For a long time, plastic surgery was the only way to rejuvenate. But this method has many contraindications, and is also associated with certain health risks, so not all of them can be resolved with the aid of surgical intervention.
Fortunately, modern aesthetic medicine offers many anti-aging treatments that are less dangerous. One of the valuable alternatives to plastic surgery is a laser facelift.
What is it?
The laser facelift is a modern non-surgical way to combat skin changes related to aging. This technique aims to improve the quality of the skin. Stimulates regenerative processes (cell renewal), improves blood circulation in areas of laser exposure, which helps to smooth out wrinkles.
During the procedure, natural collagen is actively produced, which provides elasticity to the tissue. This is especially important for areas with delicate skin, where various methods of rejuvenation are unacceptable.
The difference between laser surveying and other plastic and facelift methods is that this procedure does not involve surgery. The operation is performed with special equipment for laser therapy. The beam of light penetrates the skin and affects weakened and dead cells.
The laser facelift can be done by women and men between 18 and 70 years old. Most of the time, the need for this procedure appears after the age of 30, when the first signs of skin aging appear.
Usually, cosmetologists prescribe laser survey courses, as one session is not enough. Obtaining the maximum effect is possible 3 months after the last procedure performed. With proper skin care, the rejuvenating effect can last for about three years.
Indications for the procedure
Laser surveying will help solve a large number of problems. The procedure is indicated for patients with the following problems:
- flabby skin of the eyelids;
- expression 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;
- double jaw dropped;
- wrinkles on the neck.
Contraindications
Laser surveying is contraindicated in the presence of the following factors:
- acute inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- any oncological diseases;
- chronic diseases;
- various blood diseases;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- HIV infection; diabetes mellitus;
- mental disorders;
- diseases associated with the thyroid gland; epilepsy; hepatitis;
- skin diseases of any nature;
- Deficient blood coagulation.
Types of skin resurfacing
Currently, in the practice of cosmetology, laser surveying is performed using two technologies: ablative and non-ablative. They differ because each uses a different type of laser.
Ablative
Ablative is the most widespread laser survey technology.The impact of the light beam is directed to the outer layer of the epidermis, which is in constant contact with the environment.
Under the action of a laser, the dead layers of the skin gradually evaporate. The ablative facelift is traumatic, but it guarantees the result.
Non-ablative
This technique involves a laser beam that penetrates deeply into the skin, stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The top layer of the skin remains intact. This laser lifting method helps to improve tissue tone, resulting in a facelift.
Unlike the ablative squeeze, which is also called "burn", the non-ablative technique is considered smoother. The non-ablative lifting method can be used on sensitive areas of the skin - eyelids and the area around the eyes.
This technology is not very popular, as many cosmetologists doubt its effectiveness.
Preparation for the procedure
Before the laser lifting procedure, it is mandatory to visit a beautician who will assess the general condition of the skin and make a conclusion about the convenience of the operation.To reduce the risk of side effects, you will need to pass the following tests:
- General analysis of blood and urine;
- chest radiography;
- syphilis test;
- HIV test;
- cardiogram of the heart.
The doctor must also be aware of all the illnesses the patient has suffered.
About two weeks before the session, there are simple rules to follow:
- refusing to visit the spa, sauna and solarium, and also not sunbathing;
- does not consume alcoholic beverages;
- drink antiviral drugs in one course (only as prescribed by a cosmetologist).
It is not advisable to consume coffee and energy drinks on the day of the session.
How is the facelift done?
The technique of performing a laser survey is relatively simple:
- The patient puts a medical cap or bandage on his head to remove his hair and lies down on the couch.
- The doctor then prepares the skin: removes makeup residues and oily secretions.
- Then, a refreshing gel is applied to the face. For patients with very sensitive skin, anesthetic creams are used.
- The procedure is painful. For this reason, it is often performed under local or general anesthesia.
- The patient's eyes must be protected during the session, so wear sunglasses. After completing the preparatory measures, the laser survey process can begin.
- The doctor passes a special device with a handpiece (stick) over the patient's face, paying attention mainly to the problem areas and working them carefully.
Different equipment is used depending on the procedure used. It differs in exposure technology and in the depth of penetration of the light beam.
There are two types of lasers: cold and hot. For a facelift, a carbon dioxide, erbium or diode laser can be used.
- The carbon dioxide laser is the most powerful. It helps to get rid of any wrinkles and scars.
- Erbium effectively fights the first signs of aging. It has a smooth effect on the skin surface.
- Deep skin rejuvenation is performed with a diode laser. The light beam can penetrate 5-50 mm inward.
The ablative rejuvenation is performed with a carbon dioxide laser. Under the influence of heat, the dead cells gradually evaporate and, finally, new and young skin remains.
Erbium and diode lasers are used for non-ablative facelift.The action of the light beam is directed to the inner layers of the skin. Collagen production processes are triggered in connective tissues, contributing to the skin's stiffening and rejuvenation.
After the procedure is finished, the beautician treats the patient's face with an antiseptic and then applies a soothing cream or mask.
Before and after photos
Later in the photo you can see 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 impact, the longer it will take for complete skin restoration.
During rehabilitation, redness, swelling and hypersensitivity of the skin are common. These are permissible consequences of laser surveying and should not be alarming. After a few days, the symptoms disappear on their own.
After a laser facelift, the skin needs gentle care. The patient must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and comply with the following rules:
- do not visit the pool, sauna, spa and beach for two to three months;
- make sure to use sunscreen when leaving the house;
- do not use decorative cosmetics until the skin is completely restored;
- try to touch your face with your hands as little as possible;
- excludes facial massage;
- give up bad habits;
- follow a healthy diet;
- drink lots of fluids.
With proper care and compliance with the beautician's instructions, the results of the tightening can already be seen after seven days. The skin is firmer and healthier, the wrinkles and scars disappear. The oval of the face will have a uniform shape and well-defined contours. Changes are generally not visible immediately after the procedure.
Complications
The laser facelift is considered a safe method of rejuvenation. During the procedure, there is no direct skin contact with the equipment, therefore, the risks of infection by various diseases are minimized. Complications can arise in two cases: insufficient level of professionalism by the cosmetologist and the patient's failure to comply with the treatment rules.
The most dangerous side effects are:
- herpes;
- increased skin pigmentation;
- whiteheads;
- Formation of scars (in case of tearing of the formed crusts).