For a long time, plastic surgery was the only way to rejuvenate. However, this method has many contraindications and is also associated with certain health risks, so not all of them can be resolved with the help of one surgical procedure.
Fortunately, modern aesthetic medicine offers many antiaging treatments that are less dangerous. One of the worthy alternatives to plastic surgery is a laser face lift.
What is that?
Laser lifting is a modern non-surgical method to combat age-related skin changes. This technique aims to improve the quality of the skin. It stimulates regeneration processes (cell renewal), improves blood circulation in the areas of laser exposure and helps smooth out wrinkles.
During the procedure, natural collagen is actively produced, which ensures tissue elasticity. This is especially important for areas with sensitive skin where various methods of rejuvenation are not acceptable.
The difference between laser lifting and other methods of plastic surgery and facelift is that this procedure does not involve surgery. The operation is carried out with special devices for laser therapy. The light beam penetrates the skin and acts on weakened and dead cells.
Laser facelifts can be performed on women and men between the ages of 18 and 70 years. Most often, the need for this procedure occurs after 30 years, when the first signs of aging appear.
Usually beauticians prescribe laser lifting courses because one session is not enough. Achieving the maximum effect is possible 3 months after the last procedure performed. With proper skin care, the rejuvenating effects can last for about three years.
Indications for the procedure
Laser lifting helps solve a wide variety of problems. The procedure is indicated for patients with the following problems:
- sagging skin of the eyelids;
- expression and age wrinkles;
- dark circles and pockets under the eyes;
- pronounced nasolabial fold;
- acne scars;
- small scars;
- enlarged pores;
- unhealthy complexion;
- the presence of age spots;
- vascular networks;
- sagging double chin;
- neck folds.
Contraindications
Laser lifting is contraindicated in the presence of the following factors:
- acute inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- all 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 any kind;
- poor blood clotting.
Types of skin renewal
Currently, laser lifting is carried out in cosmetic practice using two technologies: ablative and non-ablative. They differ in that each one 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 the laser, the dead skin layers are gradually evaporated. The ablative facelift is traumatic, but it guarantees the result.
Not ablative
With this technique, a laser beam penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The top layer of skin remains intact. This laser lifting method helps improve the tissue tone, which leads to a face lift.
In contrast to ablative tightening, which is also referred to as "burning", the non-ablative technique is seen as gentler. The non-ablative method of lifting may be used to influence sensitive skin areas - the eyelids and the eye area.
This technology is not very popular as many beauticians doubt its effectiveness.
Prepare the procedure
Before the laser lift, it is essential to visit a beautician who will assess the general condition of the skin and draw a conclusion about the advisability of the operation.To reduce the risk of side effects, you must pass the following tests:
- General analysis of blood and urine;
- chest x-ray;
- syphilis test;
- HIV test;
- cardiogram of the heart.
The doctor should also be informed about any illnesses from which the patient has suffered.
About two weeks before the meeting, simple rules must be followed:
- refuses to visit the bathhouse, sauna and solarium and not to bask in the sun;
- do not consume alcoholic beverages;
- drinks antiviral drugs in a course (only as prescribed by a beautician).
It is not advisable to consume coffee and energy drinks on the day of the session.
How is a facelift carried out?
The technique for performing a laser lift is relatively simple:
- The patient places 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 the remains of make-up and greasy secretions.
- Then a cooling gel is applied to the face. Anesthetic creams are used in 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 must be protected so that they wear dark glasses. After completing the preparatory measures, you can start laser lifting.
- The doctor guides a special device with a handpiece (manipula) over the patient's face, paying particular attention to problem areas and working them out carefully.
Depending on the method used, different devices are 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. A carbon dioxide, erbium or diode laser can be used for a facelift.
- The carbon dioxide laser is the most powerful. Helps remove wrinkles and scars.
- Erbium effectively combats the first signs of aging. Has a mild effect on the skin surface.
- A deep skin rejuvenation is carried out using a diode laser. The light beam can penetrate 5-50 mm inwards.
The ablative rejuvenation is carried out with a carbon dioxide laser. Under the influence of heat, dead cells are gradually evaporated, and ultimately new and young skin is left behind.
Erbium and diode lasers are used for non-ablative facelifts.The effect of the light beam is directed towards the inner layers of the skin. Collagen production processes are triggered in the connective tissue and contribute to the tightening and rejuvenation of the skin.
After the procedure is over, the beautician treats the patient's face with an antiseptic and then applies a soothing cream or mask.
Before and after photos
Next on the photo you can see the result before and after the procedure.
Rehabilitation
The duration of the rehabilitation phase depends on the technology of the procedure.The more intense the impact, the longer it takes to fully restore the skin.
During rehabilitation, skin redness, swelling and hypersensitivity often occur. These are acceptable consequences of laser lifting and shouldn't be alarming. After a few days the symptoms will go away on their own.
After a laser lift, the skin must be gently cared for. The patient must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and adhere to the following rules:
- do not visit the pool, sauna, bathhouse or beach for two to three months;
- Be sure to use sunscreen when you go outside.
- Do not use decorative cosmetics until the skin is fully restored.
- try to touch your face as little as possible with your hands;
- exclude facial massage;
- giving up bad habits;
- follow a healthy diet;
- drink plenty of fluids.
With proper care and following the beautician's instructions, the results of a tightening are visible after seven days. The skin becomes firmer and healthier, wrinkles and scars disappear. The oval of the face takes on a uniform shape and clear outlines. Changes are usually not visible immediately after the procedure.
Complications
The laser facelift is a safe method for rejuvenation. There is no direct skin contact with the device during the procedure, so the risk of infection with various diseases is minimized. Complications can arise in two cases: insufficient professionalism of the beautician and non-compliance with the rules of care by the patient.
The most dangerous side effects are:
- herpes;
- increased skin pigmentation;
- whiteheads;
- scarring (in the case of tearing off the formed crusts).