Laser peeling: used devices, features of the procedure, differences from laser polishing



For many women, the term “peeling” is primarily associated with skin cleansing. However, laser peeling has completely different goals. This procedure is intended for general rejuvenation of the skin of the face, neck, décolleté and elimination of minor defects: scars (except for large in size, keloid and hypertrophic scars), minor pigmentation disorders.

In general, there are two mechanisms of skin aging: chronological (internal) and photo-aging (external). Each of these types is distinguished by its clinical and morphological features. Even under the conditions of protection of the epidermal cover from the aggressive effects of ultraviolet rays, the upper layer of the skin becomes thinner and its elasticity and elasticity decrease. The result of such violations is the appearance of small facial wrinkles. Due to a violation of the synthesis of melanin and changes in its concentration, there are foci of hypo-or hyperpigmentation.

Photoaging leads to thickening of the skin, the formation of deeper wrinkles. Contrary to popular belief, the concentration of the pigment-secreting cells, melanocytes, does not change, but their size and shape increase. As a result, pigment spots appear on certain areas of the skin. In addition, collagen synthesis is reduced, it causes a loss of elasticity of the skin, a specific yellowish tint, a rough, rough surface, small nodules can form.

From a physiological point of view, wrinkles are folds and grooves of various sizes. They occur against the background of the loss and inadequate synthesis of the basic structural elements of the skin (collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid) and the effects of various aggressive agents of the external environment.

Depending on the reasons, there are two types of wrinkles: age and mimic. The first appear as a result of the natural physiological mechanisms of aging, accompanied by a slowdown in the rate of cellular metabolism, loss of moisture. Mimic wrinkles develop as a result of active reduction of subcutaneous mimic muscles, which is associated with individual behavioral features of a person. Age, when the face and body appear characteristic signs of different, but according to experts, the first changes in the structure of the skin occur after 20 years.

But the result of the laser peeling does not go to any comparison with cosmetic products. The anti-aging effect is much more pronounced, and with appropriate skin care can last for several years. The result can be compared with plastic surgery, but this technique is non-invasive, it has a shorter rehabilitation period.

For a session of rejuvenation of the epidermal cover using several types of laser devices:

• Carboxylic or carbonic (the name follows from the chemical name of one of the elements of the active medium of the laser - CO2). In cosmetology, this device is used for quite some time. It has a pronounced effect, but it is characterized by a deep penetration of laser radiation into the layers of the epidermis, which is more suitable for laser skin resurfacing. This is due to the high risk of unwanted reactions such as burns, hyperpigmentation, the formation of scars in places where laser radiation enters.
• Erbium This is a more modern method of rejuvenation and removal of small defects, leveling the skin relief. Unlike a carbon dioxide laser, erbium has a more superficial effect, which reduces the likelihood of side effects and complications after the procedure.

Laser peeling is carried out in two ways. For the overall rejuvenating effect, the so-called cold effect (or, in a scientific way, non-ablative fractional photothermolysis) is used. The advantage of this method is a pronounced result without too intense action on the skin and a long rehabilitation period. As a rule, an erbium laser with a wavelength of 1410 - 1550 nm is used for the procedure.

The method of superficial cold laser peeling allows you to influence the epidermis without damaging its upper layer. Therefore, it is recommended for shallow facial and age wrinkles, slight pigmentation and atrophic scars after acne. Such exposure is not as effective, but it is safer than hot laser peels (ablative fractional photothermolysis).

In this case, the skin treatment is made by a carbon laser, while the rejuvenating result is achieved by deeply affecting the skin, which is accompanied by the formation of microdamages. The hot peeling procedure has a pronounced effect, smoothes relatively deep wrinkles, allows you to completely remove foci of increased pathological pigmentation.

Regardless of the laser used, the essence of the technique is as follows. Point microdamages are applied to the skin. This causes the activation of all cells. First of all, the production of collagen, elastin and other structures supporting skin turgor is accelerated. This, in turn, helps to restore the desired amount of water in the epidermis.

Many people confuse this procedure with skin grinding. Indeed, the essence of this manipulation, like the equipment used, is the same. Different degree of penetration of laser radiation into the skin. When peeling, it does not exceed 30 microns, while during polishing the level of impact on the epidermis is up to 150 microns.

Therefore, the latter is considered a radical method of skin rejuvenation. Due to the mild effect, peeling can be carried out at an earlier age, suitable for correcting sensitive areas of the face (for example, eyelids), causing fewer complications and side effects.

Fractional laser peeling: indications and limitations for treatment, preparation, procedure procedure

When a person has symptoms of a disease, he turns to a doctor, but many women prefer to deal with the signs of aging on their own, selecting different cosmetics according to the advice of girlfriends, information in catalogs. However, conventional creams, masks and serums are effective for the prevention of age-related wrinkles, and then, they have a very modest result.

A better solution is to develop a tactic to solve age-related skin problems with a professional beautician. Sometimes a specialist recommends a massage or mesotherapy, but in some cases they will not bring the desired result.

Fractional laser peeling is indicated for:

• strongly noticeable mimic and age wrinkles;
• pigmentation disorders of any origin (with the exception of cancer);
• post acne;
• common signs of skin aging: unhealthy hue, excessive dryness;
• changes in the contours of the face, caused by a violation of skin elasticity.

Contraindications to the use of such methods of rejuvenation are:

• various neoplasms of the skin, including warts, papillomas, moles (other laser radiation parameters are used for their removal);
• rashes caused by the herpes virus;
• dermatitis in the acute phase;
• propensity to form keloids;
• autoimmune lesions, since an aggressive effect on the skin can cause an unpredictable response of the immune system;
• any conditions (diseases or taking certain medications) that reduce the protective function of the immune system;
• too dark skin tone;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• tendency to frequent and prolonged bleeding;
• taking anticoagulants, hormonal drugs, drugs that increase the susceptibility of the skin to laser radiation;
• unhealed skin lesions in the area of ​​exposure to laser radiation;
• diabetes.

To prepare for the laser effect is necessary in advance. You should refrain from other anti-aging procedures: mesotherapy and other injection techniques, chemical peels, dermabrasion, photoepilation, etc. It is also necessary to carefully protect the skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, to take steps to treat pustular rash.

Conducting laboratory tests is not a requirement, however, such studies are recommended to exclude possible contraindications. A couple of days before the rejuvenation session, you should abandon decorative cosmetics, alcohol consumption, and excessive physical activity.

The technique of the rejuvenation session depends on the chosen mode of action. With superficial peeling and the absence of pain, application of anesthetic is not mandatory, but it is used in the vast majority of cases. After applying anesthetic cream or gel, goggles are worn on the patient and the skin is treated with a laser. The duration of a session of fractional laser peeling ranges from 30 - 40 minutes (without the use of anesthetic) to 1.5 hours.

Laser peeling and subsequent care, advantages and disadvantages, possible complications

Feelings after laser peeling can hardly be called pleasant. A few days feel pain, itching, discomfort in the area hit by laser radiation. Analgesics (Ibuprofen, Nimesil, etc.) are shown to relieve these symptoms, and sedatives can be taken at night.

Redness and slight swelling remain on the skin. In places of point-like exposure to rays, crusts are often formed, which are replaced by peeling of the skin. To alleviate these manifestations, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with panthenol (in the form of a spray) every few hours; 2 to 3 times a day an antiseptic is applied to prevent microbial contamination. For two weeks it is necessary to strictly limit the tanning time and use the appropriate means.

You can supplement the result of laser peeling using other procedures:

• in a month - mesotherapy and biorevitalization;
• after 5 weeks - microdermabrasion;
• after 2 months - chemical peeling.

The advantages of the procedure include a persistent anti-aging effect on the skin:

• smooth wrinkles are smoothed;
• flattened relief;
• small scars disappear;
• restores an even, healthy skin tone.

Also, laser peeling can be carried out not only on the face, but also on the neck and décolleté area, the session itself takes relatively little time, it has a long-lasting result. The disadvantages of this method of rejuvenation include the high cost, the long and painful period of rehabilitation, the risk of complications and a wide list of contraindications.

Before starting the peeling, the doctor warns the client about possible complications, it is:

• burns, they often appear after exposure to the sun without a protective cream;
• the formation of keloid scars and small scars, in structure and localization, they completely repeat the grid of laser radiation therefore they are called the “gauze effect”;
• small hemorrhages, as a rule, occur when the upper layer of the epidermis is affected by a more aggressive carbon dioxide laser;
• puffiness is a consequence of inflammatory infiltration that occurs in response to skin damage;
• the accession of a bacterial or fungal infection is unlikely with proper care and treatment with disinfectant solutions;
• exacerbation of herpes and human papillomavirus, outwardly it manifests itself in the form of characteristic papular rashes, the formation of new warts and papillomas;
• pigmentation disorders;
• acne may occur as a result of pathogenic flora getting into the skin microdamages.

Laser peeling is recommended for women older than 40–45 years. The cost of this service varies depending on the amount of work and equipment used. The minimum price for the treatment of one zone on the face is 2400–3000 rubles, and a full session of rejuvenation of the face, neck and décolleté is up to 26,000–28,000 rubles.