OPUS PLASMA TREATMENT

Here's a step-by-step of how Opus by Alma works:

• Creation of Plasma: When the device is activated, radiofrequency energy interacts with the air, turning it into plasma energy.

• Micro-Thermal Zones: This plasma energy is then channeled in a controlled manner to the skin. It creates micro-thermal zones (tiny, controlled areas of heat damage) but without directly touching the skin. This controlled damage stimulates the body's natural healing processes.

• Stimulation of Collagen and Elastin: The heat generated in the micro-thermal zones stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. These are key proteins that provide the skin with structure, elasticity, and firmness. The types of collagen stimulated include type I, type III and type IV. Type I Collagen: This is the most abundant collagen in our body and provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth. Type III Collagen: Often found alongside Type I, and is especially significant in the skin as it provides elasticity and firmness. Type IV Collagen: Provides structural support to the skins basement membrane by offeringa foundational layer upon which skin cells can adhere and thrive. This aids in maintaining the skin's overall structure and integrity. Elastin is a critical protein found in the skin, as well as other tissues in the body. As its name suggests, elastin provides elasticity, allowing tissues to "snap back" to their original shape after being stretched or contracted. In the skin, this protein plays a vital role in maintaining skin's resilience, suppleness, and youthful appearance.

Apart from stimulating collagen and elastin production, the plasma energy also resurfaces the skin, reducing the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and improving overall skin texture.

• Minimal Damage: Due to its precision and the nature of plasma energy, the surrounding tissues are not affected, ensuring minimal downtime post-treatment.

• Customized Treatment: Devices like Opus come with different settings and applicator tips, allowing the practitioner to customize the treatment based on the patient's skin type, concerns, and desired outcomes. This includes the focus tip and special "Colibre" tip designed specifically for delicate areas like around the eyes.

• Post-Treatment Recovery: After the treatment, the micro-thermal zones begin to heal, resulting in skin that's rejuvenated, firmer, and smoother.

Opus by Alma offers a non-invasive, effective method for skin rejuvenation. Like with all cosmetic treatments, it's crucial for potential patients to consult with a qualified practitioner to understand the benefits, potential risks, and to determine if they're a good candidate for the procedure.

A CO2 laser effect but without the pain and downtime
How is The Opus similar and different two CO2 laser?

Both the Opus plasma technology and CO2 ablative laser treatments are advanced skin rejuvenation procedures, but they operate on different principles and have varying degrees of invasiveness, benefits, and side effects. Here's a comparison:

Similarities:

• Skin Resurfacing: Both treatments can be used for skin resurfacing, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and improve overall skin texture.

• Collagen Stimulation: Each method stimulates collagen production in the skin, which aids in rejuvenation and promotes a more youthful appearance.

• Treatment of Various Conditions: Both can be used to address a range of skin conditions, including acne scars, sun damage, age spots, and uneven skin tone.

• Downtime: Both treatments typically require some downtime for recovery, during which the skin may be red, swollen, and sensitive.

Differences:

Mechanism of Action:

• • Opus: Uses plasma technology, where radiofrequency energy interacts with the air to create plasma. This plasma is then delivered to the skin to create micro-injury zones, stimulating the body's natural healing processes.

  • CO2 Laser: Works by emitting a wavelength of light that is absorbed by water in the skin. This causes vaporization of the skin cells, creating controlled damage that prompts skin regeneration.

Degree of Invasiveness:

• • Opus: Considered less invasive than CO2 ablative treatments. The Opus device doesn't directly touch the skin, resulting in more superficial treatment and generally quicker recovery times.

  • CO2 Laser: It's ablative, meaning it vaporizes tissue. It can penetrate deeper into the skin and is considered more invasive. Recovery might take longer, but results can also be more dramatic after just one session.

Risk and Side Effects:

• • Opus: Since it's less invasive, there's typically a lower risk of complications such as scarring, hyperpigmentation, or infections compared to CO2 laser treatments.

  • CO2 Laser: Due to its invasive nature, there's a higher potential for side effects. These might include prolonged redness, swelling, scarring, or changes in pigmentation.

Downtime and Recovery:

• • Opus: Typically has a shorter downtime compared to CO2 ablative lasers. Patients might experience redness and mild swelling for a few days.

  • CO2 Laser: Recovery can be more extensive, often involving noticeable redness, swelling, and peeling. It might take one to two weeks for initial recovery and longer for complete healing.

Number of Sessions Required:

• • Opus: Depending on the individual's skin condition and desired results, multiple sessions might be required.

  • CO2 Laser: Due to its intensity, fewer sessions might be needed to achieve desired results. However, this depends on the individual, risk factors, pain and downtime tolerance, and the condition being treated.

The Opus (by Alma Lasers) and Fractora (by InMode) are both advanced aesthetic treatments that are designed to improve skin quality and address various skin concerns. While they share similarities in their aims and some of their methods, they also have differences in their mechanisms and results.

Similarities:

• Treatment Goals: Both Opus and Fractora are designed for skin rejuvenation. They aim to improve skin tone, texture, and overall appearance. Common treatment goals include reducing wrinkles, addressing acne scars, improving skin laxity, and evening out skin discoloration.

• Skin Resurfacing: Both treatments use a form of skin resurfacing to induce controlled damage to the skin, prompting the body's natural healing process to boost collagen production.

• Minimally Invasive: Both treatments are minimally invasive, which means they penetrate the skin but do so without the need for incisions or extensive downtime like traditional surgical procedures.

• Micro-Needling: Fractora, in particular, uses a combination of microneedling with radiofrequency energy. Microneedling is a technique where tiny needles are used to create micro-injuries to the skin, which can boost collagen production.

Differences:

• Mechanism of Action:

Opus: Uses plasma technology. It creates plasma by combining radiofrequency energy with charged atmospheric ions. This plasma is then delivered to the skin to create micro-injury zones.

Fractora: Uses fractionated radiofrequency energy, delivered through an array of pins. This produces localized heat and small micro-lesion dots in the treatment area.

• Depth and Customization:

Opus: Typically offers consistent and uniform treatments.

Fractora: Allows for more variability in the depth of penetration, making it possible to customize treatments for different skin concerns or areas.

Pain: Fractora is more painful, especially on the forehead, then the Opus because of the needle penetration and pressure.

Treatment areas: The Opus can easily be used on any treatment area including tops of hands and neck. However, because Fractora requires pressure over the treatment area and stimulates muscle contraction it is uncomfortable with use to the top of hands and the neck.

• Recovery:

Opus: Generally, there's some redness and minor swelling after treatment. Hyperpigmentation or melanoma may appear darker the first week. Tiny microdots or crusts might be visible. These side effects usually diminish within a few days.

Fractora: Given the use of microneedles combined with RF energy, there might be more noticeable redness, tiny pinpoint bleeding, bruising and swelling. Recovery can vary based on the area, depth and intensity of the treatment.

• Skin Types:

Both devices can treat a variety of skin types, but the device settings, technique, and protocols may differ based on skin type and concern. Always consult with a trained professional for the most suitable treatment parameters.

Short-Term Results:

• Skin Texture: Within days to a week after the procedure, as the skin begins its healing process, many patients notice an improved skin texture.

• Radiance: The skin often looks more radiant and feels smoother after the initial recovery period.

• Reduction of Imperfections: Some superficial blemishes, like minor age spots or uneven pigmentation, may fade.

• Tightening: There might be a mild and immediate skin-tightening effect post-treatment, thanks to the immediate contraction of skin fibers.

Long-Term Results:

• Collagen Stimulation: One of the primary benefits of Opus is its ability to stimulate the production of collagen over time-the gift that keeps giving. As new collagen forms in the weeks and months post-treatment, patients often notice a more youthful appearance, with increased skin firmness and elasticity.

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles: With boosted collagen production, there's a noticeable reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Acne Scars and stretch marks: The treatment can lead to a reduction in the visibility of acne scars, stretch marks, other minor imperfections

• Skin Tightening: Over time, patients often see more pronounced skin tightening benefits as the new collagen remodels and tightens the skin.

• Pore Size: Many patients report a reduction in the size of their pores as the skin becomes smoother and more refined. Patient’s often report a “glass” smooth appearance the first few months.

Factors Affecting Results

• Number of Treatments: While many patients see results after a single treatment, multiple sessions might be needed to achieve optimal outcomes. The number of recommended treatments usually depends on the specific skin concerns and the desired level of improvement.

• Individual Variation: Everyone's skin is different. Age, genetics, lifestyle, skincare routine, and previous sun exposure can all influence how one responds to the treatment.

• Post-Treatment Care: Following the post-treatment care instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure and using recommended skincare products, can play a crucial role in the results. Proper aftercare can enhance the outcomes and prolong the effects of the treatment.

• Maintenance: To maintain and enhance the results, periodic maintenance treatments are suggested.

• Three treatments 4-6 weeks apart are recommended for optimal results. 1-2 x per year for maintenance.