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Plasma Pen in Irvine, CA

Expert Surgeons
4.9 Google Rating
Serving Orange County Since 2012

About Plasma Pen

Plasma Pen therapy is an advanced, non-surgical skin-tightening treatment that revitalizes aging or sun-damaged skin. Using targeted plasma energy, it stimulates collagen and elastin production to smooth fine lines, lift lax tissue, and refine texture. Ideal for patients who want noticeable rejuvenation without incisions or lengthy downtime, the Plasma Pen helps you regain a youthful, radiant complexion with minimal interruption to your daily routine.

Procedure Quick Facts

Duration of Procedure:
30–60 minutes
Anesthesia:
Topical Numbing Cream
Recovery:
5–7 days of minor redness and dot-like crusts
Results Duration:
Up to 3 years

What is Plasma Pen?

Plasma Pen is a handheld device that converts electrical energy into plasma gas, creating controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. This process, called fibroblasting, triggers a natural wound-healing response that boosts collagen and elastin production. Over the following weeks, skin tightens, fine lines soften, and overall texture improves without cutting or removing tissue. Because the treatment is non-invasive, most patients experience only mild discomfort and a brief social downtime. Tiny carbon dots form where the plasma touches the skin; these flake away within a week, revealing smoother, firmer tissue underneath. Plasma Pen can be performed on the full face, eyelids, neck, décolletage, and even stretch marks on the body.

What Plasma Pen Can Do for You

If you're considering Plasma Pen, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step. Dr. Mark Song and our highly trained aesthetic nurses will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.
  • Tightens Sagging Skin Without Surgery
    Plasma Pen coagulates and contracts tissue, offering a lifted appearance around the eyelids, jawline, or neck without incisions or surgical downtime.
  • Smooths Fine Lines and Deep Wrinkles
    By stimulating new collagen, the treatment softens stubborn wrinkles like crow’s feet, smoker’s lines, and forehead creases for a more youthful complexion.
  • Improves Skin Texture and Acne Scars
    The controlled micro-injuries encourage cellular turnover, helping to refine enlarged pores, rough texture, and pitted acne scarring.
  • Minimal Downtime and Quick Treatment Sessions
    Most appointments take under an hour, and social downtime is typically limited to a few days of pinpoint dots—perfect for busy lifestyles.
  • Long-Lasting Collagen Remodeling
    Because results stem from your body’s own healing response, improvements continue for months and can last for years with good skincare habits.
  • Versatile Solution for Multiple Areas
    Plasma Pen effectively treats delicate eyelid skin, vertical lip lines, neck bands, and even stretch marks, making it a comprehensive rejuvenation tool.

Plasma Pen Videos

Watch our videos to see real patients results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.

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Key Benefits of Plasma Pen

Creates a subtle eyelid-lifting effect without surgical blepharoplasty or scalpels
Stimulates natural collagen and elastin for progressive, long-lasting skin tightening
Targets precise treatment zones while preserving surrounding healthy tissue integrity
Reduces wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks with far less downtime than lasers

Types of Plasma Pen

Full-Face Rejuvenation

This comprehensive session treats the forehead, cheeks, mouth area, jawline, and neck in one appointment. It’s ideal for patients with generalized laxity, multiple wrinkle patterns, or textural irregularities who want a head-to-toe glow without multiple visits.

Focused Eye Lift

Also called non-surgical blepharoplasty, this option targets upper eyelid hooding and under-eye bags. The precise plasma tip contracts loose skin for a more open, rested gaze, making it perfect for those bothered by heavy lids but not ready for surgery.

Neck & Jawline Tightening

Horizontal neck bands, crepey skin, and early jowls respond well to strategic Plasma Pen passes along the jawline and décolletage. Patients seeking sharper definition and smoother neck contours often select this focused treatment.

Not sure which option is right for you?

Meet your Plasma Pen surgeons

Plasma Pen treatments at South Coast Plastic Surgery are overseen by Dr. Mark Song, Medical Director, and delivered by our expertly trained aesthetic nurse specialists. Their deep understanding of skin physiology and precision technique ensure safe, effective, and natural-looking results.

Why Choose South Coast Plastic Surgery for Your Plasma Pen?

Beauty Inside-Out

We care for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every treatment is provided with warmth and exceptional care to help you feel confident and supported

Clear Expectations from the Start

Share your goals in detail before you even arrive using Adoreal's personalized assessment. Your specialist will understand exactly what you're hoping to achieve before your consultation begins, making your visit more focused and personal

Dedicated Follow-Up Support

Your care doesn't end when you leave our office. Our team provides personalized check-ins to monitor your results, answer any questions, and make sure you're completely satisfied with your outcome.

Precision & Artistry

Your treatment is performed by highly trained specialists
who understand facial anatomy at the deepest level. We combine technical precision with an artistic eye to enhance your natural beauty while keeping you looking like you

A Customized Approach to Skin Rejuvenation Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch

Every complexion is unique. We tailor dot density, energy output, and treatment zones to your individual skin type, concerns, and recovery preferences for a truly bespoke experience.

Before your consultation, you can complete a brief personalized assessment from home, helping us understand your specific goals, concerns, and timeline.

Comfort-Focused Experience

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored to your unique goals from the moment you walk in.

Our surgeon will also assess individual factors such as skin thickness, degree of laxity, and pigmentation tendencies, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.

Am I a good candidate for Plasma Pen?

Ideal candidates are seeking noticeable skin tightening and wrinkle reduction without surgery. A consultation will confirm that your skin type, health status, and expectations align with safe, successful treatment.
Mild to moderate skin laxity or wrinkles
Good overall health with no active skin infections
Non-smoker or willing to avoid smoking during healing
Realistic expectations about improvement and downtime
No history of keloid scarring or uncontrolled hyperpigmentation
Able to follow after-care instructions and sun avoidance
Not pregnant or breastfeeding

Help us understand your unique goals & concerns.

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.

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Your Goals

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Your Concerns

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Your Plasma Pen Journey and Recovery

Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment

Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Song or one of our nurse specialists. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether Plasma Pen is the right solution for your concerns.

During your consultation, your provider will:

  • Review your medical and skin history
  • Examine skin laxity, wrinkles, and texture
  • Discuss treatment zones and expected improvements
  • Explain procedure steps, sensations, and after-care
  • Outline pricing, packages, and scheduling options

Together, you'll create a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.

The Plasma Pen Procedure

A topical anesthetic is applied for comfort, and most patients describe the treatment as a series of brief, warm pinpricks.

During the procedure:

  • Skin is cleansed thoroughly and numbed
  • Provider maps dot pattern across treatment area
  • Plasma arc creates precise micro-injuries in rows
  • Soothing serum and protective ointment are applied

You can drive yourself home immediately afterward with detailed instructions and an after-care kit.

Plasma Pen Recovery Timeline

Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.

Immediately after treatment
Skin feels warm and tight with visible carbon dots forming where the plasma touched.

First few days

  • Mild swelling, especially around eyes
  • Dots darken and form tiny crusts
  • Continue applying healing ointment

Weeks 1-2

  • Dots flake off naturally—do not pick
  • Pink new skin appears beneath crusts
  • Light makeup may be worn once skin closes

Weeks 3-4

  • Residual redness fades gradually
  • Collagen remodeling begins; skin feels firmer

You'll receive personalized post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Your Plasma Pen Results

Plasma Pen results are visible right away, though your skin will continue to change as swelling resolves and collagen regenerates.

Early results
Once crusts fall, skin already looks smoother and tighter.

Following weeks

  • Collagen production increases, further refining fine lines and improving firmness.

Final results
Around 12 weeks, optimal tightening and textural improvements are typically apparent and can last for years.

With proper skin care, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle habits, Plasma Pen results can remain visible for years, helping you look refreshed and vibrant.

  • Days 3 - 5
  • Week 1 - 2
  • Week 2 - 3
  • Week 4 - 6

  • Month 2-3
  • Month 4-6
  • Longterm

Plasma Pen Results and Safety Considerations

Understanding how technique, anatomy, and healing affect Plasma Pen results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results

Natural results come from precise energy delivery and a customized dot pattern. By respecting your unique facial anatomy and treating only targeted zones, we avoid over-tightening that can lead to an artificial look. Collagen builds gradually, allowing skin to rejuvenate in a subtle, believable way.

Your provider considers factors such as skin thickness, laxity, and pigment tendencies to calibrate the device’s energy output. Combining Plasma Pen with medical-grade skincare and sun protection further enhances results without creating drastic contrast between treated and untreated areas.

Where Are the Treatment Points?

  • Instead of incisions, Plasma Pen creates pinpoint micro-injuries that look like tiny brown dots on the skin.
  • Pinpoint carbon dots along targeted wrinkle lines
  • Dots are strategically placed to follow natural contours and usually shed within one week, leaving smooth underlying tissue.

Is Scarring a Concern?

True scarring is uncommon when treatments are performed by trained professionals, but temporary redness and dots are normal parts of healing.

Scar Healing Timeline

  1. Weeks 1-2
    Dots appear dark, then flake off to reveal pink new skin
  2. Months 1-3
    Mild redness fades and texture continues to smooth
  3. Around 6 months
    Collagen matures, and any residual pinkness typically subsides
  4. 1-2 years
    Results remain stable; maintenance may be chosen as aging continues

Following post-treatment guidelines, avoiding sun exposure, and using recommended skin care are key to optimal healing.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Medical examination room with a treatment table covered in white sheets and various medical equipment against the walls.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Plasma Pen is generally safe when performed by an experienced provider in an accredited setting. However, as with any skin procedure, there are potential risks to be aware of.

Potential risks may include:

  • Prolonged redness or swelling
  • Infection at treatment sites
  • Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
  • Delayed healing or scab disturbance
  • Textural irregularities
  • Allergic reaction to topical products

Your provider will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful planning, technique, and follow-up care.

Reducing Your Risk

Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe Plasma Pen experience include:

  • Thorough pre-treatment skin assessment
  • Customized energy settings based on skin type
  • Sterile technique and protective eye shields
  • Detailed after-care instructions and follow-up visits

By choosing an experienced medical team and following recovery guidelines closely, most patients heal well and are delighted with their Plasma Pen results.

How Much Does Plasma Pen Cost in Irvine, CA?

The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.

Financing options available through:
Book your consultation

Trusted by Our Community

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4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County

Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.

N. Snoozzz

Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !

Frequently Asked Questions About Plasma Pen

Everything you need to know about Plasma Pen, explained by South Coast Plastic Surgery's experts

About the procedure

How does Plasma Pen differ from traditional lasers?
Plasma Pen uses ionized gas to create micro-injuries on the surface of the skin, while lasers rely on light energy. Plasma Pen typically has a shorter downtime and is ideal for delicate areas like eyelids.
Is Plasma Pen FDA-approved?
Yes, the device we use is cleared by the FDA for skin resurfacing and wrinkle reduction when performed by trained professionals.
Will I need more than one Plasma Pen session?
Many patients achieve their goals with a single treatment, but those with significant laxity or deep wrinkles may opt for a second session after the skin has fully healed.
How long do the carbon dots last?
The tiny dots usually flake off within 5–7 days. Picking at them can delay healing, so we recommend letting them shed naturally.

Recovery & Results

When can I return to work or social activities?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work once the dots are gone, typically in a week. Remote work can often resume sooner.
How long will my results last?
Results can last up to three years or more, depending on natural aging, sun exposure, and skincare habits.
Can Plasma Pen cause hyperpigmentation?
Post-inflammatory pigmentation is uncommon but can occur, particularly in darker skin tones. We adjust settings and provide brightening skincare to minimize this risk.
Is the treatment painful?
Topical numbing cream greatly reduces discomfort. Patients usually describe the sensation as quick, warm pinpricks.

Safety & Risks

Is Plasma Pen covered by insurance?
Because it is a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not cover Plasma Pen. We offer financing plans to make treatment affordable.
Do you offer package pricing for multiple areas?
Yes, we provide discounted pricing when treating combined zones such as upper and lower eyelids or face and neck together.
When can I exercise after Plasma Pen?
Light activity is fine after 24 hours, but strenuous workouts should wait until dot shedding is complete to avoid excessive sweating and irritation.
How do I maintain my results?
Daily sun protection, medical-grade skincare, and occasional maintenance treatments such as microneedling or chemical peels can extend your results.

Cost & Insurance

Is Plasma Pen covered by insurance?
Because it is a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not cover Plasma Pen. We offer financing plans to make treatment affordable.
Do you offer package pricing for multiple areas?
Yes, we provide discounted pricing when treating combined zones such as upper and lower eyelids or face and neck together.

Lifestyle & Long-Term Care

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