show.
You’ll be given post-procedure skincare instructions to keep your skin moist, protected, and well-hydrated
Your skin will be especially sensitive to UV rays, so you’ll need to stay out of direct sunlight and use a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen for at least the next two weeks, as your skin heals. “These precautions will reduce your risk of developing hyperpigmentation during the healing process,” notes Dr. Gandhi. “You should discuss your individual treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives with your provider before you proceed.”
Remember that you’ll need to be patient, as you await your results: it can take up to three months after your last treatment session for the new collagen to form before you see optimal results.
