A Review of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Applications in Dermatology and Aesthetics

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a growing use of plasma technology, especially in medicine and aesthetics. Plasma medicine is an innovative, multidisciplinary science combining plasma physics and technology with medicine and life sciences. Billions of dollars are spent annually in the United States to rejuvenate and reduce signs of aging. For this reason, several methods have been created to perform such operations. Methods with different degrees of invasiveness, from cosmetic surgery, like forehead lifts and blepharoplasty, to noninvasive, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound and nonablative lasers, have been used in the field of aesthetics and skin rejuvenation. Plasma can also be used as a noninvasive, minimally invasive, or even invasive method in cosmetic applications such as removing wrinkles and strengthening the skin, that can somewhat replace cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty and rhytidectomy. By using various active species, plasma affects biological activities and increases the proliferation and transfer of skin cells. With local application of heat and an increase in proliferation and activity of fibroblasts, the production of type III collagen and elastin density in the skin increases. Plasma can be used to sublimate the skin and remove excess tissue. This article summarizes the most recent studies and clinical trials in dermatology and skin rejuvenation, in which different cold plasma sources (jet and spark) have been used, and examines their results.

Recent Developments in the Use of Plasma in Medical Applications

“…Though the field of Plasma Medicine is quite new, it continues to grow significantly, and new applications and developments are emerging. It is now an active area of research in dermatology [84], oncology [85,86], surgery [87], wound healing [88,89] and infection control [90]. Though the area is expanding, it must be noted that there remains a paucity of FDA-cleared plasma devices that can be applied in the field of Plasma Medicine.…”

Bacterial Decontamination of Water-Containing Objects Using Piezoelectric Direct Discharge Plasma and Plasma Jet

“…The variety of methods for creating plasma and the ability to vary its parameters over a wide range determine the distribution of plasma in a large number of technological fields [1]. Thus, physical plasma is already actively used in the modification of surfaces and liquids [2][3][4], the purification of gas and liquid media [5][6][7][8], the synthesis of micro-and nanomaterials [9], medicine [10][11][12][13][14], agriculture [15][16][17][18][19][20], food processing [21,22], etc., and is also planned for use in the future in areas such as energy industry (controlled fusion), space agriculture, and space medicine [23].…”

Advancements in Plasma Agriculture: A Review of Recent Studies

“…For example, this technology has proven to be a simple and low-cost approach for nanoparticle synthesis [2] or an effective surface modification agent to produce superhydrophobic and superoleophilic films for oil-water separation and self-cleaning [3]. In medicine, plasma is widely used to solve problems of creating biocompatible materials, orthopedics [4], oncology, dentistry [5], dermatology [6], etc.…”