Provide rejuvenation of the skin using a plasma device

​This standard coexists alongside, SKANSC1.2: Implement and maintain safe, hygienic and effective working practices during elective non-surgical cosmetic procedures and SKANSC2.2: Consult, assess, plan and prepare for elective non-surgical cosmetic procedures within the working environment. This standard is for advanced aesthetic practitioners using a plasma device to rejuvenate the skin and reduce or remove skin imperfections and mild pigmentary conditions. You will also be required to do a post procedure evaluation and reflection for continuous improvement. The aesthetic practitioner must have a First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent, and be able to carry out the functions within SFHCHS36: Basic life support, and have access to life support equipment as identified in the complication management plan. Users of this standard will need to ensure that their practices reflect up-to-date information, policies, procedures and best practice guidance.

1. carry out a concise and comprehensive consultation with the individual
2. maintain your responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with legislation, regulations, directives and guidelines
3. discuss and establish the individual’s objectives, concerns, expectations and desired outcomes to inform the plasma device procedure plan, to include:

3.1 alternative treatment options

3.2 skin classification and skin characteristics

3.3 preparatory skin priming programme
4. discuss and agree the pain management strategy, considering the individual's tolerance level, in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policies and procedures
5. confirm and agree with the individual, they have understood the proposed plasma device procedure and pain management, to include:
5.1 contra-actions

5.2 adverse reactions
6. obtain and record the individual’s informed consent for the plasma device procedure and pain management, allowing an adequate time scale for the individual to make an informed choice

7. select an effective hygiene preparation product to meet the individual’s needs, in accordance with the manufacturer instructions
8. prepare the individual’s treatment area according to the plasma device procedure protocol and pain management strategy, to include:
   8.1 ensuring the skin is clean and dry prior to the plasma device procedure
9. prepare the plasma device and single use sterile probe, and select the intensity and mode to be used in accordance with the skin classification, characteristics, the individual’s objectives and the individual’s treatment area
10. mark out pre-procedure markings to outline targeted areas
11. carry out the plasma device procedure in accordance with the plasma device procedure protocol, to include:
    11.1 stabilising the plasma device to ensure the plasma device does not come in direct contact with the skin

11.2 adapting techniques to meet the individual’s needs

11.3 even coverage of the treatment area

11.4 ensuring sufficient spacing
12. monitor the individual’s health, wellbeing and skin reaction throughout the plasma device procedure
13. implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction
14. conclude the procedure in accordance with the plasma device procedure protocol, legislative requirements and organisational policies and procedures
15. take and store consensual visual media of the individual’s treatment area in accordance with insurance requirements, organisational policies and procedures
16. complete the individual's plasma device procedure record and store in accordance with data legislation
17. use reflective practice to evaluate the plasma device procedure and take appropriate action
18. provide instructions and advice given to the individual pre and post procedure
19. record the outcome and evaluation of the plasma device procedure to agree and inform future procedures
20. discuss and agree future procedures with the individual

1. the importance of collaboration with competent professionals to support effective and safe working practices
2. your role and responsibilities in providing plasma device procedures and the importance of working within your competence
3. why you must comply with ethical practice and work within the legislative requirements, to include:

3.1 the responsibilities under local authority licensing regulations for yourself and your premises
4. the importance to engage in, and document continuous professional development to include, up-to-date information policies, procedures and best practice guidance
5. the anatomy and physiology relevant to this standard
6. the relative and absolute contraindications relevant to plasma device procedures, to include:
6.1 the legislative and insurance requirements for obtaining medical diagnosis and referral

6.2 how and when to communicate and/or refer to other non-healthcare and health care professionals
7. the importance of recognising suspicious skin irregularities and lesions, and referring to a relevant healthcare professional
8. why and how keloid scarring occurs and why it contraindicates a plasma device procedure
9. how a plasma device procedure can cause pigmentation disorders, to include:
9.1 the reasons why the individual must protect the skin with a sun protection factor product during the healing process
10. the chronological skin ageing process and the relationship to intrinsic and extrinsic factors
11. the composition and function of a plasma device
12. how to prepare and use the plasma device and electrode probe in accordance with the skin classification, characteristics, the individual’s objectives and the individual’s treatment area, to include:
12.1 how to load the single use sterile electrode probe safely
13. how to carry out the plasma device procedure in accordance with the plasma device procedure protocol, to include:
13.1 mark out pre-procedure markings to outline targeted areas

13.2 stabilising the plasma device to ensure the plasma device does not come in contact with the skin

13.3 the reasons for leaving safe distance between the electrode probe and the skin when in use, in accordance within manufacturer instructions

13.4 adapting techniques to meet the individual’s needs

13.5 even coverage of the treatment area

13.6 ensuring sufficient spacing
14. the sourcing, storage, handling, usage and disposal of the plasma device equipment in accordance with the manufacturer instructions and legislative requirements
15. the importance of considering individual's physical and psychological wellbeing for the plasma device procedure
16. the types of pain management and associated risks
17. the legislative requirements and restrictions for sourcing, storing and using licensed topical anaesthetics
18. the adverse reactions associated with a plasma device procedure and how to respond
19. the health and safety responsibilities in line with legislation before, during and after the plasma device procedure

20. why it is important to discuss and establish the individual’s objectives, concerns, expectations, desired outcomes and agree the plasma device procedure plan
21. the importance of using visual aids to inform the individual of the physical effects
22. the fee structures and treatment options
23. the legislative and indemnity requirements of gaining signed, informed consent for the plasma device procedure and pain management
24. the importance of adhering to the plasma device procedure protocol
25. the types of hygiene products for the skin and the importance of following manufacturer instructions
26. why the skin must be clean and dry prior to a plasma device procedure
27. the reasons for working systematically to cover the individual’s treatment area and in accordance with the plasma device procedure protocol
    29.the importance of monitoring the health and wellbeing of the individual during, and post the procedure
28. how to implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction
29. the post procedure products that enhance healing and restorative results
30. the reasons for taking consensual visual media of the individual's treatment area and storing in accordance with the service, legislative, insurance and organisational requirements
31. the legislative and regulatory requirements of completing and storing the individual’s plasma device procedure records
32. the expected outcomes of an plasma device procedure
33. the purpose of reflective practice and evaluation and how it informs future procedures
34. the importance to record the outcome and evaluation of the plasma device procedure
35. the instructions and advice, pre and post the plasma device procedure

Skin classification

1. Fitzpatrick scale
2. Glogau photo-damage
3. Lancer scale
4. Phenotype and genotype

Skin characteristics

1. skin sensitivity
2. skin condition
3. skin density

Adverse reactions

1. hyperaemia
2. wounds
3. atrophic scarring
4. keloid scarring
5. trans-epidermal water loss
6. excessive bruising
7. irritation
8. pigmentary disorders
9. allergic reaction
10. compromised healing process
11. dizziness
12. fainting

Plasma device procedure protocol

1. working environment
2. health and safety
3. risk management plan
4. infection prevention and control
5. complication management
6. procedure plan
7. informed consent
8. data management
9. manufacturer instructions
10. test outcomes
11. audit and accountability
12. instructions and advice
13. sustainability
14. waste management
15. evidence-based practice
16. reflective practice

Anatomy and physiology

1. the structure and function of the body systems and their interdependence on each other
2. relative and absolute contraindications and pathologies
3. the ageing process of the skin including the effects of genetics, lifestyle and environment
4. the compromised skin barrier function and skin regeneration processes
5. the process of collagen and elastin synthesis including fibroblastic stimulation
6. the variances and location of skin thickness and adipose tissue

Visual aids

1. illustrative images
2. illustrative diagrams

Instructions

1. the individual and aesthetic practitioner's legal rights and responsibilities
2. complication management
3. post procedure expectations and associated time frames
4. pre and post procedure instructions and care
5. restrictions and associated risks
6. future procedures
7. complaints procedure or concerns protocol

Absolute contraindication

An absolute contraindication is a condition that prevents the service from being carried out and may require referral.

Adverse reactionAn adverse reaction is an 'unexpected' reaction or outcome following a service, i.e. fainting

Anatomy and Physiology

How the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, excretory, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems interact with each other and how they impact the individual, service and outcomes.

Contra actionA contra-action is an 'expected' reaction or outcome following a service, i.e. erythema

Evidence-based practice

Evidence-based practice is based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence.

First aid

First aid can refer to first aid at work qualifications or equivalent and first aid mental health awareness.

Plasma device

A plasma device is used with an electrode probe that produces a hot ionized gas consisting of equal numbers of positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons. The characteristics of plasma are considered significantly different from those of neutral gases so the plasma are considered a distinct "fourth state of matter"

Protocol

A protocol is a standard procedure to ensure best practice and compliance when providing services, i.e. follow manufacturer's instructions.

Relative contraindication

A relative contraindication is a condition that requires an assessment of suitability for the service and/or if adaptions are required.

Skin barrier function

The renewable, biochemical barrier that shields our internal systems from environmental aggressors and pathogens, and helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss. Composed of cornified cells, natural moisturizing factors, barrier lipids and the skin microbiome.

Skin priming programme

Skin priming programme, are a set of instructions the individual can do prior to the treatment to achieve the best results.

Visual media

Visual media is evidence generated through photography or video.

​SKANSC1.2, SKANSC2.2, SKANSC10, SKANSC12, SKANSC13