The laser beam, at one time, became a real breakthrough in cosmetology - in 75% of cases it was able to replace injection procedures and surgical interventions. Laser facial rejuvenation is not only about smoothing wrinkles and folds, eliminating excessive pigmentation, increasing the firmness and elasticity of the skin: the rays can clean the epidermis as much as possible and remove scars. This procedure has also been proven to have a therapeutic effect, facilitating the treatment of certain dermatological diseases.
What is laser facial rejuvenation?
The procedure is performed using special devices; the beam moves across the surface of the facial skin in "handling" and penetrates deep into the dermis. High frequencies and heating ensure the destruction of old skin cells, while the surrounding healthy tissue remains unchanged. It is in them that the processes of active production of collagen and elastin begin - these substances are necessary to restore damage. Renewed skin is completely healthy and fully functioning.
Depending on the area of the face that requires laser rejuvenation, the doctor will choose the best treatment temperature, which will eliminate the formation of burns.
Laser facial rejuvenation is not a traumatic procedure, does not require general anesthesia and does not imply a long rehabilitation period when the patient stays in a clinic.
Indications and contraindications for laser lifting
Laser facial rejuvenation is a unique cosmetic procedure that has a complex effect and solves several problems at the same time. Therefore, it has many indications - in a modern clinic, doctors recommend a course of several sessions if:
- wrinkles in any area of the face– facial folds, age-related, deep folds;
- reduced skin elasticity– ptosis (drooping of the eyelids), formation of jaws, oval "swimming" of the face;
- external defects on the skin– scars, marks from acne and mechanical removal of large acne, stretch marks;
- changes in complexity- appearance of yellow spots on the skin, gray tint, lack of natural blush;
- excessive oiliness of the epidermis– accompanied by enlarged pores, the frequent appearance of acne, and an oily sheen;
- puffiness and bags, dark circles under the eyes;
- rosacea– vascular manifestations on the epidermis such as "networks", "stars".
Although laser facial rejuvenation is considered a safe procedure, there are somecontraindicationsto do it is:
- periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- oncological pathologies, regardless of the location of the malignant neoplasm;
- diabetes mellitus of any kind;
- incorrect functioning of the thyroid gland with excessive or insufficient synthesis of hormones;
- mental disorders;
- neurological diseases such as epilepsy (combined with convulsive syndrome);
- tendency to the formation of keloid scars;
- psoriasis, eczema, says with symptoms on the face.
There are also some conditional restrictions - exacerbation of chronic internal pathologies, elevated body temperature, menstruation, damage to the skin in areas where laser treatment is expected: it is necessary to wait until the general state of health is restored.
Pros and cons of laser skin resurfacing
The procedure in question is one of the most common and this is not surprising - it has too many advantages, which the doctor even mentions at the initial consultation:
- under the influence of laser beams, natural biological processes in the cells of the dermis are activated - regeneration, metabolism, production of collagen and elastin;
- the procedure can be performed for any type of skin, regardless of the severity of age-related changes and existing dermatological problems (there are isolated exceptions from the list of contraindications);
- the probability of creating a scar is reduced to zero and only increases if you ignore the recommendations of specialists regarding skin care during the rehabilitation period;
- allergic reactions and infectious complications are excluded, although they are an integral part of surgical interventions and injection techniques;
- lack of a full recovery period - in a few days the skin is restored, there is no need to use medications;
- side effects are small, disappear quickly and belong to the category of the body's normal reaction to an aggressive influence.
There are also some "disadvantages" of laser skin resurfacing:
- to get a pronounced effect, you will need to take a course of several sessions;
- results last for a shorter period of time compared to beauty injections and surgical interventions;
- requirements for the preparation period must be met.
Only three disadvantages are perfectly offset by the benefits of laser facial rejuvenation!
Types of laser rejuvenation
The procedure under consideration can be performed using a variety of methods - all of which are safe and highly effective. During the consultation, the doctor will tell the patient about all types of facial laser rejuvenation; the choice will be made taking into account individual parameters - age, initial condition of the skin, presence of internal pathologies and dermatological diseases, severity of age. -related changes.
Ablative methods
Shown with full or fractional laser beams. During the operation, the doctor completely cleans the surface layer of the epidermis from "old" cells or damages them at a shallow depth. Skin restoration occurs due to the active production of collagen, elastin and cell division of the healthy tissues surrounding the exposed sites of the beam. The new skin is firm, elastic and even in tone.
Ablative methods cause permanent damage to the epidermis, so their recovery period will be slightly longer than others.
factions
The laser beam is dispersed through a special mesh into microbes - the epidermis damages only 20-25% of the area, the remaining cells remain unchanged and fully functional. Such a targeted effect promotes the evaporation of fluid from cells and the rapid renewal of regenerative processes. Untouched cells begin to produce collagen and elastin in large quantities - this is necessary to heal the damage caused.
Since the fractional type of laser facial rejuvenation involves only partial damage to the epidermis, recovery lasts only a few days.
Laser biorevitalization
This involves a combination of two techniques - cell damage to stimulate biological processes and the introduction of hyaluronic acid into the layers of the dermis. The device delivers short pulses and repeats them often - dead cells can be "broken". At the same time, the laser delivers the selected drug to the desired depth - the doctor sets this parameter.
Laser bio-rejuvenation is especially recommended for obvious signs of aging on the face - deep wrinkles, creases and folds. It has a cumulative effect and a long effect - an improvement in appearance will be noticed for another 2-3 months after the end of the procedures.
Full beam
The skin is exposed to a full beam, which causes damage to the entire epidermis. This method is perfect for those who have some cosmetic and dermatological problems. In fact, after this type of laser rejuvenation, the surface layer of the face is 100% rejuvenated. It is what cosmetologists prescribe for those patients who want to get rid of scars, scars and marks after acne.
It has a long recovery - no need to go to the hospital, but it is worth taking 7-10 days to rest, do skin care procedures and not worry about your appearance during the rehabilitation period.
Non-ablative method
Works great on sagging skin, deep folds/wrinkles, and excess pigmentation. It allows you to treat a large area of skin at the same time in one procedure - for example, all areas of the face. The advantage of the non-ablative method is that the deep layer of the dermis is damaged, there is no change in the epidermis.
This type of laser facial rejuvenation also has a pleasant "side effect" - in addition to rejuvenation, the elimination of age spots, pores shrink and acne marks become less visible.
Surface
This is the most painless method and the safest procedure in question - during the process, only superficial cells are exposed to laser beams, even the basement membrane remains intact. This technique perfectly solves the problem of the initial stages of aging, corrects facial tone, and eliminates uneven relief.
A distinctive feature is that recovery lasts only 3 days, and the results obtained last for 6-12 months.
Intermediate
It is recommended for those patients who already have wrinkles, including age spots, age spots, and slight sagging skin. It belongs to the category of laser peeling, the rays have an effect on a depth of no more than 1. 3 mm.
The procedure is performed using anesthetic gels, after which the patient may experience discomfort and even mild pain for another 24 hours. The recovery takes at least 5 days.
Deep
The laser beam damages all layers of the epidermis, including the papillary layer. The procedure for deep laser rejuvenation is painful, but it can only solve the problem of significant age-related changes. Cosmetologists recommend this technique for patients 50 years of age and older.
Recovery lasts up to 2 weeks, but if you follow all doctor's prescriptions during this period, the results obtained will last for 4 years (average).
How to prepare for laser skin rejuvenation?
As part of the preparation phase, an initial consultation with a specialist is carried out. During it, the doctor examines the person's skin, assesses its condition, identifies problems, excludes or confirms the presence of contraindications. The cosmetologist immediately decides on the preferred method of laser rejuvenation and the number of sessions per course. Then, the patient is given recommendations on how to prepare for the procedure - it starts 14 days before the scheduled date. What is important to do:
- do not expose your face to ultraviolet (sun) rays, do not visit the solarium;
- refusal to undergo any cosmetic procedures related to skin disorders/damage - peeling, facial cleansing;
- Stop using certain medications (fluoroquinolones, diuretics, sulfonamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) only after consulting your doctor.
3 days before the scheduled date of facial laser rejuvenation, you must stop drinking alcoholic beverages, it is recommended to stop smoking (or reduce the number of cigarettes significantly), and not to introduce foods from the allergen category into yourdiet (strawberries, chocolate, raspberries, citrus fruits, seafood).
Laser rejuvenation procedure
The procedure itself begins with a controlled examination of the face - the doctor must make sure that there is no inflammation, scratches or fresh tan on the surface of the skin. After this, laser rejuvenation is done in stages:
- Clean the face from the remains of decorative cosmetics, dust and dirt– made using professional tonics and lotions that do not contain alcohol.
- Skin disinfection– the face is treated with an antiseptic solution, which prevents the penetration of infectious agents into the epidermis.
- Anesthesia- it is not done for all types of procedures, but at the patient's request, an anesthetic gel must be applied. After this, the doctor waits 15-20 minutes - this time is enough for the analgesic properties of the applied product to appear.
- Self laser skin treatment. The patient may experience heat, slight tingling, or burning. Be sure to direct a stream of cool air to your face - this relieves the condition and reduces the intensity of the unpleasant sensations.
- Apply a soothing mask– relieves inflammation, helps to quickly eliminate swelling, redness, and reduces the intensity of the itching.
Immediately after the end of the session, the patient can leave the clinic, having received recommendations from the doctor regarding the recovery period.
Laser facial rejuvenation: before and after photos
Recovery after the procedure
The length of the recovery period depends on the type of laser facial rejuvenation used. The minimum period is 2-3 days, but more often recovery requires 5-10 days. Regardless of the technique used, in the first 24 hours after the session it is strictly forbidden to touch your face with your hands or even wash your face. During the next 3 days of recovery:
- It is strictly forbidden to take thermal procedures - a visit to a bathhouse, sauna, or hot bath should be postponed;
- You cannot use tap water for washing - it has a high chlorine content, which causes burns and irritation;
- you don't need to be outside for a long time - ultraviolet rays (they penetrate even through dense clouds) will stimulate strong pigmentation;
- Do not use cosmetics containing ethanol for cleaning, and when washing, use a washcloth or scrubs (even soft, gentle ones);
- Treat your face with a moisturizer 2-3 times a day;
- Apply products containing panthenol to the skin once a day.
Within 2 months after the procedure in question, chemical peels are strictly prohibited! And even in cloudy weather, you will need to apply sunscreen with a high SPF index on your face.
You can't forcefully remove scabies or scratch your face - this can cause scars that can only be removed with surgery.
Possible complications and consequences
Immediately after the session, the person's skin becomes red, very itchy, and there is a burning sensation - this is a normal reaction to damage to the epidermis and deeper layers of the dermis. If the discomfort is serious, you should take antihistamine tablets, which cosmetologist will recommend the option. On the 2nd day after laser facial rejuvenation, active peeling begins. The listed effects are the norm, no action is necessary, it is enough to strictly follow the rehabilitation recommendations given by the specialist.
If on human skin:
- rashes appear in the form of small pimples;
- there are signs of inflammation;
- scars began to form,
then you should contact the clinic for a consultation. This often happens if the patient himself did not follow the rules of the recovery period.
Opinions on laser rejuvenation
Our patients leave only positive reviews about any type of laser facial rejuvenation. This is due not only to the properties and capabilities of the procedure, but also to the high professionalism of the working doctors. They have sufficient knowledge and experience, work on modern certified equipment and strictly adhere to international protocols for conducting sessions.
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Any questions about the procedure can be asked to the cosmetologist during the initial consultation. But since most of them are standard, below are the answers to the most common ones.
Who can undergo laser skin rejuvenation?
Men and women aged 18 and over. It is important that they are not conditions that are included in the list of contraindications. Laser facial skin rejuvenation is a great alternative to surgery.
What effect does the procedure bring, other than rejuvenation?
A laser beam can remove scars, tattoos, acne marks and acne. There is a general improvement in the skin - inflammatory processes will stop, the production of sebaceous secretions will decrease, and the pores will narrow.
How long does one laser facial rejuvenation session last?
One procedure lasts 30-60 minutes. If the doctor uses a local anesthetic, the duration of the session increases by 15-20 minutes (the duration of the gel).
When will the first results be seen?
Immediately after rehabilitation, the person's skin is transformed. It becomes smooth, without pigment spots, toned, elastic, small wrinkles are smoothed out.
Can laser facial rejuvenation be combined with other procedures?
Yes, but to a limited extent and only after consulting a cosmetologist! After completing the course, injectable fillers and botulinum therapy are allowed.
How many procedures are required?
It is usually recommended to do a course of 2-5 sessions with a break of 2-4 weeks.
In a professional clinic, specialists are ready to provide a comprehensive service for laser facial rejuvenation - from initial consultation to monitoring the condition of the skin during the rehabilitation period. Specialists only work with professional equipment; the procedure is performed in strict accordance with existing protocols, which reduces the risk of side effects and complications to zero.