Keywords: OPUS Plasma, collagen treatments, next-level anti-aging
By Dr. Jenkins Clarkson | Physician-led care at Ageless Perfection Medical Aesthetics, Powell, WY
If you and I were sitting together in my treatment room—jackets on the chair, a little wind in our hair from the walk in—you might say something I hear often around the New Year:
“I’ve done Botox and a little filler. I like the results… but what’s next if I want to keep aging well?”
First, I’m glad you asked. Botox and filler are excellent tools. They soften expression lines and replace lost volume—the dynamic movement and the structural scaffolding. But they don’t fully address skin quality, and skin quality is what most of us notice in the mirror when we say, “I look tired,” or “My skin doesn’t have the same glow.”
If you want a next step that truly moves the needle on skin health and longevity, we start talking about collagen—how to protect it, and how to encourage your body to rebuild it. This is where OPUS Plasma resurfacing, microneedling, and medical-grade skincare become the foundation for long-term, natural-looking results.
Let’s walk through what that means, in plain English, the way I’d explain it during a check-in visit—no hard sell, just honest guidance from a physician who’s been doing this a long time and truly cares that you feel at home in your skin.
Why “Next-Level” Anti-Aging Means Focusing on Skin Quality
Think of your face like a well-built home. Filler restores framing in areas that have thinned or settled. Botox/Dysport quiets the hinges so they don’t squeak with every movement. Those are important. But the walls and paint—the texture, tone, pores, fine lines, and elasticity—are your skin.
As we get older, our collagen and elastin decline. The surface slowly loses spring and density, a bit like a balloon that’s been slowly deflating. Light doesn’t reflect as evenly. Fine lines start to hold their shape even at rest. Pores look larger. Makeup doesn’t sit quite right. You still “look like you,” but a little duller and more weathered.
Here in Wyoming—with dry air, wind, reflective snow, and a good bit of sun exposure—skin quality can shift faster. Botox and filler can’t restore that bounce or tighten the “fabric.” That’s where collagen-building treatments come in.
Meet OPUS Plasma: A Smart Path to Smoother, Firmer Skin
If you want a meaningful step beyond injectables, OPUS Plasma is usually the most efficient, reliable way to improve texture, fine lines, crepiness, and mild laxity—with less downtime than traditional CO₂ lasers.
What OPUS Plasma does (in everyday terms)
OPUS uses fractional plasma energy with radiofrequency to create tiny, precise micro-thermal points in the skin. Those controlled “injuries” do two things:
- Immediate refinement of rough or weathered texture (think: polishing the surface).
- Long-term stimulation of collagen and elastin down below (think: restitching the mesh).
It’s selective, so we can dial it in: light for a glow-up, moderate for fine lines, or more assertive for etched lines and roughness.
What areas improve
- Fine lines around the eyes and cheeks
- Crepey skin under the eyes and lower face
- Texture and pores across the nose–cheek junction
- Weathered lip lines (when paired thoughtfully with neuromodulators)
- Neck and décolleté texture (with expectations set honestly—neck needs patience)
What the process feels like
We numb for comfort. You’ll feel warmth and quick, zippy “snaps.” Most people say, “easier than I expected.” Expect redness for 24–48 hours, then a sandpapery feel for a few days. Makeup typically looks fine by day 2–3 for light to moderate settings.
How many sessions & when you’ll see results
I usually recommend a series of 2–3 sessions, each 4–6 weeks apart. You’ll see a glow and smoother feel after the first one, but the real change builds as your body lays down new collagen over 8–12 weeks. That’s the sustainable part.
Why I like OPUS as a “next step”
It addresses what Botox and filler don’t: skin quality. And because we can control the intensity, I can match the treatment to your calendar, comfort, and goals—a big plus in busy seasons.
Microneedling: Aerating the Lawn for Healthier Growth
I often pair OPUS with microneedling—or alternate them—depending on your skin and schedule. Microneedling creates micro-channels that prompt the skin to repair and rebuild, similar to aerating your lawn so new growth comes in thicker and healthier.
What microneedling helps
- Fine lines and mild scars
- Dullness and rough texture
- Pore appearance (especially cheek–nose junction)
- Gentle firming over time
Downtime & plan
With topical numbing, it’s quite tolerable. Plan for 1–2 days of pinkness, maybe a subtle roughness for a few more. A series of 3, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, works well for most. We can add growth-factor serums post-treatment to support healthy remodeling.
Why microneedling still matters after injectables
Because injectables don’t teach the skin to behave younger. Microneedling nudges your biology in that direction—in a controlled, physician-guided way.
Where Skincare Fits (and Why It’s Not Optional)
If you’re investing in collagen treatments, a serious medical-grade skincare plan is non-negotiable. It protects your results and keeps the “balloon” filled as long as possible. I personally like Alastin protocols because they support healthy remodeling and barrier function—two things Wyoming skin needs.
Core components I recommend
- Daily mineral sunscreen (yes, winter counts—snow glare is real).
- Retinol (night): gentle but consistent remodeling over months.
- Peptides/antioxidants (day): protect the new collagen you worked for.
- Barrier support: rich, intelligent moisture so the skin can recover and retain water.
- Procedure support: products designed to prep skin before OPUS/microneedling and calm inflammation after.
Think of skincare as the maintenance routine for your truck: oil changes, tire pressure, windshield wipers. If you skip those, even a great engine won’t save you in a storm.
Building a Thoughtful “Beyond Botox & Filler” Plan
Botox/Dysport and filler are still part of the picture. We just shift from those being the only tools to being part of a layered strategy that includes collagen work. Here’s how I typically stage it:
Step 1: Map the face (and your lifestyle)
We talk about the basics: your routine, your calendar (events, travel, outdoor time), and your comfort with downtime. I examine how your skin reflects light, where lines live at rest vs. in motion, pore patterning, and areas of thinning or slack. We set honest goals that fit your reality.
Step 2: Get the movement right
We keep Botox/Dysport in the plan to dial down the repetitive creasing that etches lines deeper. Conservative, natural dosing is still the rule—especially if we’re also resurfacing.
Step 3: Support the structure
If you’ve already done filler, we make small, strategic adjustments only where they matter. If you haven’t, we use it like scaffolding—to support deflated areas—always light-handed, always proportionate.
Step 4: Build collagen (the real “next level”)
We choose OPUS Plasma, microneedling, or a combination, based on your skin and timing. Two or three sessions as a series is a sensible start. We schedule with Wyoming seasons in mind: winter is excellent for a bit more intensity because sun exposure is lower.
Step 5: Lock in the gains
Your skincare does most of the quiet, daily work—protecting, supporting, and keeping you glowing through wind, dry indoor heat, and life’s logistics.
What Results Look Like—Realistically
- Weeks 1–2: A fresher surface “glow,” more even makeup, pores a bit softer.
- Weeks 4–8: Fine lines look shallower; skin feels springier.
- Weeks 8–12: Collagen remodeling becomes noticeable—tighter texture, a touch of lift, and a more youthful light reflection.
- Month 3+ (after a series): You look like “you on a well-rested day,” more often. People notice you look good, not “different.”
If you’re used to the immediate gratification of filler, collagen work asks for patience. But it pays you back with durable quality—skin that behaves younger, not just looks temporarily plumped or paralyzed.
Common Questions I Hear (and How I Answer)
“Will OPUS make me peel like a laser?”
You’ll feel sunburn-y and look pink for a day or two; then a sandpapery texture sets in for a few days. True sheets of peeling are rare at light–moderate settings. We choose intensity to match your calendar.
“Can I do OPUS if I’ve had filler?”
Yes—with caution and proper spacing. I adjust energy and passes over filler-dense areas. We talk through timing so one treatment doesn’t interfere with the other.
“Is microneedling enough if I’m nervous about energy treatments?”
For early fine lines and texture, yes—microneedling alone can help a lot. We can always step up to OPUS once you’re comfortable.
“What if I prefer to keep things really subtle?”
That’s my default. We can go gently with both OPUS and microneedling. You don’t have to choose the “most aggressive” option to see a benefit.
“How do I maintain this without living here?”
Most patients settle into 2–3 collagen-focused sessions a year after the initial series, along with routine Botox/Dysport and a steady skincare plan. It’s manageable—and far more natural than relearning your face every few years.
A Word About Safety (and Why Who Treats You Matters)
The lower face and perioral region are complex. The undereye is unforgiving. Collagen devices require judgment—how deep, how dense, how hot, and where not to go. That’s why I personally perform every treatment in this clinic. I map your anatomy, your history, and your response. We aim for steady wins over shock-and-awe before a big event.
As a physician, my bias is toward safety, predictability, and long-term results. If a device or depth isn’t right for your skin type, I won’t do it. If a dose is more than you need, I’ll dial it back. If your schedule can’t support ideal spacing, we’ll craft a different path.
You’re not just getting a service here—you’re getting decades of medical experience and honest guidance in a local, intimate setting. That’s always been my promise.
Sample “Next-Level” Pathways You Might Consider
1) The Skin-Quality Starter (low downtime)
- Botox/Dysport tune-up (light, natural)
- Microneedling #1 (week 1), #2 (week 5)
- Skincare upgrade (retinol, mineral SPF, peptide/antioxidant support)
Why it works: Early collagen signaling + protected, nourished barrier. Subtle, steady, believable.
2) The OPUS Glow Series (moderate change, still practical)
- OPUS Plasma #1 (light–moderate)
- Microneedling at week 3–4 (optional, based on skin)
- OPUS Plasma #2 at week 6–8
- Daily skincare to protect the investment
Why it works: You combine surface polish with deeper remodeling for texture, fine lines, and pore refinement.
3) The “Refresh & Balance” (for experienced injectable patients)
- Neuromodulator to calm expression creasing
- Micro-adjust filler only where structural support truly helps
- OPUS Plasma series (2–3) for genuine skin improvement
- Seasonal maintenance (1–2 collagen sessions/year)
Why it works: You honor the good work injectables have done while shifting emphasis to skin quality—the part people can’t name but always notice.
The Wyoming Reality Check
Our climate asks a lot of your skin. Wind, sun, cold, and dust don’t care about your calendar. That’s why the New Year is a smart time to begin collagen work—less sun exposure, more predictable schedules, and a fresh start mindset. It’s also a time people feel a little reflective: “I like how I look, but I want to keep it that way.”
And if you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Do I really deserve to do this?” here’s my answer:
Yes. You’re allowed to take care of yourself.
You don’t need anyone’s permission to feel good when you look in the mirror.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Conversation first. What’s working? What’s not? What’s your timeline?
- Face mapping. Movement patterns, light reflection, texture, and structure.
- Options, not orders. I’ll outline what’s sensible now and what can wait.
- Clear aftercare. Sunscreen, gentle cleansing, barrier repair, and follow-up timing.
- Check-ins. We measure progress, adjust parameters, and keep it human.
No packages to push. No pressure. Just a plan that fits your life.
If You’re Nervous
Totally normal. We can start small—one microneedling session, a light OPUS pass, or simply clean up the skincare routine and revisit energy devices in a month. My job is to walk with you—not race you—to your goals. Time is on our side when the approach is thoughtful.
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for You
If you’ve already seen the benefits of Botox and filler and you’re ready for a next step that actually improves the skin itself, collagen-focused treatments like OPUS Plasma and microneedling are where your investment starts paying dividends.
We’ll tailor it to your goals, your calendar, and your comfort level. You’ll get physician-performed care in a small, familiar setting with someone who knows your face, your story, and this Wyoming climate.
Let’s talk about what’s right for you.
📍 Ageless Perfection Medical Aesthetics | Powell, Wyoming
📞 (307) 228-9002
🌐 agelessperfectionwy.com