Facial acne and fine lines: transforming patient outcomes with plasma skin regeneration.
BACKGROUND
A novel device for skin rejuvenation has been developed and tested. The device converts a stream of nitrogen into a plasma of ionized gas, which ablates surface tissue in a controlled manner.


METHODS
Eleven patients were followed up for 6 months. The results were assessed objectively using skin molds to measure skin irregularity, as well subjectively using patient- and doctor-assessed parameters.


RESULTS
Plasma skin regeneration was shown to reduce fine line wrinkles by an average of 24% at 6 months (P = 0.005, Mann-Whitney rank sum test) and to improve acne scarring by 23% at 6 months (P = 0.001, Mann-Whitney rank sum test).


CONCLUSIONS
The main benefit of this system was that the patients had minimal erythema lasting only 1-6 days and no pigmentary changes. This is therefore a device with proven efficacy and limited morbidity.
Potter
Matthew J
MJ
RAFT Institute of Plastic Surgery, Mount Vernon Hospital, Middlesex, UK. mattpotters@hotmail.com
Harrison
Richard
R
Ramsden
Alex
A
Bryan
Bernard
B
Andrews
Philip
P
Gault
David
D
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D010949:Plasma / Q000378:metabolism*; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D012060:Rejuvenation / Q000502:physiology*; D015595:Skin Aging; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome