What is the Opus Plasma, and how does it work?

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Opus Plasma and the lasers of the world are considered energy-based devices. They all work by creating targeted areas of trauma in the skin and stimulating a wound-healing response, which in turn yields an improvement in skin tone and skin texture. Like many modern energy-based devices, the Opus Plasma is a micro-ablative, fractional skin resurfacing technology. This means that it treats only tiny portions (fractions, as it were) of the skin in order to control tissue damage and minimize healing time.

The difference? Whereas lasers use light energy, Opus Plasma uses fractional plasma energy. The two interact with the skin differently.  The Opus Plasma creates a cup-shaped area of  fractional injury that’s relegated to the surface of the skin, smoothing away wrinkles, almost like a sandblaster.

It’s also worth noting that the metal pins of the Opus Plasma device are charged with radiofrequency energy. It’s this energy that reacts with atmospheric pressure in order to create the plasma that “injures” the skin—but it also has an added benefit. While the plasma works more superficially, the radiofrequency energy creates heat in the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and, ultimately, helping tighten the skin.

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Who is a good candidate for an Opus Plasma treatment?

Opus Plasma skin resurfacing is a good choice not only for those looking to smooth textural issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars but also for those who want to address other skin concerns, such as laxity and sagging, as well as an uneven skin tone. , Opus Plasma works beautifully, both for addressing skin laxity on the neck and for treating etched-in horizontal or ‘tech neck’ lines,”. The Opus Plasma can be used much closer to the eye than lasers, making it ideal for addressing fine lines and crows’-feet.

While results obviously vary based on the individual, the Opus Plasma is generally recommended for those in their 40s to late 60s. And while lasers have come a long way in recent years, many are still not recommended for patients with dark skin, due to the risk of hyperpigmentation, however the Opus Plasma can be used on all skin types, from Fitzpatrick I-VI.

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What’s the procedure like?

As is the case with most devices, a topical numbing cream or topical anesthetic is first applied onto the treatment area for about 40 minutes. It takes only about 15 minutes to perform a full-face treatment with the Opus Plasma. You should stop using retinoids for a week or so prior to the treatment and will have to remove any type of jewelry during the procedure. 

It’s also worth noting that the Opus Plasma is very customizable.. It comes with two different types of tips, for use on either the full face or on smaller, targeted areas. The device also works well on the body, including on the chest, arms, knees, and even to address stretch marks.

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What’s the downtime following the Opus Plasma?

The plasma energy isn’t injuring the deeper layers of the skin, thus minimizing side effects such as dramatic swelling. Expect your skin to be slightly swollen and irritated, as if you got a sunburn,  for 24 to 48 hours afterward. You may experience some skin flaking on days three and four, but most people are completely back to normal by day five to seven.

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What kind of results does it deliver?

It depends on how intense a treatment you receive, this device does have the ability to yield amazing results. While three treatment sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, are recommended for optimal results, some patients notice improvements in texture and tone after just one treatment. The skin tightening effects, in particular, will take some time, about three months, since they’re dependent on collagen remodeling.  Of course a maintenance treatment after the initial series, can help maintain the results.