Health Canada is reminding Canadians that plasma pens are not authorized for sale in Canada and that these devices may pose health risks. Health Canada is also underlining that consumers should be wary of spas promoting plasma pen services. Health Canada continues to receive complaints of plasma pen sales and spa services. Health Canada is also aware that some beauty academies are selling the unauthorized devices to esthetician trainees once they have completed their training.

Plasma pens are small handheld medical devices that generate electrical discharges on the surface of the skin, which causes a controlled burn and spreads heat throughout the targeted area. They are promoted for cosmetic skin treatments such as eyelid lifts, wrinkle reduction and the removal of moles, skin tags, scars and spots. Health Canada has not authorized any plasma pens for sale in Canada, which means that they have not been evaluated for safety, effectiveness or quality. It is illegal to advertise for sale, import for sale, or sell medical devices in Canada without appropriate licensing under the Medical Devices Regulations.