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 is not only about smoothing wrinkles and folds, eliminating excessive pigmentation, increasing the firmness and elasticity of the skin: the rays can smooth out 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 certain dermatological diseases.
What is laser facial rejuvenation?
The procedure is performed using special devices; the beam moves across the surface of the facial skin in a "handle" 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. It is in them that the processes of active production of collagen and elastin begin - 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 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 the patient staying 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, it has a lot of indications - in a modern clinic, doctors recommend taking a course of several sessions if you have:
- wrinkles in any area of the face– facial, age-related, deep folds;
- decreased elasticity of the skin– ptosis (drooping of the eyelids), formation of jowls, "floating" oval of the face;
- external defects on the skin– scars, marks from acne 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 oiliness of the epidermis– accompanied by enlarged pores, frequent appearance of acne, and a greasy 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 carry it out 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 signs on the face.
There are also a number of conditional restrictions - exacerbation of chronic internal pathologies, elevated body temperature, menstruation, damage to the skin in areas of supposed exposure 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, which the doctor voices 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 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 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 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 influence.
There are also some "disadvantages" of laser skin rejuvenation:
- to obtain a pronounced effect, you will need to take a course of several sessions;
- results last for a shorter period of time compared to beauty injections and surgical interventions;
- requirements for the preparatory period must be met.
Just three disadvantages are perfectly offset 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 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 methods
Performed with full or fractional laser beams. During the work, the doctor completely cleanses the surface layer 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 tissues that surround the sites of exposure to the beam. The new skin is firm, elastic and even in tone.
Ablative methods permanently damage the epidermis, so their recovery period will be slightly longer than others.
Factional
The laser beam is scattered through a special mesh into 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 cells and the rapid renewal of regeneration processes. Untouched cells begin to produce collagen and elastin in large quantities - this is necessary for healing 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 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 - this parameter is set by the doctor.
Laser biorevitalization is especially advisable for pronounced signs of aging on the face - deep wrinkles, creases and folds. It has a cumulative effect and a prolonged effect - an improvement in appearance will be noted for another 2-3 months after the end of the course of procedures.
Full beam
The skin is exposed to a full beam, which leads to damage to the entire epidermis. This method is perfect for those who have a number of 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 those 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 skincare procedures and not worry about your own appearance during the rehabilitation period.
Non-ablative method
Works great on sagging skin, deep folds/wrinkles, and excessive pigmentation. It 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 rejuvenation, elimination of age spots, pores narrow 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 facial tone, and eliminates uneven relief.
A distinctive feature is that recovery lasts only 3 days, and the results obtained last for 6-12 months.
Median
Recommended for those patients who already have wrinkles, including age spots, age spots, and slight sagging skin. Belongs to the category of laser peelings, 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 experience 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 for 4 years (average).
How to prepare for laser skin rejuvenation?
As part of the preparatory stage, an initial consultation with a specialist takes place. 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, recommendations are given to the patient on preparing 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 that are associated with skin disorders/damage - peelings, facial cleansing;
- Stop using certain medications (fluoroquinolones, diuretics, sulfonamides, non-steroidal 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 advisable to stop smoking (or radically reduce the number of cigarettes), and not introduce foods from the category of allergens into 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 are no inflammations, scratches, or fresh tan on the surface of the skin. After this, laser rejuvenation is performed in stages:
- Cleansing the face from remnants 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– is not performed for every type of procedure, but at the patient’s request, an anesthetic gel must be applied. After this, the doctor waits 15-20 minutes - this time is enough for the analgesic properties of the applied product to appear.
- Laser skin treatment itself. The patient may experience warmth, slight tingling, or burning. Be sure to direct a stream of cool air onto your face - this alleviates the condition and reduces the intensity of unpleasant sensations.
- Applying 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 duration of the recovery period depends on what type of laser facial rejuvenation was used. The minimum period is 2-3 days, but more often rehabilitation requires 5-10 days. Regardless of what technique was 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 take thermal 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 leads to burns and irritation;
- you don’t need to be outside for a long time - ultraviolet rays (they penetrate even through dense clouds) will provoke strong pigmentation;
- Do not use cosmetics containing ethanol for cleansing, and when washing, use a washcloth or scrubs (even soft, gentle ones);
- Treat your face with moisturizer 2-3 times daily;
- Apply products containing panthenol to the skin once a day.
Within 2 months after the procedure in question, chemical peels are strictly prohibited! And even in cloudy weather, you will need to apply sunscreen with a high SPF index to 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 of 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, 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, there is no need to take any action, 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 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 about 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 question 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 years and older. It is important that they do not have conditions that are 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. There is a general improvement of the skin - inflammatory processes 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 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 pigment spots, toned, 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 consultation with a cosmetologist! After completing the course, injection fillers and botulinum therapy are allowed.
How many procedures are needed?
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 an 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, which reduces the risk of side effects and complications to zero.