Non-ablative laser rejuvenation allows you to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, improve complexion, smooth out relief and tighten pores. This gentle version of laser exposure is recommended for those with photo and signs of skin aging.
Ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation: what is the difference
Ablative and non-ablative methods of rejuvenation differ in the extent of laser exposure to the treated area.
Ablative lasers acting on the skin damage the surface of the skin. The temperature of the treated areas rises to 150 ° C almost immediately. Targeted, controlled trauma hits the skin to initiate healing processes.
The depth of exposure depends on the laser used. Carbon dioxide penetrates deeper than erbium and grabs the upper part of the dermis. The stronger the impact, the longer the recovery period the customer will have to go through.
The non-ablative procedure is milder and has no rehabilitation period. The doctor selects the power and diameter of the laser beam to ensure that the beam penetrates deep into the skin. The surface of the treated skin surface is not damaged, only hyperemia remains.
The essence of non-ablative laser rejuvenation, the effect of the method
The firmness of the skin depends on the amount of structural proteins. These include elastin and collagen. They are responsible for the ability of the skin to stretch and contract.
If the amount of structural proteins in the skin decreases, it recovers worse after stretching, it becomes flabby and sagging. Wrinkles begin to appear.
Laser beam which is a directed beam of light:
- It affects the structure of the dermis;
- Protein is denatured;
- It stimulates the synthesis of new collagen and elastin molecules.
The purpose of non-ablative laser treatment is to heat structural proteins to 42-80 ° C. At the temperature limit, the protein is denatured: it thickens, activating aseptic inflammation, which leads to the start of the healing process. New fibroblast cells appear and the skin gradually regenerates.
Today, customers of cosmetology clinics have access to laser rejuvenation with a neodymium, erbium, diode, or alexandrite laser.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
Indications for non-ablative laser rejuvenation include:
- Photo of face, neck, décolleté, hand skin and chrono-aging;
- Decreased tone;
- Uneven complexion
- Post-acne;
- Scarring;
- Vascular stars.
The benefits of non-ablative laser rejuvenation include:
- Gentle effect. The laser leaves no visible damage. Rarely, mild swelling may occur;
- Physiological rejuvenation;
- Fast recovery. The surface of the skin is not damaged, hyperemia after the procedure, which disappears within 24 hours;
- Accuracy of the collision. The diameter of the light beam, the pulse power and the various operating options can be set on the laser device.
The procedure has disadvantages:
- More procedures are needed compared to the ablative method;
- A slight effect cannot eliminate deep scars;
- Monthly recurrence. It is advisable to perform a course of 3-6 procedures every 14-30 days. Then the cumulative effect is fully manifested and the result becomes more noticeable;
- High price.
Non-ablative laser rejuvenation is recommended for those who do not want a period of rehabilitation and can afford to have the procedures performed as a cure.
Possible complications
Non-ablative laser rejuvenation is significantly less likely to cause complications than conventional treatments (chemical and acid peels, surgeries, etc. ). The main risk is unskilled staff and low quality equipment. The problem can be easily solved by checking the evaluations of the clinic.
When meeting a beautician in person, ask about the beautician’s qualifications and ask for a certificate from the laser.
It will not be unnecessary to clarify when the machine was last serviced and to ask for confirmation that the laser is OK.
The patient should inform the doctor about possible allergic reactions to the medicine. Before the procedure, the doctor is obliged to tell the contraindications.
How does laser non-ablative skin rejuvenation work?
Before setting yourself up for non-ablative laser rejuvenation, note that this procedure requires mandatory medical consultation. The beautician assesses the condition of the skin, predicts the result, selects the technique based on the individual characteristics of the patient's skin. It is important to make sure that there are no contraindications: pregnancy, skin tumors, inflammation and infectious diseases, etc.
Preparing for the session
It is advisable to stop using alcohol, tetracycline antibiotics, anticoagulants and retinol before the non-ablative rejuvenation procedure.
The treated skin surface must not be damaged.
You should stop aggressive exfoliation with alcoholic cosmetics a week before consulting your doctor. There is no need to apply decorative cosmetics, creams and body lotions to the treated area just before visiting the clinic.
Technique
The beautician selects the method of the procedure, the intensity of the radiation, the treatment area. The client goes through 4 stages:
- Accommodation. The patient lies down on the couch, taking a comfortable position in which he spends 10-30 minutes. The hair is removed from the forehead under a disposable cap;
- Face cleaning. The doctor removes the remnants of cosmetics, sebum, and other contaminants;
- Laser treatment. The beautician processes the required areas in scan mode;
- To reduce redness, apply a cream to the treated area that stimulates regeneration processes.
Most people do not feel pain during non-ablative rejuvenation. For patients with sensitive skin, your doctor will prescribe a local anesthetic.
Recovery
Mild redness of the treated area and a feeling of inner warmth. These symptoms go away on their own for 1-2 days.
For the best effect, the treated areas should be protected from high temperatures for the first 3-4 days: leave the bath, sauna, solarium for 2 weeks. No need to rub the skin with your hands, actively massage, apply decorative cosmetics.
Prices for non-ablative laser rejuvenation
Depending on the device used in the clinic and the type of radiation source (erbium, neodymium, diode, etc. ), the cost of laser non-ablative facial rejuvenation ranges from $ 45 to $ 330. The number of recommended procedures is at least three, with the full course costing the client $ 140-1000.
Neck and hand treatments are cheaper - between $ 28 and $ 125 (these areas usually cost the same). Neckline - $ 33 to $ 145. The procedure can also be applied to other parts of the body: abdomen, buttocks, thighs, shoulders and arms. Several clinics offer partial treatment: treatment of wrinkles around the frontal area, nose, and around the eyes.
Many clinics offer complexes: face + neckline, face plus neck, face + neck + neckline, etc. Such general anti-aging treatments are less expensive than separate treatment of zones.
The cost of the service is determined independently by each clinic. The significant fall in prices should be alarming. The clinic may use poor quality equipment or may not follow the recommendations for replacing consumable parts.
Opinions
On the websites of cosmetology clinics, clients write reviews about their non-ablative laser rejuvenation, share their impressions and advice, and post photos "before" and "after".
"I did a full laser rejuvenation cure. I tell you about the procedure itself so that beginners know what to expect: the ray heats up. Feeling light electric shock, burns a bit, but you can handle it. If you’ve ever done laser hair removal, here’s a one-on-one feeling.
The face is slightly reddened after treatment, but you can go to work the next day. The effect is gradual: the face is visibly smoothed and the skin thickens. After 5 days, my skin was slightly peeling, but it wasn’t like it was peeling straight. I am usually happy with how the effect will go away, I plan to repeat it. "
"In 2015, I first opted for laser, non-ablative skin rejuvenation. And shocked by the effect! For the first few hours, my face burned as if I had been scalded with boiling water. Then the impressions were like a slight tan, no straining. For the second time, I decided after my friend’s persistent advertising. He did it at another clinic and became noticeably younger by 10 years.
I went to a beautician for a consultation, he explained to me that for the first time they chose the wrong power. I said something about the wavelengths, how the neodymium laser works, but I didn’t understand anything. And for the second time, I liked everything! So now I would advise everyone. The most important thing is to find a competent professional. "
In most reviews of non-ablative laser rejuvenation, patients experience visible results.
Non-ablative laser rejuvenation helps maintain skin tone and prolong youth. The lack of aggressive effects allows those with sensitive skin to use the procedure.
A beautician should be consulted before performing non-ablative rejuvenation.