For a long time, plastic surgery was the only way to rejuvenate. But this method has a number of contraindications and also involves certain health risks, so it is not possible to solve everything with the help of surgery.
Fortunately, modern aesthetic medicine offers a number of less dangerous anti-aging treatments. One worthy alternative to plastic surgery is laser facial surgery.
What's this?
Laser lifting is a modern, non-surgical method of combating age-related skin lesions. This technique aims to improve the quality of the skin. It stimulates regenerative processes (cell renewal), improves blood circulation in the area of laser exposure, which helps smooth wrinkles.
The process actively produces natural collagen, which provides tissue elasticity. This is especially important in fine-skinned areas where different rejuvenation methods are unacceptable.
The difference between laser lifting and other methods of plastic surgery and facelift is that this procedure does not involve surgery. The operation is performed using special laser therapy equipment. The light beam penetrates the skin and affects weakened and dead cells.
Laser facelift can be performed on women and men between the ages of 18 and 70. The need for this procedure most often occurs after 30 years, when the first signs of skin aging appear.
Usually, beauticians prescribe laser lifting courses because one time is not enough. It is possible to achieve the maximum effect 3 months after the last performed procedure. With proper skin care, the rejuvenating effect can last for about three years.
Procedure indications
Laser lifting helps solve many problems. The procedure is recommended for patients with the following problems:
- sagging skin of eyelids;
- term and age wrinkles;
- dark circles and bags under the eyes;
- pronounced nasolabial fold;
- acne scars;
- small scars;
- enlarged pores;
- unhealthy complexion;
- Presence of age spots;
- vascular networks;
- sagging double chin;
- neck wrinkles.
Contraindications
Laser lifting is contraindicated in the presence of the following factors:
- acute inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- any oncological disease;
- chronic diseases;
- various blood diseases;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- HIV infection;
- diabetes mellitus;
- mental disorders;
- thyroid-related diseases;
- epilepsy;
- hepatitis;
- skin disease of any nature;
- weak blood clotting.
Types of skin rejuvenation
Currently, in cosmetology practice, laser lifting is performed using two technologies: ablative and non-ablative. They differ in that each uses a different type of laser.
Ablative
Ablative is the most common laser lifting technology.The effect of the light beam is directed at the outer layer of the epidermis, which is in constant contact with the environment.
As a result of the laser, the dead skin layers gradually evaporate. Ablative facelift is traumatic but guarantees results.
Non-ablative
This technique involves a laser beam that penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The top layer of skin remains intact. This laser lifting method improves the tone of the tissues, resulting in facelift.
Unlike ablative tightening, also called "burning, " the non-ablative technique is considered more gentle. The non-ablative lifting method can be used to affect sensitive areas of the skin - the eyelids and around the eyes.
This technology is not very popular, as many beauticians question its effectiveness.
Preparing the procedure
Before the laser lifting procedure, it is essential to consult a beautician who will assess the general condition of the skin and draw conclusions about the expediency of the surgery.To reduce the risk of side effects, you should pass the following tests:
- general analysis of blood and urine;
- chest x-ray;
- syphilis test;
- HIV test;
- is a cardiogram of the heart.
The doctor should also be aware of all the illnesses the patient has suffered.
Simple rules should be followed about two weeks before the session:
- refuses to visit the spa, sauna and solarium, nor to sunbathe;
- Do not drink alcohol;
- Take antiviral medications during a course (only as prescribed by a beautician).
It is not advisable to drink coffee and energy drinks on the day of the session.
How is facelift performed?
The technique of laser lifting is relatively simple:
- The patient puts a medical cap or bandage over his head to remove his hair and lies down on the couch.
- The doctor then prepares the skin: it removes makeup residue and oily secretions.
- A cooling gel is then applied to the face. Anesthetic creams are used for patients with very sensitive skin.
- The procedure is painful. For this reason, they are often performed under local or general anesthesia.
- The patient's eyes should be protected during the session, so dark glasses should be worn. After completing the preparatory steps, you can begin the laser lifting process.
- The doctor guides a special device with a handpiece (handler) on the patient's face, observing and carefully working out particularly problematic areas.
Depending on the procedure used, different equipment is used. They differ in the exposure technology and the depth of penetration of the light beam.
There are two types of lasers: cold and hot. Carbon dioxide, erbium or diode lasers can be used for facial repair.
- The carbon dioxide laser is the most powerful. It helps to get rid of possible wrinkles and scars.
- Erbium effectively fights the first signs of aging. It has a slight effect on the surface of the skin.
- Deep skin rejuvenation is performed with a diode laser. The light beam can penetrate 5-50 mm.
Ablative rejuvenation is performed with a carbon dioxide laser. As a result of the heat, the dead cells gradually evaporate and eventually new and young skin remains.
Erbium and diode lasers are used for non-ablative face lifting.The effect of the light beam is directed at the inner layers of the skin. Collagen production processes start in the connective tissues, which contribute to the tightening and rejuvenation of the skin.
After completing the procedure, the beautician treats the patient's face with an antiseptic and then applies a soothing cream or mask.
Before and after photos
The photo shows the result before and after the procedure.
Rehabilitation
The length of the rehabilitation period depends on the technology of the procedure.The more intense the effect, the longer it takes for the skin to fully recover.
Redness, swelling and hypersensitivity are common during rehabilitation. These are permissible consequences of laser lifting and should not be alarming. After a few days, the symptoms go away on their own.
After laser lifting, the skin needs gentle care. The patient must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and follow the following rules:
- do not visit the pool, sauna, spa and beach for two to three months;
- Be sure to use sunscreen when going outside;
- Do not use decorative cosmetics until the skin is fully restored;
- try to touch your face with your hand as little as possible;
- excludes facial massage;
- gives up bad habits;
- follow a healthy diet;
- Drink plenty of fluids.
With proper care and following the beautician's instructions, the results of the tightening can be seen even after seven days. The skin becomes firmer and healthier, wrinkles and scars disappear. The face ovals have an even shape and get clear outlines. The changes are usually not visible immediately after the procedure.
Complications
Laser facelift is considered a safe method of rejuvenation. There is no direct skin contact with the equipment during the procedure, so the risk of infection with various diseases is minimized. Complications can occur in two cases: insufficient professionalism of the beautician and non-compliance of the patient with the rules of care.
The most dangerous side effects are:
- herpes;
- increased skin pigmentation;
- white-headed;
- scar formation (when the formed bark is torn off).