Rhytec's Portrait plasma skin regeneration: A cool little jet engine for wrinkles.
 

Is anyone using Rhytec's Portrait Plasma? I've heard a few docs comment on it but haven't seen it in action yet. Watch an animation of plasma in action or some patient and physician testimonials.

From somewhere on a Rhytec press release:

Plasma may be the next weapon of choice in the anti-aging arsenal. Rather than relying on chemicals, lasers, light, or injections, the Portrait Plasma Skin Regeneration system employs plasma, a highly energized gas. The gas penetrates below the skin's surface, extending into the dermis without any direct contact, charring, or vaporization.

Unlike other treatments that ablate the skin, the controlled heating of tissue below the skin's surface from Portrait, which is FDA-cleared for treatment of wrinkles, superficial skin lesions, and actinic keratosis, leaves the skin surface intact during the healing process.

"By allowing the preserved outer layers of skin to act as a protective dressing until new skin regenerates, it produces much faster healing and minimizes the risk of complications," says Richard E. Fitzpatrick, M.D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California–San Diego School of Medicine and one of the clinical investigators of Portrait.

In taking a look at the Portrait site I find myself somewhat unimpressed. The site itself is cumbersome to use and poorly architected. I'd have chosen a different beauty shot to build my imaging around as well. The model seems to have skin stretched so tight that her ears are almost meeting behind her head and such an odd expression that I couldn't exactly call it aspirational. 

However, I'm open to hearing if anyone's had experience, good or bad, with plasma. If the comments are resoundingly positive, maybe I'll buy one to toast marshmellows.

Some of the abstracts from the Rhytec site:

Evaluation of Plasma Skin Regeneration Technology in Low-Energy Full-Face Rejuvenation Bogle M, Arnt K, Dover J, Archives of Dermatology; February 2007

Portait PSR3 Technology Provides True Skin Regeneration Kronemyer B. European Aesthetic Buyers Guide; Spring 2006

Plasma Energy Harnessed for Damaged, Aging Skin Skin & Allergy News Supplement; Spring 2006

Plasma Skin Resurfacing for Rejuvenation of the Neck, Chest and Hands: Investigation of a Novel Device Alster T, Tanzi E. Presented at ASLMS Meeting, Boston, April 2006

Effectiveness of Multiple Treatment, Low Fluence Technique with Plasma Skin Resurfacing for Facial Rejuvenation Bogle M, Arndt K, Dover J. Presented at ASLMS Meeting, Boston, April 2006