The laser beam was once a real breakthrough in cosmetology - it was able to replace injection procedures and surgical interventions in 75% of cases. Laser facial rejuvenation is not only about smoothing wrinkles and folds, removing excessive pigmentation, increasing skin firmness and elasticity: the rays can smooth out the relief of the epidermis as much as possible and eliminate scars. It has been proven that this procedure also has a therapeutic effect by facilitating the treatment of certain dermatological diseases.
What is laser facial rejuvenation?
The procedure is carried out using special devices, the beam moves along the surface of the facial skin in the form of a "handle" and penetrates deep into the dermis. High frequencies and heat ensure the destruction of old skin cells, while the surrounding healthy tissue remains intact. It is in them that the processes of active production of collagen and elastin begin - these substances are necessary to restore damage. The regenerated skin is completely healthy and fully functional.
Depending on which area of the face requires laser rejuvenation, the doctor will choose the optimal treatment temperature that will eliminate the formation of burns.
Laser facial rejuvenation is not a traumatic procedure, does not require general anesthesia and does not involve a long rehabilitation period with the patient staying in the 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 symptoms - in a modern clinic, doctors advise to undergo a course of several sessions, if any:
- wrinkles in any part of the face- facial, age-related, deep wrinkles;
- decrease in skin elasticity– ptosis (drooping of the eyelids), formation of eyebrows, "floating" oval shape of the face;
- external defects in the skin– mechanical removal of scars, acne scars and large acne, stretch marks;
- changes in the skin- the appearance of yellow spots on the skin, gray color, complete absence of natural blushes;
- excessive oiliness of the epidermis- enlarged pores, often accompanied by the appearance of acne and an oily sheen;
- swelling and bags, dark circles under the eyes;
- rosacea- vascular manifestations such as "networks", "stars" in the epidermis.
Although laser facial rejuvenation is considered a safe procedure, somecontraindicationshave to implement:
- periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- oncological pathologies regardless of the location of the malignant neoplasm;
- all types of diabetes;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland with excessive or insufficient synthesis of hormones;
- mental disorders;
- neurological diseases such as epilepsy (accompanied by convulsive syndrome);
- tendency to the formation of keloid scars;
- psoriasis, eczema, herpes with symptoms on the face.
There are also a number of conditional restrictions - exacerbation of chronic internal pathologies, increased body temperature, menstruation, skin damage in the areas of possible exposure to laser rays: you need to wait until the general state of health is restored.
Advantages and disadvantages of laser skin rejuvenation
The procedure in question is one of the most popular, and it is not surprising - it has many advantages that the doctor even mentions in the initial consultation:
- under the influence of laser rays, natural biological processes in dermis cells 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 do not ignore the recommendations of experts on skin care during the rehabilitation period;
- allergic reactions and infectious complications are excluded, although they are typical of surgical interventions and injection methods;
- lack of a complete rehabilitation period - the skin recovers in just a few days, the use of drugs is not required;
- side effects are few, disappear quickly and belong to the category of the body's normal reaction to an aggressive effect.
There are also some "downsides" to laser skin resurfacing:
- to get a clear effect, it is necessary to pass a course of several sessions;
- the results last for a shorter period of time compared to beauty injections and surgical interventions;
- requirements for the preparatory period must be met.
Only three disadvantages are perfectly compensated by the benefits of laser facial rejuvenation!
Types of laser rejuvenation
The considered procedure can be performed using various methods - each of them is safe and highly effective. During the consultation, the doctor will inform the patient about each type of laser facial rejuvenation, the choice will be made taking into account individual parameters - age, the initial condition of the skin, the presence of internal pathologies and dermatological diseases, the severity of age. - related changes.
Ablative methods
It is performed 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 regeneration occurs due to the active production of collagen, elastin and cell division of healthy tissues surrounding the areas of radiation exposure. The new skin is firm, supple and even toned.
Ablative methods permanently damage the epidermis, so their recovery time will be slightly longer than others.
Fraction
The laser beam is dispersed into microbeams through a special mesh - damage to the epidermis affects only 20-25% of the area, the remaining cells remain unchanged and fully functional. Such a targeted effect contributes to the evaporation of fluid from cells and the rapid renewal of regeneration processes. Intact cells begin to produce large amounts of collagen and elastin - necessary to heal the damage.
Since the fractional type of laser facial rejuvenation involves only partial damage to the epidermis, recovery lasts only a few days.
Laser biorevitalization
It 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" dead cells. At the same time, the laser delivers the selected drug to any depth - this parameter is set by the doctor.
Laser biorevitalization is especially suitable for obvious signs of aging on the face - deep wrinkles, folds and folds. It has a cumulative effect and a long-term effect - the improvement in appearance will be noted 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 with a number of cosmetic and dermatological problems. In fact, after this type of laser rejuvenation, the surface layer of the face is 100% renewed. This is what cosmetologists prescribe to patients who want to get rid of scars, scars and marks after acne.
There is 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. This allows you to treat a large area of the skin at once 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, age spots, narrowing of pores and removal of acne scars are minimally noticeable.
Superficial
This is the most painless and safest method of the said procedure - during the process, only superficial cells are exposed to laser rays, 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 removes uneven relief.
A distinctive feature is that recovery lasts only 3 days, and the results obtained last 6-12 months.
Median
Recommended for patients with excess wrinkles, including age spots, age spots and slightly sagging skin. It belongs to the category of laser peeling, the rays affect 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 deep laser rejuvenation procedure is painful, but it can only solve the problem of obvious age-related changes. Cosmetologists recommend this technique to patients over 50 years old.
Rehabilitation lasts up to 2 weeks, but if you follow all the doctor's prescriptions during this period, the results will last for 4 years (on average).
How to prepare for laser skin rejuvenation?
As part of the preparatory phase, an initial consultation with a specialist is carried out. During it, the doctor examines the skin of the face, assesses 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. Then the patient is given recommendations to prepare for the procedure - this begins 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;
- refuse to carry out any cosmetic procedures related to skin disorders/damages - peelings, facial cleansing;
- Stop using certain drugs (fluoroquinolones, diuretics, sulfonamides, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) only after consulting your doctor.
3 days before the planned date of laser facial rejuvenation, you should give up alcoholic drinks, stop smoking (or radically reduce the number of cigarettes) and avoid foods from the category of allergens in your 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, scratch or fresh tan on the surface of the skin. After that, laser rejuvenation is carried out in stages:
- Cleansing of the face from the remains of decorative cosmetics, dust and dirt- it is carried out using professional tonics and lotions that do not contain alcohol.
- Skin disinfection- the face is treated with an antiseptic solution that prevents the penetration of infectious substances into the epidermis.
- Anesthesia– it is not performed for every type of procedure, but anesthetic gel should be applied at the request of the patient. After that, the doctor waits for 15-20 minutes - this time is enough for the analgesic properties of the applied product to appear.
- Laser skin treatment itself. The patient may feel warmth, slight tingling or burning. Be sure to direct a stream of cool air to your face - it relieves the situation and reduces the intensity of unpleasant sensations.
- Applying a soothing mask- removes inflammation, helps to quickly remove swelling, redness, 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 about the recovery period.
Laser facial rejuvenation: before and after photos
Recovery after the procedure
The duration of the recovery period depends on the type of laser facial rejuvenation. The minimum period is 2-3 days, but more often rehabilitation requires 5-10 days. Regardless of which technique is used, during the first 24 hours after the session, it is strictly forbidden to touch your face with your hands, or even to wash your face. In the next 3 days of recovery:
- It is strictly forbidden to carry out thermal procedures - visiting a bath, 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;
- you don't need to be outside for a long time - ultraviolet rays (they even pass through dense clouds) will cause strong pigmentation;
- Do not use cosmetics containing ethanol for cleaning and use a washing cloth or scrub (even soft, delicate ones) when washing;
- Treat your face with moisturizer 2-3 times a day;
- Apply products containing panthenol to the skin once a day.
Chemical peels are strictly prohibited for 2 months after the said procedure! And even in cloudy weather, you will need to apply a high SPF sun cream on your face.
You can't force the peels off or tear your face - this can cause scarring that can only be removed surgically.
Possible complications and consequences
Immediately after the session, the skin of the face becomes red, very itchy and has a burning sensation - this is a normal reaction to damage to the deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis. If the discomfort is severe, then you should take antihistamine tablets, the choice of which will be recommended by the cosmetologist. Active peeling begins on the 2nd day after laser facial rejuvenation. The listed effects are the norm, there is no need to take any measures, it is enough to strictly follow the rehabilitation recommendations given by the specialist.
If on the skin of the face:
- rashes appeared in the form of small pimples;
- there are signs of inflammation;
- scars started to form,
then you should go to the clinic for a consultation. Often this happens when the patient himself does not follow the rules of the recovery period.
Thoughts on laser rejuvenation
Our patients leave only positive reviews about any type of laser facial rejuvenation. This is related not only to the features and possibilities 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.
Frequently asked questions
During the initial consultation, the cosmetologist can be asked any question about the procedure. But since most of them are standard, below are the answers of the most popular ones.
Who can have laser skin rejuvenation?
Men and women over 18 years of age. 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 have besides rejuvenation?
A laser beam can remove scars, tattoos, acne scars and acne. There is a general improvement of the skin - the inflammatory processes will stop, the production of oil secretion will decrease, and the pores will shrink.
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 turns. It becomes smooth, without pigment spots, toned, elastic, small wrinkles are smoothed.
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 needed?
Usually, it is recommended to take a course of 2-5 sessions with an interval 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 carried out strictly according to existing protocols, which reduces the risk of side effects and complications to zero.