Key Takeaways
- While numbing cream does a good job at making plasma pen treatments comfortable, it unfortunately doesn’t cut it for all clients.
- Individual pain tolerance, treatment area, and skin type all play a major role in how much pain you may feel during the procedure.
- Cooling techniques, adjunctive oral pain relievers, and distraction methods are simple and effective pain management strategies. They can greatly improve comfort and help make the procedure more tolerable.
- Proper application of numbing cream, clear communication with your provider, and following pre- and post-treatment instructions are key to minimizing discomfort and ensuring optimal results.
- First, choosing a skilled and experienced practitioner can be the biggest difference maker in pain management and overall treatment experience.
- Understanding potential side effects and risks enables you to make informed decisions and take proactive steps for a safer, smoother recovery.
Controlling pain with numbing cream before and after plasma pen treatment is an essential step. It won’t completely numb the sting or heat. Numbing cream is just the first step in pain management for most people in the U.S. It’s a great option for mild to moderate pain.
Even with numbing, some people still can feel the heat. The plasma pen works in the skin by creating the heat. Other clinics bring in cooling fans or pain-relief pills, or recommend taking breaks when the pain becomes too acute.
Your skin type, where you receive treatment, and your own pain tolerance play a big role in the overall experience. Not every numbing cream is created equal, and some brands commonly used in Los Angeles clinics are simply stronger.
Coming next, see what you can expect and what’s most effective for plasma pen pain.
What Is Plasma Pen Treatment?
Plasma pen treatment, referred to as plasma fibroblast treatment, is an innovative, non-surgical skin tightening technique. Instead, it uses plasma energy to precisely and effectively treat very specific areas of skin. This energy is produced by a device that just ionizes gases found in the air.
Plasma is referred to as the fourth state of matter. During this process, it destroys proteins, triggers collagen production, and lifts and tightens skin. The science behind it is pretty simple, yet incredibly effective. By stimulating fibroblasts—which are the cells that produce collagen—the procedure improves wrinkles, texture, and mild laxity.
The second thing that makes plasma pen treatments remarkable is their versatility. Patients often seek out plasma pen for issues such as crow’s feet, eyelid laxity, or perioral lines (fine lines above the lip). Many patients report an improved skin contour and texture following their treatment as well.
Each treatment lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Though one session can be sufficient, some people require more for more pronounced wrinkles or larger areas. You should start noticing improvements after a week, with results lasting as long as three years.
Setting expectations is the most important thing you can do. Understanding that these things are normal, like swelling, redness, or scabbing, will prevent you from being alarmed or surprised. These adverse effects are temporary, often resolving within one week.
Before treatment, you should stay away from any skin color-altering products at least four weeks prior. While the majority of patients have this procedure performed on the face, neck, or chest, hands and stretch marks are frequent treatment areas. Since each area will heal a little variably, results and recovery time is unique for each individual.
Understanding the Plasma Arc
Understanding the Plasma Arc is crucial to grasping how effective this treatment is. The plasma arc is created between the pen’s tip and the skin’s surface, creating small, precise wounds. These controlled micro-injuries prompt the skin to repair and rejuvenate itself.
The punctures are tiny and far apart, minimizing trauma but fostering vigorous regeneration. Consequently, skin appears less wrinkled and becomes more toned and elastic with continued treatment.
Targeted Skin Rejuvenation Benefits
The benefits of this targeted approach are obvious. Targeted skin rejuvenation is a big deal. Most patients report a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and a more uniform complexion.
This increase in collagen increases the tightness of sagging skin but keeps the skin looking firm and elastic. Since the treatment stimulates fibroblast cells, results can be long-lasting, up to several years—more durable than other non-invasive treatments.
Common Treatment Areas Explored
The majority of patients choose to have plasma pen treatment on the face, neck, or décolletage. These are the parts of the skin where aging or sun damage typically appears first. Some even opt for the hands or stretch marks as well.
Thinner skin, such as the eyelids, will likely heal faster, whereas thicker or wider treatment areas may require more time. What you treat can affect recovery and how intense your results appear.
Is Numbing Cream Truly Enough?
Plasma pen treatments are popular in Los Angeles for skin tightening and rejuvenation, but the question of pain management often comes up. Numbing cream is a common practice, applied prior to your procedure to minimize pain during your treatment. Although it can definitely take the edge off, its effectiveness isn’t a blanket statement. Understandably, many people question whether it’s sufficient to simply use numbing cream and call it a day.
This part addresses the action of numbing creams, their proven efficacy, and where they fail when it comes to plasma pen procedures.
1. How Numbing Creams Work
Most numbing creams rely on active ingredients such as lidocaine. Lidocaine works by blocking nerve signals in the skin, which helps to dull pain during the tattooing process. While most topical creams available over-the-counter only contain 4% or 5% lidocaine, prescription versions can be stronger.
When the cream is applied to the skin, it starts working in 20 to 45 minutes. The numbing effect typically lasts from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of cream used. This time varies by product and the thickness you apply it.
When it comes to plasma pen treatments, time is of the essence. When the numbing wears off mid-session, pain can come back just as fast. For shorter, smaller-area treatments, numbing cream is typically sufficient. Longer or larger-area treatments can sometimes extend beyond the numbing cream’s effectiveness, so patients should be offered other pain relief options.
2. Typical Pain Levels: My Experience
The amount of pain experienced during plasma pen treatments can be extremely different. Many clients report that with the numbing cream, the experience is reduced to that of a light sunburn or a bit of sting. Some users continue to experience jagged pain, particularly in instances where the pen works on delicate areas.
We all know the skin around the eyes and on the upper lip is thinner. Additionally, the nerve endings are more superficial in these areas. These areas just naturally hurt more, even under perfect numbing.
On the cheeks or forehead, where skin is thicker, individuals often experience the least amount of pain. One of my clients said that when we worked on the cheeks, it felt more tingly than painful. They told me that the same cream did very little for eyelid work. These firsthand accounts illustrate how pain levels vary based on the zone being worked on and personal pain tolerance.
3. Numbing Cream: Solo Effectiveness
Using numbing cream alone might be enough for some people, particularly those with a high pain tolerance or a relatively small tattoo. Most agree that the numbing cream by itself doesn’t completely prevent the pain, particularly for longer sessions or more sensitive areas.
The numbing effect could wear off if the session takes a while or if the cream wasn’t applied thick enough. Additionally, at times, the heat caused by the plasma pen itself reduces the numbing cream’s effectiveness, and the pain returns.
For those with a low tolerance for pain, or even when tattooing areas rich in nerve endings, that’s just not enough from a numbing cream. These folks, too, need to consider other pain relief methods. Then they can decide if they need an oral painkiller, cold packs, or a nerve block to be most comfortable.
4. Best Application for Max Relief
To achieve maximum benefit from numbing cream, proper application is essential. The skin needs to be clean and free of oils before you spread the cream. Apply a generous, smooth layer—at least as thick as a nickel.
Then, wrap it in plastic wrap so it can absorb. The majority of pros in L.A. Suggest beginning the process 30–45 minutes prior to your session. By removing the cream immediately before treatment, the area remains numb during the procedure.
If you apply too thin a layer of cream or do not leave it on long enough, it loses its potency. Unfortunately, more can increase the likelihood of adverse side effects. You should always take your provider’s recommendation about timing and dosage.
5. Skin Type and Area Impact
If you have oily skin, the cream will have a hard time absorbing. Conversely, dry or thin skin might let the medicine absorb quicker. Individuals with darker skin may not see as much redness or swelling, but that doesn’t mean they experience reduced pain.
Skin type and area treated also make an impact. Areas with delicate skin or areas packed with nerve endings, such as eyelids or on the lips, typically tend to be more painful. Fleshier, thicker-skinned areas such as the jawline or forehead typically tolerate injections with numbing cream more easily.
If you know you have sensitive skin or if you’re treating an especially high-pain area, discuss this with your provider! They can provide you with additional pain relief measures.
6. Numbing Cream Side Effects
Though numbing creams are generally safe for most individuals, side effects do occur. In a few individuals, temporary redness, swelling, or a rash have been reported after use. In rare cases, allergic reactions or more severe reactions such as heart rhythm changes or difficulty breathing may develop with high doses.
Smart patch test just a tiny amount on your forearm before applying it to a larger area. If you experience redness, itching or any other adverse reaction, notify your service provider in advance of your appointment.
7. Patient Experiences: Cream vs. Other
Or they compare it to something like an oral painkiller, ice pack treatment or deep breathing exercises. One patient explained that after switching to a stronger, prescription cream their experience improved significantly.
One of them said a combination pain approach—numbing cream, plus quick-acting oral painkiller—was the most effective for their long session. Results are mixed, but the trend is clear: many people benefit from using more than one method.
Individuals with a low pain tolerance or those requiring large surface areas injected typically report preferring a combination approach so they are most comfortable.
8. Pre-Treatment Prep for Less Pain
- Avoid blood thinners (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) for a few days prior.
- Stay hydrated—drink lots of water the day before and day of your session.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as both can boost sensitivity.
- Get enough sleep the night before.
- Avoid all strong skincare products in the treatment area for a minimum of 48 hours prior.
- Discuss with your provider if you have worries about pain or have had a bad experience with numbing creams in the past.
Beyond Cream: Boosting Your Comfort
Numbing cream is a good place to start for minimizing pain while getting a plasma pen treatment. It tends to be most effective when combined with other comfort measures. Many clients in Los Angeles and similar urban settings look for ways to stay comfortable before, during, and after their treatments.
Using a comprehensive approach can reduce minor swelling, minimize anxiety, and promote skin recovery.
Cooling Techniques Pre and Post
Applying cold to the skin with a cold pack or chilled gel mask before and after treatment can really make a difference. These techniques reduce inflammation on the surface, minimize the appearance of pores, and assist in reducing swelling.
Many clinics have special cooling fans or pads that can be used, particularly when treating more sensitive areas, such as around the eyes. At home, any clean, cold compress will do the trick.
Avoid sleeping with your head lower than your heart for 5–7 days after treatment. This is important for making sure the swelling disappears as quickly as possible, particularly under the eyes!
Can Oral Pain Relievers Help?
Pain relief over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve sore areas. Administer them 30–60 minutes prior to the procedure, but only if safe per your provider.
Do not take aspirin because it thins the blood and slows healing. After treatment, take these pills as needed, but remember to read the directions carefully.
Distraction Methods That Work
Whether it’s playing music, using meditation apps, or listening to podcasts, these distractions can help take the mind off pain. One clinic even allows their patients to bring noise canceling headphones.
Focusing on deep breathing or engaging in light conversation helps to boost comfort.
The Power of Calm Breathing
Vigilant, calm breathing slow, controlled breaths relieve anxiety and perception of discomfort. Try this: inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four.
Practice it several times in advance and again before your session.
Your Plasma Pen Treatment Day
Plasma pen treatment is a day that requires an ideal combination of skill, preparation, and aftercare. Being prepared and informed will help ensure that your experience is as simple and straightforward as possible. Each step is integral to the process and has a specific purpose. From the moment you walk into the Los Angeles clinic to when you go home, everything affects your comfort.
Pre-Appointment Numbing Protocol
Prior to the session, clinics usually advise pre-applying numbing cream either at home or in the clinic. For the majority of treatments, coat the area with a heavy dose on scrubbed, makeup-free skin. Complete this at least 45 to 60 minutes before your appointment begins!
This timing allows for numbness of the area without affecting the result. If some discomfort remains throughout the procedure, providers have the option of applying a second layer. These steps work to minimize pain and ensure a better experience overall by creating a calmer environment for treatment to take place.
What Happens During the Procedure
To start, your provider will apply a topical numbing agent. Afterward, they will thoroughly cleanse the skin and use the plasma pen device to create precise micro-injuries to the skin’s surface. As the pen moves across your skin, it delivers controlled intensity plasma energy to the treatment area.
Everyone experiences sensitivity differently, but the majority of people report it is a comfortable experience, while others may experience some stinging or pressure. Although this numbness typically dissipates within a few hours, you may experience a tingling or “asleep” sensation in the treated area for some time afterward.
Immediate Post-Treatment Sensations
Be ready for warmth, redness, and swelling post-procedure. Swelling around the eyes can be fierce the next day! Might I say, even to open them completely impossible!
Swelling usually is the worst at about 48 hours and may be more apparent in the morning, then calms down during the day. By the end of day two, small scabs have started to develop on the surface. Carbon crusts heal by days 7–10, with a remaining pink tone.
Aftercare: Managing Post-Treatment Discomfort
Managing discomfort post-treatment is crucial in ensuring a safe and effective recovery after a plasma pen treatment. When good aftercare is provided, there is not only reduced pain, but a reduced risk of complications.
Being diligent about following the basic aftercare directions goes a long way in ensuring your tattoos heal quickly and beautifully.
The First 24–48 Hours
Within the first 48 hours, the area of skin treated will likely sting and have the sensation of a sunburn. It is normal for swelling and redness to occur.
To help, keep these steps in mind:
- Avoid allowing the treated area to get wet for at least 24–48 hours.
- Avoid washing the skin and keep it dry.
- Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Sleep with your head raised to help reduce puffiness.
- Avoid exposure to very hot water on the face for the first week.
- Don’t suffer in silence, take pain meds as prescribed.
It’s normal to have some redness, swelling, and mild pain. Look out for pus, increasing redness, or fever—these are signs that you should call your physician immediately.
Soothing Your Skin Safely
Softening your skin without irritation is essential. Gentle care is always best. Aloe vera gel and other mild, hydrating creams help soothe your skin.
Avoid aggressive products such as scrubs, acids, or alcohol-based products. This can irritate the skin further and delay the healing process. Continue using gentle cleansers as soon as you can resume washing the area.
When to Expect Relief
While most people begin to feel relief within a few days, the full healing process could span several weeks. The redness and any scabbing can take at least ten days, if not longer.
You’ll start to see the effects as skin becomes tighter and fully heals. Keep in mind, this will take time as everyone heals at their own rate.
Factors Affecting Your Pain Experience
Pain with plasma pen treatment varies from person to person. Here are a few key factors that dictate how much pain you might experience, both in the moment and later on. Knowing what affects pain can help you plan ahead and talk with your provider about what works best for you. Here’s a closer look at what you should know.
Individual Pain Thresholds Matter
Individual Pain Thresholds Matter While some clients sail through their plasma pen treatments without much fuss, others experience a more robust treatment. Your pain experience is affected by a variety of factors, including your history of past pain, current stress levels, and sleep quality.
These factors will hugely impact your pain experience. If you are aware that you tend to be pain sensitive or pain anxious, tell your practitioner ahead of time. They can walk you through other options, such as a numbing cream, extra breaks, or prescription medication if necessary.
Treatment Intensity and Duration
How intense and how long your practice is can make a difference in your experience too. Small, mild treatments only require numbing cream. With increased intensity or duration of sessions, this can lead to increased pain and need for advanced planning.
In these scenarios, you may have to discontinue use of retinols or acids at least one week prior. You may be a little tender afterwards, but that should clear up in a few days. This is why doctors sometimes recommend pain meds.
Your Skin’s Current Condition
Your skin condition has an impact. For example, if your skin is particularly sensitive, damaged, or sunburned, you may experience increased pain in the treatment area. Keep an open line of communication with your provider and discuss any concerns before your appointment.
You’ll need to avoid sun and heat for 2 weeks before and up to 12 weeks after. Taking a break from daily sweat sessions along with the use of sunscreen will allow you to repair and restore your skin.
Practitioner Skill: A Key Comfort Factor
Plasma pen treatment comfort level Ultimately, your comfort will depend on the skill and technique of the practitioner. Although numbing cream can reduce pain, who’s operating the device is equally important. Having a seasoned provider on your side helps take the anxiety out of the entire process, providing the greatest benefit to LA area patients and residents from all over.
Why Technique Reduces Discomfort
Why Technique Reduces Discomfort Good technique really is the secret sauce. A calm, learned hand, and a measured approach do much to reduce anguish. If they at least know how deep they should go, the results are better.
They know when to pump the brakes, which takes the edge off the hurt. Topical anesthetics, such as numbing cream, often require 30- to 60-minutes pre-treatment application. They are most effective when used by a practitioner who knows how to properly use them.
Patients should never be afraid to inquire about the provider’s training background and how long they have been performing plasma pen treatments. This creates a level of trust and allows you to manage expectations.
Choosing an Experienced Provider
Choosing an experienced provider Serious safety concerns aside, choosing an experienced specialist goes a long way towards ensuring comfort. Those with greater skill are better equipped to identify and address issues quickly.
Their work results are much more natural, and patients are much happier. Reading online reviews, requesting before-and-after photos, and researching the provider’s experience can help you find a qualified provider.
Patients in competitive urban markets such as Los Angeles have a wealth of choices, making it imperative to shop around.
Open Communication is Crucial
The ability to speak openly with the provider is equally crucial. Whether sharing their concerns or requesting to take a break, the communication allows the provider to better personalize the experience.
Practitioners who take time to explain every step, side effects, and aftercare instructions will put patients at ease. These small gestures—including giving a heads up about strong skin care products—go a long way in ensuring a smooth recovery and satisfaction.
Potential Risks and Managing Them
While plasma pen treatments are effective at tightening skin, knowing potential plasma pen dangers is important for patients considering this procedure. Risks differ significantly from one project to the next. These can vary from minor, temporary side effects to rare, more serious complications, most notably for people with underlying health conditions or compromised skin.
Understanding what is possible allows individuals to make informed decisions and proactively manage their skin post-treatment.
Common Side Effects Explained
Plasma pen side effects commonly include mild swelling and redness, or a slight burning after treatment. These side effects are to be expected and go away after a few days. The most common thing you’ll see are small carbon crusts—little scabs that form where the device burned the skin.
These crusts fall off in about a week. They may be hard to resist, but avoid picking at them to minimize the chance of scarring. Swelling will frequently subside naturally, but a mild program of cool compresses can provide comfort.
Those more affected include people with diabetes or darker skin types, like Fitzpatrick types IV, V, and VI. These pigmentary changes may involve re-pigmentation or an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, requiring additional caution.
Recognizing Signs of Complications
Here is a list of some signs that should raise a red flag. If your child has unusual pain, pus, redness spreading around the incision, or persistent swelling, these might be signs of an infection or other complications.
Everyone experiencing any of these signs should contact their provider immediately. Quick intervention prevents smaller issues from becoming more serious.
Mitigating Risks Proactively
Taking care of yourself before and after treatment goes a long way. Avoid tanning beds and saunas, too! Stay away from products that lighten or darken your skin at least 4 weeks prior and up to 12 weeks afterwards.
Reduce the intensity of your workouts for 14 days. Adhering to aftercare instructions and maintaining communication with the tattoo artist can ensure the skin heals properly and reduces potential risks.
Conclusion
It does help to use numbing cream to take the edge off pain during your plasma pen treatments. It does not eliminate every sensation. Some people in LA are claiming that it goes far enough. Some require additional assistance, such as a cooling fan or additional numbing. As above, the quality of your provider is extremely important on this one. Some sharp hands and a keen eye can go a long way. Post-treatment mild swelling or redness might appear after the session. Basic aftercare, including cool compresses and mild skin care can go a long way. It’s important to always discuss your treatment with your provider and let them know if you have any concerns. Looking to have the least painful experience possible during your plasma pen treatment? Discuss how they control pain and provide post-treatment advice before booking with your clinic. In the end, your comfort should be the number one priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does numbing cream completely block pain during plasma pen treatment?
While numbing cream effectively takes care of the majority of pain, you’ll still experience a little discomfort. Read real pain experience stories from clients in Los Angeles. Most clients experience only mild to moderate stinging or heat sensations during treatment.
Are there other ways to manage pain besides numbing cream?
The answer is yes, your provider can and should — depending on your treatment — utilize cooling devices, distraction techniques and even provide mild oral pain relief. Make sure to inquire about additional comfort measures at your consultation.
How long does the numbing cream need to work before treatment?
How long does the numbing cream need to work before treatment? This allows your skin to absorb it while ensuring you experience the most maximum comfort.
What should I expect right after my plasma pen session?
What should I expect right after my plasma pen session. Almost every Los Angeles client I’ve treated would describe the discomfort as tolerable and easy to address through cool compresses and aftercare products.
Can the skill of my provider affect my pain level?
Can the skill of my provider affect my pain level. Like any procedure, an expert Los Angeles practitioner will use proven techniques and approaches that command a great deal of discomfort and risk with your plasma pen session.
Will I need pain relief after my plasma pen procedure?
Many patients take additional OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, because they promote bruising. Guidelines are no substitute for expert advice—always listen to your provider.
Are there risks if pain isn’t managed well during plasma pen treatment?
Yes. Pain that is left unaddressed can result in increased tension and jerking, which can increase the chances of an uneven result or prolonged healing. Select an experienced provider who will take your comfort seriously.