For a long time, plastic surgery was the only way to rejuvenate. But this method has many contraindications, and it is also associated with certain health risks, so not everything can be solved with the help of surgery.
Fortunately, modern aesthetic medicine offers many anti-aging treatments that are less dangerous. One of the worthy alternatives to plastic surgery is laser facelift.
What is it?
Laser lifting is a modern non-surgical way to combat age-related skin changes. This technique is aimed at improving the quality of the skin. It stimulates regenerative processes (cell renewal), improves blood circulation in the areas of laser exposure, which helps to smooth out wrinkles.
During the procedure, natural collagen is actively produced which provides tissue elasticity. This is especially important for areas with delicate skin where different rejuvenation methods 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. A beam of light penetrates the skin and affects weakened and dead cells.
Laser facelift can be done for women and men between 18 and 70 years old. The need for this procedure usually appears after 30 years, when the first signs of skin aging appear.
Cosmetologists usually prescribe laser lifting courses, because one session is not enough. Achieving the maximum effect is possible 3 months after the last procedure. 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:
- relaxed eyelid skin;
- expression and age of wrinkles;
- dark circles and bags under the eyes;
- pronounced nasolabial folds;
- acne scars;
- small scars;
- enlarged pores;
- unhealthy complexion;
- presence of age spots;
- vascular networks;
- relaxed 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;
- thyroid related diseases;
- epilepsy; hepatitis;
- skin diseases of any nature;
- poor blood clotting.
Types of skin rejuvenation
Currently, in cosmetic 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 influence of the light beam is directed on the outer layer of the epidermis which is in constant contact with the environment.
Under the action of the laser, the dead layers of the skin gradually evaporate. Ablative facelift is traumatic, but guarantees a 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 skin remains intact. This method of laser lifting helps to improve tissue tone, which results in face lifting.
Unlike ablative tightening, also called “burn”, the non-ablative technique is considered gentler. It is allowed to use a non-ablative lifting method 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 for the procedure
Before the laser lifting procedure, it is necessary to visit a beautician who will assess the general condition of the skin and make a conclusion about the expediency 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 the patient has suffered.
About two weeks before the session, simple rules follow:
- refuse to visit the swimming pool, sauna and solarium, and also not to sunbathe in the sun;
- do not consume alcoholic beverages;
- drink antiviral drugs on the 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 a facelift done?
The technique of performing 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.
- Next, the doctor prepares the skin: 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, it is often performed under local or general anesthesia.
- The patient's eyes must be protected during the session so that they wear dark glasses. After completing the preparatory measures, you can begin the laser lifting procedure.
- The doctor moves a special device with a soldering iron (manipulator) over the patient's face, paying attention to particularly problematic areas and treating them carefully.
Different equipment is 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. Carbon dioxide, erbium or a diode laser can be used for facelift.
- The carbon dioxide laser is the most powerful. Helps remove wrinkles and scars.
- Erbium effectively fights the first signs of aging. It has a mild effect on the surface of the skin.
- Deep skin rejuvenation is performed using a diode laser. The beam of light can penetrate 5-50 mm inwards.
Ablative rejuvenation is performed with a carbon dioxide laser. Under the influence of heat, the dead cells gradually evaporate, leaving a new and youthful skin.
Erbium and diode lasers are used for non-ablative facelifts.The action of the light beam is directed at the inner layers of the skin. In the connective tissues, the processes of collagen production are initiated, which contributes to the tightening and rejuvenation of the skin.
After the procedure, the beautician treats the patient's face with antiseptic, and 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 stronger the impact, the longer it will take for the skin to fully regenerate.
Redness, swelling and hypersensitivity are common during rehabilitation. These are the 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 lift, the skin needs gentle care. The patient must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and adhere to the following rules:
- do not visit the pool, sauna, swimming pool and beach for two to three months;
- be sure to use sunscreen when you go out;
- do not use make-up until the skin is completely regenerated;
- try to touch your face as little as possible with your hands;
- turn off facial massage;
- give up bad habits;
- follow a healthy diet;
- Drink plenty of fluids.
With proper care and adherence to the beautician's instructions, the results of tightening can be seen after only seven days. The skin will become more elastic and look healthy, wrinkles and scars will disappear. The oval of the face will take on a uniform shape and clear outlines. 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 occur in two cases: insufficient level of professionalism of the cosmetologist and non-compliance with the patient's rules of care.
The most dangerous side effects are:
- herpes;
- increased skin pigmentation;
- white heads;
- scar formation (in case of rupture of formed crusts).