Laser facial resurfacing: effectiveness, purpose, types, contraindications and post-procedure care

• Laser resurfacing
• Non-ablative resurfacing
• Prices for laser resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a deep peeling, during which, under the influence of a laser, the surface layer of the skin evaporates, which promotes increased production of collagen and elastin.
The skin in the correction area becomes an area of ​​controlled burn, so after the procedure the dermis behaves accordingly and requires special care during the rehabilitation period. The duration of recovery depends on the type of device used, the adjustable power and depth of beam penetration, as well as on the individual characteristics of the skin.

ResurFX non-ablative resurfacing to rejuvenate and improve skin quality.

Laser face resurfacing!

Laser resurfacing. Treatment of post-acne scars!

Contraindications

Laser resurfacing is contraindicated in the following cases:

• pregnancy, lactation period;
• diabetes, lupus erythematosus;
• epilepsy;
• HIV, hepatitis C, oncology;
• tendency to keloid scars, blood clotting disorders;
• increased susceptibility to light and thermal radiation.

In these cases, cosmetologists recommend postponing the procedure:

• skin dehydration;
• colds and viral diseases;
• exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
• psoriasis, fungal infection;
• recovery period after surgery.

Resurfacing cannot be done for six months after taking medications with vitamin A. For chronic herpes, you need to take antiherpes medications so as not to provoke its appearance after the procedure.

A relative contraindication is dark skin. This phototype has a genetically programmed increased activity of melanocytes. The reaction to the procedure is unpredictable even if all the rules are followed. Post-traumatic pigmentation may appear, and the complexion will become uneven.

Contraindications for laser hair removal

It must be taken into account that in certain cases laser hair removal has contraindications and undesirable consequences. It is not recommended to do this:

• During pregnancy and lactation. Although there is currently no scientific evidence that the consequences of laser hair removal during pregnancy can be negative, doctors still do not recommend resorting to this method of hair removal.

  A number of hormonal changes occur in the body of pregnant women, and what previously did not cause complications can turn into trouble during this period.

• In the presence of diseases. The consequences of laser hair removal can be negative in the following cases:

  herpes in the acute stage;

• severe reactions to histamine;
• varicose veins at the treatment site;
• skin diseases in acute or chronic form (dermatosis, psoriasis, eczema, etc.);
• vitiligo;
• extensive purulent rashes;
• oncological diseases;
• diabetes;
• HIV.

Many women are interested in contraindications for laser hair removal in the bikini area, upper lip, armpits and the consequences if the prohibitions are not taken into account.

Laser hair removal should not be performed in case of any inflammatory or infectious processes on the skin in the armpit area. Also, there should be no moles, warts, or age spots in this area. Laser hair removal of the armpits can cause harm to people suffering from cancer, diabetes, and thyroid diseases.

Treatment in the bikini area also has its limitations. The procedure should not be performed if the patient has sexual disorders of an infectious nature, abnormalities in the functioning of the immune system, fungal diseases (such as thrush), during surgical procedures in the treated area (3 months before the procedure and after 3 months after them). The procedure is contraindicated during menstruation, taking potent hormonal drugs, and in patients under the age of 18 years.

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Laser depilation of the upper lip is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there are scratches or wounds on the skin, or neoplasms of various types. Other contraindications are cardiac and vascular, as well as acute infectious and inflammatory diseases, allergic reactions, high blood sugar. If you neglect the risks, various kinds of complications cannot be ruled out.

Laser resurfacing after 60 years

The effect of polishing is especially noticeable in older women. After 60 years, metabolism slows down and home care becomes insufficient to maintain skin tone. The laser will stimulate collagen production and restore the dermis.

A gentle rejuvenation procedure will refresh the skin, smooth out deep wrinkles, remove puffiness under the eyes, age-related pigmentation and other signs of aging.

At what age is the procedure indicated?

• Fractional CO2 exposure-resurfacing is done when indicated and is performed on patients over 18 years of age.
• Fractional CO2 exposure-rejuvenation is recommended for patients over 30 years of age.

The presence of indications and the absence of contraindications are the main criteria for choosing a technique.

The patient's main complaint: laxity above the navel and excess skin.

How often can you do it

Sanding is not done often. The optimal frequency between treatments is 1-2 months. During this time, the skin is completely restored and you can begin to prepare for the next procedure.

Doctors prescribe the number of sessions depending on the problem and condition of the client’s skin. You can get rid of fine wrinkles and acne in one go. Deep scars and scars disappear after 4-6 procedures.

It is necessary to give the skin a rest for at least a year after completing the course of treatment. Even if the clinic is holding promotions and has set a low cost for laser facial resurfacing.

Types and stages of scars

Types of scar damage:

1. Atrophic. Formed as a result of minor skin lesions (after acne). They are slightly retracted into the skin and have a light whitish tint.
2. Normotrophic. Appear as a result of minor injuries and damage to the skin. Such scars do not have a bright shade, they are almost invisible to the eye.
3. Hypertrophic. This type is typical for more serious skin injuries. The scar areas are compacted and rise above the surface of the skin. This problem can affect the arms and neck area.
4. Keloids. At the site of these scars, connective tissue grows around the scar. These are dense, lumpy formations that are distinguished by a bright shade (pink or bluish). This type of skin defect manifests itself not only externally. It causes itching and pain. Laser resurfacing of a keloid scar will be more complex.

Knowing the type of scars on your skin will help you choose the appropriate treatment method.

Scars form in areas of former skin damage. This could be inflammation, injury, or cuts. During the healing process, connective tissue rich in collagen is formed.

Because of this, scars:

• smoother than the rest of the skin;
• have fewer functional properties;
• do not change shade when tanning.

In this case, hair follicles and sweat glands are not restored. Scars vary in color and appearance.

Modern medicine does not answer the question of why keloid scars appear and why pain occurs. The formation of hypertrophic scars is explained by the skin's overly sensitive reaction to injury. Atrophic and normotrophic scars are formed as a result of a natural reaction to minor damage.

Read material on the topic: Laser removal of stretch marks in a beauty salon: pros and cons of the procedure

How to prepare

You need to prepare for the procedure in advance so that it is as effective as possible. Consult a cosmetologist for any contraindications to resurfacing.

2 weeks before treatment, avoid alcohol and do not sunbathe. Apply moisturizing creams to your skin daily and use antioxidants to enhance the skin's protective functions. Perform hair removal with wax or sugar paste 3 weeks before the procedure. Avoid solariums and tanning in the sun for at least 7 days.

Before laser facial resurfacing, it is worth doing biorevitalization or hyaluronic acid injections to moisturize the skin.

Laser treatment is carried out only in the autumn-winter period, when there is no bright sun. If you do the procedure in the summer, a complication may appear in the form of hyperpigmentation.

Help with complications after hardware procedures

Complications after cosmetic procedures can cause a lot of discomfort. In addition, without timely adjustments, negative consequences can intensify and even in some situations remain for life. Therefore, in case of complications, you should never self-medicate. Only a qualified doctor can correctly determine the causes of the problem and provide competent assistance.

We also note that the success of correcting complications and your health directly depends on the choice of a doctor. Therefore, it is important to immediately contact an experienced, qualified specialist.

Our clinic has a special department for dealing with complications that occur after various cosmetic procedures. This department employs experienced specialists with many years of experience in the field of cosmetology, plastic surgery and other medical specialties. Doctors at our clinic will help you choose the most effective treatment, taking into account the nature of the complication, the cause of its occurrence and the patient’s health condition.

Facial rehabilitation

Immediately after the procedure, the face begins to turn red and burn heavily. Serous fluid is released and brown spots appear. The treated area may become covered with dots - traces from the laser.

The redness lasts 2-3 weeks and goes away gradually. Its intensity depends on the depth of treatment, the type of laser, skin care during the recovery period and the individual characteristics of the body.

Swelling appears, which intensifies every day and persists for 4-5 days. All wrinkles and defects become noticeable. The skin peels and itches. It hurts to touch her. A crust appears within a week. It needs to be constantly moisturized to prevent the formation of scars.

Dissolve 1 tbsp in a glass of cool water. a spoonful of vinegar, soak sterile gauze in the solution and apply lotions 4-5 times a day. After each procedure, treat the skin with Chlorhexidine.

Compresses are applied until the crusts begin to come off on their own. You cannot rip them off by hand.

To relieve itching, apply ice wrapped in a towel or a cold heating pad to the skin. But don't hold it for long. After just 5-10 minutes, the skin cools down and looks better.

Apply Panthenol serums with a moisturizing and regenerating effect to dry and sensitive skin. For the first 7-10 days you should not wash your face under the tap. Spray thermal or boiled water on your face. Do not wipe the skin with a towel, but gently blot with a dry cloth.

It is recommended to sleep on your back and use a high pillow to avoid accidentally injuring your skin during sleep. For the first week, try not to go outside so as not to expose your face to ultraviolet radiation and other harmful factors.

Smoking is not recommended for at least 10 days after the procedure. It is necessary to completely eliminate alcohol for a month. It dilates blood vessels and increases swelling.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Two weeks later, after the formation of a new surface layer of skin, provided that there are no side effects such as redness, burning or itching, you can carefully proceed to normal facial skin care. At this time, it is not recommended to use new, untested products to avoid allergic rashes. Also, keep in mind that renewed skin is still very sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, to avoid hyperpigmentation, use special sunscreens with a high degree of protection (3 months). There should be no painful sensations: if they occur, consult a doctor immediately.

Facial care after laser resurfacing

The sun has a negative effect on treated skin. Protect it especially carefully from ultraviolet rays during the recovery period. Even in winter, always apply sunscreen with SPF-35 before going outside. In sunny weather, cover your face with a stole.

In the first month after laser resurfacing, exclude products containing oils, acids, alcohol, and abrasive particles from your care. After washing, wipe your face with a soothing toner for sensitive skin. Use moisturizing serums and emulsions with hyaluronic acid, antioxidant products.

2-3 weeks after the procedure, the skin begins to return to normal. We need to look at her condition. If the redness and peeling have passed, you are allowed to use skincare products, apply makeup and wash your face with gel or milk. Use non-comedogenic products with anti-inflammatory effects. Mask any remaining redness with green correctors.

Laser resurfacing with erbium

In our center we use an erbium laser for skin resurfacing (Multiline laser complex)

Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove superficial and medium-deep wrinkles on the face, arms, neck or chest. One of the advantages of erbium laser resurfacing is minimal burn of surrounding tissue. This type of laser causes minimal side effects such as swelling, bruising and redness, so recovery time is shorter than with CO2 laser resurfacing.

Laser resurfacing with erbium in our center is carried out on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia (pain relief at the procedure site), in combination with oral sedatives. Wrinkles around the eyes, mouth or forehead can be treated individually, or the entire face can be treated with laser treatment. Partial facial laser resurfacing takes 30-45 minutes, while the full face treatment lasts 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

With superficial and medium laser peeling, the recovery period lasts approximately 7-10 days . With deep laser resurfacing - up to 3-4-6 months . During the recovery period there is no need to be in hospital if there are no prerequisites for this in the form of complications. After laser peeling you can get the following:

• Younger and firmer skin;
• Improved blood circulation and complexion;
• Reduction or complete removal of wrinkles;
• Tightened facial contour;
• Elimination of minor skin defects;
• Reducing the size and visibility of deep scars, stagnant spots, including post-acne marks.

The full results of deep laser peeling can be assessed after 4-6 months, but at the same time they can please you for several years.

What to do if acne appears after laser resurfacing

After laser resurfacing, the forehead, cheeks and neck may become covered with acne. A negative reaction occurs due to inflammation, increased work of the sebaceous glands and the characteristics of care after the procedure. You have to constantly smear your face with healing agents, but you can’t wash yourself thoroughly. That's why rashes appear.

Acne goes away within a week if you take proper care of your skin. Treat your face with Miramistin 2-3 times a day. Buy products with an antibacterial effect. Tetracycline, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol ointments help well. Use the medications precisely in the morning and evening.

If the rashes itch and hurt, apply an antibacterial agent with an analgesic effect, Levosin. It also helps with pustular acne. In advanced cases, dermatologists prescribe medications for complex therapy.

How does laser affect tissue?

Let's figure out how a CO2 laser affects tissue when it cauterizes tumors. The doctor directs the laser beam at the area of ​​removal; when the beam hits the tissue, it is reflected and causes pendulum-like movements of the molecules, which leads to the evaporation of water from the cell and charring of the tissue. Part of the energy is transferred to surrounding cells, in which, under the influence of high temperatures, reversible protein denaturation occurs. It is the latter effect that causes the appearance of redness and swelling around the cauterization site.

But I would like to note that the surface after laser removal has a number of differences from other types of wounds, for example after a scalpel or electrocoagulation:

• The incision is made without touching the surface of the skin, this 100% guarantees the risk of infection;
• The laser coagulates the superficial layers of the dermis, while the deep ones remain undamaged, which is why it does not cause scarring and stenosis;
• Another feature is that after laser exposure in tissues, the temperature rises, this leads to the death of bacteria and viruses, thus it has an antiseptic effect;
• In the area affected by the laser, due to high temperatures, the vessels are sealed, so there is no bleeding, and a dense scab is formed that closes the wound, preventing bacteria from entering it;
• After laser exposure, regenerative processes at the site of exposure are stimulated due to the penetration of a small amount of light quanta into the deep structures of the skin;
• Compared to other types of cauterization, with laser cauterization the swelling around the wound is less pronounced and therefore there is no pain after laser removal.

Thanks to the above symptoms, the wound heals faster after laser, almost never suppurates or causes pain, and most importantly, does not lead to the formation of scars.

Reviews

Real reviews about laser facial resurfacing are contradictory, because the effect depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the condition of the skin. In most cases, girls note the positive effect of the procedure and talk with delight about how their skin has evened out, scars have smoothed out and age spots have disappeared.

Many negative reviews are associated with discomfort after the procedure, a long recovery period and the inability to completely eliminate the defect at one time. There are also negative comments. Some girls are completely disappointed in laser resurfacing and do not recommend it.

What you need to know about scars

The appearance of scars causes pain on the skin, making it difficult to move the facial muscles. Soreness and unaesthetic appearance cause anxiety and stress.

Even small scars on the face cause a lot of negative emotions. Specialists of modern cosmetology and medicine are concerned with finding effective methods for the prevention, correction and treatment of this problem.

A mechanical wound heals within a year. This is a complex recovery process that ends with the appearance of a scar. Changes in tissues continue after healing, but they all occur slowly and imperceptibly to the eye.

Before you decide whether you will correct your scars with laser resurfacing or some other method, you need to determine the nature of the defect. There are physiological and pathological scarring. In the first case, scars form after injuries. They are pale, almost invisible. Pathological scars are usually large and bright in color.

Treatment should be selected based on the individual characteristics of the damage: the size of the scar, the duration of its existence on the skin, and the nosological form. It is impossible to completely remove scars that have already formed. Correction can significantly reduce damage and smooth the skin. Usually this process is very long.

An advanced modern technique for correcting such defects is laser scar resurfacing.

Let's try to figure out what scars are and why they occur.

By their nature, these are dense formations in the connective tissue of the skin. This defect appears during the healing process of the injuries received. In areas of scar formation, the tissue contains collagen, which is why the scars acquire a special shade. In these areas, the sweat glands and hair follicles will no longer be able to recover. Scars do not change color from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Read material on the topic: Atrophic scars on the face - causes of formation and main methods of treatment

Price

The price of laser facial resurfacing depends on the rating of the clinic, equipment, doctor’s qualifications and city. The cost of the procedure in Yuzhnouralsk and Tula differs from the Moscow price list.

Resurfacing the eyelids costs from 5 thousand rubles, the neck - from 4 thousand rubles, the entire face - 2 times more expensive. Removing stretch marks on the hips will cost from 9 thousand rubles, on the buttocks and chest - 10 thousand rubles.

The cost of scar treatment depends on the area. Grinding 1 cm2 costs from 500 rubles. In Moscow, prices are at least twice as high.

Anesthesia and regenerative care after the procedure are additionally paid for.

Price for services