Laser beam became, at one time, a real success in cosmetology - in 75% of cases it was able to replace injection procedures and surgical intervention. Laser facial rejuvenation is not only for smoothing out wrinkles and folds, removing excess pigmentation, increasing the firmness and elasticity of the skin: radiation can smooth the epidermal relief as much as possible and remove scars. It has been proven that this procedure also has a therapeutic effect, facilitating the treatment of certain dermatological diseases.
What is laser facial rejuvenation?
This procedure is performed using a special device; the beam moves across the surface of the facial skin in a "handle" and penetrates into the dermis. The high frequency and heating ensure the destruction of old skin cells, while the surrounding healthy tissue remains unchanged. In it, the process of active production of collagen and elastin begins - these substances are needed to restore damage. The renewed skin is completely healthy and fully functional.
Depending on the area of the face that needs laser rejuvenation, the doctor will choose 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 recovery 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 once. Therefore, it has many indications - in modern clinics, doctors recommend taking a course of several sessions if you have:
- wrinkles in any area of the face– face, age-related, deep folds;
- skin elasticity decreases– ptosis (melting eyelids), jaw formation, "floating" face oval;
- external defects on the skin– scars, marks from acne and mechanical removal of large acne, stretch marks;
- changes in the skin of the face– appearance of yellow spots on the skin, gray color, absence of natural blush;
- excess oil on the epidermis– accompanied by enlarged pores, frequent appearance of acne, and 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, somecontraindicationsto implement it is:
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- oncological pathology, regardless of the location of the malignant neoplasm;
- diabetes mellitus of any type;
- improper functioning of the thyroid gland with excessive or insufficient hormone synthesis;
- mental disorder;
- neurological diseases such as epilepsy (accompanied by seizure syndrome);
- tendency to the formation of keloid scars;
- psoriasis, eczema, herpes with signs on the face.
There are also some conditional restrictions - exacerbation of chronic internal pathologies, high body temperature, menstruation, damage to the skin in the area that should be exposed to laser rays: it is necessary to wait until the general state of health is restored.
Pros and cons 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 voiced even at the initial consultation:
- under the influence of laser beams, 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 possibility of scar formation is reduced to zero and increases only if you ignore the recommendations of experts on skin care during the recovery period;
- allergic reactions and infectious complications are excluded, although they exist in surgical interventions and injection techniques;
- lack of a full recovery period - in just 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 response to aggressive influences.
There are also some "disadvantages" of laser skin rejuvenation:
- to get a clear effect, you need to take a course of several sessions;
- results last for a shorter period of time compared to beauty injections and surgical interventions;
- the requirements for the preparation period must be met.
Only three disadvantages are perfectly balanced by the benefits of laser facial rejuvenation!
Types of laser rejuvenation
The procedure under consideration can be carried out using different methods - each of them is safe and very 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 method
Performed with a full or fractional laser beam. During the work, the doctor completely cleans the surface layer of the epidermis from "old" cells or destroys them at a shallow depth. Skin recovery occurs due to the active production of collagen, elastin and cell division of healthy tissue surrounding the site of exposure to the beam. The new skin is taut, elastic and evenly toned.
Ablative methods permanently damage the epidermis, so their recovery period will be slightly longer than others.
Clans
The laser beam is scattered through a special mesh into a microbeam - 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 the regeneration process. 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 dermis layer. The device delivers short pulses and repeats them many times - this makes it possible to "break" dead cells. At the same time, the laser delivers the selected drug to the desired depth - these parameters are set by the doctor.
Laser biorevitalization is highly recommended for visible signs of aging on the face - deep wrinkles, creases and folds. It has a cumulative effect and a long-lasting effect - an improvement in appearance will be observed for another 2-3 months after the end of the course of the procedure.
Full beam
The skin is exposed to full rays, which leads to damage to the entire epidermis. This method is suitable for those who have some cosmetic and dermatological problems. In fact, after this type of laser rejuvenation, the surface layer of the face is renewed by 100%. It is what cosmetologists prescribe to patients who want to get rid of 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, carry out skin care procedures and not worry about your own appearance during the recovery period.
Non-ablative method
Works great on sagging skin, deep folds/wrinkles and excessive pigmentation. It allows you to treat large areas of the skin at once in one procedure - for example, all areas of the face. The advantage of non-ablative methods is that the inner layer of the dermis is 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, narrow pores and acne marks becomes very noticeable.
Surface
This is the most painless and safest method of procedure - during the process, only the superficial cells are exposed to the laser beam, even the basement membrane remains intact. This technique perfectly solves the problem of the early 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 for 6-12 months.
Median
Recommended for patients who already have wrinkles, including age spots, age spots, and slightly sagging skin. Classified in the category of laser peeling, the radiation has an effect at a depth of no more than 1. 3 mm.
The procedure is performed using an anesthetic gel, after which the patient may experience discomfort and even mild pain for another 24 hours. Recovery takes at least 5 days.
In
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 significant age-related changes. Cosmetologists recommend this technique to patients over 50 years of age.
Recovery lasts up to 2 weeks, but if you follow all the doctor's prescriptions during this period, the results obtained will last for 4 years (on average).
How to prepare for laser skin rejuvenation?
As part of the preparation stage, a preliminary consultation with an expert takes place. During that time, the doctor examines the skin of the face, assesses its condition, identifies problems, excludes or confirms the presence of contraindications. Cosmetologists immediately decide on the choice of laser rejuvenation method and the number of sessions per course. Next, recommendations are given to the patient about preparation for the procedure - it 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 - exfoliation, facial cleansing;
- Stop using certain drugs (fluoroquinolones, diuretics, sulfonamides, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) only after consulting your doctor.
3 days before the scheduled date of laser facial rejuvenation, you need to stop drinking alcoholic beverages, it is advised to stop smoking (or radically reduce the number of cigarettes), and not to include food from the allergenic category in your diet (strawberries, chocolate, raspberries, citrus fruits, seafood).
Laser rejuvenation procedure
The procedure itself begins with a facial control examination - the doctor must make sure that there are no inflammations, scratches, or fresh tan on the surface of the skin. After this, laser rejuvenation is done in stages:
- Cleans the face from the rest 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– not performed for every type of procedure, but at the request of the patient, anesthetic gel must be used. After this, the doctor waits 15-20 minutes - this time is enough for the analgesic properties of the product used to appear.
- The laser skin treatment itself. Patients may experience warmth, slight tingling, or burning. Be sure to direct the flow of cold air to your face - this relieves the condition and reduces the intensity of unpleasant sensations.
- Use a soothing mask- relieves inflammation, helps to quickly remove swelling, redness, and reduces the severity of itching.
Immediately after the end of the session, the patient can leave the clinic, having received recommendations from the previous 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 used. The minimum period is 2-3 days, but more often recovery requires 5-10 days. No matter what technique is used, in the first 24 hours after the session it is absolutely forbidden to touch your face with your hands or wash your face. During the next 3-day recovery period:
- It is absolutely forbidden to take thermal procedures - visiting a bathhouse, sauna, or hot shower should be postponed;
- You cannot use tap water for washing - it has a high chlorine content, which leads to burns and irritation;
- you don't need to be outside for a long time - ultraviolet rays (they penetrate even through thick clouds) will trigger strong pigmentation;
- Do not use cosmetics containing ethanol for cleaning, and when washing, use a cloth or scrub (even a soft and gentle one);
- Treat your face with moisturizer 2-3 times a day;
- Apply products containing panthenol to the skin once a day.
Within 2 months after the procedure, chemical peeling is strictly prohibited! And even in cloudy weather, you need to use sunscreen with a high SPF index on your face.
You can't forcefully remove scabs or scratch your face - this can lead to 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 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 severe, then you should take antihistamine tablets, an option that will be recommended by a cosmetologist. On the 2nd day after laser facial rejuvenation, active exfoliation begins. The effects listed are the norm, there is no need to take any action, it is enough to strictly follow the recovery recommendations given by the specialist.
If on the face:
- rash appears in the form of small pimples;
- there are signs of inflammation;
- scars begin to form,
then you need to contact the clinic for a consultation. Often, this happens if the patient himself does 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 not only due to the nature 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 adhere to international protocols to conduct sessions strictly.
Frequently asked questions
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 that are included in the list of contraindications. Laser facial skin rejuvenation is the best alternative to surgery.
What are the effects of the procedure, besides rejuvenation?
Laser beams can remove scars, tattoos, acne marks and acne. There is a general improvement in the skin - the inflammatory process will stop, the production of sebum 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 a local anesthetic, the duration of the session increases by 15-20 minutes (gel duration).
When will the first results appear?
Immediately after recovery, the skin of the face changes. 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 consultation with a cosmetologist! After completing the course, injectable fillers and botulinum therapy are allowed.
How many procedures are required?
It is usually recommended to take a course of 2-5 sessions with a break of 2-4 weeks.
In professional clinics, specialists are ready to provide comprehensive services for laser facial rejuvenation - from the initial consultation to monitoring the condition of the skin during the recovery period. Specialists only work with professional equipment; the procedure is carried out in strict accordance with existing protocols, which reduces the risk of side effects and complications to zero.