All for laser rejuvenation: who, when and why to do the procedure

Scientists have proven that our skin begins to age as early as 25 years old, but most women (and in recent years, many men) strive to maintain a flowering appearance for as long as possible. Therefore, in plastic surgery, people saw a chance to preserve their youth and were happy to trust the professionalism of doctors. But science does not stand still, and today technologies using a laser to restore the skin are taking the lead. After exposure to rays of a certain length, divided into several light streams, the skin begins to get rid of particles incapable of regeneration, and young, healthy cells quickly divide, replacing the dead layer. This ability to restore natural skin processes makes laser rejuvenation an alternative to surgery.

Operating principle

It has long been known that aging is directly related to a slowdown in metabolic processes. Those cells that have already worked out their resource die much more slowly, and new ones are in no hurry to replace them. In addition, the synthesis of collagen and elastin is disrupted. Thus, the skin loses its elasticity and shape, wrinkles are formed. With the help of modern technology, doctors have learned to slow down and even reverse such phenomena. The fact is that with local exposure to a laser beam, skin tissues experience a kind of thermal shock. Those of them that he directly hit die off, in their place are peculiar craters of coagulated protein. The surrounding tissues, trying to heal the damage as soon as possible, begin to grow rapidly, forming a new layer. As a result, the patient gets smooth and toned skin for a long time. This procedure is called fractional (zonal) laser rejuvenation.

Varieties of fractional laser rejuvenation

Fractional laser rejuvenation includes many techniques in which, in addition to exposure to the skin with a laser with different wavelengths, additional equipment and cosmetics are used.

ablative

Ablative exposure involves working with the surface layers of the skin without deep damage. More often it is used to remove fine wrinkles, eliminate surface defects and the first signs of aging. This technique is most effective for those who are not yet 40 years old.During the procedure, the laser beam burns micro-sections on the stratum corneum.When healing, the skin is leveled, tightened, the effect is noticeable already 1-2 days after the procedure, but in order to maintain the result, it needs to be repeated periodically.

Laser peeling

A more serious intervention is laser peeling. During this procedure, the upper layers of the skin are actually burned out. This wording sounds scary, but it is quite safe and, thanks to local anesthesia, an almost painless procedure for which cosmetology uses two types of devices - erbium and CO₂lasers. Depending on the required intervention, the equipment is adjusted to a certain radiation length, which allows not to damage the deeper layers of tissues.As a result, after restoration, the skin becomes more toned and youthful, and the ability to adjust the operating mode of laser devices allows you to correct the skin in the décolleté area and the area around the eyes and lips.Some disadvantage of laser peeling is a long recovery period (7-10 days).

Most often in salons and clinics use CO₂- a laser that, using a short ray charge or continuous beams, burns out the top layer of the skin. The danger of this device is that if you do not calculate the depth of penetration, serious damage to the skin occurs, after which scars remain. An erbium laser is safer in this regard, since the radiation does not penetrate deeper than the upper layers of the skin.

Carbon peeling

Carbon peeling is a type of laser peeling. At the same time, in addition to laser exposure, they also use a special mask containing carbon dioxide nanoparticles. Under its influence, the remnants of sebum, other impurities and keratinized particles are bound and removed. The laser stimulates collagen synthesis, enhances metabolic processes and removes dead skin cells. The combination of these effects helps to cope with acne and other inflammations on the skin, even out the color and relief, and improve the appearance.

During the procedure, a mask is first applied to the skin to cleanse the surface layers, and after drying, a laser is used to start the recovery process. As a rule, the effect after such a procedure is not long in coming and becomes noticeable after a couple of days. Another plus is the absence of discomfort. Unlike other laser procedures, where pain often cannot be numbed with special anesthetics, the carbon peeling procedure is painless, and the patient feels only a slight warmth during it.

laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a deeper intervention than laser peeling, although the principle of operation remains the same - the laser beam removes the upper layers of cells. Grinding is used to remove scars, age spots, post-acne and other gross defects. The procedure is painful and is performed using local anesthesia. The number of sessions depends on the severity of the defect. In addition, be prepared that the recovery period lasts up to one month and will require certain restrictions.

DOT rejuvenation (fractional photothermolysis)

In non-ablative procedures, laser beams, bypassing the surface, penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis. Non-ablative laser rejuvenation is recommended for gross skin defects, including wrinkles and obvious signs of aging.Due to the fact that the action is directed directly to the deep layers of the skin, the effect is not immediately noticeable, but it persists for a long time.

DOT-rejuvenation (dermal optical thermolysis) also belongs to such methods. This method appeared in 2010 thanks to an Italian company. Under the influence of a carbon dioxide laser, many microthermal zones surrounded by intact areas are formed in the layers of the skin. To achieve the desired effect, the master changes both the wavelength and the distance between the laser action areas.

Biorevitalization

Another method, when laser exposure is combined with the introduction of special cosmetic substances into the layers of the skin, is biorevitalization. The procedure consists in carrying out preparations that restore or improve the composition and normal functioning of cells with the help of laser beams into the deep layers of the skin. The active substance in this case is hyaluronic acid, which acts as a kind of "cement" that fills the space between collagen and elastin fibers.Thus, an increased concentration of this substance evens out the skin relief, improves color, and triggers self-renewal mechanisms.

The laser in this case acts as a stimulating and cleansing agent, as a way to deliver the active substance to the depths of the epidermis. During biorevitalization, a cold laser is used. The length of the rays of which creates microtunnels through which hyaluronic acid penetrates into the deeper layers without burning the skin. Therefore, during the procedure, the prepared skin is first treated with a laser, then the active substance is applied and again treated with a laser. Specially modified hyaluronic acid molecules pass through the upper layers of the skin and are fixed in the cells and intercellular space of the dermis. At the end of the procedure, by changing the laser radiation spectrum, the doctor fixes the result. Biorevitalization with a laser is absolutely painless, and the effect after it is noticeable after a few hours, but unlike the injection technique, it will not be so long.

Pros and cons of laser rejuvenation

Like everything in the world, laser rejuvenation has positive and negative sides, and, having decided to improve the appearance, you should carefully consider them. The positive aspects of laser rejuvenation include the following arguments:

• laser rejuvenation visibly restores firmness and elasticity of the skin, often after 1-2 sessions;
• after the procedure, a fairly short rehabilitation period passes (even with fractional photothermolysis and resurfacing, when tissue integrity is violated, it usually does not exceed two weeks);
• laser techniques restore the décolleté, neck and eyelids, which are known to be highly sensitive;
• due to the peculiarities of the equipment during the session, the doctor works with large areas of the skin, which allows the laser to be used both on the face and on other parts of the body;
• such an effect triggers self-healing and renewal of skin cells;
• after laser rejuvenation, the skin is tightened, wrinkles are eliminated or become less noticeable, tone is evened out, scars are smoothed out, pigmentation disappears, dark circles (bruises) under the eyes are removed. In addition, fractional laser is considered an effective method in the fight against stretch marks.

It would seem - great! But laser rejuvenation also has a downside. So the cons:

• often, to achieve the desired result, you have to do 4-6 procedures with an interval of several days or even weeks;
• most laser rejuvenation techniques are painful, despite the use of anesthesia;
• after the procedure for several weeks, and often months, the skin requires careful care and protection with the help of special products;
• laser rejuvenation techniques often do not cope with deep, pronounced wrinkles or old scars;
• there is an extensive list of contraindications for such manipulations;
• and lastly, laser rejuvenation techniques are quite expensive.

Indications for carrying out

To globally solve the emerging problems of aging skin, people from 16 to 65 years old can use the laser rejuvenation procedure. Of course, which effect is best suited, you need to decide on an individual basis. You can use the laser rejuvenation procedure if you need to carry out:

• correction of age-related defects of the epidermis in cases where surgical correction is impossible;
• smoothing the skin around the eyes (elimination of "crow's feet");
• rejuvenation and tightening of the skin of the face (forehead, cheeks, chin, area around the mouth), as well as in the décolleté, neck, hands;
• elimination of scars after acne;
• treatment of pigmented areas, including melasma;
• elimination of enlarged pores, spider veins;
• correction of the inner surface of the arms and thighs;
• elimination of stretch marks on the abdomen, buttocks and other parts of the body;
• treatment of scars after surgical interventions and injuries.

To select a technique and suitable treatment, you need to consult a doctor.

Contraindications

Fractional laser exposure is a serious procedure, and before you decide on it, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons. Even at the initial stage, the doctor who will perform the rejuvenation procedure must carefully examine and interview the future patient in order to identify the presence or absence of contraindications. These include:

• the presence of inflammatory processes in the affected area (including acne in the acute stage);
• herpes;
• oncological diseases;
• diabetes;
• blood diseases (clotting disorders);
• infectious diseases in the acute period;
• skin infections;
• allergic reactions;
• epilepsy;
• immunodeficiency;
• hypertension or hypotension;
• age up to 16 years (not yet formed epidermis can be easily damaged);
• age after 65 years - in this case, due to a decrease in the intensity of regeneration processes, the rehabilitation period will be long;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The course of the procedure

As a rule, no preliminary preparation is required for the laser rejuvenation procedure, therefore, after an initial consultation with a specialist and in the absence of contraindications, you can start immediately. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and after completion, the patient is sent home.

1. Even at the examination stage, the doctor determines the zone and depth of the necessary impact, the length of the laser beam and the size of the laser grid.
2. Make-up is removed from the skin.
3. About an hour before the start of the procedure, the doctor will anaesthetize the treated area using an anesthetic cream.
4. After the anesthesia begins to act, the doctor proceeds directly to work with the laser. Depending on the intervention, as well as on the type of apparatus, the actions of a specialist may differ. For example, when polishing the skin, the doctor draws continuous lines over the skin with a nozzle, without stopping, so that, while correcting the necessary area, not to burn out too much of the layer. During DOT rejuvenation, the nozzle is sequentially rearranged over selected areas, applying laser grids to them. In both cases, a tingling sensation or even a slight burning sensation is possible.

Modern beauty salons provide a wide range of restorative and rejuvenating procedures based on laser exposure. However, most of the methods are quite a serious intervention and require certain knowledge and skills. But devices have appeared, with the help of which ablative laser procedures are carried out at home without special training.

rehabilitation period

It will take at least 1-2 weeks to restore the integrity of the skin, during which the treated areas require special care. Immediately after laser exposure, soreness, burning and swelling of the skin may appear. The next day, these symptoms will intensify, ichor may appear on the treated skin and crusts may form, which in no case should be touched or attempted to be removed. They serve as a kind of protective barrier between the infection in the environment and the regenerating skin. At this stage, a cream with an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect is used to reduce pain symptoms. To reduce the intensity of edema, it is worth reducing the intake of fluid and salt. By the end of the first week, the crusts soften and gradually disappear, a thin, pink layer of the renewed epidermis is hidden under them.

Care after fractional rejuvenation

For a speedy recovery, special skin care is needed.

1. Do not use tap water for washing. It is better to use bottled or boiled water.
2. During the first week, avoid skin contact with sunlight. And after, for a month (until the natural color returns to the skin), use products with UV protection of at least 30.
3. Within a month (until the epidermis is completely restored), scrubs, peels and other products that can damage the skin should not be used.
4. If there is no allergy, then take special vitamin complexes aimed at improving the skin, they will help speed up the recovery process.

Possible Complications

In addition to the described processes that are typical for the rehabilitation period, skin recovery after laser exposure can be complicated by the following processes:

• the patient may experience itching on the treated areas;
• after the crusts come off, red spots on the skin may remain for a long time;
• possible activation of the herpes virus.

Approximately 4% of those who have had this procedure have scars, rosacea (spider veins) or areas of hyperpigmentation.

Frequency of procedures

Speaking about how many procedures will be needed, and how often to repeat the course, you need to focus on a particular patient. The indicators are determined by the doctor, based on the condition of the patient's skin. But as a rule, ablative techniques, as well as laser peeling or biorevitalization, include a course of 3-6 procedures.To achieve a lasting effect that will last for several years, it may be necessary to repeat the course in six months.

User Reviews

1. "The procedure itself was really painful. But there is also my fault - I refused the anesthetic cream, trying to save money. However, this pain was quite bearable. After the procedure, the whole face turned red as after a burn. The redness went away the next day. I was told that you can use foundation, but I decided not to burden the skin once again. On the second day after the procedure, the skin began to peel off, crusts formed. I noticed a positive result on the third day - the old skin began to peel off, the crusts fell off, and the new skin really became like "new" - there were no scars (already after the first procedure, although I was told about 3), fine wrinkles were smoothed out, the pores narrowed, the complexion improved, the oval tightened. So, despite the pain, cost and some inconvenience of the procedure, I was very pleased with it and, now, I recommend it to everyone.
2. "Very much exaggerated! There is a result, but what they write in advertising must be divided by five. My result: the skin is more elastic, the complexion is fresh, the pores have become smaller, the fine mesh has been removed, the shallow wrinkles on the forehead have become a little less, the age spots (banal freckles after the summer) have become a little lighter and a little less in diameter. If you know what to expect, then you will be satisfied, you cannot blindly trust advertising.

3. "I set the task for the doctor to rid me of age-related wrinkles above the upper lip, the so-called creases - nasolabial folds, and in general to improve the structure of the skin. A special anesthetic cream was applied to my face, followed by a colorless lubricant. Fraxel treated the area of the cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds and forehead. During the procedure, an icy breeze was blowing on the area where Fraxel was currently working. And so it didn't hurt. General impressions of the procedure: more effective than various masks and poultices, together with a healthy lifestyle. "

Cosmetology today provides a large selection of procedures that can restore skin health and youth. Methods developed on the basis of laser exposure occupy one of the first places in terms of efficiency in this list. Popularity is also brought by devices that are used at home, although for a radical solution to the problem that has arisen, it is better to turn to professionals. However, in order not to be disappointed later as a result, you need to responsibly approach the choice of both the clinic where the procedure will take place and the doctor who will carry it out. In addition, it is necessary to carefully follow the recommendations that the physician will give after laser rejuvenation. And then the renewed, smooth and radiant skin will be a natural result.