Barbara Kowalczyk, FNP-BC
Board-certified nurse practitioner · Director of Medical Spa Services
Leads injectable treatment planning and has directed medical spa services at the Downers Grove practice since 2019, following an ICU nursing background.
Laser · Clarendon Hills, IL
Plasma Pen near Clarendon Hills, IL
Updated September 2026 · Independent review
Plasma Pen (fibroblast plasma therapy) creates a grid of tiny plasma arcs just above the skin to tighten and lift small, delicate areas — upper eyelids, under-eyes, and lip lines — where lasers are difficult to use. One to three sessions are typical, with visible carbon crusting for five to seven days. Near Clarendon Hills, IL, the closest practice covered on this site is Skin Med Spa at 960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, roughly 8 minutes away, where laser and skin treatments are performed by a licensed esthetician and certified laser technician.
Nearest practice
Skin Med Spa
960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Mon–Tue & Thu–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–3pm · closed Wed & Sun
Licensed esthetician / laser tech
~8 minutes from Clarendon Hills. No Clarendon Hills address exists.
How does Plasma Pen actually work?
A handheld device ionises the air a millimetre above the skin, producing a controlled micro-arc that causes immediate tissue contraction and a small superficial injury at each point. The visible dots scab and shed over about a week, and fibroblasts remodel collagen underneath over the following two to three months. The precision is the advantage: it can treat right up to the lash line, which most energy devices cannot.
Who is a good candidate for Plasma Pen?
Adults with mild to moderate crepey eyelid skin, under-eye texture, or fine lip lines, who can accommodate roughly a week of visible dots and who are not candidates for or not ready for surgery.
Who should skip it?
Deeper skin tones, where the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is meaningfully higher. Also anyone with a keloid tendency, anyone pregnant, anyone with an active infection, anyone recently on isotretinoin, and anyone unable to avoid sun for weeks.
Who should be performing it?
A licensed medical provider or advanced practitioner with device-specific training and documented periorbital experience, under physician supervision.
Plasma Pen near Clarendon Hills at a glance
| Treatment | Plasma Pen |
|---|---|
| Category | Laser |
| Who performs it | Licensed esthetician / certified laser technician |
| Sessions typically needed | One to three sessions, at least eight to twelve weeks apart. |
| Downtime | Swelling for two to three days — often significant around the eyes — and visible carbon dots that crust and shed over five to seven days. Full settling takes weeks. |
| How long results last | Two to three years for many people, longer than most non-surgical options. |
| How it is priced | Per area per session. |
| Typical market cost | Commonly $500–$1,200 per area, with upper and lower eyelids often priced separately. |
| Nearest location | 960 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 — ~8 min from Clarendon Hills |
| Financing | Cherry payment plans |
| Price published by the practice | No — request it in writing at consultation |
Cost figures are typical Chicago-area market ranges for context, not quotes from this practice.
Ask these before booking Plasma Pen
- Is my skin tone appropriate for plasma treatment, and what is my hyperpigmentation risk?
- How many periorbital plasma cases have you performed? Can I see photos of my skin type?
- How swollen will my eyes be on day two, realistically?
- What is the aftercare, and how long must I avoid sun entirely?
- Should I be seeing an oculoplastic surgeon instead for my degree of eyelid laxity?
Red flags specific to Plasma Pen
- Offered to deeper skin tones without a frank hyperpigmentation discussion
- Downtime described as minimal
- Performed by someone without periorbital training
- Presented as a substitute for blepharoplasty in advanced laxity
What patients say about Plasma Pen
Quoted verbatim from public Google, Yelp, and practice-website reviews — nothing here is written or paraphrased by us. No published review names Plasma Pen specifically yet, so these are general reviews of the practice. Across its public profile the practice shows 4.9 stars from 298 reviews.
On Atmosphere
★★★★★
"Enjoyed the event 23rd of April! Now I got to get my treatment. They are professional the spa is absolutely Beyoutiful and I'm over the moon on my experience & how my treatment came out. This spa is a class of it own. Barb & Mike and the Skin Med spa family are welcoming, absolutely professional & spa is impeccable. Will be looking forward to many more treatments with you all. As well as my whole family. Grateful, we came across each other! 5 stars across the board."
On Expertise
★★★★★
"Michael, as well as the rest of the staff are very knowledgeable and professional. The whole team is very nice! I will definitely be coming back. I would recommend this place to anyone!"
On Consultation
★★★★★
"Barbara was very thorough in explaining all types of procedures that I considered, what works best and cost. I would definitely recommend her."
On Results
★★★★★
"Barb is a magician! Absolutely love my results and looking to get more services done here. Already referred my aunt!"
On Results
★★★★★
"Very talented group, my results are much better now than when using other companies. Professional work and great products. I highly recommend this cheerful and talented group."
On Expertise
★★★★★
"Barb and Michael are wonderful, knowledgeable, and skilled. The very best of the best. Highly recommend."
Who would treat you, and what to verify
Michael Fressola, ACNP-BC
Board-certified acute care nurse practitioner
A Rush University graduate with roughly two decades in cosmetic treatments and surgery, previously a partner at a surgery center and advanced cosmetic practice.
Noelle Trost, LE
Certified laser technician & licensed esthetician
Performs laser resurfacing, hair removal, IPL, and medical-grade facial protocols.
Illinois licenses are public. Look up any provider through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before your first treatment.
Frequently asked questions — Plasma Pen near Clarendon Hills
Before you book
Get an itemized price in writing, confirm which licensed provider is treating you, and ask to see the product or device. This site takes no bookings — the practice handles all of that at (630) 541-8413.