Introducing Opus – Alma’s best-selling platform in the USA, now launching in Australia
The Alma Opus is the first fractional radiofrequency technology to enter the skin resurfacing category, and it is the only technology to operate at high-frequency (over 40MHz) to create plasma. This non-invasive platform offers results that could be attributed to the combination of CO2 laser and RF needling, without the associated risks, downtime and (expensive) consumables. These benefits, coupled with a tuneable full-face treatment time of only 10-15 minutes, makes the Alma Opus a force to be reckoned with when it comes to skin tightening and resurfacing.
How it works
Microplasma – produced through fractional unipolar radiofrequency technology – interacts with the skin to generate ablative and thermal effects, creating micro-channels in the epidermis and dermis. This technology resembles CO2 laser injury, producing ablative and thermal zones that enhance collagen and elastin production for improved outcomes – the surrounding skin remains unharmed, promoting optimal healing.
The power of two: Skin resurfacing and tightening
The Opus Plasma applicator uses high radiofrequency energy to ionise nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the air. This ionisation generates plasma sparks against the skin’s surface, creating ablative micro- channels. By controlling the amount of energy used, we can heat the skin and promote coagulation in the surrounding tissue. The treatment can be adjusted for light, moderate, or aggressive skin resurfacing, allowing for effective and versatile treatments.
There are two different tips that can be used on the Opus Plasma applicator: Firstly, the Glide tip – which has more of an ablative effect – is used with the in-motion technique for full-face/ localised area resurfacing. Secondly, the Focus tip – which has more of a thermal effect – is used for treating even more localised areas, like the peri-orbital and peri-oral areas, as well as for tracing rhytids and wrinkles. Additionally, by combining Unipolar RF technology with a detachable rotating massage ring, the UniFace applicator offers the option of a non-ablative treatment, by using dielectric heating to cause volumetric thermal damage, thus tightening the skin and improving laxity, wrinkles and rhytids.
Customisability
Using the Opus’ intuitive interface, plasma intensity can be easily adjusted in order to control ablation width; power can be adjusted to control ablation depth; and pulse duration (using the Focus tip) can be adjusted to influence exposure time. This means that skin rejuvenation treatments can be customised – from mainly ablative to mainly thermal – according to the patient’s needs.
One solution for a wide range of indications
- Resurfacing
- Tightening
- Laxity
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Facial contouring
- Texture
- Acne scars
- Atrophic scars
- Smokers’ lines
‘I CAN’T THINK OF ANY MODALITY THAT’S MORE EFFECTIVE THAN A RESURFACING PROCEDURE, OR THAT OFFERS SUCH FANTASTIC RESULTS. THE OPUS IS SPECIAL BECAUSE IT MAKES RESURFACING ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE – IT’S EASY, FAST AND SAFE TO PERFORM, WHETHER BY MYSELF OR BY MY STAFF. SO, FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE, TOO, IT IS IDEAL FOR ANY AESTHETIC CLINIC.’ – Dr Jeffrey Hsu, MD FAAD
Prof. Greg Goodman, MD FACD
In his commentary on a study conducted by Zhang et al., 1 Professor Greg Goodman remarks that ablative radiofrequency demonstrates similar efficacy to fractionated carbon dioxide resurfacing in the split-face study.2
He goes on to note that post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation was not observed in the group who were treated using radiofrequency microplasma technology, which is an important consideration when it comes to treating post-acne scarring in patients with darker skin.
Prof. Goodman also states that, Anecdotally, it is uncommon to see pigmentary abnormalities with nonfractional plasma skin resurfacing plasma skin resurfacing, and demarcation problems seem rare.
Conclusion
Results are evident after just one Alma Opus treatment, with optimal results after 2 to 3 treatments.
This – paired with minimal downtime and reduced risk of post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation – makes the Alma Opus a truly unique solution for today’s most in-demand skin treatments, delivering effective results with an excellent safety profile for all skin types.
Figure 1. Histologic evaluations of atrophic acne scarring immediately post (A) fractional microplasma radiofrequency and (B) fractionated carbon dioxide laser. Although carbon dioxide created deeper ablation, the use of fractional radiofrequency microplasma produced a larger area of surrounding and subjacent thermal damage.3
Alma Lasers, your partner in aesthetic medicine
Alma Opus is supplied by Alma Lasers Australia, a division of the global Alma Lasers group, renowned for over two decades as a pioneering force in energy- based solutions for both aesthetic and surgical sectors across 90 nations. Situated in Mascot, Sydney, the local team is dedicated to ensuring complete customer satisfaction through the delivery of consistently superior products that not only meet but surpass customer expectations, complemented by exceptional and dependable post-sales assistance. AMP
Alma Opus is distributed in Australia by Alma Lasers Australia. For more information, visit alma-lasers.com.au
References: 1. Zhang Z, Fei Y, Chen X, Lu W, et al. Comparison of a fractional micro-plasma radio-frequency technology and CO2 fractional laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a randomized split-face clinical study. Dermatol Surg 2013;39:559–66. 2. Goodman G. Commentary on ‘Comparison of a fractional micro-plasma radio-frequency technology and CO2 fractional laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a randomized split-face clinical study.’ Dermatol Surg 2013;39:567–70. 3. Figure 1. Zhang Z, Fei Y, Chen X, Lu W, et al. Comparison of a fractional micro- plasma radiofrequency technology and CO2 fractional laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a randomized split- face clinical study. [Histology] Dermatol Surg 2013;39:559–66
