After thirty years, the first signs of aging begin to appear on the face. At first, they are barely noticeable, but soon the situation worsens, pronounced wrinkles appear, the skin becomes dull and loses tone. That is why experts recommend not to allow the situation to worsen and to start anti-aging procedures.
One of the popular facial care methods is fractional laser rejuvenation. This method has been used not so long ago, but it has already proven itself well.
What does apparatus cosmetology offer?
Rejuvenation is carried out by the following methods:
- The problem area is heated evenly by radio frequency energy. The skin does not suffer much, and the recovery is quite short;
- This device allows you to create a beautiful oval face, smooth wrinkles, remove traces of acne, scars and scars. The skin becomes smoother, tighter and fresher.
- The impact is on the melanin, elastin and collagen of the skin.
Fractional or spot resurfacing with a CO2 laser has become very popular.
Invented by an American company, spot radiation allows a very precise and targeted effect on the skin and even on small problem areas.
Features of the procedure
There are several types of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing:
- The ablative method is quite aggressive. A special laser tip heats the skin up to 150 degrees. At the same time, the fluid and cells quickly evaporate. The regeneration process begins in these areas. Of course, the skin recovers quite a long time, but as a result, the face becomes more toned, fresh, and wrinkles are smoothed out. Scars and scars can be removed using CO2 resurfacing. ;
- non-ablative. Laser rays penetrate deeply, but the upper layer of the epidermis is not damaged. The result is achieved longer, but the sensation is softer.
If we talk about the method of partial rejuvenation, it is more gentle, since the effect is on certain areas of the skin and, accordingly, everything is not so traumatic and painful. In this case, the laser works not with a beam, but with its microbeams. They form a grid on the skin, which acts on the fabric in a checkerboard pattern. Healthy cells located around the microzone begin to divide rapidly, promoting rejuvenation. The action directly depends on the depth of the beam.
CO2 laser resurfacing helps to stimulate the production of substances such as collagen and elastin, which helps to change the condition of the skin for the better. The structure of the fabric improves, it becomes denser and more elastic, a healthy color appears.
Who is recommended and what to expect
The CO2 laser is indicated for the following problems:
- stretch marks on the skin;
- wrinkles, crow's feet in the area of the lips and eyelids;
- pronounced pores;
- marks;
- faded and dull skin color;
- loss of elasticity and firmness, pastiness;
- increased pigmentation;
- pronounced signs and manifestations of post-acne;
- vascular network (asterisks).
After completing a course of CO2 laser resurfacing, a slight lifting effect is observed, a youthful and healthy complexion is restored, the tissues become denser and more elastic, and problems such as wrinkles, folds and scars are gradually smoothed out and disappear.
What can't CO2 laser resurfacing do? Of course, the rejuvenation procedure is very effective, but even it cannot cope with some problems:
- severe sagging of the skin, high percentage of sagging. This must be eliminated surgically, not with a laser;
- if the skin has not received the necessary and appropriate care, that is, a person has not done anything in his 30-40 years to maintain beauty and youth, then a procedure will not be useful;
- too pronounced scars, which are also best removed surgically - by excision.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are a number of benefits that can be obtained as a result of CO2 laser rejuvenation:
- the fractional or spot beam minimally injures the skin, so the traces of the procedure disappear after five days;
- Large areas can be treated in one session, preserving and starting the tissue regeneration process. Thanks to this, the recovery period is quite fast;
- it is not necessary to use anesthesia;
- the procedure is suitable for cleaning the décolleté and neck area;
- side effects are quite rare;
- The procedure is indicated for patients of different ages.
Numerous reviews of people who have undergone such facial rejuvenation confirm the effectiveness of the procedure.
The skin is really smoothed, becomes more elastic and toned, and fine wrinkles disappear. Those who have scars get excellent results. At the same time, you can see a positive result after the first session, but specialists prescribe a course depending on the complexity of the problem and the desire of the client. On average, experts recommend at least 5-8 sessions to see a really good effect.
Disadvantages of CO2 digestion include the following:
- redness of the treated area;
- swelling;
- peeling;
- itching;
- painful sensations.
There may also be some complications after laser resurfacing, such as infection, which will lead to scarring. Sometimes people develop pigmentation, which is related to individual body reactions and skin characteristics.
Negative effects of CO2 resurfacing also include the appearance of erythema (stubborn), herpes, "marbling" of the skin, increased acne, keloid scars, and line formation where both treated and untouched skin are clearly visible.
Such situations are extremely rare and occur in approximately four out of a hundred customers. But you should know about this possibility.
It is also necessary to remember that the cost of such a procedure is quite high.
Laser rejuvenation: contraindications
There are no special age restrictions for CO2 laser resurfacing. Therefore, you can start doing it from the age of thirty or from the moment when the first signs of skin aging, scars, etc. appear.
There are some nuances in which you should refuse the procedure:
- pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- dermatosis;
- herpes;
- acute inflammatory processes in the area where laser work is planned;
- recent chemical peeling;
- diseases related to blood, immune system, connective tissue;
- oncological formations;
- diabetes;
- hypertension, coronary heart disease;
- varicose veins in the area that needs treatment.
If there are health problems, you must first get rid of them and only then carry out a cosmetic procedure.
Stages of the procedure
Fractional laser rejuvenation is performed with preliminary preparation. This means that two weeks before it you will have to give up tanning (sun or solarium).
With skin phototype 3 or 5, you should start using a depigmentation cream.
The CO2 laser resurfacing process itself is as follows:
- the specialist thoroughly cleans the skin with the help of a scrub and exfoliating agents;
- if the patient has a low pain threshold, then a special pain reliever is administered to reduce discomfort;
- the device is set to a mode suitable for the selected work method and starts working with the problem area;
- within one session, a specialist with good experience can treat areas requiring correction on the face, neck and décolleté;
- After the procedure is complete, the practitioner applies an emollient cream to the treated areas to help reduce redness, irritation, and swelling.
The whole procedure usually takes one hour.
In order for the skin recovery process after CO2 resurfacing of the face to proceed more quickly and correctly, it is necessary to take appropriate care:
- Make masks for the next two weeks and also use a moisturizing cream. It is better to use products that contain hyaluronic;
- It is better not to use decorative cosmetics in the first days, so as not to further injure the skin, which is slightly injured. In addition, makeup can contribute to infection, etc. ;
- Exfoliants and peels should be excluded from home and professional care for several weeks;
- if there is a possibility and a tendency to develop pigmentation, then it is mandatory to apply sunscreen on your face;
- It is better to wash your face with boiled water cooled to room temperature;
- To speed up the recovery process, you can include foods rich in vitamins in your diet or start taking a vitamin complex;
- spend more time outdoors, ideally in places with high humidity.
With high-quality and proper care, skin regeneration after CO2 laser resurfacing occurs quickly and without complications.
Modern cosmetology allows you to prolong and maintain youth with the help of hardware methods that have proven their high efficiency. An experienced cosmetologist who has undergone appropriate training will be able to choose a set of measures that will allow you to properly care for your skin and improve its appearance. The main thing is to follow all the recommendations of specialists.