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Do I Qualify To Receive A Plasma Skin Tightening Treatment?

 

If you have concerns regarding anything listed below,

please consult with your physician prior to scheduling an appointment 


 

  • Current or history of cancer, especially malignant melanoma or recurrent non-melanoma skin cancer, or precancerous lesions or after recovery from cancer till off medication for 6 months and have GP approval prior to commencing treatment

  • Any active infection

  • Diseases such as a history of recurrent Herpes Simplex, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Porphyria

  • Use of photosensitive medication, and/or herbs that may cause sensitivity to such as, tetracycline or St. John’s Wart

  • Immunosuppressive diseases including AIDS and HIV infection or use of immunosuppressive medications

  • Diabetes unless under control

  • History of bleeding coagulopathies or use of anticoagulants

  • History of keloid scarring

  • A history of heart disease (Angina, heart pacemaker, taking anti-coagulant drugs)

  • History of bleeding coagulopathies or use of anticoagulants

  • Use of oral or topical Accutane or Retin A, vitamin A or other such products in the previous 3 months for the treatment of acne or other dermatological conditions

  • Surgery in the past 6 months

  • Alcohol or Drug Abuse

  • Breast feeding

  • Cuts and abrasions

  • Deep bruising

  • Any active infection

  • Fever

  • High or low blood pressure

  • Immediately after pregnancy

  • Liver disease and/or any medication that affects the liver function

  • Metal implants/plates or pins

  • Open wounds/ulcers/sores (on treatment area)

  • On regular prescription medication - requires GP approval

  • Pacemaker fitted

  • Phlebitis

  • Poor circulation (blood and lymph)

  • Pregnancy or breast feeding patients 

  • Recent scarring to treatment area

  • Skin disorders

  • Thrombosis

  • Thyroid disease or other hormonal disorders

 

ALOPECIA: 

This is an autoimmune disease resulting in hair loss. Sufferers may be more sensitive to treatment but there should be no problems treating alopecia sufferers with Plasma Pen. 

 

ANAEMIA: 

Anaemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of the hemoglobin content of red corpuscles. These clients will bleed more profusely and will take longer to heal. 

 

ANESTHETICS: 

Usually a reaction would be due to the base or preparation that the anesthetic is found in, such as the cream or the gel. Scalpa Plasma Fibroblast practitioners will use the Numb cream and patch test for reactions. If different types of anesthetic are used then patch test for those will be performed as well. Patch test results will determine whether client is allergic to the ‘caine’ used in anesthetics. If that is the case, the treatment can still proceed without an anesthetic if client elects. A cold compress or a freezing or cooling unit, such as the ‘cool spot’, could be used instead. 

 

ASTHMA: 

Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the air passages resulting in the temporary narrowing of the airways and making it difficult to breathe. Asthma often requires the use of an inhaler to ease breathing. Regular use of an inhaler will cause thinning of the skin andincreased vascularity. If you have asthma, you may bleed more easily and sometimes bruise. Your skin may be more sensitive and take longer to heal. 

 

BIRTH MARKS AND PORT WINE STAINS: 

These cannot and must not ever be treated with Plasma Pen. 

 

BLEPHAROPLASTY: 

Excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the upper and lower eyelid. If a patient has had blepharoplasty (and our technique is often referred to as non-surgical blepharoplasty), you must wait for 3 months post-blepharoplasty (or longer if there is still pronounced redness in the area) before a Plasma Pen treatment. 

 

BOTOX: 

It is recommended to wait at least 21 days after BOTOX injections. It is preferable to have your Plasma Pen treatment performed prior to BOTOX being administered or when the BOTOX is just about due for a top up.

 

BREASTFEEDING: The Plasma Pen treatment cannot be performed on breastfeeding mothers. 

 

BROW, FOREHEAD, OR SURGICAL FACELIFT: 

Please allow three (3) months after your brow, forehead, or surgical facelift to determine your suitability for Plasma Pen treatment. 

 

BRUISING OR BLEEDING EASILY: 

Bruising or bleeding easily may indicate an underlying health problem, and if you are prone to bruise or bleed easily, you may take longer to heal from your Plasma Pen treatment. 

CANCER: 

If you are undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy then we must allow leave 5 weeks either side of treatment to be treated with Plasma Pen. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, you should check with your oncologist to find out when your blood count is most suitable to receive treatment. If the cancer is terminal, we may proceed with a doctor’s written consent. 

 

CATARACTS: 

Scalpa Practitioners may perform the Plasma Pen treatment with a doctor’s written consent (if treating the eye area). 

 

CONTACT LENSES: 

Contact lenses must be removed before any treatment close to the eye, and must not be used for up to 72 hours post-procedure. We cannot begin to stress the importance of ensuring contact lenses are removed pre-treatment. 

 

DIABETES: 

Diabetics have a tendency to both bleed and bruise easily, so you may find it more uncomfortable and the healing process may be lengthier. Some clients may need to wait longer between treatments. 

 

DRY EYE: 

During a treatment, we may use more eye lubricant and saline solution throughout the treatment to keep you comfortable. We also ask that the client keep their eyes always closed because of the sensitivity to carbon smoke. 

 

EPILEPSY: 

If it has been two years since your last seizure, we may proceed with the Plasma Pen treatment. Plasma Pen treatment may trigger an epileptic event, and we will request that you complete a consent form as well as have someone come with you to your appointment. 

 

EYE LASER SURGERY (LASIK): 

If you have recently undergone any laser surgery for the eye, such as LASIK, it is recommended to wait 8-12 weeks post-surgery. 

 

ALLERGIES: 

If your eyes are red, watering, puffy or the skin is inflamed and red, your practitioner will recommend delaying the Plasma Pen procedure until symptoms have passed. 

 

HEMOPHILIA: 

Hemophilia is contraindicated for Plasma Pen treatment, and not safe for hemophilia patients. 

HERPES: 

Herpes Simplex is a viral infection commonly referred to as a cold sore or fever blister – usually around the mouth. If you have ever had a cold sore, you are more likely to have an outbreak after Plasma Pen treatment in that area. We suggest that you ask your physician for an antiviral treatment, such as acyclovir at least five days before treatment and five days after treatment. 

 

HIV / AIDS / HEPATITIS: 

Plasma Pen is not safe for individuals with HIV / AIDS / Hepatitis or other immune disorders. 

 

HYPER-PIGMENTATION: This is an over-production of melanin which has permanently damaged the surface of the skin. It is more commonly seen in Afro-Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asian and Latin skin types. It presents as darker patches of skin. Unfortunately, Plasma Pen is not appropriate for anyone with hyper-pigmentation or having skin types above a level four on the Fitzpatrick scale. 

 

INJECTIONS / FILLERS: 

It is recommended to wait at least 21 days after the filler has been administered before doing a Plasma Pen treatment. It is also common for lips with large amounts of filler or fat in them to have slower or compromised healing. In some cases, the lips can become infected more easily during the healing process after working close to the lip. 

 

KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE: 

We request written consent from a doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. 

 

LUPUS: 

Due to the inflammation and swelling associated with lupus, the Plasma Pen treatment cannot be safely performed. 

 

MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE: 

If a you require antibiotics when you visit your dentist, then you will need to do the same prior to any Plasma Pen treatment. 

 

PREGNANCY: 

Like any cosmetic procedure, the Plasma Pen treatment comes with the risk of complications, including infection. These infections can cause risk to fetal health and even cause the loss of the baby. For these reasons, our practitioners will not perform Plasma Pen treatments on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

 

RETINAL DETACHMENT: 

Retinal Detachment is where the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. Initial detachment may be localized but without rapid surgical treatment the entire retina may detach, leading to vision loss and blindness. We ask that if you have experienced retinal conditions, that you obtain a written consent form from your ophthalmic surgeon prior to commencing Plasma Pen treatment in the eye area. 

 

SKIN DISORDERS (E.G. PSORIASIS, ECZEMA, DERMATITIS): 

All skin disorders can make the skin exceedingly dry and treatment more uncomfortable because the skin is usually thinner and more sensitive. It is not recommended to treat any areas with Plasma Pen that are affected by any of these skin disorders. 

 

SCARS (HYPERTROPHIC, KELOID): 

This type of scar is raised instead of being flat and does not grow, and remain within the perimeter of the original wound and flatten over time. When new, they are often purple/pink becoming more pink/white as they mature. Unfortunately, Plasma Pen is not an appropriate treatment for hypertrophic scars. 

 

SHINGLES: 

Please wait 6 months after a shingles outbreak before undergoing a Plasma Pen procedure. 

 

STIES OR CONJUNCTIVITIS: 

If you suffer from sties or conjunctivitis, please wait at least 6 weeks following treatment prior to undergoing your Plasma Pen procedure. It is possible that the Plasma Pen treatment may cause the condition to recur if having the eye area treated. In some cases we may request written consent from your physician prior to commencing Plasma Pen treatment. 

 

THYROID: 

If you suffer from under-active thyroid, you may find that your healing time is slightly longer than typical. 

 

TRICHOTILLOMANIA:

If you are prone to picking, the Plasma Pen treatment may not be appropriate due to the increased risk of infection and hyper-pigmentation associated with additional trauma to the skin caused by trichotillomania. 

 

VITILIGO: 

Unfortunately, clients with vitiligo are not good candidates for Plasma Pen due to the risk associated with outbreaks in other areas of the body or face. 

 

BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS:

Although blood thinning is not considered a listed contraindication in this procedure, it can impact the results. There are also “natural” blood thinners that you may be digesting which can also impact the results of this procedure. 

 

To name a few: 

  • Ibuprofen 

  • Turmeric 

  • Ginger 

  • Cayenne peppers 

  • Vitamin E 

  • Garlic 

  • Cassia cinnamon 

  • Ginkgo biloba 

  • Grape seed extract, to name a few 

 

How do blood thinners impact the plasma skin tightening treatment? 

When the blood is thinner two things can happen; we can have more bleeding occur because the skin becomes more sensitive, and is therefore prone to bruising. This entire procedure centers around plasma. Also, because the blood is thinner we may not get a real good plasma lift (plasma coagulation) in the skin or the carbon crust (dot), which can lead to lack of good results. 

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