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 skin firmness and elasticity: its rays can smooth out the relief of the epidermis as much as possible and eliminate scars. This procedure has been proven to also have a therapeutic effect, making it easier to treat certain dermatological diseases.
What is laser facial rejuvenation?
This procedure is carried out using special tools; The rays move across the surface of the facial skin in a "handle" and penetrate deep into the dermis. High frequency and heating ensure the destruction of old skin cells, while the surrounding healthy tissue remains unchanged. It is there that the process of active production of collagen and elastin begins - these substances are necessary to repair damage. Renewed skin is completely healthy and fully functional.
Depending on which areas of the face require laser rejuvenation, the doctor will select 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 require a long rehabilitation period with the patient staying in the clinic.
Indications and contraindications for laser removal
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 several sessions if you have:
- wrinkles on any area of the face– facial folds, age-related, deep;
- decreased skin elasticity– ptosis (drooping eyelids), jaw formation, "floating" oval face;
- external defects on the skin– scars, acne scars and mechanical removal of large acne, stretch marks;
- change in skin color– the appearance of yellow spots on the skin, gray color, absence of natural blush;
- excessive oiliness of the epidermis– accompanied by enlarged pores, frequent appearance of acne and oily shine;
- puffiness and bags, dark circles under the eyes;
- rosacea– vascular manifestations in the epidermis such as "networks", "stars".
Although laser facial rejuvenation is considered a safe procedure, there are some who consider it to be a safe procedurecontraindicationsTo implement it there are:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding period;
- oncological pathology, regardless of the location of the malignant neoplasm;
- diabetes mellitus of any type;
- incorrect functioning of the thyroid gland with excessive or insufficient synthesis of hormones;
- mental disability;
- neurological diseases such as epilepsy (accompanied by convulsive syndrome);
- tendency to form 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, skin damage in areas suspected of being exposed to the laser beam: 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 many advantages, which doctors voice even at the initial consultation:
- under the influence of a laser beam, natural biological processes in dermis cells 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 certain exceptions from the list of contraindications);
- the likelihood 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 in surgical interventions and injection techniques;
- lack of a full rehabilitation period - in just a few days the skin recovers, the use of medications is not required;
- Side effects are minor, disappear quickly and fall into the category of normal reactions of the body to aggressive influences.
There are also some "disadvantages" of laser skin rejuvenation:
- to get a real effect, you need to undergo several sessions;
- the results last for a shorter period of time compared to cosmetic injections and surgical interventions;
- the requirements for the preparatory period must be met.
Only three disadvantages are perfectly balanced by the benefits of laser facial rejuvenation!
Types of laser rejuvenation
The procedure in question can be carried out using different methods - each of them is safe and highly effective. During the consultation, the doctor will tell the patient about each type of laser facial rejuvenation; the choice will be 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 method
Performed with full or fractional laser beam. During the work, the doctor completely cleans the surface layers 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 healthy tissue surrounding the site of exposure to light. The new skin is firm, elastic, and evenly colored.
Ablative methods permanently damage the epidermis, so the recovery period will be slightly longer than other methods.
Factional
The laser beam is propagated through a special mesh into a beam of microbes - damage to the epidermis affects only 20-25% of the area, the remaining cells remain unchanged and fully functional. Such a targeted effect promotes evaporation of fluid from cells and 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 fractional laser facial rejuvenation involves only partial damage to the epidermis, recovery only lasts 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 dermis layer. The device sends short pulses and repeats them many times - this makes it possible to "break down" dead cells. At the same time, the laser delivers the selected drug to the desired depth - this parameter is determined by the doctor.
Laser biorevitalization is especially recommended for obvious signs of aging on the face - deep wrinkles, creases and creases. It has a cumulative effect and a prolonged effect - the improvement in appearance will be visible for 2-3 months after the end of the procedure.
Full beam
The skin is exposed to full light exposure, which causes damage to the entire epidermis. This method is very suitable for those who have a number of cosmetic and dermatological problems. In fact, after this type of laser rejuvenation, the surface layers of the face are renewed by 100%. This is what cosmetologists prescribe to patients who want to get rid of scars, scars and acne scars.
Recovery is long - there is no need for hospitalization, but it is worth taking 7-10 days off to rest, do skin care procedures and not worry about your own appearance during the rehabilitation period.
Non-ablative method
Very suitable for sagging skin, deep folds/wrinkles, and excessive pigmentation. This allows you to treat large areas of skin at once in one procedure - for example, the entire area of the face. The advantage of non-ablative methods 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 disappear, pores narrow and acne scars become less visible.
Surface
This is the most painless and safest method of the procedure - during the process, only surface cells are exposed to the laser beam, even the basement membrane remains intact. This technique perfectly solves the problem of early stages of aging, corrects the color of the face and eliminates uneven relief.
Its distinctive feature is that the 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. Included in the laser peeling category, its rays affect 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 24 hours. Rehabilitation takes a minimum of 5 days.
In
The laser beam damages all layers of the epidermis, including the papillary layer. Deep laser rejuvenation procedures are painful, but only they can solve the problem of real age-related changes. Cosmetologists recommend this technique to patients aged 50 years and over.
Rehabilitation 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 preparatory stage, 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. Next, the patient is given recommendations for preparing for the procedure - starting 14 days before the scheduled date. What's 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/damage - skin peeling, facial cleansing;
- Stop using certain medications (fluoroquinolones, diuretics, sulfonamides, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) only after consulting your doctor.
3 days before the scheduled date of laser facial rejuvenation, you should stop drinking alcoholic beverages, it is advisable to stop smoking (or radically reduce the number of cigarettes), and not include foods from the allergen category 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, scratches or fresh tan on the surface of the skin. After that, laser rejuvenation is carried out in stages:
- Clean the face from the 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– not performed for every type of procedure, but at the request of the patient, an anesthetic gel should be administered. After that, the doctor waits 15-20 minutes - this time is enough for the analgesic properties of the product used to appear.
- Laser skin treatment itself. The patient may experience warmth, slight tingling, or burning. Be sure to direct a stream of cool air towards your face - this relieves the condition and reduces the intensity of unpleasant sensations.
- Apply 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 previously received recommendations from the doctor regarding 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 facial rejuvenation laser used. The minimum period is 2-3 days, but more often rehabilitation takes 5-10 days. Regardless of which technique is 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. In the next 3 days of recovery:
- It is strictly forbidden to carry out thermal procedures - visiting a bath, 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 (penetrating even through thick clouds) will provoke strong pigmentation;
- Do not use cosmetics containing ethanol for cleaning, and when washing, use a washcloth or scrub (even soft and gentle);
- Treat your face with moisturizer 2-3 times a day;
- Apply a product containing panthenol to the skin once a day.
Within 2 months after such procedures, chemical peels are strictly prohibited! And even in cloudy weather, you need to apply sunscreen with a high SPF index on your face.
You cannot remove scabs or scratch your face forcibly - 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, itches a lot, and there is a burning sensation - this is a normal reaction to damage to the epidermis and deep layers of the dermis. If the discomfort is severe, then 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 normal, there is no need to take any action, it is enough to strictly follow the rehabilitation recommendations given by the specialist.
If on facial skin:
- a rash appears in the form of small pimples;
- there are signs of inflammation;
- scars begin to form,
then you should contact the clinic for a consultation. Most often this happens if the patient himself does not follow the rules of the recovery period.
Opinions about laser rejuvenation
Our patients leave only positive reviews about all types of laser facial rejuvenation. This is due not only to the nature and capabilities of the procedures, but also to the high professionalism of the working doctors. They have sufficient knowledge and experience, work with certified modern equipment and strictly adhere to international protocols for conducting sessions.
General Questions
Any questions regarding this procedure can be asked to the esthetician at the initial consultation. But since most are standard, here are the most popular answers.
Who can undergo laser skin rejuvenation?
Men and women aged 18 years and over. It is important that they do not have conditions that are on the list of contraindications. Laser facial skin rejuvenation is an excellent alternative to surgery.
What effect does this procedure give, besides rejuvenation?
Laser light can remove scars, tattoos, acne scars and acne. There is a general improvement in the skin - the inflammatory process 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 takes 30-60 minutes. If the doctor uses local anesthesia, the duration of the session increases by 15-20 minutes (gel duration).
When will the first results appear?
Immediately after rehabilitation, facial skin changes. It becomes smooth, without age spots, firm, elastic, small wrinkles are smoothed out.
Is it possible to combine laser facial rejuvenation with other procedures?
Yes, but to a certain extent and only after consulting a beautician! After completing the course, filler injections 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 initial consultation to monitoring skin condition during the rehabilitation period. Specialists work only with professional equipment, the procedure is carried out according to existing protocols, which reduces the risk of side effects and complications to zero.