Key Takeaways
- What is Plasma Pen Therapy Plasma pen therapy is an innovative, non-invasive skin treatment that stimulates collagen production and skin tightening without the need for invasive surgery.
- Dot formation after plasma pen treatments is natural. Typically, they go through a natural fading down process over the course of a week or two as the skin heals.
- Appropriate aftercare, such as gentle cleansing and daily sunscreen application, minimizes downtime and promotes healthy healing.
- By anticipating treatment needs with an eye towards work and social obligations, treatment recovery can be more easily hidden and efficiently accommodated.
- Using the right makeup techniques and having frank discussions with friends, family, or employers can keep your social confidence intact while you heal.
- Have a thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner. Setting realistic expectations is equally important to getting the best possible results with your plasma pen therapy!
Plasma pen “dots” are the demarcation marks that are left on the skin after the pen has touched down. These dots usually scab over with small brown crusts. For the average U.S. Person, they only last four to six days at best.
During this downtime, you’ll likely notice redness and swelling. These dots can significantly affect your quality of life and social appearance. Everyone can follow basic guidelines to expedite the skin healing process.
They use a mild facial cleanser, stay out of the sun, and continue their business as normal. The following sections explain how to make the most of your downtime for healing—and maintaining a social presence during recovery.
What Is Plasma Pen Therapy?
How Does Plasma Pen Therapy Work
Plasma pen therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment option created for individuals who are looking for effective skin rejuvenation without surgery. This procedure, sometimes referred to as fibroblast skin tightening, involves a pen-like tool that releases a precise electric current. As the tip approaches the skin, an exacting plasma spark is created.
This occurs as the spark causes microscopic dots to form on your skin’s surface. Simultaneously, it produces heat in the deeper dermis, where skin’s fibroblasts are located. These cells are crucial to stimulating your body’s own production of collagen and elastin—two vital proteins that keep skin firm and youthful.
A Non-Surgical Skin Refresh
Unlike surgical face lifts or other more invasive cosmetic procedures, plasma pen therapy does not involve any incisions, stitches, or extended recovery periods. The process is simple: numbing cream goes on first, keeping things comfortable for most people.
Additionally, a typical session requires less than an hour of your time. This is beneficial for wrinkles, loose skin, and even blemishes such as sun spots or acne scars. Patients are often drawn to this treatment due to the reduced risk, absence of general anesthesia, and significantly decreased downtime.
For many, a trip to the office or errands can be done the very next day. Tiny “pock marks” or scabs can remain for a few days.
How Plasma Energy Tightens
The spark created by the plasma pen forms micro injuries that force the body to heal itself. This process immediately tightens skin, but the full effect develops over months as collagen continues to rebuild.
The end result is firmer, smoother skin. Collagen growth doesn’t stop after just one treatment—benefits can last up to two years or more.
Igniting Your Skin’s Renewal
As the skin heals, it not only repairs, it creates new cells and even more fibroblasts, which contribute to a smoother, brighter appearance. Throughout the following weeks, the treated regions slough off matured skin and expose a newer layer.
This process works wonders on fine lines, scarring, and sun damage. It’s a smart investment in your skin’s renewal!
The Truth About Plasma Pen Dots
So plasma pen dots tend to steal the show. Used to treat skin conditions and rejuvenate the body, there’s real science behind their formation and what they signify for your skin.
These dots, sometimes referred to as micro-dots or scabs, appear following a procedure in which the plasma pen directly contacts your skin. They often line up in a uniform grid pattern across the treated area. Each dot indicates a location the device created a controlled micro-injury.
This is not incidental damage. It’s an intentional method to ignite the body’s inherent healing, enhance collagen, and rejuvenate the skin.
Why Those Tiny Dots Appear
Why Those Tiny Dots Appear As we said above, the dots form because the plasma pen directs energy into the epidermis, or outermost skin layer. This energy creates micro-wounds that form immediate scabs.
As we said above, the dots form because the plasma fibroblast therapy directs energy into the epidermis, or outermost skin layer. This energy creates micro-wounds that form immediate scabs, which are essential for fibroblast skin tightening. As with any scab, these scabs tend to fall off around the 4 to 10 day mark as the skin heals. Some redness and swelling may persist for a couple of weeks. While the overall healing experience for the majority tends to be very gentle, some individuals may experience increased swelling or itchiness during the fibroblast treatment process.
The dots are useful for the patient and provider in visually confirming where the treatment was applied, promoting more effective healing progress monitoring. Understanding what to expect from this cosmetic procedure will help alleviate concerns, particularly for first-timers to skin procedures.
Dots vs. Other Skin Fixes
In comparison to lasers or fillers, plasma pen dots are different. Lasers are able to treat large areas at once and generally require a longer recovery time.
While fillers and surgery aren’t leaving dots, they have their own set of risks associated with them. Even though plasma pen dots are small and local, they can still have risks and complications.
They leave a sort of happy medium—noticeable yet fleeting—scabbing over to unveil smoother, more luminous skin.
Skin Type & Dot Healing Impact
Skin Type & Dot Healing Effect Not every skin type heals equally. Those with thicker or darker skin may notice their dots hang around a little longer.
This includes age, skin elasticity and yes, even how you take care of your skin after the treatment counts. Keeping your skin clean and using gentle skincare will help your skin heal.
Avoiding the sun for a minimum of four weeks and avoiding the gym for two days help your recovery as well.
Dot Uniqueness: A Closer Look
So, every person’s dots can be a little different—size, color, and rate of fading all vary based on your skin.
Evidence of a successful treatment Practitioners largely rely on the pattern and appearance of dots to determine the success of the treatment. When the dots heal uniformly and evenly, that is usually a sign that the skin is tightening and contracting down properly.
Navigating Plasma Pen Downtime
Downtime following a plasma pen procedure is a significant component of the procedure experience. While the treatment itself is quick, the recovery phase shapes how soon you can get back to daily life and social plans. Many Angelenos are accustomed to frenetic social lives and work schedules.
Understanding what happens and how to care for visible “dots” are crucial to enjoy a successful outcome. Downtime is not just waiting for your skin to heal. It includes the time when your appearance just doesn’t cut it by daily, professional, and social standards which can impact your job, social life, and self-esteem.
Downtime for recovery typically ranges anywhere from three days to two weeks. Every individual’s experience will be different based on skin type, area of treatment, and how well they follow aftercare guidelines. Here’s what downtime actually looks like. We’re outlining what recovery is like after a plasma pen treatment—including how you can continue to stay active and maintain your regular routine as your newly rejuvenated skin recovers.
1. Defining “Downtime” Honestly
Downtime is the period following plasma pen treatment when your skin is undergoing visible transformation. For starters, it begins immediately after your session and continues until your skin returns to its normal appearance and texture. For the average person, this translates to weeks, if not months, of redness and swelling.
They should expect to see small brown dots—scabs—on the treated area. These are positive indications that the skin is resurfacing; however, they are difficult to camouflage. Physically, downtime can be akin to a light sunburn—with sensations of stinging, tightness or itching.
Socially, the appearance of the dots and swelling can cause clients to feel self-conscious or even miss an event. Others do better and are more productive in home-office environments as they navigate their healing and recovery journey. Others may experience discomfort out in public or during video conferences.
Setting up realistic expectations is always beneficial. Others are back in as early as five days! That said, some patients require up to two weeks, particularly if the area treated is extensive or if they have slow skin regeneration. Age, skin tone, and overall health are additional factors. For instance, older adults or individuals with thinner, sensitive skin might require additional downtime. Creating a plan ahead of the procedure prevents unexpected surprises down the line.
2. Your Day-by-Day Healing Guide
Daily Healing Steps:
- Day 1–2: Keep area clean, avoid touching, use recommended cream.
- Day 3–5: Gently wash, pat dry, keep moisturized, skip makeup.
- Day 6–7: Dots may start to flake, resist picking, use gentle products.
- Day 8–14: Dots fade, redness lingers, protect with SPF, resume light makeup if needed.
The first 3 days post treatment will see the majority of your swelling and redness. By the third day, the scabs (dots) are dry and dark. By the end of week one, they tend to flake off completely. Expect skin to remain pink and tight in appearance for up to a week.
Stay alert for any signs of infection (redness, increased swelling, drainage, fever) or sudden sharp pain, and inspect your skin changes daily. Rework your habits—avoid the gym, stop using abrasive products, and protect yourself from sun exposure. If you do have to venture out, make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat or loose scarf.
3. Social Life: Hiding In Plain Sight
Staying connected to your social life or professional duties during your recovery is doable, just requires some foresight. Others decide to be up front about their downtime, informing people in advance that they will have dots and redness.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to discuss it, hats, masks, or sunglasses go a long way. Planning low-key outings—strolling the neighborhood or hosting a movie marathon—will keep you engaged without making you conspicuous.
If you have to attend work meetings on Zoom, try to minimize the effect by changing your lighting or utilizing a soft blur filter. If you will have to miss events, offer a rain check or low-key alternative plans. Being open about your downtime with your friends and family will help relieve pressure, and most people are accommodating when they understand the situation.
4. Makeup Tricks For Dot Coverage
Best products for coverage:
- Mineral concealer sticks
- Lightweight, breathable foundation
- Green-tinted correctors for redness
- Setting powder (non-comedogenic)
Apply on skin that’s clear, dry and free from products. Pat concealer just over the dots, and then blend with a beauty blender for an even application. Apply in layers to avoid too much thick product on irritated skin as it heals.
Make sure to apply non-comedogenic products so you don’t clog pores. At day’s end, don’t scrub — instead, use a mild oil-free remover and soft cloth to gently cleanse away makeup. Caring for your skin Keeping the skin clean aids in avoiding breakouts or extended healing.
5. Work & Life: Smart Scheduling
For everyone else in L.A., learning to schedule a plasma pen procedure with your schedule reaps rewards. Ideally, you’ll want to schedule during a weekend, or when you have a long weekend of at least three days.
If your profession is public-facing or on-camera, plan to take at least a week off, if not more, or at least arrange to work remotely. Notify your employer if you require time off or an extended lunch break for a skin treatment.
You don’t need to give everything away during the consultation! When your downtime conveniently matches your schedule you won’t be forced to rush, or worry about not looking your best. Managing emails or remote work is much more manageable than in-person meeting attendance.
If you have big events—such as weddings, reunions—plan for them to be no sooner than one month post treatment.
6. Coping With The “Dotty” Phase
Living with visible dots Phase two of the healing process can be a difficult step to navigate. Prioritize self-care—nourish your body, get adequate sleep, and practice self-compassion.
Tell yourself that the phase only lasts a short time and the results are permanent. Keep occupied with activities or interests you love that require less activity or mobility. Friends who can encourage you make things a lot easier.
We’ve found that for most of our patients, their confidence increases day by day as the tempo of healing picks up the pace.
7. When Can You Face The World?
The majority of individuals are able to re-engage in social activities within 7 to 14 days. Signs you’re ready include no open scabs, decreased redness and skin returns to normal texture.
Take your time—everyone heals at their own pace. Plan on taking it easy for a few weeks, beginning with short trips, gradually working up to longer days and overnight stays. If you’re in any doubt, a quick call or text to your practitioner sets you straight.
8. Practitioner Tips For Less Downtime
The takeaway here is that downtime can largely be mitigated with good planning and aftercare. Aftercare tips Always adhere to aftercare instructions, which usually involve gentle cleansing, application of moisturizer, and SPF.
A pre treatment consult allows you to talk through your expectations and any health concerns. That way, your individual treatment plan will be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Many clinics will provide add-on treatments—such as LED light therapy—to promote your healing process. If you’d like a quicker, less uncomfortable recovery, inquire about these alternatives.
Your Plasma Pen Game Plan
The right plasma pen game plan sets you up for optimal results and a more comfortable recovery. Being prepared allows you to establish appropriate expectations, address any existing skin issues and avoid any unexpected surprises. Currently, plasma pen treatments are trending in Los Angeles and other major cities.
From laser treatments to plasma pens, these non-surgical procedures do wonders to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and fade scars. The treatment depends on a careful, controlled micro-injury to awaken the collagen, but each patient’s journey may appear somewhat different. Downtime and side effects—such as redness, swelling, or scabbing—are influenced by your skin type, the area treated, and aftercare.
Your ideal plasma pen plan touches on everything—from your initial conversation to the weeks before your appointment.
The All-Important First Chat
A first consultation isn’t just a meet-and-greet. Discuss your medical history, skin concerns, and any previous cosmetic procedures. Map out your objectives for the meeting!
Be sure to inquire about how many treatments will be required, as these are typically done 4-6 weeks apart. Disclose all health issues, allergies, and implantable devices, as this may impact your choices. Bring a list of questions: What can you expect? What is the cost of downtime? If so, are there any risks associated with your skin type?
This informal conversation goes a long way toward creating a welcoming environment and honest, practical treatment.
Prepping Skin For Best Results
- Stop using retinoids or exfoliants a week before.
- Cleanse gently, don’t over-exfoliate.
- Keep skin moisturized.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water.
- Skip waxing or harsh treatments.
Having healthy, calm skin helps to ensure clients see the best response to their plasma treatments.
Skip Innovations & Stick To Simplicity Avoid anything new and flashy and keep it basic.
Hydrate Hydrated skin has a plump, healthy appearance, which is the ideal canvas for your plasma pen service.
Sunscreen: Your Pre-Treatment BFF
Sun protection is extremely important. Sunburned or tanned skin tends to react badly to plasma. Choose sunscreen that’s broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours when outdoors, and supplement with hats/shade.
To achieve optimal results and minimal side effects, start applying sunscreen daily at least two weeks in advance of your session.
Setting Clear, Achievable Goals
Setting realistic goals increases happiness. Understand that results happen gradually, not all at once. Discuss what concerns you the most—hanging eyelids, smile lines, or other things.
Your provider will be able to align your goals with the needs of your skin and establish a plan for any future touch-ups.
Discussing Social Appearance Concerns
After all, not everyone is comfortable going to work or showing up to a gala with dots all over their face. Discuss with your provider how long dots will last. Talk about how to address them, and learn when it’s safe to rejoin the ranks of social humanity.
Inquire about additional support if you’re nervous. Consider asking for other support to help with nerves. Schedule low-key days or work from home as you recover.
Inside The Plasma Pen Session
The full plasma fibroblast therapy experience begins with a one-on-one discussion. In this space, the provider is really listening to what your goals and desires are. You discuss your skin, your objectives, and the areas you wish to target. That’s a good start to tee up what we’ll see next.
After the discussion, the service provider disinfects the area and often applies a numbing cream. This makes it easier to reduce the stinging or prickly sensation you can experience in the days after the fibroblast plasma treatment.
In actuality, the plasma pen itself resembles a slightly thicker fountain pen. The pen delivers an almost imperceptible spark that penetrates into the skin’s surface. The spark creates these little dots, which are referred to as “micro-injuries.
In short, these dots instruct the skin to produce new collagen, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. The pen is capable of treating small areas, such as crow’s feet, or larger body areas, including the neck, hands, or abdomen. Many users report that the sensation is more of a short zap or warm snap sensation and nearly pain-free.
Technology is having a profound effect on all of this. The pen allows the provider to operate with precision and target only the areas requiring fibroblast skin tightening. This translates into less trauma to healthy skin.
The individual administering the treatment must have experience and a steady hand to achieve optimal results. In total, the procedure usually takes between thirty minutes and a few hours. Whether or not it’s appropriate, it really depends on the treatment area and what kind of work your skin needs.
This is often followed by some redness and slight swelling of the skin. These alterations typically resolve within a few days. Many people use plasma pen in conjunction with other skin treatments, such as peels or microneedling, to enhance their results.
Results may vary depending on your skin, your objectives, and the provider’s expertise.
Conclusion
Receiving plasma pen dots is NOT a quick-fix procedure. It offers tangible skin improvement for most of those in Los Angeles. Scabs and red marks can linger for a week or two. Because of this, being in public may be uncomfortable for a short time. People are managing work, errands, and social engagements with intent. They can at least put on a cap or rely on those sunglasses for a few days. Sharing real life stories and being able to view authentic before and after photographs can create reasonable expectations. To get it to go as smoothly as possible, inquire with your provider regarding anticipated downtime and aftercare. For more firsthand knowledge, connect with local skincare communities in LA. Take part in our online story exchange forum to share and trade stories with other storytellers! Looking for more practical guidance or one-on-one assistance in charting your next move? Have a question about booking your appointment?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are plasma pen “dots”?
What are plasma pen ‘dots’? They can look like little brown dots and are a normal part of healing during fibroblast plasma therapy.
How long do the plasma pen “dots” last?
Typically, your patient can expect their plasma fibroblast therapy “dots” to last 5 – 7 days, fading away as the skin tightens and heals over them. Please do not pick at them, as this may cause scarring.
Can I wear makeup over plasma pen dots?
Until the “dots” from the fibroblast plasma treatment have healed and fallen off completely, it’s recommended to stay away from makeup. Applying makeup too early can interfere with the healing process and raise the chances of infection.
How long is the downtime after plasma pen treatment?
What is the downtime after plasma fibroblast therapy? While you will likely start to look and feel normal again around 7-10 days, this varies based on your skin type and commitment to aftercare following the fibroblast treatment.
Will people notice the plasma pen “dots”?
Will people notice the plasma fibroblast therapy “dots”? Leave time for full healing before any big social event, then plan your fibroblast treatment around that schedule. If you must venture into the public, wearing a pair of wrap-around sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat will assist in concealing the downtime.
Is plasma pen safe for all skin types in Los Angeles?
Is plasma fibroblast therapy safe for all skin tones in Los Angeles? Additionally, patients with Fitzpatrick V or VI skin in Los Angeles would be at an increased risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation, so it’s essential to consult a licensed provider for any cosmetic treatment.
What’s the best way to care for my skin after plasma pen treatment?
Step 2 – Keep skin clean & dry. What’s the best way to care for my skin after plasma fibroblast therapy? Avoid sun exposure, sweating, or touching the dots until healed. Always follow your provider’s aftercare instructions for optimal results.