For a long time, plastic surgery was the only way to rejuvenate. But this method has many contraindications and is associated with certain health risks, which is why not all of them 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 this?
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 wrinkles.
During the procedure, natural collagen is actively produced, which provides tissue elasticity. This is especially important for areas of delicate skin where different methods of rejuvenation are unacceptable.
The difference between laser lifting and other methods of plastic and facelift is that this procedure does not involve surgery. The operation is performed with the help of special equipment for laser therapy. The light beam penetrates the skin and affects the weakened and dead cells.
Laser facelift can be done 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.
Cosmetologists usually prescribe laser lifting courses, as one session is not enough. Achieving 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:
- drooping eyelid skin;
- 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;
- drooping 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 related to the thyroid gland;
- epilepsy;
- hepatitis;
- skin diseases of all kinds;
- bad blood clotting.
Types of skin repair
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 common laser lifting 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. Ablative facelift is traumatic, but guarantees the result.
Non-ablative
This technique involves a laser beam penetrating deep into the skin, stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The upper layer of the skin remains intact. This method of laser lifting helps to improve tissue tone, which leads to facelift.
Unlike ablative tightening, which is also called "burning", non-ablative technique is considered more gentle. The non-ablative lifting method is allowed to be used on sensitive skin areas - eyelids and the area around the eyes.
This technology is not very popular, as many beauticians doubt its effectiveness.
Preparing 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 appropriateness 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 doctor must also be aware of all the diseases that the patient has suffered.
About two weeks before the session, simple rules must be followed:
- refuse to visit the bath, sauna and solarium, and also not to sunbathe in the sun;
- do not drink alcoholic beverages;
- take antiviral drugs per course (only as prescribed by a cosmetologist).
It is not recommended to consume coffee and energy drinks on the day of the session.
How do I do a facelift?
The technique for 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.
- The doctor then 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.
- During the session, the patient's eyes should be protected so that they wear dark glasses. After completing the preparations, you can start the laser lifting process.
- The doctor passes a special device with a handle (manipulator) on the patient's face, paying attention to particularly problematic areas and carefully treating them.
Different equipment is used depending on the procedure used. It differs in the technology of exposure 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 get rid of any wrinkles and scars.
- Erbium effectively fights the first signs of aging. Has a slight effect on the skin surface.
- Deep skin rejuvenation is performed using a diode laser. The light beam can penetrate inwards by 5-50 mm.
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-abrasive 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 tightening and rejuvenation of the skin.
After the procedure, the beautician treats the patient's face with antiseptic, then applies a soothing cream or mask.
Before and after photos
Next in the picture 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 effect, the longer it will take for the skin to fully recover.
Redness, swelling and hypersensitivity are common during rehabilitation. These are acceptable consequences of laser lifting and should not be a cause for concern. After a few days, the symptoms will go away on their own.
After laser lifting, 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, bath and beach for two to three months;
- don't forget to use sunscreen when you go out;
- do not use make-up until the skin is completely restored;
- try to touch your face with your hands as little as possible;
- turn off the facial massage;
- give up bad habits;
- follow a healthy diet;
- Drink plenty of fluids.
With proper care and following the instructions of cosmetics, the results of tightening can be seen after seven days. The skin will become firmer and healthier, wrinkles and scars will disappear. The oval of the face will acquire 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. There is no direct skin contact with the equipment during the procedure, 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 by the patient with the rules of care.
The following side effects are the most dangerous:
- herpes;
- increased skin pigmentation;
- white heads;
- scar formation (in case of detachment of the formed crusts).