Aging is inevitable for everyone. While there are a lot of positive attributes that come with age, like maturity, humility, and experience (to name a few), there are also some aspects of aging that aren’t so positive—like aging skin.

Some telltale signs of skin that is aging are wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and skin laxity—also known as sagging skin. This is due to the fact that as we age, the dermal layer of our skin thins, and we produce less collagen and lose elasticity. This is where beauty businesses that offer aesthetic treatments that address these common concerns come into play.

What Are Fibroblasts?

Before we dive into what fibroblast skin tightening is we need to understand how fibroblasts play an integral part in collagen production. Collagen provides the support matrix for healthy skin and plays a key role in skin firmness and elasticity.

While there are several types of collagen, the main one is Type 1, which represents 80-90 percent of the collagen in our bodies and is produced by fibroblast cells that are found mostly in the skin’s dermis layer. Fibroblast cells also produce elastin, which gives the skin flexibility to stretch and essentially bounce back to its original state.

What Is Fibroblast Skin Tightening?

Fibroblast skin tightening is a fairly new aesthetic treatment that is gaining popularity. The treatment targets fibroblast cells with a pen-like device, also known as a plasma pen that delivers an electrical current to targeted treatment areas that create micro-injuries to the skin. The micro-injuries stimulate the fibroblasts to create more collagen and elastin and result in skin resurfacing.

Fibroblast skin tightening treatments are used for addressing: acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, skin laxity, improving the skin’s texture and tone, and tightening the skin on the jowls, neck, face, and body, boosting collagen and elastin, and creating healthier, more youthful skin.

How Do Individuals Prepare For Fibroblast Skin Tightening?

Fibroblast skin tightening may only leave micro-injuries, but that doesn’t mean that the treatment won’t be painful. A numbing cream is typically applied before the treatment to help mitigate the pain and the treatment does require several days or more (depending on how quickly one heals) to recover. So, adequate downtime needs to be factored in since the skin will have tiny red dots with scabs in the treatment areas while it heals.

What Should Individuals Expect During The Treatment?

As the plasma pen delivers microcurrent to the skin, your client may experience a burning or tingling sensation in the treatment area. To minimize the discomfort after the treatment, you could apply a cooling gel to help ease your client’s discomfort. Depending on where the treatment is administered, it could take anywhere from 30-60 minutes.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Fibroblast Skin Tightening?

The tiny dots that result from the fibroblast skin tightening treatment are known as carbon crusts and are a part of the healing process. Because of the scabbing that occurs, redness, swelling, skin peeling, and hyperpigmentation can occur during the healing process. When proper wound care protocol is followed, these side effects should subside within a week or more.

In addition to the above side effects, fibroblast skin tightening treatment can also put individuals at risk for more serious side effects including scarring, second and third-degree burns, nerve damage, bleeding, and air or gas accumulation in the skin and nerves—especially if the treatment is administered by someone who doesn’t have sufficient training or licensing to perform the treatment.

Since there are no rules on who performs the treatment yet, due diligence is required for both the practitioner and client. Check with your state licensing board to see who is allowed to perform the treatment in your area.

What Is The Aftercare For This Treatment?

Immediately after the treatment, the skin should not be washed. Also, hot water should be avoided on the treatment areas for at least seven days, along with any skincare products that cause irritation. To help speed recovery times, hydrating serums should be used in addition to a broad-based SPF. When all of these protocols are followed and the fibroblast skin tightening is done by a licensed professional, results can last between two-three years.

Fibroblast Skin Tightening Takeaways

Fibroblast skin tightening treatments can deliver impressive results without the need for surgery or anesthesia. Downtime will vary for individuals depending on how quickly one heals. Since the treatment can cause hyperpigmentation, people with darker skin tones may not be suitable for this treatment type. However, discussing this treatment option with a dermatologist or another licensed skin professional will help determine if this treatment option is appropriate for your skin type.