Laser facial rejuvenation (hardware cosmetology)

The skin around the eyes is most susceptible to age-related changes in the face. Therefore, blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, has become the most popular plastic surgery in the facial area. This procedure is performed on patients with wrinkles on the upper or lower eyelids, bags under the eyes, and also to eliminate the effect of sagging upper eyelids.

Not so long ago, it was possible to get rid of congenital pathology of the eyelids or eliminate age-related changes only with the help of surgical intervention, but the development of hardware technologies in cosmetology has made it possible to correct eyelids without extensive surgery - today two non-surgical blepharoplasty procedures are available, which are an alternative to plastic surgery:

1. Laser blepharoplasty using fractional CO2 laser SmartХide DOT;
2. SMAS eyelid lifting using the Ultraformer 3 device.

Laser blepharoplasty

Laser blepharoplasty (Laser eyelid resurfacing) is a procedure that allows, without a scalpel or incisions, to reduce the skin of the upper and lower eyelids using laser action, as well as eliminate wrinkles around the eyes.

Today, this is a worthy alternative to surgical intervention, which has a number of undeniable advantages.

The procedure is performed using a fractional CO2 laser SmartХide DOT (Italy). This is a unique CO2 laser platform with an integrated innovative DOT Therapy® technique, which is absolutely deservedly the gold standard in the field of laser facial rejuvenation.

Contraindications

The main contraindications are the same for any surgical intervention. This:

• any acute illness
• acute and chronic diseases of the eyes, lacrimal glands and ducts
• blepharospasm
• conjunctivitis
• bleeding disorder
• blood diseases
• chronic disease in the acute stage
• diabetes
• venereal diseases

You can find out the full list of contraindications during a free consultation.

Features of the laser resurfacing procedure

The laser beam, penetrating deep into the skin, is divided into many microbeams, which create pinpoint microscopic damage in the skin. In areas of damage, intensive recovery processes are launched, since the ability of skin tissue to regenerate is very high. The targeted effect provides a sufficient supply of healthy cells (that have not been exposed to micro-rays), which serve as a source for the creation of new collagen and elastin. At the same time, the skin significantly contracts and tightens - pinpoint areas of damage “evaporate” micro areas of the skin. Due to these processes, the skin of the eyelids is tightened and wrinkles around the eyes are smoothed out.

Complications and side effects

The following side effects are unlikely to occur: erythema, scars remaining in place, skin hyperpigmentation. Residual erythema may persist for 3–4 months after completion of the course. Redness is explained by an inflammatory reaction and insufficient maturity of the new epithelium.

Skin hyperpigmentation is a problem for dark-skinned women. The risk of scar enlargement is higher if the doctor is incompetent and incorrectly set the depth of exposure to laser radiation.

Possible complications:

• burns;
• infection;
• allergic dermatitis;
• photodermatitis.

The burns go away within a few days. To speed up recovery, lubricate with Panthenol. Severe burns are very rare after laser resurfacing. In this situation, you should not treat yourself; it is better to immediately consult a doctor.

A severe burn is manifested by pain, redness, the wound oozes, and it is difficult for a person to open and close his eyes.

Features of the SMAS lifting procedure

The Ultroformer 3 device uses HIFU (High intensity focused ultrasound) technology - high-intensity focused ultrasound penetrates several levels of the skin and reaches the muscular aponeurotic layer (SMAS). Under the influence of ultrasonic waves, the temperature of soft tissues at a microthermal point at a given depth increases to 60–70°C.

Directed radiation triggers the processes of contraction and compaction of SMAS, tissue repair, lipolysis, and also activates collagen production. Thermal damage stimulates the synthesis of a new collagen matrix, the renewal of which is completed in 3–4 months.

Blepharoplasty of eyelids - before and after

In the photo: Blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids before and after
Circular blepharoplasty, The result is presented 1 week after surgery

In the photo: Blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids, 3/4 view

See more photos before and after eyelid blepharoplasty in the photo gallery

Rehabilitation

After laser blepharoplasty, discomfort, swelling and redness that occur after the procedure disappear spontaneously within 2-3 days, depending on the type of laser and the power of the parameters chosen by the doctor. The swelling goes away completely after 7–10 days. In the first days after grinding, crusts form that cannot be damaged mechanically. They will go away within 5-7 days.

After SMAS eyelid lifting, immediately after the procedure, redness of the area that was exposed (from 20 to 60 minutes), limited swelling (3-5 days) may be noted. All these reactions pass quickly and do not require a recovery period.

Stages of the procedure

A laser eyelid rejuvenation session consists of 4 stages. They are carried out in strict sequence:

1. Rejuvenation from within. The cosmetologist uses a thin laser beam to target the mucous membrane. Collagen production is stimulated. The soft tissues around the eyes are tightened, folds and sagging disappear. Small wrinkles are smoothed out.
2. Biorevitalization effect. The laser beam deeply heats the tissue around the eyes. Blood circulation in the capillaries improves. The skin is moisturized and becomes elastic.
3. Light peeling. The device removes the upper layers of the epidermis. The skin around the eyes brightens and evens out, becoming velvety. Small wrinkles and areas of pigmentation disappear.
4. Launching natural mechanisms to restore youth. The natural collagen framework is restored. This stage continues for 2 weeks after completion of the procedure. The effect is cumulative.

The procedures can be done with a break of 4 weeks. Laser rejuvenation of the lower eyelids is carried out as an independent procedure or for rejuvenation of the entire face. It can be done at any season of the year.

Result

After laser blepharoplasty, the first visible effect of the procedure appears after the rehabilitation period, on average 5–7 days. At the same time, the skin noticeably tightens, becomes elastic, not only small but also deep wrinkles, scars and stretch marks disappear or are significantly reduced. The effect is increasing, most pronounced 2-3 months after the procedure.

After SMAS eyelid lifting, the first results of the procedure are noticeable immediately, the maximum effect is achieved after 3-4 months. It is recommended to repeat the procedure once a year.

Benefits of laser eye rejuvenation

• A noticeable rejuvenating effect not only of the periorbital zone, but also of the entire upper third of the face, which appears after a month and continues to increase over time.
• Short recovery period (2 - 3 days).
• No pain due to local anesthesia.
• Low cost compared to surgery.

Preparation for the procedure

Before the procedure, a preliminary free consultation with a doctor at our clinic is held. The specialist examines the area of ​​future treatment, determines the presence or absence of contraindications, introduces the patient to the features of the laser rejuvenation technique for the eyelids and area under the eyes, and patient reviews with photos before and after the procedure help make the final choice.

Immediately before the procedure, it is not recommended to expose the skin to the sun.

Indications for laser rejuvenation of the eye area

• Bags, swelling, small hernias, dark circles in the eye area.
• Hyperpigmentation in the periorbital area.
• Capillary network around the eyes.
• Scars and other skin defects.
• Withering, wrinkles and other signs of aging of the skin around the eyes.
• Drooping of the upper eyelid.

Contraindications to the procedure

• Symptoms of a viral infection.
• Inflammatory processes in the treatment area.
• Bronchial asthma (except for mild severity).
• Systemic autoimmune diseases.
• Malignant tumor processes.

Stages of the procedure

Before laser treatment, 1 drop is instilled into the eyes. Alcaine anesthetic solution and special protective caps made of medical steel, pre-lubricated with Solcoseryl ointment, are put on the eyeballs. Such measures ensure complete safety and painlessness of the procedure.

Laser blepharoplasty takes place in 4 or 5 stages:

1. At the first stage, laser treatment of the inner surface of the eyelids (conjunctival mucosa) is performed with a fractional beam of an ER: YAG laser in the Smooth FOTONA mode (a unique patented Fotona technique)
2. At the second stage, the skin surface is treated with a neodymium laser ND:YAG FOTONA in order to affect the mid-dermis structures and the vascular component in Frac 3 mode.
3. At the third stage, the tissues of the periorbital region and the middle zone of the face are uniformly heated with an ND:YAG laser in Piano mode.
4. At the final stage, the skin is exposed to an erbium laser in Smooth mode - an ultra-long pulse to stimulate neocollagenesis and tissue tightening.
5. An additional fifth stage - fractional laser resurfacing - is carried out in case of pronounced excess skin of the upper eyelid and its overhang.

What happens after laser treatment?

During the rehabilitation period (first 48 hours), the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation in the treatment area. Some swelling may also occur. These phenomena disappear within two to three days. According to patient reviews, a noticeable effect of skin rejuvenation in the area around the eyes occurs 3-4 weeks after one laser procedure and further intensifies within another month.

IMPORTANT! To obtain a stable and long-lasting anti-aging result, a course of three procedures is recommended with a frequency of 40-60 days.

Results of laser eye rejuvenation procedure

• The deep layers of the dermis are reconstructed.
• The production of new collagen is stimulated in all layers of the skin of the eyelids and the area around the eyes.
• The stratum corneum of the epidermis is removed, which leads to skin lightening and elimination of age spots.
• The tone and turgor of tissues are restored.
• Small wrinkles are completely smoothed out and large ones are significantly reduced.
• The sagging of the upper eyelid is eliminated.
• After 4D laser rejuvenation of the midface, it looks fresher and more attractive.

Frequently asked questions about laser eye rejuvenation

How long does this procedure take? On average about 1 hour. Is it possible to combine laser eye rejuvenation and Botox injections? It's not worth combining. To enhance and prolong the effect, it is recommended to combine the laser rejuvenation procedure for the area around the eyes, for the upper and lower eyelids with biorevitalization with hyaluronic acid or bioreparation of this area. And the question of administering botulinum toxin type A drugs - Botox, Dysport, etc. (if necessary) should be postponed for at least 2-3 months after the procedure. At what time of year can laser eyelid rejuvenation be performed? Anytime. The procedure has no seasonal restrictions.

FAQ

When deciding to undergo laser blepharoplasty, it is necessary to study the procedure in detail. Experts recommend reading the answers to the most frequently asked questions in advance.

Is laser dangerous?

Laser is a special device that has been used for quite some time to correct problems in the eye area. In the competent hands of a specialist, it turns into an effective tool capable of obtaining a pronounced result in one procedure. Its use is completely safe for the patient. Doctors take precautions, and the client’s eyes are protected with special pads that prevent even the smallest possible risk of the beam hitting the cornea.

How long does the effect of the procedure last?

The duration of the positive effect largely depends on the initial condition of the skin. The minimum duration is 0.5-2 years. If the procedure is carried out in courses, and during the period of no exposure the patient carefully cares for the skin, the positive result will last much longer.

Is it possible to remove paint bags under gases using laser blepharoplasty?

A sac is a collection of fat cells under the lower eyelid. However, the procedure is aimed at tightening the skin, and not at fighting them. But the method can help in solving the problem non-surgically, but an integrated approach will be required. For example, the method of exposure can be combined with a course of lipolytic mesotherapy.

How are the procedures tolerated and how painful are they?

Doctors use anesthetics. This significantly reduces pain. The patient does not feel discomfort during exposure. He only feels warmth.

Differences between laser blepharoplasty and surgery, which is better?

Laser blepharoplasty is much less traumatic than surgery. This leads to a shorter recovery period, and the risk of side effects and complications is reduced. However, the method does not involve removing loose skin and fat deposits. If age-related changes are severe, surgery cannot be avoided.

Indications for fractional rejuvenation

• Reduction of depth and complete correction of wrinkles;
• Reduction of pore sizes;
• Correction of gravitational ptosis;
• Restoring skin elasticity;
• Removal of pigment spots;
• The need to remove traces of post-acne, scar changes and stretch marks;
• Getting rid of hyper- and atrophic, postoperative and post-traumatic scars;
• Improvements in skin structure and color.

Patient reviews

Anya: After polishing there was terrible pain, I had to take painkillers. The problem cannot be solved at once; repetition is necessary, and perhaps more than once. Very expensive, but effective.

Lena: The condition of the eyelids after full recovery is worth the torment that you have to go through. After blepharoplasty, a small scar remained, it did not bother me, but the aesthetic defect was annoying. Going under the knife again is not an option, it’s unknown how it will affect the eyes and it’s scary. Laser resurfacing was the best choice, but I did not want to write a review during the recovery. It's scary to even look in the mirror. Now I am happy with the result. The skin is smooth, tightened, and there are no wrinkles where the laser was exposed.

Marina: A lot of time passed before I decided to have the procedure. It turned out that laser resurfacing can bring much more problems and the scar after blepharoplasty is just a minor nuisance. For two days I had terrible pain, as if I had been doused with boiling water. I think the doctor set the laser parameters incorrectly. Girls, before you decide to have the procedure, think about whether it’s worth it.

Preparing for surgery

Preparatory activities:

• choose a trusted clinic and doctor based on diploma, certificates and positive reviews;
• visit a specialist for a preliminary consultation;
• undergo an examination, take a general urine and blood test, blood test for HIV;
• examination by an ophthalmologist to exclude infectious and inflammatory eye diseases;
• setting a date for blepharoplasty;
• 2 weeks before the scheduled date of the procedure, use sunscreen on your face before going outside;
• 5 days before lifting, stop taking blood thinning drugs (Aspirin, Acetylsalicylic acid, Thrombo ass, Cardiomagnyl, Clopidogrel and others), after consulting with your doctor;
• 2 weeks in advance, also give up medications that increase photosensitivity (some antibiotics, medications and cosmetics for acne, hormonal agents, NSAIDs - ketoprofen, diclofenac and others);
• give up alcoholic beverages, narcotic and psychotropic substances, and nicotine.

Where to get fractional laser rejuvenation in Moscow

Contact the aesthetic medicine clinic in Moscow “Absolut Med” near the Airport metro station in the Northern Administrative District, which uses innovative technology - the MCL-30 Dermablate erbium laser. This laser can be considered a revolution in aesthetic cosmetology.