One of the most popular procedures performed by cosmetologists is laser resurfacing of the face. It is popular with women of any age, as it helps not only to rejuvenate the skin, but also to cleanse it and eliminate the defects that have appeared. The article discusses the process of performing the procedure, its positive and negative sides, feedback from women.
Procedure description
Laser resurfacing of facial skin is an effective method of rejuvenation, getting rid of imperfections with the ability to instantly restore the structure of the skin. Carrying out a course of procedures allows you to rejuvenate the skin for 10-15 years without resorting to plastic surgery. The main advantage of the procedure is that it is suitable for people of any age. The resurfacing is carried out with a very powerful laser beam that affects skin areas of different depths. The power of the beam is adjustable, each mode is suitable for a specific structure of the face: the epidermis, blood vessels, age spots, scars. Laser resurfacing - the same peeling, only muchmore efficient. Even the thinnest laser can have a significant effect on the skin, correct its tone, and bring it into proper shape.
Skin resurfacing with a laser is a rather traumatic procedure, which should only be trusted by a specialist and modern equipment. Violation of the rules for its implementation will result in the presence of bruises, scars and abrasions. In this case, recovery will take significantly longer.
Views
The action of the procedure is possible in several ways, they depend on the type of laser. Only the attending physician can choose the most appropriate mode. The beautician pays attention to the structural features of the skin. Each mode is designed to fix a specific problem. Opportunities for laser skin resurfacing:
- Carbondioxide laser - when using this technique, the beam passes through the skin, heating it and causing the cells to evaporate. The dermis loses its old cover, regeneration begins and a new layer of cells appears, he althier and fresher. This method allows you to get rid of wrinkles and scars, contributes to a he althy-looking skin.
- Erbium laser - a technique for a softer fight against defects. After its implementation, the result is not as pronounced as after the carbon dioxide laser, however, it is also effective. In addition, after resurfacing with an erbium laser, it takes much less time to restore the skin.
- Low intensity laser is the gentlest way to get rid of defects. It does not cause evaporation of cells, so the restorativethere is no period after it. The method is designed to eliminate minor defects and wrinkles. It is painless, affects only the top layer of the skin and starts natural regenerative renewal processes. The effect after grinding with this technique does not appear immediately, so this method is not used as often as the others.
Who is the procedure recommended for and when is the best time to do it
Laser resurfacing of the face, like any medical procedure, has its indications and is carried out only by those who really need it. In many cases, it is she who helps people get rid of complexes and self-doubt.
Laser resurfacing allows you to start the formation of new collagen fibers, because with age this process starts more difficult. A patient needs laser dermabrasion of the face if there is a need to narrow pores, hide wrinkles, give the skin a natural look, and restore a clear edge of the face. Also, this laser tightens the skin in the neck and décolleté very well.
If the patient has such defects on the face, doctors recommend laser resurfacing:
- scars;
- wrinkles around the eyes;
- skin loss of former elasticity;
- forehead wrinkles;
- vascular manifestations.
It is best to carry out procedures during a decrease in solar activity - from about October to April. It is very important after treatment not to sunbathe and not to be outside for a long time, it is forbidden to visit the solarium. Ultraviolet can also damageunhealed skin, and this will negatively affect the overall result of the procedure. To avoid damage to the skin, it is worth applying sunscreen with the highest degree of protection.
Indications and contraindications
Among the indications for the procedure are the following:
- Deep laser resurfacing is most effective in skin rejuvenation, wrinkle removal. The laser restores elasticity to the skin, making it taut. The technique allows you to forget about enlarged pores, acne, scars, acne marks, scars.
- Very often the procedure is advised in the presence of scars on the body. If they are of a small size, grinding will help to completely remove the defect, and if the scars are large enough, then it will become almost invisible.
- Another purpose of the laser is to get rid of stretch marks and pigment formations.
- There are other indications for resurfacing - these are enlarged pores, neoplasms (papillomas).
- You can also get rid of tattoos with a laser - this is the most popular way to remove an unsuccessful tattoo.
Doctors do not recommend the procedure in the following cases:
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding period;
- oncological diseases;
- epilepsy;
- psoriasis;
- exacerbated chronic diseases;
- immunodeficiency;
- acne;
- colds, including herpes.
Especial care should be taken when carrying out the procedure for people withswarthy skin, allergies, a tendency to poor healing of scars. If you have contraindications or allergies, you should consult your doctor. After taking retinoids, you should wait 2-3 months before resurfacing.
How is it different from fractional rejuvenation?
When carrying out laser resurfacing, reviews of which are often positive, the effect of the laser is on the entire area of the treated skin area. This allows you to remove the top layer of the dermis, which contributes to the appearance of a new, he althier cover in its place. Thanks to this, it is possible to improve the appearance and quality of the skin, eliminate wrinkles, pigment formations, and in some cases even small moles.
The total time of skin regeneration after laser resurfacing lasts up to 3 weeks. During this period, redness may appear. Fractional skin resurfacing differs from laser skin rejuvenation in that damage to the skin occurs along with the formation of controlled therapeutic areas. The affected areas are surrounded by intact layers of the epidermis. Due to the treatment of small areas, the recovery period of the skin is much reduced - up to 7 days.
Sequence of actions
Laser resurfacing should be done by a professional. The presence of a person with the appropriate skills will avoid the negative consequences of the procedure.
Laser dermabrasion involves several steps:
- Before the procedure, local or general anesthesia is administered. The choice of the method of anesthesia, as well as the technique of the procedure, remains with the beautician. Anesthesia can be applied as a cream or injected intravenously. All safety measures are taken: anesthesia is prescribed for a more comfortable procedure, special glasses are issued that do not allow the patient to damage the eyesight from the laser. If the doctor knows that his actions will not cause pain, then the work will proceed more calmly, and the patient will feel better from the thought that the beautician is not distracted by something extraneous. Before starting, the doctor will apply an antiseptic to the treatment site and perform make-up removal.
- The next step is laser correction. The doctor runs a laser over the problem area, removing layers of the epidermis with each step. At the end of the procedure, the skin turns pale. The duration varies from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours.
- After the end of laser resurfacing, the doctor prescribes painkillers, because after the procedure the patient may experience discomfort. For faster healing, the doctor may prescribe a special mask that soothes the skin.
For best results, one to six sessions are usually required at least six months apart, but with fractional resurfacing treatment, the regeneration interval is one to three months. The number of scheduled sessions depends on the complexity of the work performed, the nature of the skin, the amount of defects.
For 2-3 months after resurfacing, redness may occur on the face, especially in people with light hair color.
How to take care of your skin?
After Medicalprocedures must be treated with care for the skin. It will not be possible to reduce the recovery time of the cover, but its timely recovery and the absence of adverse reactions depend on proper care.
Experts recommend following some rules of care after laser resurfacing:
- It is important to minimize the possibility of skin contamination, avoid exposure to irritating factors. If itching begins after the procedure, then scratching your face is not recommended. Do not use creams, tonics and other cosmetics.
- During sleep, you need to take the most vertical position to prevent swelling.
- For washing, use only special products, do not rub the skin, but use the irrigation method. Usually, the doctor prescribes the use of antibacterial agents within 10 days after laser resurfacing.
- Analgesics and non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce pain.
- In the first few days you need to be in a room with a high percentage of humidity.
- If damaged skin needs to be treated, then only sterile wipes, which are sold in pharmacies, are used. They are soaked in a thin layer of Vaseline. Dressings are changed at least 5 times a day.
- For the second week after the procedure, sunscreen is allowed when going outside.
These rules are general. The specialist who performs the procedure can advise care for a specific skin type, depending on the results of the procedure.grinding.
Pros and cons of the procedure
Any method of cosmetic skin rejuvenation has its pros and cons. Laser resurfacing has a number of advantages, which include:
- No age restrictions for the procedure.
- Highly secure procedure.
- Relatively short skin recovery period.
- Quite a small number of contraindications.
- Visible and lasting effect.
- No skin thinning.
- Speed of execution.
Laser resurfacing also has disadvantages:
- Pain during the procedure.
- Long rehabilitation period.
- The presence of contraindications, because the procedure is more surgical than cosmetic.
- High cost.
Where is the procedure and its cost
Laser resurfacing is carried out in specialized centers, and only by graduates. Before choosing a place for the procedure and the attending physician, it is necessary to read as many reviews as possible, to make sure the level of training of the specialist. Treatment must be taken seriously.
This service is quite expensive. Laser resurfacing of the entire face can cost 25,000 - 60,000 rubles. Separately, the client pays for painkillers and care masks during skin recovery.
Average prices for laser facial resurfacing:
- Removal of stretch marks, wrinkles and scar tissue costs from 1500 - 10000 rubles
- The area around the lips - from 5000 rubles.
- Chin area - from 4000 rubles
- Cheeks – from 7000 rubles
- Eyelid zone – from 6000 rubles
- Forehead area – from 5000 rubles
Opinions of patients and doctors
Reviews about laser resurfacing are mostly positive. Below we consider separately the opinions of doctors and patients.
Experts speak of the procedure like this:
- treatment equally effective for all skin types;
- held at any age;
- there is always a tangible visual effect that confirms the effectiveness of skin rejuvenation;
- thanks to modern technologies, regenerative processes are launched that “fall asleep” with age;
- the procedure can significantly reduce deep scars, spots, stretch marks.
Reviews about laser resurfacing say that sometimes a doctor has to deal with surprises in cases where:
- patient withholds information that may affect skin recovery period;
- patient does not report previous allergic reactions and diseases;
- there is an incorrect preparation of the patient for the procedure - both physical and psychological;
- the patient does not follow the recommendations for care after the procedure, which leads to infections, inflammation, irritation.
About the procedure, patients leave the following feedback:
- laser resurfacing of stretch marks –rather effective, but expensive procedure;
- the skin is really cleansed and becomes young, elastic;
- if the procedure is entrusted to a qualified specialist, then the risk of complications is minimal;
- can remove scars, age spots, tattoos;
Among the negative points women note:
- in some patients, after the procedure, a crust appears on the entire treated area, the redness does not go away even after two months;
- significant swelling in the first 3-5 days after resurfacing;
- high cost of the procedure;
- frequent complications in the form of pain, long-term redness;
- after-treatment of the face also requires a considerable amount of money.
It can be said that the procedure largely depends on the specialist and his experience in this field. Only a doctor can choose the right grinding method, taking into account the individual characteristics of the person who asked for help.
