Tattoo and Permanent Makeup removal with Plasma Pen
“Plasma pen” is beautiful and even mesmerizing its technological name! But what is behind such a poetic name?
The Science Behind Plasma Pen
A Plasma Pen (those commonly used by PMU artists and beauticians) are usually a small pen-shaped device that generates a high voltage current (even up to several thousand volts), but the amperage is small and usually a few milliamperes. Such an electric current is enough to create a plasma arc from ionized atmospheric air. The temperature of plasma from atmospheric air obtained in this way using Plasma Pen can reach several thousand degrees Celsius. Therefore, the name “cold plasma” for Plasma Pen is incorrect! It is a full-fledged high-temperature effect on the skin, although very localized.
Therefore, the first conclusion is that Plasma Pen really generates plasma due to electrical breakdown of atmospheric air, but it is not “cold plasma” as many believe and reassure themselves that it is absolutely safe.
It is enough just to look at how the skin behaves when exposed to such plasma: it coagulates, and this is a direct sign of high-temperature exposure.
To put it quite simply, Plasma Pen just causes a localized limited burn. In defense of Plasma Pen I can say that with the help of such a device you can really remove small benign skin formations that just need to be destroyed, such as small papillomas or curatomas. But all other areas of application of Plasma Pen, such as Tattoo and PMU removal, removal of moles, removal of age spots and skin rejuvenation – it is already a very high risk of complications.
Potential Complications and Risks
What complications can be caused by using Plasma Pen inappropriately or believing in its special “cold plasma” and safety?
Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation: Changes in skin pigmentation may occur, either in the form of darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) of the skin, as a result of severe trauma and prolonged skin healing.
Scarring: Improper use of Plasma Pen and/or poor aftercare can lead to scarring.
Well ok, with any device, if used improperly, you can get complications just as bad. Yes, I agree, even the most modern and expensive tattoo removal lasers can easily cause skin wounds, blisters and scarring. BUT! In the case of Plasma Pen is a different story – this method is simply not designed for safe removal of tattoos, no matter what you are promised by salesmen and advertising!
The very mechanism of tattoo removal with Plasma Pen implies JUST DESTROY the skin along with the pigment, that is, in fact, it is just burning the skin over the entire area of the tattoo or permanent makeup. And this is a direct path to scarring of the skin and the chances that the skin will be normal after such treatment are minuscule. And if the skin after tattoo removal with Plasma Pen will remain normal, it is more likely a miracle and will happen “in spite of” rather than “thanks” Plasma Pen!
So, if you have a choice of how to remove your tattoo or PMU specialized nanosecond/picosecond laser or “cold plasma” “safe” Plasma Pen, then choose the laser and remember the prohibitive risks of burning the skin on the area! Take care of your health and be aware!
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