PLEXR (PLASMA SOFT SURGERY)

Rosie Taylor

WHAT IS PLEXR?

Plexr (or plasma soft surgery) is a non-surgical treatment used to lift the eyes (blepharoplasty), remove excess skin such as eye bags, tighten the skin and erase scars, moles, skin tags and other unwanted features (see below for before and after pictures). Unlike surgical treatments for these problems, Plexr does not require general anaesthetic and recovery time is much shorter.

The treatment uses plasma – the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid and gas – and is performed using wireless handheld devices which are manufactured in Italy. It was launched in the UK in 2014.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Plasma is created when the electrons in neutral gases are stripped away from the atoms. The high-energy matter has many uses in modern life including in televisions – and now cosmetic treatments.

The Plexr device creates plasma by ionising gas particles between its precise 0.5mm-wide needle and the skin, creating an electrical arc. The technology is very precise so specific areas like the eyelids can be treated without touching or harming the skin.

Dr Shirin Lakhani, Plexr’s official trainer in the UK, describes plasma as “like a lightning bolt”. She said: “When lightning hits the ground it vaporises everything and leaves only black carbon. On the skin, plasma vapourises cells and all that is left is carbon in the form of a crust.” This crust heals, leaving the treated skin behind. As well as vaporising – or “sublimating” – unwanted skin, it has the triple effect of causing the remaining tissues to tighten and boosting collagen production.

Plexr has a wide range of uses. The most popular is non-surgical blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), but it can also be uses for removing moles, skin tags, scars, tattoos, acne, keloid scars, and for mini face and neck lifts. It can even be used to tighten up skin in cases of so-called “mummy tummy” after having children.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Depending on what the area is that’s being treated patients will either be given a local anaesthetic or topical anaesthetic cream which takes around 15 minutes to take effect. There is no need for them to have local anaesthetic injections, go under general anaesthetic or stay in hospital. Non-surgical eyelid lifts (blephoplasty) will be done with the anaesthetic cream while moles and keloid scars may require an injection.

Treatment can usually be done in 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the area. Patients have reported some procedures using Plexr as being painless with the anaesthetic cream, but treatment around the eye area may be still be a level of discomfort and it may feel prickly.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME?

You may feel a burning sensation for a few hours after treatment but should otherwise be fine to go back to work, and even drive, straight away unless you have had treatment to the eyes where you will have to wait for swelling to subside.

Your practitioner will provide you with a skin-toned medicinal cream to cover the treated area and protect it from light which should be used for around a week afterward the treatment. You will also need to avoid using exfoliating washes and cleanses until it is completely healed – usually around seven days.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

As Plexr is non-invasive and does not require general anaesthetic or stitches, there are very few risks in comparison to surgical procedures.

You may feel a burning or tingling sensation and a crust, scab or brown marks may form over the affected area – this must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Treatment in sensitive area, particularly the eyes, may cause swelling for up to a week.

Unlike many other treatments, Plexr can be used on all skin types but those with very dark skin may be advised to avoid it in case it causes hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots). As with most cosmetic procedures, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not have the treatment.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Plexr costs from as little as £150 for skin tag removal up to £1,200 for an eyelid lift. It is important to remember you may need up to three treatments to get the desired effect.

The UK distributors of Plexr, Fusion GT, only provide the equipment to medical professionals including doctors and nurse prescribers. Be aware that non-medical therapists saying they offer plasma treatment could be using a fake product and will not have received professional training from the manufacturer.

SO IS IT WORTH IT?

The results of Plexr for skin tightening and eyelifts will last up to five years, although, as with any cosmetic treatment, it will not stop the skin from ageing further.

As far as cost and convenience are concerned, Plexr is a relatively inexpensive and hassle-free form of cosmetic treatment, offering very similar effects to surgery in many cases. Considering a surgical eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) costs between £2,000 and £6,000, paying around £1,200 for a similar result using Plexr could be a bargain. However, it is important to remember it may not suit everyone and those with particularly heavy excess skin may be better off with surgery.