Is Plasma Fibroblasting Painful? What to Expect During and After Treatment

Key Takeaways

• Plasma fibroblasting is a non-surgical treatment focused on skin tightening.
• The procedure involves the use of a handheld device to enhance skin elasticity.
• Many clients question the level of discomfort during and after the treatment.
• Understanding sensations experienced can help manage expectations.
• Proper aftercare is essential for promoting recovery and minimising irritation.

Why Plasma Fibroblasting Can Feel Uncomfortable

Plasma fibroblasting can cause mild to moderate discomfort during treatment, similar to a warm or sunburn-like sensation. The level of pain depends on skin sensitivity, treatment area, and intensity. Topical numbing creams are often applied to minimise discomfort. Afterward, slight redness or tingling may persist as part of the skin’s natural healing process.

What Causes Sensation During Plasma Fibroblast Treatment

During fibroblast therapy, the procedure uses small electrical arcs to create controlled micro-burns on the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate collagen production, improving wrinkle reduction and scar appearance over time.

Because the treatment interacts directly with nerve endings, it can cause mild, temporary discomfort. Though non-invasive, the skin’s response varies from person to person depending on sensitivity, hydration, and overall aesthetics goals.

Why Some Areas Feel More Intense Than Others

Certain cosmetic treatment areas naturally feel more sensitive due to nerve density and thinner skin. The regions around the eyes and lips often experience stronger sensations because they contain more delicate tissue.

These high-sensitivity zones may react more noticeably during plasma fibroblast procedures, especially when treating fine lines or mild sag. Understanding these responses helps set expectations for comfort levels throughout your session.

What Plasma Fibroblasting Feels Like During Treatment

As you prepare for your fibroblast plasma treatment, knowing what to expect during treatment can ease your concerns. Many clients report varied sensations as the treatment progresses, which include heat, prickling, and stinging.

These common sensations occur due to the device working on the skin's surface, stimulating collagen production and enhancing skin elasticity.

Common Sensations: Heat, Prickling, and Stinging

During plasma fibroblast therapy, patients often describe mild sensations of heat or prickling as the plasma pen treatment interacts with the outermost skin layer. The gentle electric current helps tighten the skin by stimulating new collagen and skin cell regeneration.

A brief stinging feeling may occur, especially in delicate areas like around the eyes and mouth. These sensations are temporary and subside quickly once the fibroblast treatment is complete, making it a safe treatment for most Fitzpatrick skin types.

How Long the Treatment Sensation Usually Lasts

The sensations felt during fibroblast skin tightening treatments typically last only while the device is active on the surface of the skin. Once the procedure ends, warmth and tingling fade within minutes, leaving a mild residual sensitivity, while plasma fibroblast results over time continue to develop beneath the skin.

As wound healing begins, most patients feel comfortable soon after one treatment, with the skin entering its healing phase naturally. Following treatment, mild warmth indicates ongoing collagen activity, contributing to gradual tightening and visible plasma fibroblast results over time.

Is Plasma Fibroblasting Painful During the Procedure

Many individuals experience a range of sensations during the treatment. The pain level largely depends on various factors such as the client's pain tolerance, skin type, and the specific treatment area being addressed. 

Generally, the majority of clients find the procedure manageable.

How Numbing Cream and Cooling Reduce Discomfort

Before plasma fibroblast treatment, practitioners apply a strong topical numbing cream to reduce pain and sensitivity. This cream blocks nerve signals temporarily, dulling the tingling or warmth often felt during the procedure. Some clinics also use cooling devices or chilled air to soothe the skin, creating a more comfortable experience throughout the session.

Together, numbing and cooling help minimise the stinging sensation from plasma arcs and make the treatment more tolerable. Once the session ends, cooling gels or ice packs may be applied to calm the skin and support the body’s natural healing process.

What Affects Pain Levels (Area Treated, Intensity, Skin Sensitivity)

Pain during plasma fibroblast treatment varies based on skin type and procedure factors.

Key factors that influence discomfort include:

• Treatment area: Sensitive zones like eyelids, upper lip, or neck feel more intense.
• Skin sensitivity: Reactive or thin skin increases discomfort.
• Hydration: Well-hydrated skin tolerates treatment better.
• Energy level: Higher settings create stronger sensations.
• Practitioner skill: Experienced control helps maintain comfort.

What to Expect After Plasma Fibroblast Treatment

After plasma fibroblast treatment, you may notice a variety of sensations as part of the healing processes. Common experiences include tightness, a feeling of heat, and the development of small scabs on the treated areas.

These symptoms are entirely normal and are often mistaken for negative effects of plasma fibroblast treatment, when in reality they indicate your skin is adapting and healing post-procedure.

Tightness, Heat, and Scabbing During Early Healing

After a plasma fibroblast session, it’s normal to experience tightness as the skin begins to contract and rebuild collagen and elastin. A mild heat or warmth in the treated area may follow, showing that your body’s natural healing process is active. Small scabs can appear within a few days, protecting new skin forming underneath while sealing the micro-injuries created during treatment.

These reactions are temporary but essential for recovery. Avoid picking or disturbing the scabs to prevent scarring and allow smooth skin regeneration. As the scabs naturally fall off, the new skin will appear pinkish and gradually blend with your natural tone.

How Long Tenderness, Redness, and Sensitivity Can Last

Mild tenderness and redness are typical within the first week after plasma fibroblast skin tightening treatment. Most clients find that these symptoms ease as the healing process progresses, though very sensitive areas, like around the eyes or lips, may take a bit longer to calm.

Residual sensitivity can persist for a few weeks as collagen remodeling continues beneath the surface. Experts at the Institute of Medical Physics have found that improvements in texture, tone, and tightness usually become noticeable between 8 and 12 weeks, signaling effective treatment results and restoring skin balance.

How to Reduce Discomfort Before and After Plasma Fibroblasting

Proper preparation and aftercare are crucial for ensuring a smoother experience with plasma fibroblasting. By following the right strategies, you can effectively reduce discomfort and enhance the healing process.

Pre-Treatment Prep That Helps Reduce Irritation

Proper prep before plasma fibroblast treatment helps prevent irritation and ensures smoother healing. Simple steps can make your skin less reactive during the procedure.

Follow these quick pre-treatment tips:

• Avoid sun exposure: Keep skin protected for a few days before treatment.
• Pause certain meds: Skip blood thinners or retinoids if advised by your doctor.
• Stay hydrated: Drink enough water for stronger, more resilient skin.
• Avoid harsh products: Don’t use exfoliants or acids before your appointment.

Aftercare Steps That Calm the Skin and Prevent Complications

Following proper aftercare ensures smoother healing and reduces the risk of irritation or infection after plasma fibroblast treatment. A gentle routine helps calm the skin and speed recovery.

Here are the key aftercare steps to follow:

• Keep the area clean and dry: Gently cleanse without rubbing or scrubbing.
• Avoid heat and sweating: Skip workouts or saunas for a few days.
• Do not pick scabs: Let them fall off naturally to prevent scarring.
• Use soothing products: Apply only approved healing creams or gels.
• Follow your practitioner’s advice: Stick to personalised care for best results.

Comparing Discomfort: Plasma Fibroblast vs Other Treatments

When looking into the treatment sensation comparison between plasma fibroblast, RF microneedling, and laser therapies, discomfort levels can vary significantly. While all methods involve some discomfort, many patients report that plasma fibroblast has less downtime. 

Plasma Fibroblast vs RF Microneedling vs Laser: Sensation and Downtime

Different skin rejuvenation treatments create varying sensations and recovery times depending on their method and intensity. Comparing them helps you understand which best suits your comfort and healing preferences.

Here’s a quick comparison of Plasma Fibroblast, RF Microneedling, and Laser treatments:

• Plasma fibroblast: The procedure typically feels warm or slightly stinging as plasma arcs stimulate fibroblast activity, has a moderate to high intensity level, involves around 5 to 10 days of downtime with mild scabbing and redness, and effectively tightens skin while reducing wrinkles.
• RF microneedling: This treatment causes a mild prickling or heat sensation from microneedles delivering RF energy, is low to moderate in intensity, requires about 1 to 3 days of downtime with minor redness or swelling, and boosts collagen with minimal surface damage.
• Laser treatments: Sensations vary by laser type and depth but often feel like heat or snapping, downtime typically ranges from 7 to 14 days with possible peeling or redness, and the key benefit is improved skin tone, texture, and pigmentation.

Why Pain Experience Varies (And What “Normal” Feels Like)

The sensation you feel during plasma fibroblast treatment can vary based on skin type, hydration, and individual pain threshold. Areas with thinner or more delicate skin, like around the eyes, tend to feel more sensitive compared to thicker regions such as the cheeks or forehead.

“Normal” discomfort usually feels like mild warmth, tingling, or a sunburn-like sensation as the plasma energy stimulates collagen and elastin. These reactions are short-lived and part of the body’s natural healing process, signaling that the treatment is working effectively.

Who May Experience More Sensitivity During Plasma Fibroblasting

People with thinner or more delicate skin, such as around the eyes or lips, tend to experience greater sensitivity during plasma fibroblasting. Higher nerve density in these regions amplifies sensation during plasma energy exposure. 

Individuals with dehydrated skin or lower pain thresholds may also feel increased discomfort.

Sensitive Skin, Reactive Skin, and Hormonal Fluctuations

Skin type and hormonal factors can affect how your skin responds during plasma fibroblasting. Communicating these details with your practitioner helps ensure safer, more comfortable results.

Here’s how each factor influences sensitivity:

• Sensitive skin: Feels stronger warmth and tightness, often needing gentler settings.
• Reactive skin: Shows redness or swelling faster after treatment.
• Hormonal changes: Increase pain sensitivity and may slow healing slightly.

When to Discuss Comfort Options With Your Practitioner

Discussing comfort options with your practitioner ensures a smoother and more relaxed plasma fibroblast experience. Being open about your skin sensitivity or anxiety helps them tailor pain management methods.

Here’s when to bring it up:

• Before the session: Share any concerns or past skin reactions during your consultation.
• If you have low pain tolerance: Ask about numbing creams or cooling options.
• For sensitive areas: Request adjustments in energy levels or pacing.
• After treatment: Seek soothing aftercare advice for faster, more comfortable recovery.

When should I discuss comfort options with my practitioner?

It's advisable to communicate any concerns regarding discomfort before the procedure so your practitioner can tailor comfort solutions to enhance your treatment experience.

Here’s when and why you should discuss comfort options with your practitioner:

• Before the treatment: Share any discomfort concerns or low pain tolerance during your consultation.
• If you have sensitive skin: Let your practitioner know so they can adjust energy levels or treatment zones.
• To explore comfort aids: Ask about numbing creams, cooling methods, or soothing gels.
• Before multiple sessions: Review your previous experience to refine comfort measures for next time.

Before You Go

Plasma fibroblast therapy offers a powerful, non-surgical way to tighten and rejuvenate skin by stimulating natural collagen and elastin production. When performed by experienced professionals, it delivers visible improvements in texture, firmness, and fine lines with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.

If you’re considering plasma fibroblast treatment, ensure your provider follows strict medical protocols, uses FDA-approved equipment, and provides personalised care to match your skin type and goals. Proper consultation, preparation, and aftercare are key to achieving safe and effective outcomes.

About the Institute of Medical Physics

The Institute of Medical Physics is a leading center specialising in scientifically backed aesthetic and dermatological treatments. Our team integrates advanced plasma fibroblast, RF microneedling, and laser technologies to deliver precision-driven, safe, and effective skin rejuvenation.

Under the guidance of Dr. Emanuel Paleco, each treatment plan is tailored to individual needs, ensuring optimal results and patient confidence. From tightening and resurfacing to scar correction and collagen restoration, every procedure at IMP reflects a commitment to medical excellence, long-term results, and natural skin health.

Book your consultation today with Dr. Emanuel Paleco and experience evidence-based aesthetic care at the Institute of Medical Physics.