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 its tone. Therefore, experts recommend that the situation does not worsen and start performing anti-aging procedures.
One of the popular methods of facial care is fractional laser rejuvenation. This method was used not so long ago, but it has already proven itself well.
What does hardware cosmetology offer?
The renewal is carried out using the following methods:
- The problem area is uniformly heated 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 out wrinkles, eliminate traces of acne, scars and scars. The skin becomes smoother, tighter and fresher.
- The effect is on melanin, elastin and collagen of the skin.
Partial or spot resurfacing with a CO2 laser has become very popular.
Invented by an American company, precise radiation allows very precise and targeted effects 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 handle heats the skin up to 150 degrees. At the same time, the liquid and cells evaporate quickly. The regeneration process begins in these areas. Of course, the skin needs a lot of time to recover, but as a result, the face becomes more toned, fresh and wrinkles are softened. With the help of CO2 resurfacing, wounds and scars can be eliminated.
- not ablative. Laser rays penetrate deep, but the upper layer of the epidermis is not damaged. The result takes longer to achieve, but the sensation is smoother.
If we talk about the method of partial rejuvenation, it is gentler, since the effect is on certain areas of the skin and, accordingly, everything is not so traumatic and painful. In this case, the laser does not work with beams, but with its microbeams. They form a grid on the skin that acts on the tissue in a checkerboard pattern. Healthy cells located around the microzone begin to divide quickly, promoting regeneration. The action directly depends on the depth of the beam.
The resurfacing of the CO2 laser helps stimulate the production of substances such as collagen and elastin, which help change the condition of the skin for the better. The tissue structure improves, becomes denser and more elastic and 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 on the lips and eyelids;
- pronounced pores;
- wounds;
- pale and dull skin color;
- loss of elasticity and firmness, elasticity;
- increased pigmentation;
- marked signs and manifestations of post-acne;
- vascular network (star).
After completing a CO2 laser resurfacing course, a slight lifting effect is observed, a youthful and healthy complexion is restored, tissues become denser and more elastic, and problems such as wrinkles, wrinkles and marks gradually soften and disappear.
What can't CO2 laser resurfacing do? Of course, the renewal procedure is very effective, but even it is not able to cope with some problems:
- severe sagging of the skin, a high percentage of sagging. This should be removed surgically, not with a laser;
- if the skin has not received the necessary and proper care, that is, a person has not done anything in his 30-40 years to preserve beauty and youth, then a procedure will not be useful;
- very pronounced scars, which are also best removed surgically - by excision.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are a number of advantages that can be obtained as a result of CO2 laser resurfacing:
- the partial beam or spot minimally damages 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;
- no need to use anesthesia;
- the procedure is suitable for cleaning the décolleté and neck area;
- side effects are quite rare;
- The procedure is recommended for patients of different ages.
Numerous reviews from people who have undergone such facial rejuvenation confirm the effectiveness of the procedure.
The skin really softens, 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 client's request. On average, experts recommend at least 5-8 sessions to see a really good effect.
Disadvantages of CO2 milling include the following:
- redness of the treated area;
- swelling;
- peeling;
- itching;
- painful sensations.
There can also be some complications after laser resurfacing, such as infection, which will lead to scarring. Sometimes people develop pigmentation, which is associated with individual body reactions and skin characteristics.
Adverse effects of CO2 resurfacing include the appearance of (persistent) erythema, herpes, "marbling" of the skin, increased acne, keloid scars, and striae formation when both treated and intact skin are clearly visible.
Such situations are extremely rare, they occur approximately in 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 specific 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 several nuances in which you should refuse the procedure:
- period of pregnancy or lactation;
- 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, then you must first get rid of them and only then perform a cosmetic procedure.
Stages of the procedure
Fractional laser resurfacing is performed with prior preparation. It 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 depigmenting cream.
The CO2 laser resurfacing process itself is as follows:
- the specialist thoroughly cleans the skin using cleaning and exfoliating agents;
- if the patient has a low pain threshold, then a special sedative is applied to reduce discomfort;
- the device is set in a mode suitable for the selected work method and work begins with the problem area;
- in one session, a well-experienced specialist can treat areas that require correction on the face, neck and décolleté;
- After the procedure, the specialist applies an emollient cream to the treated areas to help reduce redness, irritation and swelling.
Typically, the entire procedure takes an hour.
In order for the skin restoration process after CO2 face resurfacing to proceed more quickly and correctly, it is necessary to take proper care:
- Make masks for the next two weeks and also use a moisturizer. It is better to use products containing hyaluronic;
- It is better not to use decorative cosmetics in the first days, so as not to further damage the skin, which is easily injured. In addition, makeup can contribute to infection, etc. ;
- Scrubs and peeling should be excluded from home and professional care for several weeks;
- if there is a possibility and tendency to develop pigmentation, then it is necessary to apply sunscreen on your face;
- It is better to wash the face with boiled water cooled to room temperature;
- To speed up the recovery process, you can include vitamin-rich foods in your diet or start taking a vitamin complex;
- spend more time outdoors, ideally in places with high humidity.
Depending on 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 using hardware methods that have proven to be very effective. An experienced cosmetologist who has undergone proper training will be able to choose a number 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.