Dr Joseph DeLozier | A Promising Treatment to Reduce Wrinkles and Sun Damage

In recent years, a new treatment for these skin conditions has emerged, called Helium Plasma Dermal Resurfacing – or ‘HPDR’ for short. HPDR relies on the Renuvion Cosmetic Technology helium-based plasma system, a device that delivers and propagates radio-frequency energy across skin tissue using helium gas as a medium.

Two US-based Aesthetic Surgeons, Dr Joseph DeLozier and Dr David Holcomb, recently reviewed past clinical implementations of the HPDR treatment. Their study analysed the medical records of 301 patients who had received HPDR treatment on the face and neck between 2012 and 2020.

The patients had received HPDR treatment on one or more parts of the face and neck, most of which were passed three times with the helium-based plasma device. Between the first and second pass, desiccated superficial layers of the skin were wiped away with a gauze. About two-thirds of the patients had also undergone other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift.

The patients attended a follow-up visit at least one month after their procedures and were encouraged to report any issues or concerns they had. DeLozier and Holcomb analysed the medical charts of all the patients to assess the effectiveness of HPDR as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures.

They found that out of the 275 patients who shared their perceptions during follow-up meetings, 273 reported being ‘happy’, ‘satisfied’, or ‘pleased’ with the procedure’s outcome. Clinical charts and images taken before and after the procedure suggested that it was effective in reducing wrinkles and patches caused by sun exposure.

Notably, none of the patients reported serious adverse effects following the intervention, while 20 patients reported minor effects, including redness, hyperpigmentation and slow healing of the skin. All these effects were successfully resolved during follow-up visits.

Overall, the study by DeLozier and Holcomb suggests that HPDR could be a safe and effective procedure for skin rejuvenation, which can also be safely performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries. The plasma device has since been updated, which could further enhance treatment outcomes.