For a long time, plastic surgery was the only way to get younger. But this method has many contraindications and is also associated with certain health risks. Therefore, not all of them can be resolved with the help of surgery.
Fortunately, modern aesthetic medicine offers many less dangerous anti-aging treatments. One of the valid alternatives to plastic surgery is a laser facelift.
What is it?
Laser facelifting is a modern, non-surgical way of combating age-related skin changes. This technique aims to improve the quality of the skin. It stimulates regeneration processes (cell renewal), improves blood circulation in areas of laser exposure, which helps to smooth wrinkles.
During the procedure, natural collagen is actively produced, which ensures the elasticity of the tissues. This is especially important for areas with delicate skin, where various methods of rejuvenation are unacceptable.
The difference between laser lifting and other plastic and facelift methods is that this procedure does not involve surgery. The operation is performed using special equipment for laser therapy. The light beam penetrates the skin and acts on weakened and dead cells.
Laser facelift can be done for women and men between the ages of 18 and 70. Most often, this procedure is necessary after 30 years, when the first signs of skin aging appear.
Usually cosmetologists prescribe laser lifting courses, because one session is not enough. It is possible to obtain the maximum effect 3 months after the last intervention performed. With proper skin care, the rejuvenating effect can last for about three years.
Indications for the procedure
Laser lifting will help solve a lot 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;
- 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;
- diseases associated with the thyroid gland;
- epilepsy;
- hepatitis;
- skin diseases of any kind;
- poor blood clotting.
Types of skin resurfacing
Currently, in the practice of cosmetology, laser lifting is performed using two technologies: ablative and non-ablative. They differ in that each uses a different type of laser.
Ablative
The ablative is the most popular laser lifting technology.The impact of the light beam is directed to the outer layer of the epidermis, which is constantly in contact with the environment.
Under the action of the laser, the layers of dead skin gradually evaporate. The ablative facelift is traumatic, but it guarantees the result.
Non ablative
This technique involves a laser beam penetrating deep into the skin, stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The top layer of the skin remains intact. This laser lifting method helps improve tissue tone, resulting in a facelift.
Unlike ablative tightening, which is also called "burn", the non-ablative technique is considered milder. The non-ablative facelift method can be used to affect sensitive areas of the skin - the eyelids and the area around the eyes.
This technology is not very popular, as many cosmetologists doubt its effectiveness.
Preparation of the procedure
Before the laser lifting procedure, it is imperative to consult a beautician who will assess the general condition of the skin and decide on the advisability of the operation.To reduce the risk of side effects, you will need to take the following tests:
- general analysis of blood and urine;
- chest x-ray;
- syphilis test;
- HIV test;
- cardiogram of the heart.
The physician should also be aware of any illnesses from which the patient has suffered.
About two weeks before the session, there are some simple rules to follow:
- refuse to visit the baths, sauna and solarium, and do not sunbathe in the sun either;
- does not consume alcoholic beverages;
- drink antivirals during a course (only on prescription from a cosmetologist)
It is not recommended to consume coffee and energy drinks on the day of the session.
How does the facelift work?
The technique of performing a laser lifting is relatively simple:
- The patient puts a medical cap or bandage on his head to pluck his hair and lies down on the sofa.
- Next, the doctor prepares the skin: removes the remains of make-up and fatty secretions.
- Then a cooling 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.
- During the session, the patient's eyes must be protected, so they wear dark glasses. After completing the preparatory measures, you can start the laser lifting process.
- The doctor runs a special device with a handpiece (maniple) over the patient's face, paying attention to particularly problematic areas and carefully removing them.
Different devices are used depending on the procedure used. It differs in the exposure technology and 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. Helps get rid of wrinkles and scars.
- Erbium effectively fights the first signs of aging. Has a gentle effect on the surface of the skin.
- Deep skin rejuvenation is carried out by means of a diode laser. The light beam can penetrate 5 to 50 mm inwards.
Ablative rejuvenation is performed with a carbon dioxide laser. Under the influence of heat, the dead cells gradually evaporate and eventually new and young skin remains.
Erbium and diode lasers are used for non-ablative facelift.The action of the light beam is directed towards the inner layers of the skin. Collagen production processes are triggered in connective tissues, contributing to the firming and rejuvenation of the skin.
After the procedure is completed, the esthetician treats the patient's face with an antiseptic, then applies a soothing cream or mask.
Before and after photos
Further in the photo you can see the result before and after the procedure.
Rehabilitation
The duration of the rehabilitation period depends on the technology of the procedure.The more intense the impact, the longer it will take for the complete restoration of the skin.
During rehabilitation, skin redness, swelling and hypersensitivity are common. These are permissible consequences of laser lifting and should not be alarming. After a few days, the symptoms will go away on their own.
After a laser facelift, the skin needs gentle care. The patient should strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and adhere to the following rules:
- do not visit the swimming pool, sauna, public baths and the beach for two to three months;
- be sure to use sunscreen when you go out;
- do not use decorative cosmetics until the skin is completely restored;
- try to touch your face as little as possible with your hands;
- excludes facial massage;
- give up bad habits;
- follow a healthy diet;
- drink plenty of fluids.
With proper care and observance of the beautician's instructions, the results of a tightening can be seen already after seven days. The skin will become firmer and healthier, wrinkles and scars will disappear. The oval of the face will take on a uniform shape and sharp contours. The changes are usually not visible immediately after the procedure.
Complications
Laser facelift is considered a safe method of rejuvenation. During the procedure, there is no direct skin contact with the equipment, so the risks of infection with various diseases are minimized. Complications can arise in two cases: an insufficient level of professionalism of the cosmetologist and non-compliance by the patient with the rules of care.
The most dangerous side effects are:
herpes- ;
- increased skin pigmentation;
- white dots;
- scar formation (in case of tearing of the formed scabs).