Plasma-based technology billed as alternative to laser treatment

By Simon Pitman

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Treatment Laser

A cosmetic treatment that relies on pulses of plasma energy
transmitted to the skin's surface has been FDA approved, poising it
to become a major force in the treatment of wrinkles, pigmentation
and skin texture.

Known as Portrait PSR3 and developed by privately-held UK and US venture Rhytec​, the treatment was approved by the FDA in July and was originally developed by the company five years ago.

Following its approval it is now starting to be picked up on by cosmetic physicians in the US and could provide an alternative treatment to procedures such as conventional laser treatments.

The treatment, which is said to be supported by 350 clinical tests to back up both its efficacy and safety, relies on energized gas known as plasma that products a thermal profile on the skin's surface. It aims to remodel the skin's structure, ultimately replacing damaged collagen.

The company says that three years of clinical trials have shown the treatment to effectively improve, wrinkling, skin laxity, skin texture, acne scars, pore size and surface discoloration.

One of the first physicians in the US to use the treatment is Dr. Nicholas Soldo, at his practice in Arizona. He claims that the treatment does not have the unpleasant side affects associated with many laser treatments. On top of that he also says that with each procedures only taking around ten to 15 minutes, it is also rapid.

"This treatment will replace erbium and CO2 lasers, which are more harsh and destroy pigment,"​ Dr. Soldo said in a statement.

According to Rhytec, this means that the preserved outer layers act as a protective dressing, allowing skin to regenerate quicker and minimizing the risk of painful complications, ultimately making a safer procedure compared to other conventional laser treatments.

"When treating perioral and periorbital areas we're seeing 50 - 70 per cent improvement in wrinkles... we've also observed about 10 - 15 per cent tightening in a post-auricular clinical study,"​ said Dr. Ron Moy, who co-developed the treatment.

Related topics Formulation & Science

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