For patients in South Africa

Plasma Skin Treatment in Turkey from South Africa: what to expect from healing

Non-invasive plasma therapy uses a device that forms a tiny electrical arc between its tip and the skin, creating plasma energy. Small pulses cause controlled micro-injuries in the upper skin layers, and the skin’s healing response is used to encourage collagen and elastin.

What the treatment is used for

• Fine lines and wrinkles, including forehead lines and crow’s feet
• Mild skin laxity on the face and neck
• Upper eyelid hooding, as a non-surgical option
• Nasolabial folds
• Acne scars, stretch marks and uneven texture, including on the abdomen

Read more on the non-invasive plasma therapy page. Related options are in our skin treatments guide for South African patients, and if eyelid or facial ageing is more advanced, our facial surgery guide explains the surgical route.

Who it may suit

It is offered to people in good general health with mild to moderate laxity or fine lines, who prefer a minimally invasive approach and have realistic expectations. A practitioner assesses your skin first and chooses the settings; people with sensitive skin types face a higher risk of pigmentation change. Results vary from person to person. This is a cosmetic treatment, and it is not a substitute for medical care from your own doctor.

How a session goes

The area is cleansed and a numbing cream may be applied. The practitioner then places small pulses of plasma energy across the area. The session lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the area. Plasma therapy can sometimes be combined with other non-surgical skin treatments.

Healing, and timing your flight

Expect redness, mild swelling, small crusts or dots, and temporary sensitivity. The crusts usually fall away within several days and most redness improves within about a week, though recovery varies with treatment intensity and area. Ask the practitioner how long to stay before flying, and plan for visible healing during the journey home.

During healing, avoid direct sun, do not pick or scratch the treated skin, keep it clean and hydrated, and use the recommended products. South African sun is strong, so follow the sun-protection advice closely after you return.

Results and risks

Some improvement may appear within weeks, and firmness can continue to change over several months as collagen builds. The number of sessions depends on the area and the outcome you want. Possible side effects include temporary redness and swelling, irritation, mild scabbing and hyperpigmentation in sensitive skin types.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Is the trip worth it? Flying from South Africa only for a short non-surgical session is hard to justify. Plasma skin treatment usually makes sense added to another treatment you already plan in İzmir
• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans need an e-Visa, applied for online before travel; see our e-Visa guide
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa
• Cover: South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective cosmetic treatment abroad, so check with your scheme; standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment too

Back home in South Africa

Before you fly, ask for a written note of the areas treated, the date and the aftercare products you were given for your doctor or dermatologist at home. If anything worries you after you return, send photographs to the team in İzmir first.

Our treatment guarantee covers medical complications arising from the treatment for one year, and any revision that becomes clinically necessary; agreed repair treatment is carried out in İzmir at no charge, while flights and accommodation remain your own cost. It does not cover preferring a different look within what was discussed beforehand. Clinic details are on clinic facts, and how problems are handled is set out on our complaints page.

What we will not do

We will not present plasma treatment as a replacement for eyelid or facial surgery when your skin needs more, we will not treat before a practitioner has assessed your skin type, and we will not promise a particular result.

Frequently asked questions

Is plasma skin treatment painful?

A numbing cream is usually applied before treatment to keep discomfort low.

How long does healing take after plasma treatment?

Small crusts usually fall away within several days, and most redness improves within about a week. It varies with the intensity and the area treated.

Can plasma treatment replace eyelid surgery?

No. It may help mild laxity, but it does not replace surgery for more advanced ageing.

What decides the cost of plasma skin treatment?

The areas treated, the number of sessions, and whether it is combined with other treatment during your stay. A firm quote follows an assessment.

Will my medical aid cover plasma treatment in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic treatment abroad. Check with your scheme before you plan anything.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.