Opus RF, Maui
Opus Plasma is great for sun damaged skin
Fine lines and skin laxity are an unwanted side effect from happy days basking on the beach. When it comes to skin resurfacing we have to be careful to choose treatments that fit our active, nature loving lifestyle.
The Opus treatment is not a laser, though it does offer laser-like results. Here i take a deep dive on the benefits of this new technology.
What is the Opus Plasma, and how does it work?
First, a quick science lesson. Opus Plasma and the lasers of the world are considered energy-based devices. They all work by creating targeted areas of trauma in the skin and stimulating a wound-healing response, which in turn yields an improvement in tone and texture. Like many modern energy-based devices, the Opus Plasma is a micro-ablative, fractional technology. This means that it treats only tiny portions (fractions, as it were) of the skin in order to control tissue damage and minimize healing time.
The difference? Whereas lasers use light energy, Opus Plasma uses—surprise!—plasma energy. The two interact with the skin differently. “Lasers create columns of injury that run vertically through the layers of the skin—picture a lawn being aerated. On the flip side, the Opus Plasma creates a cup-shaped area of injury that’s relegated to the surface of the skin, smoothing away wrinkles, almost like a sandblaster.. (The fact that the effects of the plasma are limited to the skin’s surface is an important differentiating factor between this and many lasers, especially as it pertains to downtime; more on that in a minute.)
It’s also worth noting that the metal pins of the Opus Plasma device are charged with radiofrequency energy. It’s this energy that reacts with atmospheric pressure in order to create the plasma that “injures” the skin—but it also has an added benefit. While the plasma works more superficially, the radiofrequency energy creates heat in the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and, ultimately, helping to tighten the skin.
Who are the best candidates for an Opus Plasma treatment?
To that point, Opus Plasma is a good choice—not only for those looking to smooth textural issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars but also for those who want to address laxity and sagging. It’s an especially good choice for addressing loss of elasticity on the neck.
Faces have always responded well to all kinds of energy-based devices, but the neck is trickier to treat because the skin is more sensitive and delicate. Opus Plasma works beautifully, both for addressing loose skin on the neck and for treating etched-in horizontal or ‘tech neck’ lines.” Another benefit I personally love is that the Opus Plasma can be used much closer to the eye than lasers, making it ideal for addressing fine lines and crows’-feet.
While results obviously vary based on the individuals skin type and how aggressive we are, the Opus Plasma is amazing for those in their 40s to late 60s. And while lasers have come a long way in recent years, many are still not recommended for patients with dark skin, due to the risk of causing hyperpigmentation in he skin. We are always super careful using energy-based devices on darker skin, the Opus Plasma can be used {always with respect and consideration} on darker skin types — suiting the needs of many of our population here on Maui. As you can imagine, we are thrilled to have this device in our tool bag.
What’s the procedure like?
As is the case with most skin resurfacing treatments, a topical numbing cream is first applied. You should stop using retinoids for a week or so prior to the treatment and will have to remove any type of jewelry during the procedure. If the plasma energy bounces off metal, it can cause a spark.
What I love about the Opus Plasma is that it is very customizable. “The intensity can be dialed down to that of a light chemical peel or cranked up to achieve results comparable to a fractional CO2 laser. It comes with two different types of tips, for use on either the full face or on smaller, targeted areas. The device also works well on the body, including on the chest, arms, knees, and even to address stretch marks and lax skin on abdomen.
What’s the downtime following the Opus Plasma?
Expect your skin to be slightly swollen and irritated… a sunburned look, for 24 to 48 hours afterward. You may experience some skin flaking on days three and four, but most people are completely back to normal by day five to seven. Keeping out of the sun is critical while the skin is healing.
Dramatic downtime is reduced as the plasma energy isn’t injuring the deeper layers of the skin, thus minimizing side effects such as dramatic swelling.
As an option, you can optimize the rejuvenation experience you can choose to add your own healing elixir — PRF as the ultimate face mask at the end of the treatment. This will add further healing growth factors to promote a faster healing process. You will then be given a Skinceuticals face sheet to use when you get home for comfort.
What kind of results does it deliver?
While it depends on how intense a treatment you receive, this device does have the ability to yield big-time results. While three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart, are recommended.
We are seeing some pretty great improvement in texture and tone after just one treatment. That being said, be patient. The skin tightening effects, in particular, will take some time—about three months, —since they’re dependent on collagen remodeling.
How much does an Opus Plasma treatment cost?
$1,000 per treatment, as with most treatments, a series of three is optimal. The cost is comparable to that of a fractional CO2 laser, the benefit is reduced downtime. To add PRF we offer a special price of $150.
Book A Consult
Always book a consult prior to investing in any treatment. I like my patients to plan ahead and get their skin prepped and in prime condition before we begin. This optimizes your results. Message me at 808 281 7182 for further questions and to see if this is the most beneficial treatment for your skin..