Laser facial resurfacing: advantages, disadvantages, results

Sanding can quickly correct imperfections. The procedure improves tissue blood circulation and stimulates collagen production. The laser has an aggressive effect on the dermis. After it, skin cells begin to divide, the damaged area is filled with new cells.

Laser resurfacing rejuvenates skin

During the grinding process, the top layer of skin is completely removed; the depth of laser exposure is determined by the doctor. The patient’s appearance deteriorates after visiting a cosmetologist, because after the procedure the face becomes red. Swelling may occur, so the client should be prepared for a lengthy recovery process.

Today, beauty salons offer clients fractional resurfacing. It is less damaging to the dermis, because the cosmetologist uses a laser to remove the top layer of skin only in certain areas. Typically the area where blemishes are located, such as scars or acne marks, is treated. The impact is aimed at micro areas, so the skin is restored faster.

The effect of laser is highly effective; the method is not inferior to surgical removal of scars.

The procedure can be performed with the following lasers:

1. Carbon dioxide. It is best for resurfacing stretch marks and scars. But you need to take into account that during laser exposure the surface of the skin becomes very hot, so burns are possible. After the procedure, patients face a long recovery period.
2. Erbium. The device is more modern; the outgoing radiation is divided into several beams. The heat is dissipated, so even sensitive skin will not be burned. Erbium laser is used to treat eyelids and décolleté. After the procedure, a lifting effect is noticeable. This occurs because undamaged skin cells that were not exposed to the laser are pulled together over the damaged ones.

Before the procedure begins, the patient is given anesthesia. For a small treatment area, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic gel to the face; it will make the skin less sensitive.

In order to achieve the desired effect, laser resurfacing must be done in courses. After 3 visits to a cosmetologist, skin defects that cannot be eliminated with cosmetics will disappear.

Advantages of the procedure

Laser resurfacing is popular and can quickly give you smooth, firm skin. At the first appointment, the cosmetologist will choose the type of laser and determine the depth of treatment of the epidermis.

Among the advantages of the procedure are the following:

1. Slowing down aging. The laser beam removes the epidermis layer, this stimulates regeneration and collagen production. The effect of the procedure is especially noticeable after treating the skin around the eyes, as well as in the area of ​​the chin and nasolabial folds.
2. Relief leveling. The laser removes scars, pimples and congestive spots from rashes. If deep scars can be reduced in several procedures, then acne will disappear after one. Expression wrinkles disappear immediately and deep folds are reduced.
3. Narrowing of pores. As a result of the activation of processes within the dermis, its renewal occurs. New areas with narrow and clean pores are formed.
4. Improved complexion. When the recovery process is completed, patients will see that the skin has become lighter, age spots and freckles have disappeared.

Having decided to have laser resurfacing, you need to choose a clinic and a cosmetologist. The result will depend on the type of laser and the professionalism of the doctor. You need to contact medical centers that are known for high quality services.

The cosmetologist will examine the skin and propose a program to eliminate defects.

Reviews

It took me a long time to get ready for the laser resurfacing procedure. The result did not disappoint me and met all expectations. I would especially like to note the attentive attitude of the staff. After the procedure, all recommendations for care during rehabilitation were given. I recommend it to everyone!

Alina

Moscow

I decided to have laser resurfacing and haven’t regretted it for a second. I read a lot of reviews before this. I was convinced that the procedure is effective from my own experience. I will be happy to come to the salon again in a while.

Oksana

Samara

I did laser peeling and was very pleased! The skin became smooth, elastic and clean. Special thanks to the staff! I recommend to all.

Faith

Voronezh

Disadvantages of laser resurfacing

The laser renews the skin, but if the depth of exposure is chosen incorrectly, complications can arise. Also, negative consequences appear if the patient does not comply with the doctor’s instructions during the recovery period.

Among the disadvantages of the procedure are the following:

1. The appearance of burns, the formation of blisters. If the skin is sensitive and the laser beam penetrates too deeply, the tissue is burned.
2. The appearance of age spots. It is not known exactly why they form, but pigmentation may be disrupted due to intense radiation. As a result, some areas of the skin become lighter while others become darker. The reaction of the dermis is unpredictable, so you should make an appointment only with experienced cosmetologists.
3. Infection of tissues, their suppuration. If during the rehabilitation period the patient does not follow the doctor’s recommendations for skin care, an inflammatory process may begin. Do not scratch or scratch your face. It is forbidden to pick off the crusts that form on the skin after grinding; they should fall off on their own. For healing, it is necessary to use special ointments, then rehabilitation will be completed faster.
4. Pain when sanding. If the depth of laser exposure is very large, discomfort will be noticeable. In such situations, anesthetic gel is not enough; local anesthesia will be required.
5. Long recovery period. Any procedure based on the use of a laser device requires careful skin care during the rehabilitation period. The doctor prescribes ointments; for deep resurfacing, he prescribes painkillers. Patients often suffer from facial itching and increased body temperature.

Before resurfacing, the cosmetologist should ask the patient about his state of health. In case of exacerbation of chronic diseases, the presence of herpes and diabetes mellitus, the procedure is prohibited. Pregnant women should also abstain. Contraindications will be diseases of the nervous system.

Contraindications to laser facial rejuvenation

The main contraindications for facial rejuvenation with laser equipment:

• Lactation period;
• Pregnancy;
• Malignant tumors;
• Chronic inflammatory processes;
• Herpes in the active stage;
• Poor blood clotting;
• Epilepsy attacks;
• Violation of the integrity of the skin in the projection of work;
• Mental disorders;
• Tan acquired less than 14 days ago;
• Immunodeficiency syndrome.

You can find out how pressing a problem for a patient can interfere with the laser procedure at an initial appointment at a cosmetology center.

The specialist will tell you about the risks or immediately offer an alternative, which includes facial contouring.

Results of laser treatment

After polishing, deep wrinkles are smoothed out, and small ones completely disappear. The skin is tightened and age-related irregularities disappear. Already after the first procedure, the traces left from acne are noticeably reduced and pimples disappear. Collagen production is activated, so the skin becomes more elastic.

The procedure is done several times a year, this ensures maximum effect.

If the defects are pronounced, to completely eliminate them you will need to undergo a course of 3 or more procedures. The price of laser resurfacing depends on the financial policy of the cosmetology center; it ranges from 7 to 12 thousand rubles. In the capital, laser resurfacing will cost more. The recovery period after the procedure lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

Clinical cases

Rice. 10. Rejuvenation and elimination of post-acne scars using the CO2 Eraser C-RF device.

Rice. 11. Elimination of stretch marks and atrophic scars using the Lotus II Er:YAG device.

Charlize Theron

An illustrative example of the effect of laser facial resurfacing is Charlize Theron . The American actress and model regularly undergoes the procedure and looks significantly younger than her 45 years. The “gauze effect” did not bypass Charlize’s face, which was spoiled by care and cosmetic procedures, as can be seen in the photographs of the Golden Globe ceremony. The actress's skin is fresh and toned. But if you look closely, you can see traces of a recently performed procedure to preserve youth.

Charlize Theron. Effect of gauze after healing

It is unlikely that the star trusts her face to inexperienced specialists, who allow terrible complications in the form of a scar network to appear on the actress’s skin. No, the “gauze effect” is of normal origin and is only one of the features of the rehabilitation period. Many celebrities aren't afraid of laser facial resurfacing, but they probably won't appear in front of cameras during their recovery period.

Price for services

Is resurfacing with a CO2 laser painful and what to expect after?

This procedure is usually performed under anesthesia, so discomfort is minimal. This is a numbing cream that is applied directly to the skin. Other types of anesthesia are performed in selected situations and skin conditions that require deeper laser penetration.

After exposure to CO2 you can expect to feel a slight sunburn. You will also notice redness and swelling on the skin. Itching and mild tingling for several days are common. Depending on the intensity of treatment, the “sunburn” effect may be weaker or more severe. In these more severe cases of redness, scabs may appear as the skin heals.

Fractional rejuvenation for the treatment of scars and stretch marks

This rejuvenation method is especially effective in treating scar tissue. Fractional laser beams have the ability to crush roughened scar tissue, after which it acquires elasticity, softness, and the tension of the surrounding healthy tissue decreases.

Fractional photothermolysis helps reduce the area of ​​scars, making them elastic, unnoticeable, and as close as possible in appearance to healthy skin.

Fractional rejuvenation is indicated for the treatment of stretch marks. Sadly, stretch marks cannot be completely eliminated, you can only make them more invisible.

The effect of fractional treatment is:

• reducing the area of ​​stretch marks;
• reducing tissue fiber breaks;
• aligning the shade of stretch marks with the tone of healthy skin;
• increasing the elasticity and firmness of the skin tissue around and relieving tension.

What are the possible side effects of CO2 laser resurfacing?

The following transient side effects may occur after exposure to a fractional laser:

• Swelling
• Erythema (redness)
• Itching
• The appearance of acne
• Hyperpigmentation
• Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal)
• Contact dermatitis
• Hypopigmentation (loss of skin pigment)
• Demarcation lines
• Hypertrophic scars and keloids
• Damage to tooth enamel
• Eye injuries
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Megan Fox

The actress resorts to the laser resurfacing method with enviable regularity. The reason for this is skin problems, which have caused Megan a lot of trouble since her youth. The aspiring actress suffered from constant pimples and acne, which left acne marks and scars on her face. Today, the result is truly amazing – Fox’s face is fresh and toned.

Megan Fox. Result of laser facial resurfacing

Review of cosmetic products for those who are hesitant about laser stretch mark removal

If you find it difficult to decide on laser removal of stretch marks, try getting rid of them using the following means:

"Avent" - a cream popular throughout Europe

Its advantages:

• The company's reputation and a huge number of consumers satisfied with the results obtained.
• The tube is large enough to allow you to use the product for a long time.
• Pleasant and light consistency, thanks to which the cream is quickly absorbed into the skin.
• Hypoallergenic composition.
• Light and unobtrusive aroma.
• Permanently relieves the feeling of tightness and dryness of the skin.
• The product is absolutely safe, and therefore can be used during pregnancy and lactation.

disadvantages , but they still exist:

• Expensive.
• Insufficient amount of information presented in Russian on the packaging.
• Difficult to find in retail stores.
• It perfectly prevents the occurrence of stretch marks, but has low effectiveness in the fight against stretch marks that have already appeared.

In general, consumers leave positive reviews about this cream and recommend it for use.

"Sanosan"

The products of the German company have held a leading position in the market for a very long time.

Main advantages:

• High quality products and good demand for them.
• Hypoallergenic composition.
• A large tube that allows you to use the product for a long time and makes it a fairly inexpensive option.
• They give the skin smoothness and tenderness, tone it and eliminate the feeling of dryness.
• Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation.
• Stimulates collagen synthesis.

Flaws:

• The consistency is quite thick, causing inconvenience during application; for the same reason, the products take a long time to be absorbed.
• The composition contains flavorings that give the creams a pronounced aroma, which not all customers like.
• They effectively prevent the formation of new stretch marks, but they are not able to remove old ones.
• High price.
• Insufficient information about the product in the instructions.

But, after weighing all the pros and cons, consumers, as a rule, recommend this company’s creams for use, including by pregnant women and young mothers, instead of laser stretch mark removal.

"Mustela"

According to the manufacturer, the cream is approved and recommended for use by 90% of buyers.

Advantages of the product:

• The effective double action of the cream is to eliminate existing stretch marks and prevent the appearance of new ones.
• Moisturizing the skin and maintaining its water balance.
• Light and pleasant smell.
• Good consistency, thanks to which the product is consumed slowly and is easily applied to the skin.
• Fast absorption.
• Safety of use during pregnancy and lactation.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Inconvenient dispenser.
• Sometimes causes allergic reactions.

Most of the reviews about this cream indicate its effectiveness in the fight against stretch marks.

Bepanten

Bepanten should be classified as a medicinal rather than a cosmetic product. It can be purchased as a cream, emulsion or ointment.

Pros:

• Can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• The composition contains dexpanthenol, a substance that stimulates the regeneration of skin cells.
• Available in tubes of various volumes, which allows you to select and purchase the optimal amount of product.
• Hypoallergenic composition.
• The ability to choose a dosage form that affects the absorption rate of the product (the emulsion penetrates the skin instantly, the cream penetrates a little more slowly and can cause a feeling of greasyness).
• Moisturizes the skin and eliminates itching.

Minuses:

• Effectively prevents the occurrence of stretch marks, but does not eliminate existing ones.
• Insufficient packaging strength.
• Poor quality dispenser that breaks very quickly.

In general, most buyers are satisfied with this product and recommend using it from the very beginning of pregnancy, following the instructions, to prevent overstretching of the skin and keep it smooth and even.

"Vichy"

This cream from a French manufacturer is used by many girls instead of laser stretch mark removal procedures. It is especially popular among pregnant and lactating women.

Pros:

• Perfectly moisturizes the skin.
• It has a subtle and light aroma.
• Despite the oily consistency, it is quickly absorbed and does not leave marks on clothes.
• Hypoallergenic composition.
• Effectively prevents the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy and during sudden changes in body weight.

Minuses:

• It is absolutely ineffective in the fight against old stretch marks and does not even reduce their severity.
• Used uneconomically.
• Allergic reactions may occur.

Most of the consumer reviews are positive, which confirms the high quality and effectiveness of this cream.

Read the material on the topic: What is PRP therapy

When is CO2 laser resurfacing not recommended?

Like any procedure, laser rejuvenation has contraindications. The patient must carefully read this list, since laser exposure to the skin is a serious intervention with a risk of complications. Skin resurfacing is not recommended in the following cases:

• Active bacterial, viral or fungal infections
• Poor general health, inflammatory processes in the body
• Taking oral isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months
• Fitzpatrick skin phototypes 5-6 (very dark skin)
• Other resurfacing procedures within the previous 2-3 months
• Unwillingness to accept the possibility of complications
• Excessively thick or thin skin (determined by a doctor during consultation)
• Collagen vascular diseases
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or systemic infections
• Tendency to form keloid scars
• Metal piercing in the treated area