The Difference Between a Plasma Pen and Microneedling?

Microneedling vs the Plasma Pen

Five Key Points

• Treatment Method
  • Microneedling uses fine needles to puncture the skin and stimulate collagen production.
  • Plasma pen delivers plasma energy above the skin’s surface to create micro-injuries and tighten skin.
• Results and Effectiveness
  • Plasma pen treatments generally provide more dramatic and immediate skin-tightening results.
  • Microneedling requires multiple sessions for optimal results but is safe for all skin types.
• Downtime
  • Plasma pen has longer downtime (up to 7–14 days due to scabbing).
  • Microneedling has minimal downtime (24–48 hours).
• Suitability
  • Plasma pen is typically only safe for lighter skin tones.
  • Microneedling is safe for all skin types and FDA-approved.
• Versatility and Considerations
  • Plasma pen is versatile for targeted areas like the eyes, neck, and mouth, but not all devices are FDA-approved.
  • Choosing between the two depends on factors like desired results, recovery tolerance, skin type, and budget.

Patients who want to address various skin concerns through a minimally invasive procedure have numerous cosmetic treatments available. The trick is choosing effective treatments that will improve their specific issues. Plasma pen and microneedling represent two of the most popular therapies. While they have some characteristics in common, those considering non-surgical aesthetic treatments should understand the differences to make an informed decision when selecting therapies.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling treatments are minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedures that use ultra-fine needles to puncture the skin and stimulate the body's natural healing response. The micro-injuries caused by the microneedling process stimulate collagen production, essential for healthy, beautiful skin. Microneedling is safe for all skin types.

Microneedling Benefits

Patients who receive microneedling treatments enjoy many benefits, including:

• Boost collagen production
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars
• Reduces dark spots
• Improvement in skin texture and tone
• Reduces enlarged pores
• Stimulates hair growth
• Improves the appearance of acne scars
• Flattens and smooths stretch marks
• Improves skin elasticity
• Improves skin laxity for a more youthful appearance

What is a Plasma Pen?

Plasma Pen therapy uses a handheld device, sometimes called plasma fibroblast skin tightening treatment. When activated, its tip releases a targeted current of plasma energy just above the skin's surface, causing the tissue to heat and form micro-coagulations. The current also creates micro-injuries in the skin's layer. This tissue damage triggers the body's natural healing process, which is responsible for the benefits of plasma pen therapy. Plasma fibroblast skin tightening treatment can also address broken blood vessels or tiny red veins not affected by microneedling treatments.

Benefits of Plasma Fibroblast Treatments

The plasma pen offers a revolutionary skin resurfacing treatment that targets skin tightening. Many patients enjoy the following results.

• New collagen production
• Improved skin elasticity
• Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
• Tightens loose skin
• Reduced scarring
• High precision
• No bleeding
• Fast healing
• Very slight inflammatory response

Similarities Between Plasma Pen and Microneedling Treatments

Plasma pen resurfacing and microneedling accomplish skin rejuvenation in a similar manner. Both create controlled micro-injuries to stimulate wound healing. Both stimulate collagen and elastin production, resulting in a smoother complexion with fewer wrinkles and less sagging skin. Both are non-surgical and do not require incisions or result in scarring. Both therapies can treat fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, dark spots, stretch marks, and rough skin texture. With either treatment, you'll get more youthful skin.

Treatment times are quick and effective, generally taking less than an hour. Smaller treatment areas can take as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Both treatments focus on post-treatment care to maximize results.

Plasma Pen vs. Microneedling Treatments: How They are Different

The most obvious difference between the two therapies involves the technology used. Plasma pen technology targets the skin's cellular level without physically penetrating or touching the skin's surface. It uses low-frequency energy that converts oxygen and nitrogen from the air into plasma delivered into the skin through micro-injuries. Unlike microneedling, plasma fibroblast is only appropriate for lighter skin types.

Although both technologies target skin tightening, the plasma pen produces more dramatic skin tightening.

Microneedling uses a hand-operated roller that creates multiple tiny punctures to stimulate collagen production. No energy is involved.

Recovery Time

Plasma pen treatment has a longer downtime for up to seven days, as small scabs will form before shedding to expose fresh new skin. Depending on the anatomical location, some patients may scab for as long as 14 days. During the first week following plasma pen treatments, you should refrain from activities that can cause you to overheat or sweat.

Microneedling treatments have less intensity on the top layers of the skin, so patients have minimal downtime. Most patients can resume their usual activities within 24 to 48 hours without restrictions.

Versatility and Results

The plasma pen is more versatile than microneedling. While it often addresses issues around the eye, neck and mouth, its applications extend beyond those concerns.

Most patients see results after the first plasma pen treatment. However, if you prefer microneedling, you'll need several sessions to achieve optimal results.

Choosing Between Plasma Pen vs. Microneedling

Choosing between plasma pen and microneedling may not be clear-cut, as both technologies offer dramatic skin rejuvenating results. Note that not all plasma pen treatments are FDA-approved. If you are interested in this procedure, research the latest available information about it.

Consider Your Aesthetic Goals

Consider the plasma pen if you want a quick and comprehensive solution with immediate results. However, if FDA approval is more important, then go with microneedling. The latter is more about patience and allowing your skin to reveal its enhanced beauty over time and achieve optimal results.

For those who want to address skin laxity, the plasma pen's fibroblasting capability, along with its targeted approach, appears to make it a better candidate for this skin issue. Consider your budget and downtime capabilities. Factors such as recovery time and cost can influence your decision. The choice between these two ultimately boils down to your preferences and immediate goals.

Discuss Your Skin Rejuvenation Goals With VIVAA

Knowing your aesthetic goals can help you decide between plasman pen treatment and microneedling. Our Seattle-area medical spa offers FDA-approved microneedling to address moderate skin laxity and other skin concerns. Schedule your consultation to learn about our range of non-invasive treatments to enhance your natural beauty and address aging concerns. Schedule your consultation by calling 425-250-9999 or completing our Request an Appointment form.