OPUS Plasma

OPUS Plasma is a skin resurfacing treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, enlarged pores and acne scarring. It renews the skin's surface and encourages new collagen beneath it, with considerably less downtime than a traditional resurfacing laser. We offer OPUS Plasma at our physician-led med spa in Downers Grove, and see patients from across DuPage County and the western suburbs of Chicago.

How OPUS Plasma works

The OPUS handpiece uses radiofrequency energy to create tiny points of plasma just above the skin. Each one makes a microscopic treatment zone, while the untouched skin between them helps the area heal quickly. As the skin repairs itself it produces fresh collagen and elastin, so texture and tone keep improving for several weeks after each session.

The intensity is adjustable. A lighter pass refreshes tone and texture with a short recovery, while a stronger setting reaches deeper for established lines and scarring. We choose the settings for your skin and for the amount of downtime you can fit into your schedule.

What OPUS Plasma treats

• Fine lines and wrinkles, including the lines around the eyes and mouth.
• Uneven texture and enlarged pores, for skin that looks and feels smoother.
• Acne scars, which soften as new collagen forms beneath them.
• Sun damage and dull tone, the result of years of Midwest summers.
• Early laxity and crepey skin, particularly on the lower eyelids and neck.

Areas we treat

OPUS Plasma can be used across the full face, including areas that are harder to treat with other devices, such as the skin around the eyes and mouth. The neck is a common addition, since it often shows the same signs of aging as the face.

Is OPUS Plasma right for you?

OPUS Plasma suits most adults who want a visible improvement in lines, texture or scarring but cannot take the week or two away from work that a traditional resurfacing laser can require. Because it works with radiofrequency energy rather than light, it depends less on skin pigment than many lasers do. We still assess every skin tone individually and adjust the settings to match.

We will ask you to wait, or suggest a different treatment, if you:

• are pregnant;
• have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device;
• have an active cold sore, infection or irritated skin in the area;
• have taken isotretinoin recently;
• have a sunburn or a recent tan.

If you get cold sores, tell us at your consultation. Resurfacing can trigger an outbreak, and we can plan for that before your treatment.

What to expect

Before your appointment

• Stay out of the sun and skip self-tanner for about two weeks beforehand.
• Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for several days before treatment. We will confirm exactly which products to stop.
• Arrive with clean skin, without makeup if you can.

During treatment

• Comfort: a topical numbing cream is applied before treatment. Most people feel warmth and a prickling sensation as the handpiece passes over the skin.
• Treatment time: the treatment itself takes well under an hour for the full face. Allow extra time for the numbing cream to work.

Recovery and aftercare

• Downtime: expect redness and some swelling for a day or two, followed by tiny dots of fine crusting that flake away over the next several days.
• Skin care: use a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturizer while the skin heals, and let the crusting come away on its own.
• Sun protection: keep the treated skin out of the sun and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day once we tell you it is safe to apply.
• Activity: skip hot yoga, saunas and hard workouts for the first couple of days.

Results

Many people see an improvement after one treatment; a series of two or three, spaced a few weeks apart, is commonly recommended. Skin often looks fresher once the crusting clears, and firmness and texture continue to improve over the following weeks as new collagen forms. Results vary from person to person, and we will tell you honestly what to expect for your skin.

OPUS Plasma compared with other resurfacing treatments

We offer several ways to improve skin texture, and part of your consultation is deciding which one fits. Microneedling and chemical peels are gentler options with very little recovery, well suited to maintenance and early changes. OPUS Plasma goes further for etched lines, acne scarring and crepey skin, in exchange for a few days of visible healing. The treatments can also be combined over the course of a year.

The best time of year for resurfacing in the Chicago area

Freshly resurfaced skin is sensitive to the sun, which is why fall and winter are the most popular seasons for skin resurfacing. Shorter days and cooler weather make sun avoidance easy, and a series started in the fall is finished well before summer. Treatment in spring and summer is still possible with careful sun protection.

If you are preparing for a wedding, reunion or photographs, plan your last session at least a few weeks ahead so that any redness has fully settled.

OPUS Plasma in Downers Grove and the western suburbs

Metamorphosis Med Spa is at 3825 Highland Ave, Suite 5G, in Tower One of the professional building at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. We are on Highland Avenue a short distance south of I-88 and close to I-355, which makes us an easy drive from Lombard, Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Naperville as well as from neighboring Westmont and Lisle. See the full list of communities we serve, or visit our contact page for a map, directions and opening hours.

We are a physician-led practice, with weekday and Saturday-morning appointments. Consultations are complimentary; call 630.968.1100 to book yours.

Frequently asked questions

Does OPUS Plasma hurt?

Numbing cream takes the edge off. Most people describe warmth and prickling during treatment, and a sunburn-like feeling for a few hours afterwards.

How long is the downtime?

Plan for a day or two of redness and mild swelling, then several days of fine, dot-like crusting as the skin renews. Many people time their treatment for the end of the working week.

Is OPUS Plasma a laser?

No. It uses radiofrequency energy to create plasma rather than laser light, although it treats many of the same concerns as a fractional resurfacing laser.

How many treatments will I need?

That depends on your skin and your goals. A series of two or three is common, and acne scarring may need more.

How much does OPUS Plasma cost?

Cost depends on the area treated and the number of sessions. We will give you a clear quote at your consultation, and payment plans are available.

Looking to improve skin on the body, such as stretch marks or crepey skin on the arms? See OPUS Plasma for the body.