The Portrait Laser – How it works

The Portrait Laser – How it works
  • Home
  • |
  • The Portrait Laser – How it works

The Portrait is a cosmetic device that uses plasma energy to rejuvenate skin. The Portrait is unique amongst high-tech cosmetic technology, as it triggers the regeneration of new skin. This is opposed to removing skin cells for a fresher complexion or stimulating collagen production to tighten skin.

What is plasma?

There are two types of plasma, one you have probably heard of, and one you probably haven’t.

The first kind of plasma is the sort found in your blood – the liquid in which your red and white blood cells are suspended.

The second sort of plasma is a complex chemistry experiment that results in energy production. This is the sort of plasma that the Portrait uses.

How does the Portrait exert its effect on the skin?

The special handpiece has a complex system inside it that produces an ultra high frequency (UHF – what walkie talkies use to communicate) that affects a gas (nitrogen), which then gets converted into plasma energy. Using this handpiece, the Portrait delivers millisecond pulses of this unique plasma energy to the skin.

This plasma-containing energy is then directed at the skin through a nozzle. The heat created removes damaged epidermal skin, and stimulates the dermis to produce new collagen. The dermis and epidermis start to regenerate.

Don’t believe us? Check out the science.

There are three recommended energy levels:

  1. PSR1 – low energy treatments
  2. PSR2 – high energy x 1 treatment
  3. PSR3 – high energy x 2 in the same treatment

What do the different Portrait plasma skin resurfacing settings accomplish?

All plasma skin resurfacing treatments using the Portrait at ENRICH improve fine lines, tighten skin, even out skin tone, promote smoother texture while reducing pigmented spots.

Skin tightening is more pronounced after high-energy treatments compared with low-energy treatments but comes with some downtime. Low energy treatments exert their benefits over a more extended period, without downtime.

The Portrait is one of our greatest weapons against the visible signs of ageing and isn’t associated with the same levels of downtime as, say, the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.

laser treatments for men

Benefits of Portrait plasma skin regeneration

  • Can dramatically reduce visible signs of ageing
  • Can help to correct early drooping of jowls
  • Tightens skin
  • Reduces or removes pigmentation and discolouration spots like age or sun spots
  • Improves the appearance of creases and wrinkles around nose and mouth
  • Rejuvenates the skin

What does a Portrait facial rejuvenation treatment look and feel like?

  1. Discussion and skin assessment comes first – what do you want out of your treatments?
  2. We take pre-treatment photographs so you can compare the before and afters
  3. Anaesthetic cream is applied to your face an hour prior to treatments
  4. The Portrait handpiece is applied to the skin – low energy treatments take less than 15 minutes, while high energy treatments (PSR3) take about 45 minutes

Recovery for Portrait plasma skin regeneration

Portrait facial rejuvenation treatments are well tolerated by most people, particularly the low energy treatments. How recovery looks and feels is very much dependent on whether your Portrait plasma skin regeneration treatment was low or high energy, and whether you had one or two passes at high energy.

The next day you can use make-up and shave, and you can return to normal activities that day or the following day.

There have never been any significant side effects reported from Portrait plasma skin regeneration treatments; however, some side effects can occur. If complications arise after high energy Portrait facial rejuvenation treatments, they may include excessive skin peeling, redness and swelling that lasts up to a week after treatment, and temporary hyperpigmentation. There have been circumstances where redness has remained for 6-8 weeks; however, this is very rare.

Low energy Portrait facial rejuvenation recovery

Skin will have a mild redness that lasts a few days. Flaking of skin may occur. Do not pick!

High Energy Portrait plasma skin regeneration

Higher energy Portrait plasma skin regeneration treatments cause mild/moderate redness of the skin, and the skin will turn brown and shed over the coming week or so. Do not pick! Expect to have brown skin flaking off for 7-10 days.

It’s crucial to use a high-SPF sunscreen and protect yourself physically from the sun (hats, clothing, etc.) after plasma skin resurfacing treatments.

How long until I see results from the plasma skin resurfacing and skin tightening, and how long do results last?

Results are usually visible immediately and continue to improve over time as the skin cells regenerate and collagen production ramps up. Results can continue to be seen for up to a year.

Does plasma skin resurfacing hurt?

During plasma skin resurfacing, you’ll feel some heat. You need anaesthetic, either topical or injected, and possibly some pain relief to tolerate Portrait facial rejuvenation treatments. This makes the actual treatment relatively painless. A topical anaesthetic will be applied about an hour before your treatments no matter what the energy level.

Your comfort – and positive results – are our top priority.

We are anti-ageing experts.
Contact us today to see what the Portrait can do for you

ENRICH Clinic

Please Note:

*With all surgeries or procedures, there are risks. Consult your physician (GP) before undertaking any surgical or cosmetic procedure. Please read the consent forms carefully and be informed about every aspect of your treatment. Surgeries such as liposuction have a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period to give patients adequate time to be sure of their surgery choice. Results may also vary from person to person due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Before and after photos are only relevant to the patient in the photo and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Ask questions. Our team of dermatologists, doctors and nurses are here to help you with any of your queries. This page is not advice and is intended to be informational only. We endeavour to keep all our information up to date; however, this site is intended as a guide and not a definitive information portal or in any way constitutes medical advice.

Spread the Love

Have more questions?

Request a consultation!

Request a consultation

"*" indicates required fields

Newsletter

Check out our Latest Newsletter

We talk psoriasis and see what all the fuss about Bio remodelling is.

Blog Categories

Have you tried our ENRICH skin care range?

Combining Dr Rich’s dermatological skill with his knowledge of restorative skin regimes and treatments, the ENRICH range is formulated to help maintain and complement your skin. Our signature Vitamin C Day & Night creams are now joined by a Vit A, B,&C Serum and a B5 Hyaluronic Gel, both with hydration properties and much, much more. 

Related Articles