Plexr

Plexr (or plasma soft surgery) is a non-surgical treatment used to lift the eyelids (blepharoplasty), remove excess skin such as eye bags, tighten the skin and erase scars, moles, skin tags and other unwanted skin abnormalities. Unlike surgical treatments for these problems, Plexr does not require general anaesthetic and the recovery time is shorter.

The treatment uses plasma, the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid and gas, and is performed using a wireless handheld device, manufactured in Italy and launched in the UK in 2014.

Plasma is created when the electrons in neutral gases are stripped away from the atoms. The high energy matter is used in modern technology including television screens.

The Plexr device creates plasma by ionising gas particles between its precise needle and the skin, creating an arc. The technology is extremely precise so specific areas like the eyelids can be treated without any harm to the eye itself. On the skin, plasma vaporises cells and all that is left is carbon in the form of a crust. As well as vaporising the skin, it has the effect of causing the remaining tissues to tighten, boosting collagen.

Depending on the area to be treated, you will have local anaesthetic cream or injections applied to the treatment area. My technique of doing local anaesthetic blocks around the eyelids makes the procedure more comfortable and allows for a more powerful and effective treatment. For the treatment of moles, scars and skin tags you will have a local anaesthetic injection. You will feel a sensation of pricking if numbing cream is chosen, but it will be painless if you have a local anaesthetic injection. 

There will be a slight smell of burning during the treatment, this is nothing to worry about and is completely normal.

Your skin may feel sore and tight for a few hours once the anaesthetic wears off but you will be given cream for aftercare to soothe the skin. 

There will be extreme swelling of the eyelids for 48hrs. The tiny scabs will come off after 5 days or so, and the pinkness of the fresh skin will fade after 2-3 weeks. You will be able to apply makeup the following day.

Generally, one Plexr treatment is sufficient for eyelid treatment, but if the skin is very saggy, you may need two. For all other areas, only one treatment session is required.

The results of Plexr (also known as plasma soft surgery) for skin tightening and eyelids can last up to 5 years. As with any cosmetic treatment, it will not stop the skin from ageing further.

As far as the cost and convenience are concerned, Plexr is a relatively inexpensive and hassle-free form of cosmetic treatment, offering very similar effects to surgery in many cases. Considering a surgical eyelid lift costs between £2000 and £6000, paying  £450-£1600 is actually quite cost-effective. However, it is important to remember it may not suit everyone and those with particularly heavy excess skin may be better having surgery.