“Fibroblast”

Fibroblast

Recently I met a lady who has loose skin around the eye area. She doesn’t like to use any injectable procedures and asked what were the alternatives. I was happy to educate her about the fibroblast, a non invasive cosmetic treatment that uses plasma to reduce the volume of excess skin. 

WHAT IS THE FIBROBLAST TREATMENT?

Fibroblast treatment is the newest non-invasive face lift procedure bridging a gap between the beauty and medical industry. The tip of a hand-held device creates a plasma flash to shrink excess skin, bags and wrinkles and lifts the skin around the treated area with instant results similar to that of traditional surgery. The treatment can only be performed by a certified technician.

WHAT AREAS ARE POPULAR TO HAVE TREATED BY FIBROBLAST?

Some of the most popular Fibroblast applications include:

Eyelid lifting/tightening

Wrinkle reduction

Neck tightening

Reduction of the upper lip wrinkles

Stretch marks and scars

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

Plasma – an ionised gas is produced from the tip of the fibroblast device. This creates a flash which evaporates superficially on the skin creating a tiny dot.  A technician  will continue to strategically place tiny little dots around the procedure area – this is only on the surface of the skin causing it to retract. It works by shrinking and shortening the skin fibres which in turn lift and tighten the skin. Results are noticeable right away although it takes 2-4 weeks for full effect to be visible. The elasticity of the skin is improved and a distinctive tightening is made possible.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A TREATMENT?

The only major requirement prior to treatment is that the skin is not tanned. You would need to avoid the sun completely for 3 months prior and 3 months post treatment. It is also advisable not to apply any cosmetics before a procedure.

IS A CONSULTATION REQUIRED?

Absolutely. Anyone interested in a Fibroblast procedure is required to have face-to-face consultation. Careful assessment by a specialist will ensure right treatment plan. 

HOW LONG IS THE TREATMENT?

It is advisable to allow 2 hours from start to finish. This includes a thorough consultation followed by the application of a numbing cream to the treatment area to help minimise any discomfort.The procedure itself takes between 15-30 minutes depending on the size of area that’s being treated.

DOES THE TREATMENT HURT?

As mentioned by applying a numbing cream prior to commencing of the treatment there little to no pain or discomfort during the procedure. 

WHAT TO EXPECT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Following treatment it is normal to have some swelling. This can be significant around the eyes and can last for several days. Crusting will develop over the treated area. These will usually be brown or black on the surface of the skin and will flake off over the following days. It is strongly advised not to pick these scabs as this may lead to scarring or infection.

Occasionally the treatment area may become a little weepy, this is part of the normal healing process and will improve with time.

It is also important to note that everyone’s healing time is different, sensitivity and redness can last for up to 6 months. 

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC AFTER-CARE RECOMMENDATIONS?

Yes. It is very important to follow the after-care recommendations. Carbon crusts CANNOT be scratched or removed. Skin is dried by dabbing with a clean lint-free cloth. 

It is essential to keep the treatment area clean, dry and protected. It is adviseable that you do not apply moisturisers until all the scabs have fallen off. It is important that you wear sunscreen after treatment and avoid sunbeds for at least 3 months.

Aftercare balm should be reapplied to the area for up to 7 days. Sports, swimming and sauna are not permitted until crusts fall off – this should happen within 7 days of procedure.

Healing skin should be protected from direct sun exposure with SPF50 cream. Continuous SPF must be worn every day for at least 6 months. 

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

In some cases just one treatment may be sufficient. Many of the treatments will depend on the size of the treated area and the client’s desired results. If an additional treatment is required to achieve optimum results, they will have to wait 12 weeks after their 1st treatment.

HOW LONG WILL RESULTS LAST?

The treatment should last at least 2-5 years however many lifestyle factors will contribute to how long the results actually last and as everyone knows we cannot physically stop the ageing process.