The laser beam became, at one time, a real breakthrough in cosmetology: in 75% of cases it was able to replace injection procedures and surgical interventions. Laser facial rejuvenation does not only mean smoothing wrinkles and folds, eliminating excessive pigmentation, increasing the firmness and elasticity of the skin: the rays can smooth the relief of the epidermis as much as possible and remove scars. It has been proven that this procedure also has a therapeutic effect, facilitating the treatment of some dermatological diseases.
What is laser facial rejuvenation?
The procedure is performed using special devices; the beam moves across the surface of the facial skin like a "handle" and penetrates deep into the dermis. The 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. The renewed skin is absolutely healthy and fully functional.
Depending on the area of the face requiring laser rejuvenation, the doctor will select the optimal 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 with hospitalization of the patient in a clinic.
Indications and contraindications for laser facelift
Laser facial rejuvenation is a unique cosmetic procedure that has a complex effect and solves several problems at once. Therefore, it has many indications: in a modern clinic, doctors recommend taking a course of several sessions if you have:
- wrinkles in any area of the face– deep, age-related facial folds;
- decrease in skin elasticity– ptosis (drooping of the eyelids), formation of cheeks, "floating" oval of the face;
- external defects on the skin– scars, acne marks and mechanical removal of large acne, stretch marks;
- changes in complexion– the appearance of yellow spots on the skin, a gray tint, a complete absence of natural blush;
- excessive greasiness of the epidermis– accompanied by enlarged pores, frequent appearance of acne and greasy shine;
- swelling and bags, dark circles under the eyes;
- acne rosacea– vascular manifestations on the epidermis such as "nets", "stars".
Although laser facial rejuvenation is considered a safe procedure, some arecontraindicationsto make it happen there are:
- periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- oncological pathologies, regardless of the location of the malignant neoplasm;
- diabetes mellitus of any type;
- incorrect functionality of the thyroid gland with excessive or insufficient synthesis of hormones;
- mental disorders;
- neurological diseases such as epilepsy (accompanied by convulsive syndrome);
- predisposition to the formation of keloid scars;
- psoriasis, eczema, herpes with marks on the face.
There are also a number of conditional restrictions: exacerbation of chronic internal pathologies, high body temperature, menstruation, skin damage in areas of alleged exposure to laser rays - it is necessary to wait for the restoration of the general state of health.
Advantages and disadvantages of laser skin rejuvenation
The procedure in question is one of the most popular and this is not surprising: it has too many advantages, which the doctor expresses even during the first consultation:
- under the influence of laser rays, 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 skin type, regardless of the severity of age-related changes and existing dermatological problems (there are isolated exceptions from the list of contraindications);
- the probability of scar formation is reduced to zero and increases only if you ignore the recommendations of specialists regarding skin care during the rehabilitation period;
- allergic reactions and infectious complications are excluded, although they are inherent to surgical interventions and injection techniques;
- lack of a full rehabilitation period: in a few days the skin is restored, the use of drugs is not required;
- side effects are minor, disappear quickly and belong to the category of the body's normal reaction to aggressive influenza.
There are also some "disadvantages" of laser skin rejuvenation:
- to achieve a pronounced effect, you will have to take a course of several sessions;
- results last for a shorter period of time than beauty injections and surgeries;
- the requirements for the preparatory period must be met.
Only three disadvantages are perfectly compensated by the advantages of laser facial rejuvenation!
Types of laser rejuvenation
The procedure under consideration can be performed using several methods, each of which is safe and highly effective. During the consultation, the doctor will talk to the patient about each type of laser facial rejuvenation; the choice will be made taking into account individual parameters: age, initial skin conditions, presence of internal pathologies and dermatological diseases, severity of age-related changes.
Ablative methods
Performed with complete or fractional laser beams. During work, the doctor completely cleans the surface layer of the epidermis from "old" cells or damages them to a shallow depth. Skin restoration occurs due to the active production of collagen, elastin and cell division of healthy tissues surrounding the sites of exposure to the beam. The new skin is compact, elastic and uniform in tone.
Ablative methods permanently damage the epidermis, so their recovery period will be slightly longer than others.
Biased
The laser beam is scattered through a special network in microbeams: damage to the epidermis affects only 20-25% of the area, the remaining cells remain unchanged and fully functional. Such a targeted effect promotes the evaporation of fluid from the cells and the rapid renewal of regeneration 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 emits short pulses and repeats them many times - this allows you to "break down" dead cells. At the same time, the laser delivers the selected drug to the desired depth - this parameter is set by the doctor.
Laser biorevitalization is particularly advisable in case of obvious signs of aging on the face: deep wrinkles, folds and folds. It has a cumulative effect and a prolonged effect: you will notice an improvement in appearance for another 2-3 months after the end of the course of procedures.
Full range
The skin is exposed to a full ray, which leads to damage to the entire epidermis. This method is perfect for those who have numerous aesthetic and dermatological problems. In fact, after this type of laser rejuvenation, the superficial layer of the face is 100% renewed. This is what cosmetologists prescribe to those patients who want to eliminate scars, scars and marks after acne.
It has a long recovery: hospitalization is not required, but it is worth taking 7-10 days off to rest, perform 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 excessive pigmentation. It allows you to simultaneously treat a large area of skin in one procedure, for example all areas of the face. The advantage of the non-ablative method is that the deep layers of the dermis are damaged, the epidermis remains unchanged.
This type of laser facial rejuvenation also has a pleasant "side effect": in addition to rejuvenation, the elimination of age spots, narrowed pores and acne marks become minimally noticeable.
Surface
This is the most painless and safest method of the 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 the tone of the face and eliminates irregular reliefs.
A distinctive feature is that recovery lasts only 3 days, and the results obtained last 6-12 months.
Median
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 feel discomfort and even mild pain for another 24 hours. Rehabilitation 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 only it can solve the problem of pronounced age-related changes. Cosmetologists recommend this technique to patients aged 50 years and older.
Rehabilitation lasts up to 2 weeks, but if you follow all the doctor's prescriptions during this period the results obtained will last 4 years (on average).
How to prepare for laser skin rejuvenation?
As part of the preparatory phase, an initial consultation with a specialist takes place. During this, the doctor examines the skin of the face, evaluates its condition, identifies problems, excludes or confirms the presence of contraindications. The cosmetologist immediately decides on the choice of laser rejuvenation method and the number of sessions per course. Next, the patient is given recommendations on preparation for the procedure: start 14 days before the scheduled date. What is important to do:
- do not expose your face to ultraviolet rays (sun), do not visit the solarium;
- refuse to perform cosmetic procedures associated with skin disorders/damage - peeling, facial cleansing;
- Stop using some drugs (fluoroquinolones, diuretics, sulphonamides, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) only after consulting your doctor.
3 days before the scheduled date of laser facial rejuvenation, it is necessary to stop drinking alcoholic beverages, it is advisable to stop smoking (or radically reduce the number of cigarettes) and not introduce foods from the allergen category into the diet (strawberries, chocolate, raspberries , citrus fruits, seafood).
Laser rejuvenation procedure
The procedure itself begins with a control examination of the face: the doctor must make sure that there is no inflammation, scratches or fresh tan on the surface of the skin. Next, laser rejuvenation is performed in stages:
- Cleansing the face from remains of decorative cosmetics, dust and dirt– carried out 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 performed for every type of operation, but an anesthetic gel must be applied at the patient's request. After that, the doctor waits 15-20 minutes: this time is enough for the analgesic properties of the applied product to appear.
- The laser skin treatment itself. The patient may feel warmth, slight tingling or burning. Be sure to direct a stream of fresh air to your face - this will alleviate the condition and reduce the intensity of unpleasant sensations.
- Application of a soothing mask– relieves inflammation, helps quickly eliminate swelling, redness and reduces the severity of itching.
Immediately after the end of the session, the patient can leave the clinic, having previously 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 rehabilitation takes 5-10 days. Regardless of the technique used, in the first 24 hours following the session it is strictly forbidden to touch your face with your hands or even wash your face. In the next 3 days of recovery:
- It is strictly forbidden to undergo spa procedures: visiting a bathhouse, sauna or taking a hot bath should be postponed;
- You cannot use tap water for washing: it has a high chlorine content, which causes burns and irritation;
- it is not necessary to stay outside for a long time: ultraviolet rays (they penetrate even through dense clouds) will cause strong pigmentation;
- Do not use cosmetics containing ethanol for cleaning and when washing use wipes or scrubs (even soft and delicate 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 of the procedure in question, chemical peels are strictly prohibited! And even in cloudy weather, you will have to apply a sunscreen with a high SPF index on your face.
You cannot forcibly remove scabs or scratch your face - this can cause the formation of scars that can only be removed surgically.
Possible complications and consequences
Immediately after the session, the skin on the face becomes red, very itchy and a burning sensation is felt - this is a normal reaction to damage to the epidermis and deeper layers of the dermis. If the discomfort is severe, you should take antihistamine tablets, the choice of which will be recommended by a cosmetologist. On the 2nd day after laser facial rejuvenation, active peeling begins. The listed effects are the norm, it is not necessary to take any action, it is enough to scrupulously follow the rehabilitation recommendations provided by the specialist.
If on the skin of the face:
- skin rashes appeared in the form of small pimples;
- there are signs of inflammation;
- scars began to form,
then you should contact the clinic for a consultation. Most often this happens if the patient himself did not follow the rules of the recovery period.
Opinions on laser rejuvenation
Our patients leave only positive reviews on 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.
FAQ
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 popular ones.
Who can undergo laser skin rejuvenation?
Men and women aged 18 and over. It is important that they do not have conditions included in the list of contraindications. Laser facial skin rejuvenation is an excellent alternative to surgery.
What effect does the procedure give, besides rejuvenation?
A laser beam can remove scars, tattoos, acne marks and acne. A general improvement in the skin is observed: inflammatory processes will stop, the production of sebaceous secretions will decrease and pores will narrow.
How long does a laser facial rejuvenation session last?
One procedure lasts 30-60 minutes. If the doctor uses local anesthetics, the duration of the session increases by 15-20 minutes (the duration of the gel).
When will the first results appear?
Immediately after rehabilitation, the skin of the face is transformed. It becomes smooth, without pigmentary spots, toned, elastic, small wrinkles are attenuated.
Is it possible to combine laser facial rejuvenation 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 necessary?
It is usually recommended to take 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 the initial consultation to monitoring the condition of the skin during the rehabilitation period. Specialists work only with professional equipment; the procedure is performed in strict compliance with existing protocols, which reduces the risk of side effects and complications to zero.