The laser beam was once a real breakthrough in cosmetology - in 75% of cases it was able to replace injections and surgical procedures. Laser facial rejuvenation is not only about smoothing wrinkles and folds, eliminating excessive pigmentation and increasing the firmness and elasticity of the skin: the rays can largely smooth the relief of the epidermis and remove scars. It has been proven that this procedure also has a therapeutic effect and facilitates the treatment of certain dermatological diseases.
What is Laser Facial Rejuvenation?
The procedure is carried out using special devices, the beam moves in a "grip" over the surface of the facial skin and penetrates into the depths of the dermis. High frequencies and heating ensure the destruction of old skin cells, while the surrounding healthy tissue remains unchanged. The processes of active production of collagen and elastin begin in them - these substances are necessary to restore damage. Renewed skin is absolutely healthy and fully functional.
Depending on which area of the face requires laser rejuvenation, the doctor selects the optimal treatment temperature that prevents the development of burns.
Laser facial rejuvenation is not a traumatic procedure, does not require general anesthesia and does not require a long period of patient rehabilitation 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 once. Therefore, there are many indications - in a modern clinic, doctors recommend attending several sessions if you have:
- Wrinkles in every area of the face– Facial, age-related, deep wrinkles;
- reduced skin elasticity– Ptosis (drooping of the eyelids), formation of jowls, "floating" facial oval;
- 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 grayish tint, the complete absence of natural blush;
- excessive oiliness of the epidermis– accompanied by enlarged pores, frequent appearance of acne and greasy shine;
- Puffiness and bags under the eyes, dark circles under the eyes;
- Rosacea– Vascular manifestations on the epidermis such as "networks", "stars".
Although laser facial rejuvenation is considered by some to be a safe procedureContraindicationsTo carry it out there are:
- periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- oncological pathologies, regardless of the location of the malignant neoplasm;
- Diabetes mellitus of any kind;
- Thyroid dysfunction with excessive or insufficient hormone synthesis;
- mental disorders;
- neurological diseases such as epilepsy (accompanied by convulsive syndrome);
- predisposition to the formation of keloid scars;
- Psoriasis, eczema, herpes with signs on the face.
There are also a number of conditional limitations - exacerbation of chronic internal pathologies, increased body temperature, menstruation, damage to the skin in areas supposedly exposed to laser beams: it is necessary 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 this is not surprising - it has too many advantages that the doctor mentions even 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 on any skin type, regardless of the severity of age-related changes and existing dermatological problems (there are isolated exceptions to the list of contraindications);
- the likelihood of scarring is reduced to zero and only increases if you ignore the recommendations of specialists on skin care during the rehabilitation period;
- allergic reactions and infectious complications are excluded, although they are inherent in surgical interventions and injection techniques;
- Lack of a full rehabilitation period – in just a few days the skin is restored, the use of medications is not required;
- Side effects are minor, disappear quickly and belong to the category of the body's normal reaction to aggressive influences.
There are also some "disadvantages" of laser skin rejuvenation:
- To achieve a pronounced effect, you need to complete several sessions.
- Results last shorter compared to cosmetic injections and surgical procedures;
- Prerequisites for the preparation period must be met.
Only three disadvantages are perfectly offset by the advantages 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 highly effective. During the consultation, the doctor will inform the patient about each type of laser facial rejuvenation; the selection is made taking into account individual parameters – age, initial condition of the skin, the presence of internal pathologies and dermatological diseases, the severity of age-related changes.
Ablative methods
Is carried out with full or partial laser beams. During the work, the doctor completely cleanses the surface layer of the epidermis from "old" cells or damages them to a small depth. The restoration of the skin occurs due to the active production of collagen, elastin and cell division of healthy tissues surrounding the places where theJet acts. The new skin is firm, elastic and even in tone.
Ablative methods permanently damage the epidermis, so their recovery period is slightly longer than others.
Fractional
The laser beam is scattered in microbeams through a special network - damage to the epidermis only affects 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 for the healing of the damage caused.
Since fractional laser facial rejuvenation only partially damages the epidermis, recovery only takes a few days.
Laser biorevitalization
This is 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 - so it is possible to "break" 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 recommended for pronounced signs of aging on the face - deep wrinkles, folds and fine lines. It has a cumulative effect and a prolonged effect - an improvement in appearance is noted for another 2-3 months after the completion of the procedure.
High beam
The skin is exposed to a full beam, causing damage to the entire epidermis. This method is ideal for people with numerous cosmetic and dermatological problems. In fact, after this type of laser rejuvenation, the surface layer of the face is 100% renewed. It is what cosmetologists prescribe to those patients who want to get rid of scars, scars and spots after acne.
Recovery takes a long time - 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 rehabilitation period.
Non-ablative method
Works great for sagging skin, deep wrinkles and excessive pigmentation. This allows you to treat a large area of 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 the rejuvenation, age spots are eliminated, the pores are narrowed and acne spots are only minimally visible.
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 facial tone and eliminates uneven relief.
A distinctive feature is that recovery takes only 3 days and the results achieved last 6-12 months.
Median
Recommended for patients who already have wrinkles, including age spots, age spots and slightly sagging skin. Belongs to the category of laser peelings, the rays act at a maximum depth of 1. 3 mm.
The procedure is performed using anesthetic gels. The patient may then experience discomfort and even mild pain for 24 hours. Rehabilitation lasts 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 only it can solve the problem of pronounced age-related changes. Cosmetologists recommend this technique to patients over 50 years old.
Rehabilitation lasts up to 2 weeks, but if you follow all doctor's prescriptions during this period, the results achieved will last on average 4 years.
How to prepare for laser skin rejuvenation?
As part of the preparation phase, an initial consultation takes place with a specialist. The doctor examines the skin of the face, assesses its condition, identifies problems, excludes or confirms contraindications. The beautician immediately decides on the choice of laser rejuvenation method and the number of sessions per course. The patient is then given recommendations on how to prepare for the procedure - which begins 14 days before the scheduled date. What is important to do:
- Do not expose your face to ultraviolet rays (sun rays) or visit a tanning bed.
- refuse to carry out cosmetic procedures associated with skin disorders/damage – peels, facial cleansing;
- Only stop taking certain medications (fluoroquinolones, diuretics, sulfonamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) after consulting your doctor.
3 days before the scheduled date of laser facial rejuvenation, you need to stop drinking alcoholic beverages, it is advisable to stop smoking (or radically reduce the number of cigarettes) and not to include foods from the allergen category in your diet (strawberries, chocolate, raspberries, citrus fruits, seafood).
Laser rejuvenation procedure
The procedure itself begins with a check-up of the face - the doctor must make sure that there are no inflammations, scratches or fresh tan on the surface of the skin. After that, laser rejuvenation is carried out in stages:
- Cleansing the face from residues of decorative cosmetics, dust and dirt– performed with professional tonics and lotions that do not contain alcohol.
- Skin disinfection– The face is treated with an antiseptic solution that prevents infectious agents from penetrating the epidermis.
- anesthesia– is not carried out for every procedure, but an anesthetic gel must be applied at the patient's request. The doctor then waits for 15-20 minutes - this time is enough for the pain-relieving properties of the applied product to appear.
- Laser skin treatment yourself. The patient may feel warmth, slight tingling or burning. Be sure to direct a stream of cool air to your face - this will alleviate the condition and reduce the intensity of unpleasant sensations.
- Applying a soothing mask– relieves inflammation, helps to quickly eliminate swelling and 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 about the recovery period.
Laser facial rejuvenation: before and after photos
Recovery after the procedure
The duration of the recovery period depends on what type of laser facial rejuvenation was used. The minimum duration is 2-3 days, but more often 5-10 days are required for rehabilitation. Regardless of the technique used, it is strictly forbidden to touch your face with your hands or even wash your face for the first 24 hours after the session. In the next 3 days of recovery:
- It is strictly forbidden to carry out thermal treatments - 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;
- You don't need to be outside for a long time - ultraviolet rays (they penetrate even through dense clouds) cause strong pigmentation;
- For cleaning, do not use cosmetics containing ethanol and when washing, use a washcloth or scrubs (even soft, gentle ones);
- Treat your face with a moisturizer two to three times a day.
- Apply products containing panthenol to the skin once a day.
Chemical peels are strictly prohibited within 2 months of the respective procedure! And even in cloudy weather, you need to apply sunscreen with a high SPF on your face.
You cannot remove scabs by force 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 of the face becomes red, very itchy and a burning sensation appears - 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 selection of which is recommended by a cosmetologist. Active peeling begins on the 2nd day after laser facial rejuvenation. The listed effects are normal, there is no need for action, it is enough to strictly adhere to the rehabilitation recommendations of the specialist.
If on facial 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 advice. This most often happens when 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 characteristics and capabilities of the procedure, but also to the high professionalism of the working doctors. They have sufficient knowledge and experience, work with modern certified equipment and strictly adhere to international protocols when conducting meetings.
FAQ
All questions about the procedure can be asked to the beautician during the initial consultation. However, 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 any diseases that are 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 marks and acne. There is a general improvement in the skin's appearance - inflammatory processes are stopped, the production of sebum secretions decreases and the pores 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 is increased by 15-20 minutes (the duration of the gel).
When will the first results appear?
Immediately after rehabilitation, the skin of the face changes. It becomes smooth, without pigment spots, firm, elastic, small wrinkles are smoothed out.
Is it possible to combine laser facial rejuvenation with other procedures?
Yes, but to a limited extent and only after consulting a beautician! After completing the course, injectable fillers and botulinum therapy are permitted.
How many procedures are required?
Typically, a course of 2-5 sessions with a break of 2-4 weeks is recommended.
In a professional clinic, specialists are ready to offer a comprehensive laser facial rejuvenation service - 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 in strict accordance with existing protocols, reducing the risk of side effects and complications to zero.