Photorejuvenation is a hardware rejuvenation method based on intense pulsed irradiation of the skin.
This procedure has a number of advantages over other methods. Firstly, photorejuvenation is a non-invasive procedure, as a result of which there is no long rehabilitation period. Secondly, it is painless and safe. There were no reported cases of complications or side effects. Thirdly, skin rejuvenation using the Lumenis M22 device has a prolonged effect. Under the influence of light waves, the processes of synthesis of substances necessary to prolong youth are launched in skin cells.
How the procedure works
This technique allows you to quickly, effectively and comfortably hide the signs of aging. It is based on the effect of pulsed light emitted by a special device on the superficial and deep layers of the dermis. The length of the light wave, as well as the intensity and duration of exposure to radiation, are selected individually by a cosmetologist and depend on the type and severity of skin defects.
At the end of the light exposure, a thin layer of cream is applied to the skin to activate the recovery process. In addition, it protects the radiation-exposed areas from the sun and other negative natural factors, which are quite sensitive immediately after the procedure.
The first results will be noticeable after the first session. If you want to achieve maximum and lasting results, you will need at least 4-5 procedures with an interval of 2-4 weeks. The cosmetologist determines the required number and frequency of therapy sessions on an individual basis.
Phototherapy of the skin can and in some cases even needs to be combined with other cosmetic procedures aimed at improving and preventing aging of the facial skin - all kinds of peelings, injections of hyaluronic acid and vitamin cocktail, mesotherapy, etc.
conclusions
Unfortunately, many cosmetologists and clinics, acquiring their own websites and other Internet resources, are increasingly misleading potential patients about certain procedures. There is no such thing as “laser photorejuvenation”, and you must remember this. This term is equivalent to mixing photoepilation and laser hair removal. And if you are offered “laser photorejuvenation” instead of laser rejuvenation, know: either this clinic does not have varied equipment and is deliberately confusing you with definitions, or, even worse, the cosmetologist himself does not understand the topic.
Striving for a positive result and health safety, choose a good cosmetologist and a clinic with licensed equipment.
Stages of implementation
Before a phototherapy session, the general state of health must be assessed. This is necessary to identify the full range of indications and possible contraindications to the use of this technique. In the absence of the latter, the cosmetologist begins to perform manipulations.
Skin phototherapy is carried out in 4 stages:
1. The specialist applies a gel to the areas exposed to radiation, which protects the skin and soft tissues from overheating.
2. The patient puts on special tinted glasses to protect the eyes from the bright light generated by the device.
3. The cosmetologist acts on problem areas with pulsed light.
4. At the end of the procedure, the specialist applies a special cream to the skin, which promotes rapid healing and restoration of the skin.
The duration of the session is no more than half an hour, on average - 7-9 minutes.
FAQ
Question: How many photorejuvenation procedures are required?
Answer: For most people, 3-7 sessions of facial photorejuvenation are enough to get the maximum possible effect from this procedure. However, only your cosmetologist will determine the exact number of procedures.
Question: How often can photorejuvenation be done?
Answer: The break between sessions is usually 7-10 days. It is advisable to carry out the procedure itself once a year - or as recommended by a doctor.
Question: How will you feel during the procedure?
Answer: During the procedure, you may feel warmth and slight tingling of the skin. Special pads protect your eyes from light flashes. The session lasts for half an hour.
Question: How long does it take to notice the first effect?
Answer: Already the first photorejuvenation procedure will give an effect, and subsequent ones will consolidate the result for a long time. A full course usually consists of 3-7 sessions, the number of which varies individually. It depends on the condition of the patient’s body and the effect you want to achieve.
Question: How long will the effect last?
Answer: Photorejuvenation is a highly effective procedure. After completing the full course, the effect lasts for 2-3 years.
Question: Is it possible to do photorejuvenation for teenagers to cope with acne or freckles?
Answer: Yes, photorejuvenation can be done even for young patients who develop acne and enlarged pores during hormonal changes in the body. Exposure to light will dry out the skin and smooth out any unevenness. The light exposure technique will also get rid of freckles if they cause aesthetic discomfort.
Question: Is photorejuvenation really capable of permanentizing the effect of Botox?
Answer: Photorejuvenation does not affect the effect of botulinum therapy in any way - it neither weakens nor enhances it.
Indications and contraindications
Any intervention, including even such gentle and proven cosmetological techniques as skin phototherapy, is associated with a certain health risk.
The main conditions for which the use of this technique is indicated
- acne;
- congenital and acquired age spots;
- freckles;
- age-related skin changes (wrinkles, sagging, decreased tone);
- spider veins (dilated capillaries);
- very dry skin;
- uneven skin color;
Before the procedure, a detailed consultation is carried out, during which the patient is informed of the possible risks
Main contraindications to skin phototherapy:
- age less than 16 years due to hormonal instability in adolescents;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- fresh tan obtained naturally or by regularly visiting the solarium for 3 months;
- glaucoma, cataracts and other intractable and chronic diseases of the visual organs;
- allergic dermatitis, psoriasis and other chronic infectious and inflammatory skin diseases;
- mental disorders;
- taking antibiotics;
- oncology;
- acute or chronic hypertension (grade IIa and above), heart failure;
- diseases of the thyroid gland and changes in thyroid background.
It is extremely important to tell your cosmetologist about any acute and chronic diseases that can, at a minimum, reduce the effectiveness of the procedure, or, at a maximum, cause serious side effects.
Advantages and disadvantages
Compared to most other cosmetic procedures of a similar nature, skin phototherapy allows you to get rid of many skin defects with a minimum number of side effects.
Its main advantages:
- minimal trauma;
- absence of scars after exposure;
- complete skin restoration within 3 days (in most cases);
- high performance;
- absence of unpleasant sensations during the session and after;
- pronounced effect that lasts for 3-5 years;
- the ability to lead a normal lifestyle immediately after the session without limiting social contacts.
The list of shortcomings is insignificant, especially in light of the above advantages. These include:
- short-term and mild discomfort immediately after the session, expressed in swelling, hyperemia, slight itching
- ban on the use of decorative cosmetics for 3-5 days;
- low likelihood of developing photodermatosis and skin hypersensitivity
Does photorejuvenation help get rid of acne?
Pimples (acne) are an inflammatory lesion of the skin that develops as a result of damage to the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The pathology has a polyetiological structure; its occurrence is provoked by the following factors:
- excessive secretion of sebum - a favorable environment for the development of bacterial flora;
- disruptions in the endocrine system
- individual genetic characteristics;
- climate specifics (increased dryness or, conversely, atmospheric air humidity).
Phototherapy of the facial skin does not regulate the secretion of sebum, but it can somewhat reduce its amount and destroy pathogens in soft tissues. Any inflammation in the areas of intended impact is an absolute contraindication to the procedure.
Are burns possible after photorejuvenation?
The likelihood of burns is minimal, but it cannot be completely excluded. It is worth noting that this side effect most often occurs when contacting an inexperienced specialist, who may make the following mistakes:
- incorrect selection of power and wavelength of the device;
- performing the procedure in the presence of obvious contraindications (a fresh tan, an active inflammatory process or an open wound in the treatment area are especially dangerous);
- incorrect selection of protective agents that are applied to the skin before and after the procedure.
By contacting the TORI clinic, you can be completely confident in the professionalism of our employees and excellent results!
Immediately after the session, there may be slight redness of the skin, which will disappear without any trace after a few hours.
Advantages of the method
The main advantage of photorejuvenation is its complex effect. There is no need to deal with each defect separately, spending time and money on regular visits to the clinic. During one session, several tasks are solved at once:
Pros:
- Unwanted pigmentation is eliminated, facial tone is evened out.
- Dilated vessels coagulate, which means spider veins and spider veins disappear.
- Collagen production is stimulated by destroying deformed fibers and stimulating collagenosis.
- Blood microcirculation is stimulated, which means skin nutrition improves.
An important advantage of the technique is its targeted action. Healthy tissues are not injured during the treatment process, and this avoids long-term rehabilitation after photorejuvenation.
At what age is it better to do photorejuvenation?
An absolute contraindication is age under 16 years. Any traumatic effects on a teenager’s skin, combined with sudden changes in hormonal levels, can trigger the development of allergies, autoimmune diseases and even melanoma.
At the age of 17-25 years, any cosmetic defects are often perceived very painfully by young people. However, in the vast majority of cases, they are, albeit unpleasant, but temporary, and do not pose a danger to appearance in the future.
It is worth using skin phototherapy from at least 25-28 years of age, and according to foreign experts - even from 35 years of age.
At the age of 56 years and older, cosmetic defects are almost irreversible due to natural destructive changes in the skin, facial muscles and subcutaneous fat. In this case, phototherapy will at best give an insignificant and short-term result.
Otherwise, the light wavelength and intensity of the device do not depend on the patient’s age and are determined solely by the specifics and severity of the cosmetic defect.
Optimal number of sessions
The composition and duration of the course depend on the type and severity of cosmetic defects and are determined by a cosmetologist in each case individually. To remove local changes (spider veins, age spots), 1-2 procedures are sufficient. When eliminating wrinkles, preventing the appearance of acne in the future, or correcting sagging skin, 3, 6 or even 10 visits to a specialist may be required.
There must be a certain interval between sessions. On average, it ranges from 2 to 4 weeks and is determined individually by a cosmetologist.
Causes of skin aging
Previously, it was believed that appearance deteriorates only over time. Now, along with the term chronoaging, cosmetologists also operate with the concept of photoaging. It refers to changes in the dermis caused by ultraviolet radiation. Because of the love for sunbathing, the skin becomes flabby, insufficiently elastic and excessively dry, fine wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and telangiectasia appear.
IPL is now considered the gold standard for treating signs of photoaging. Thanks to targeted pulsed light, wrinkles, age spots and vascular pathologies disappear.
Is it possible to drink alcohol during the course of procedures?
Alcoholic drinks are contraindicated 3-4 days before the session and for 4-5 days after. Ethyl alcohol promotes dehydration of the body. Due to moisture deficiency, cells become overdried and partially destroyed.
In addition, against the background of dehydration, the degree of traumatic exposure to light waves increases significantly, which increases the likelihood of post-procedural complications. Also, consuming even very small doses of alcohol can negatively affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
Follow-up skin care
For 3-4 days after phototherapy of the face, it is necessary to follow a special regime, which involves:
- complete cessation of smoking and drinking alcohol;
- drink plenty of fluids - at least 2-2.5 liters of fluid per day (preferably clean water);
- refusal to visit the steam room;
- refusal of natural and artificial tanning;
- systematic application of sunscreen and moisturizers.
Following simple rules of skin care after surgery is the key to quick recovery, absence of complications and significant long-term results!
Photorejuvenation is a simple and effective procedure that allows you to quickly and without negative consequences eliminate the most common cosmetic defects on the face and increase the attractiveness of your image.
Before undergoing it, it is recommended to visit a doctor in order to identify possible contraindications that can increase the risk of side effects several times.
Rehabilitation period
Redness, swelling, and small bruises characteristic of the recovery period disappear on their own within 2-14 days. For most patients, rehabilitation takes 3-5 days. Some do not experience any unpleasant symptoms at all after the procedure. However, in any case, the skin is subjected to stress, and many processes associated with rejuvenation, cleansing, depigmentation, etc. begin to actively occur in it.
Therefore, doctors recommend:
- drink more purified water, since when the skin heats up, the liquid evaporates, and the rejuvenation process is impossible without hydration;
- give up/limit yourself from smoking (nicotine and other components of cigarette smoke and tar negatively affect the condition of blood vessels, complexion and neutralize the effect of the procedure);
- For about two weeks, avoid visiting the bathhouse, sauna, beach, or solarium.
If your general health deteriorates due to photorejuvenation, persistent swelling, hematomas and other symptoms, you should consult a doctor.