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 solved with the help of surgical intervention.
Fortunately, modern aesthetic medicine offers many less dangerous anti-aging treatments. One of the viable alternatives to plastic surgery is a laser facelift.
What is it?
Laser facelift is a modern non-surgical way to combat age-related skin changes. This technique is aimed at improving the quality of the skin. Stimulates regenerative processes (cell renewal), improves blood circulation in laser exposure areas, which helps smooth wrinkles.
During the procedure, natural collagen is actively produced, which provides elasticity to the tissues. This is especially important for areas with delicate skin, where various rejuvenation methods are unacceptable.
The difference between laser lifting and other plastic surgery and facelift methods is that this procedure does not involve surgery. The operation is performed using special laser therapy equipment. The beam of light penetrates the skin and acts on the weakened and dead cells.
The laser lifting can be performed for women and men between the ages of 18 and 70. Most often, the need for this procedure arises after 30 years, when the first signs of skin aging appear.
Usually, cosmetologists prescribe laser lifting courses, since one session is not enough. Achieving 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 lifting will help solve a large number of problems. The procedure is indicated for patients with the following problems:
- loose 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;
- wrinkles on the neck.
Contraindications
Laser lifting 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;
- poor blood clotting.
Types of skin resurfacing
Currently, in cosmetological 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 widely used laser lifting technology.The impact of the light beam is directed towards the outer layer of the epidermis, which is constantly in contact with the environment.
Under the action of a laser, the dead skin layers are gradually evaporated. The ablative lifting is traumatic, but it guarantees the result.
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 the skin remains intact. This laser lifting method helps improve tissue tone, resulting in a facelift.
Unlike ablative strengthening, also called "burning", the non-ablative technique is considered more delicate. The non-ablative lifting method can be used to target 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 for the procedure
Before the laser lifting procedure, it is imperative to visit a beautician who will assess the general condition of the skin and draw a conclusion on the advisability of the operation.To reduce the risk of side effects, you will need to pass the following tests:
- General blood and urine analysis;
- chest X-ray;
- syphilis test;
- HIV test;
- cardiogram of the heart.
The doctor should also be aware of all the diseases that the patient has suffered.
About two weeks before the session, there are simple rules to follow:
- refuses to visit the bathhouse, sauna and solarium and does not even sunbathe;
- do not consume alcoholic beverages;
- drinks antiviral drugs during a course (only as prescribed by a cosmetologist).
It is not recommended to consume coffee and energy drinks on the day of the session.
How is the facelift performed?
The technique for performing a laser lift is relatively simple:
- The patient puts a medical cap or bandage on his head to remove his hair and lies down on the sofa.
- Next, the doctor prepares the skin: removes the remnants of make-up 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.
- During the session, the patient's eyes must be protected, so they wear dark glasses. After completing the preparatory measures, you can begin the laser lifting process.
- The doctor applies a special device with a handpiece (handpiece) to the patient's face, paying attention to particularly problematic areas and resolving them carefully.
Different equipment is used depending on the procedure used. It differs in the exposure technology and in the depth of penetration of the light beam.
There are two types of lasers: cold and hot. For a facelift, you can use a carbon dioxide, erbium or diode laser.
- The carbon dioxide laser is the most powerful. Helps get rid of wrinkles and scars.
- Erbium effectively fights the first signs of aging. It has a gentle effect on the skin surface.
- Deep skin rejuvenation is done using a diode laser. The light beam can penetrate 5-50mm inwards.
Ablative rejuvenation is performed with a carbon dioxide laser. Under the influence of heat, dead cells are gradually evaporated, and in the end a 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 activated in the connective tissues, contributing to the firming and rejuvenation of the skin.
At the end of the procedure, the beautician 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 length of the rehabilitation period depends on the technology of the procedure.The more intense the impact, the longer it will take for the skin to fully restore.
During rehabilitation, skin redness, swelling and hypersensitivity are common. These are admissible consequences of laser lifting and should not be alarming. After a few days, the symptoms will disappear on their own.
After a laser facelift, the skin needs gentle care. The patient must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and adhere to the following rules:
- do not visit the swimming pool, sauna, bathhouse and beach for two or three months;
- make sure you use sunscreen when you go out;
- 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;
- renounce bad habits;
- follow a healthy diet;
- drinks a lot of fluids.
With proper care and adherence to the beautician's instructions, the tightening results can be seen already after seven days. The skin becomes firmer and healthier, wrinkles and scars disappear. The oval of the face will take on a uniform shape and a clear outline. 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 the patient's non-compliance with the rules for care.
The most dangerous side effects are:
- herpes;
- increased skin pigmentation;
- white dots;
- scar formation (in case of laceration of formed crusts)