After thirty years, the first signs of aging begin to appear on the face. At first they are almost invisible, but soon the situation worsens, noticeable wrinkles appear, the skin becomes dull and loses its tone. Therefore, experts recommend not to let the situation get worse and start carrying out anti-aging procedures.
One of the popular methods of facial care is fractional laser rejuvenation. This method was used not long ago, but has proven itself well.
What does hardware cosmetology offer?
Rejuvenation is done using the following methods:
- The problem area is uniformly heated by radio frequency energy. The skin does not suffer much, and the recovery is relatively short;
- This device allows you to create a beautiful oval face, smooth wrinkles, remove acne marks, scars and cicatrices. The skin becomes smoother, tighter and fresher.
- The effect is on melanin, elastin and collagen of the skin.
Fractional or spot resurfacing with the CO2 laser has become very popular.
Created by an American company, precise radiation allows for a very precise and targeted effect on the skin and even small problem areas.
Features of the procedure
There are several types of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser rejuvenation:
- Ablative methods are quite aggressive. A special laser hand tool heats the skin up to 150 degrees. At the same time, fluid and cells quickly evaporate. The regeneration process begins in this area. Of course, the skin takes a long time to recover, but as a result, the face becomes more toned, refreshed, and wrinkles are smoother. With the help of CO2 resurfacing, scars and scars can be removed. ;
- not ablative. The laser beam penetrates deeply, but the upper layer of the epidermis is not damaged. The results take longer to achieve, but the sensation is softer.
If we talk about the method of fractional rejuvenation, it is gentler, because of its effect on specific areas of the skin and, therefore, everything is not so traumatic and painful. In this case, the laser operates not with a beam, but with its microbeam. They form a lattice on the skin that acts on the tissue in a checkerboard pattern. Healthy cells located around the microzone begin to divide rapidly, promoting rejuvenation. The action directly depends on the depth of the beam.
CO2 laser resurfacing 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;
- clear pores;
- scars;
- pale and dull skin color;
- loss of elasticity and firmness, pastiness;
- increased pigmentation;
- signs and manifestations after acne;
- vascular network (asterisk).
After completing the course of CO2 laser resurfacing, a slight lifting effect is observed, young and healthy facial skin returns, tissues become denser and more elastic, and problems such as wrinkles, folds and scars gradually smooth and disappear.
What can't CO2 laser resurfacing do? Of course, the rejuvenation procedure is very effective, but it cannot overcome some problems:
- severe sagging skin, high percentage of sagging. This needs to be removed surgically, not with a laser;
- if the skin does not receive the necessary and appropriate care, that is, a person does not do anything in 30-40 years to maintain beauty and youth, then one procedure will not be useful;
- too obvious scars, which are also best removed surgically - by cutting.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are several advantages that can be obtained as a result of CO2 laser rejuvenation:
- fractional beams or spots minimally injure the skin, so the effects 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 relatively quick;
- no need to use anesthesia;
- this procedure is suitable for cleaning the décolleté and neck area;
- side effects are relatively rare;
- This procedure is indicated for patients of different ages.
Many reviews from people who have undergone such facial rejuvenation confirm the effectiveness of the procedure.
The skin is completely smooth, becomes more elastic and toned, and fine wrinkles disappear. Those with scars get excellent results. At the same time, you can see positive results after the first session, but the specialist sets the course depending on the complexity of the problem and the client's request. On average, experts recommend at least 5-8 sessions to see excellent results.
Disadvantages of CO2 grinding include the following:
- redness of the treated area;
- swollen;
- exfoliate;
- itching;
- painful sensation.
There may also be some complications after laser treatment, such as infection, which will cause scarring. Sometimes people experience pigmentation, which is associated with individual body reactions and skin characteristics.
Negative consequences of CO2 resurfacing also include the appearance of (persistent) erythema, herpes, "marbling" of the skin, increased acne, keloid scars and line formation when treated and untouched skin is clearly visible.
Such a situation is very rare, occurring in about four out of a hundred customers. But you need to know about this possibility.
It should also be noted that the cost of such a procedure is quite high.
Laser rejuvenation: contraindications
There is no special age restriction for CO2 laser resurfacing. Therefore, you can start doing it from the age of thirty or from the moment the first signs of skin aging, scars, etc. appear.
There are several nuances in which you should refuse the procedure:
- period of pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- dermatosis;
- herpes;
- acute inflammatory process in the area where laser work is planned;
- recent chemical peels;
- diseases related to blood, immune system, connective tissue;
- oncological formation;
- diabetes;
- hypertension, coronary heart disease;
- varicose veins in areas that require treatment.
If there are health problems, then you must first get rid of them, and only then carry out cosmetic procedures.
Procedure level
Fractional laser rejuvenation is done with initial preparation. This means that two weeks before that you have to stop tanning (sun or solarium).
With skin phototype 3 or 5, you should start using a depigmentation cream.
The CO2 laser resurfacing process itself is as follows:
- experts thoroughly cleanse the skin using exfoliating and exfoliating agents;
- if the patient has a low pain threshold, then special painkillers are used to reduce discomfort;
- the device is set to the appropriate mode for the selected work method and work begins with the problem area;
- in one session, a specialist with good experience can treat areas that need correction on the face, neck and décolleté;
- After completing the procedure, the specialist applies an emollient cream to the treated area to help reduce redness, irritation and swelling.
Usually the whole procedure takes an hour.
In order for the skin recovery process after CO2 resurfacing to go faster and correctly, it is necessary to carry out appropriate care:
- Make a mask for the next two weeks, and also use a moisturizing cream. It is better to use products that contain hyaluron;
- It is better not to use decorative cosmetics in the first days, so as not to further injure the skin, which is slightly injured. In addition, makeup can contribute to infections, etc. ;
- Rubbing 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 very important to use sunscreen on your face;
- It is best to wash your face with boiled water cooled to room temperature;
- To make the recovery process faster, you can include foods rich in vitamins in your diet or start taking vitamin complexes;
- spend more time outdoors, preferably in places with high humidity.
Subject to high-quality and correct care, skin regeneration after CO2 laser treatment 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 appropriate training will be able to choose a set of steps that will allow you to properly care for your skin and improve its appearance. The main thing is to follow all the recommendations of experts.