Plasma Jet versus Electrocarbonization in the Treatment of Wrinkles of the Upper Palpebral Region.

[BACKGROUND] The plasma jet is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure that acts by heating the superficial region of the skin, providing rejuvenation of the region.

[OBJECTIVE] We sought to compare the clinical and histological effects of direct plasma jet versus electrocarbonization without plasma in the treatment of wrinkles in the upper palpebral region.

[METHODS] This is a clinical trial in which 20 volunteers participated and divided into two groups: electrocarbonization (EG) and plasma jet (JPG), which were clinically evaluated before and after treatment through evaluation protocols, photographs, and questionnaires. Three treatment sessions were performed in the upper eyelid region with an interval of 30 days. After the treatment, a surgical procedure of upper blepharoplasty was performed on two volunteers to remove a skin fragment and later histological analysis.

[RESULTS] The JPG showed better clinical responses in rejuvenation. The EG promoted an increase in the number of fibroblasts, the number of blood vessels and the amount of inflammation. The JPG showed an increase in the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels. It was observed that the JPG generated activation of T lymphocytes (CD3), macrophages (CD68), and plasmocytes (CD138); in addition to reducing the number of positive cells for CD57 (NK cells). The satisfaction analysis shows that 100 percent in the JPG considered themselves satisfied with the treatment.

[CONCLUSION] We verified that in comparison with electrocarbonization, the use of a direct plasma jet promoted tissue improvement at the histological level, in addition to fewer adverse reactions.