A New Age for Plasma Technology

​By Cindy J. Papp, Contributing Editor     the aesthetic guide/sept oct 2023

​Gas-derived nitrogen plasma has emerged as a new gold standard in energy-based aesthetic technology for skin rejuvenation and comprehensive corrective dermal health. Developed by Energist Ltd. (Swansea, U.K.) and distributed in the U.S. by Emergentmedtech (Hudson, N.H.),NeoGen PSR is a leader for this unique energy source with seven FDA indications.

​NeoGen PSR is reportedly the only plasma technology with 7 FDA indications. The device is cleared as a skin resurfacing procedure for the face, neck and chest, harnessesing the power of nitrogen plasma for a safe and effective solution to skin revitalization and overall tissue regeneration. This device uses an ultrahigh frequency (UHF) generator to convert inert nitrogen gas into activated ionized gas, or plasma, using nitrogen plasma for skin regeneration. Investigators in one clinical study found a 37% reduction in facial rhytides, with 68% of the participants noting an overall improvement in facial appearance.

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“We have a number of energy-based devices in our practice,” reported W. Christopher Croley, MD, owner of Skin and Tonic (Pace, Fla.). “What consistently makes NeoGen PSR stand apart from other treatments are the drastic results obtained with one treatment. We can achieve results similar to CO2 with a fraction of the social downtime associated with more aggressive laser resurfacing.” He added that one NeoGen PSR treatment shows skin tightening results similar to three radiofrequency microneedling treatments, and is more predictable than ultrasound.

Nitrogen plasma energy is nonablative, leaving the epidermis fully intact during the four-to-seven-day social recovery period. During recovery, the epidermis acts as a natural biological dressing with little risk of infection. NeoGen PSR proliferates planar and volumetric collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (HA) to treat the entire architecture of the dermal structures for a full field resurfacing treatment that initiates regeneration deep below the skin’s surface. Physicians can provide tailored solutions to match the patient’s desired outcome, from a low-energy “lunchtime” treatment to a high-energy transformational procedure.

In two years, Shaun Charles Med Spa in Wakefield, Mass. has effectively treated over 3,200 clients becoming the top NeoGen PSR provider in the world. “We have become the most experienced NeoGen PSR provider and as a result have clients that not only drive and fly to us from all over the U.S., but from all over the world,” reported Jeff Spanos, business manager and co-owner of Shaun Charles Med Spa, which also won The Aesthetic Award for Best Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation Enhancement in 2022. “NeoGen PSR is distinct from other technologies, using nitrogen plasma energy as its primary driver. These treatments build back massive amounts of elastin, fibroblasts and collagen in a single visit versus other treatments that must be repeated as a series.” 

NeoGen PSR is unique in that it generates plasma from medical grade nitrogen to deliver controlled heating to the skin’s architecture stimulating a significant physiological response without creating an open wound. As plasma emerges from the handpiece in controlled pulses, rapid heating of the tissue occurs providing a unique thermal energy to treat photodamaged layers of the skin with controlled thermal modification. The nitrogen plasma energy bypasses the epidermis, creating heat spread in the dermis, papillary and reticular structures, significantly mitigating the risk of infection. Additionally, there is no epidermal vaporization or charring, and the entire skin surface is regenerated with improved collagen and elastin production. 

“This device seems light-years ahead of most other technologies, and we have seen dramatic changes and transformations that rival surgical results. We had to purchase a second machine to keep up with the incredibly high demand and are booking out for months,” Jeff shared. 

According to Shaun Spanos, NP, co-owner of Shaun Charles Med Spa, NeoGen PSR allows them to treat a range of concerns including skin laxity, deep and fine lines, active acne and body issues such as abdominal laxity, surgical scars and stretch marks with good outcomes.

“There is no other technology or device on the market that we have tested that can do what NeoGen PSR can do,” Shaun noted. “We see visible results much faster than other treatment options that are available in the aesthetic space, and we continue seeing improvements 12 to 24 months after treatment. Our clients are happy, and the word-of-mouth referrals are far more than other services we offer.” 

NeoGen PSR’s unique handpiece administers non-fractionated energy for uniform absorption and consistent treatments. Settings are customizable based on patient concerns, goals, skin tone and downtime consideration, and clinical studies show significant tightening with a 22% mean improvement in upper eyelid tightening. NeoGen PSR is safe for all skin types, and can be used on the entire body to address concerns such as improvement in overall skin texture, tone, pigmentation correction and dramatic skin tightening. 

According to Dr. Croley, the technology is very easy to learn and user friendly. “This device is exciting to me because of the range of conditions and patients we can treat with one technology. This is a device that can be used on almost every patient seen in our practice with minimal associated risks and high patient satisfaction.” He added that there have been no long-term adverse outcomes associated with the technology, and the device can be used on all skin types, making adjustments for Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI.

“There are minimal costs associated with operating the device, treatments can be delegated in some states, and it has a very high return on investment (ROI),” Dr. Croley concluded. “NeoGen PSR is consistently in our highest profit per provider, per hour, and highest profit per room, per hour categories. Training and ongoing support from Emergentmedtech Technologies is outstanding, making this device by far one of our best investments.”

References: 1. Bogle MA, Arndt KA, Dover JS. Evaluation of plasma skin regeneration technology in low-energy full-facial rejuvenation. Arch Dermatol. 2007 Feb;143(2):168-74. doi: 10.1001/ archderm.143.2.168. PMID: 17309997. 2. Foster KW, Moy RL, Fincher EF. Advances in plasma skin regeneration. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Sep;7(3):169-79. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00385.x. PMID: 18789051.