Plasma pens are sweeping social media off their feet, with viral videos of seemingly instant skin tightening and wrinkle reduction. But while their fame is growing, so is confusion—and concern.
What many people are unaware of is that the devices, particularly if wielded in the comfort of your own home or by an untrained provider, pose real dangers. From scarring and burning to chronic damage to the skin, the plasma pen side effects can be serious.
In this guide, we’ll outline what can go wrong with plasma fibroblast therapy, how to protect yourself, and who should avoid the treatment in the first place. Before you schedule that appointment, read this first.
What is a Plasma Pen and How Does It Function?
Plasma pens are portable, non-surgical cosmetic tools that are intended to tighten and restore the skin. Plasma pens form a small and controlled arc of plasma energy—also referred to as the “fourth state of matter” that floats just upon the skin. The energy creates minor thermal damage, but this will stimulate the natural response of the body to heal.
How It Works
• The plasma arc never actually contacts the skin.
• It produces micro-injuries that stimulate fibroblasts—cells that synthesize collagen and elastin.
• In the long term, this stimulation stimulates collagen production and leads to firmer, smoother skin with decreased fine lines and enhanced texture. This is how a plasma pen works.
Common Treatment Areas
• Upper and lower eyelids (non-surgical eye lift)
• Marionette lines and smile lines
• Forehead wrinkles and crow's feet
• Skin tags and small imperfections
• Loose or sagging skin of the décolleté, jawline, or neck
Although the effects can be remarkable, the technique should be applied correctly in order to prevent complications.
Common Side Effects of Plasma Pen Treatment
Although plasma pen treatment is non-surgical in nature, it still results in controlled damage to the skin—so in recovery, you can expect some side effects.
Immediate Reactions
• Redness and swelling generally develop within hours and can persist 3-7 days.
• Scabbing and crusting are a natural part of the natural healing process; dots should not be picked, as this can contribute to a heightened risk of scarring.
Skin Sensitivity
• The treated skin could be tight, dry, or mildly painful, akin to a sunburn.
• Clients sometimes experience itchiness when the skin is starting to heal.
Transient Pigmentation Changes
• Mild hyper-pigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots) may be seen, most notably in medium to dark-completed skin.
• Discoloration is typically temporary but may be long-lasting, taking a period of weeks.
When Plasma Pen Goes Wrong: Everything You should Know
Although popular, plasma pen treatment is not without danger—particularly in the hands of untrained practitioners or if attempted at home. When it does, we call it plasma pen gone wrong or even plasma fibroblast gone wrong.
Actual Risks are:
• Burns and blisters due to excessive power or poor technique
• Pitting and scarring if the skin is not repaired correctly
• Bad reaction to plasma pen treatment, such as infection, excessive pain, or inflammation
Risk of infections can increase dramatically if aftercare guidelines are not followed or if devices are reused improperly.
Social media has facilitated the wide dissemination of misinformation. On TikTok, videos featuring “DIY plasma pen hacks” or sensationalized “before-and-after” effects typically omit essential safety precautions. In actuality, most of those trending videos involve improper use of unregulated machines, and this results in long-term damage to the skin.
Poor Technique Leads To Permanent Damage
• Inexperienced practitioners might utilize arcs too near or in risky orientations
• Home devices are not approved by the FDA and provide no clinical guidance
Always put safety ahead of shortcuts—your skin's well-being is at stake.
Who Should Avoid Plasma Pen Treatment?
Although plasma pen procedures can provide a visible tightening response, they are not a good choice for everybody. Some individuals are at greater risk of a negative response and should exercise caution—or avoid treatment altogether.
Increased Risk in Darker Skin Types
Medium to dark-skinned patients (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI) can be at greater risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation after treatment. The plasma energy can stimulate an irregular melanin response and long-term discoloration.
Avoid if You Have These Medical Conditions
Skip plasma fibroblast treatment if you
• Have an autoimmune disease or are immunocompromised
• are susceptible to keloids or abnormal scars
• Have poor wound healing conditions such as diabetes
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
Timing Matters
People with recent dermal fillers, Botox, or surgical procedures should first speak to a provider. Adding plasma energy to newly manipulated skin will interfere with results and is a risk factor in complications.
Always seek a licensed professional prior to booking a session.
Safety Precautions Before and After Treatment
Anti-aging plasma pen treatment can work—but only when applied safely and followed by proper aftercare. Here's how to keep your skin safe and lower the chances of complications.
Before treatment: Do Your Homework
• Select a trained, licensed professional with experience in fibroblast treatment. Request to look at certifications and before-and-after results.
• Make sure the clinic uses strict sterilization standards and equipment cleared by the FDA or professionally approved.
• Professionally applied numbing creams should be applied in order to minimize discomfort while not impairing skin safety.
After Treatment: Support the Healing Process
• Don't touch or pick at scabs—allow the skin to peel off naturally to prevent infection or scarring.
• Stay away from sun exposure, tan beds, and harsh skin products (such as exfoliants or retinol) for a minimum of a week.
• Maintain the area free of impurities with fragrance-free cleansers and lubricate with accepted healing salves.
• Avoid makeup on the treated area until it is fully healed.
•Adhere to your provider's aftercare instructions strictly—such as suggestions regarding anti-inflammatory medications or cold compresses to reduce swelling.
Don't Skip the Follow-Ups
Your doctor might even schedule a follow-up session to monitor progress in case you want multiple sessions. Having an understanding of taking precautions is a guarantee of safer and improved results.
Skin Tightening And Mole Removal Alternatives
If you are not sure about plasma pen treatment—or not an appropriate candidate—Mychway offers safer, non-surgical methods of skin tightening and mole removal.
For Mole Removal:
Rather than applying a mole remover pen at home (which is risky), opt for high-frequency spot removers such as Mychway’s Portable Spot Removal Machine. Such devices utilize controlled electric pulses to destroy skin tags, age spots, and small moles under the guidance of a professional.
When Is It Better?/span>
• Suitable for small blemishes and sensitive areas of the skin
• Lower risk of pigmentation or scarring
• More suitable for individuals with darker skin that is inclined towards darkening
For Anti-Aging and Skin Tightening:
Mychway provides an array of anti-aging treatments such as the 6-in-1 RF & Cavitation Skin Tightening Machine. It utilizes the power of radiofrequency (RF) to induce collagen production without damaging the skin's surface.
When Is Plasma Fibroblast Better Treatment?
• Optimal treatment for mild to moderate skin laxity and loose skin due to weight reduction
• Suitable for any skin tone
• No scabbing, pain, or downtime
These treatments provide safe and effective results—especially when performed consistently in combination with proper skincare. Consult a professional at all times for personalized guidance.
Before and After: Expectations vs. Reality
Plasma pen effects can be dramatic—but not overnight. Manage expectations and be realistic about what is actually possible.
What to Expect:
• It takes 5-10 days to heal initially, during which scabbing, redness, and slight swelling are typical.
• Improvement is typically seen about 2-3 weeks after treatment, when collagen and elastin production increases.
• Full results will be seen in 8-12 weeks, but this timescale will vary according to the response of the individual's skin and healing process.
Before & After: The Reality
Photos you see online are frequently taken after weeks or even months, but in the meantime, immediate results can actually look worse before they get better—those imperfections in the form of pinpoint scabs and puffiness.
Hold It Real
Not everyone will notice dramatic results, certainly not in a single session. Results vary based on age, skin tone, and severity of concerns. It's best to go in with realistic expectations in order to avoid disappointment—and post-treatment regret.
Conclusion:
Plasma pen treatment can produce visible results in skin tightening—but only when done correctly and by a qualified professional. In an age of at-home gadgets and trending skincare, it's especially crucial to be in the know and be careful.
Knowing the dangers, side effects, and realistic results can assist you in making the optimal decision for your skin. If you're thinking about trying fibroblast therapy, slow down. First, make an appointment with a licensed professional who will be able to evaluate your skin type, desired results, and safety. Your skin is worth proper care—not a shortcut that you might regret.
