Everyone wants to look good, but not everyone has perfect skin. Currently, there are many tools, methods that allow you to bring the skin of the face and body to almost perfect condition. Modern techniques make it possible not only to improve the condition of the skin, but also to get rid of small wrinkles, postoperative scars. This method is called laser resurfacing. Stretching is also amenable to correction. How effective is it, and what are the reviews about this procedure? Read more about this later in the article.
What is laser resurfacing
The deep peeling procedure is called skin resurfacing. During this, a layer of the epidermis and partially the dermis are removed. The most advanced technique is carried out using a laser. But there is a difference between peeling and polishing and it lies in the depth of exposure to the skin.
So, during grinding, it is 150 microns. This makes it possible to remove scars and deep wrinkles, but first of all allows you to smooth the surface of the skin. There are several varieties of laser resurfacing. About it further.
Types of grinding
The following types of laser are used for laser resurfacing:
1. Low-intensity laser. This is the most gentle type of grinding, but it is considered not very effective. However, it is recommended to be used for therapeutic purposes. The positive aspects of this type of grinding:
- the process of lymphocirculation and hemomicrocirculation is normalized;
- cell membranes become more elastic, thereby improving metabolic processes;
- recovery processes are stimulated;
- the supply of oxygen to the blood and its effect on the body improves.
2. The carbon dioxide laser has a dual effect. It penetrates deep into the tissue - up to 20 microns. Skin cells are rejected as a result of exposure to high temperatures, and a coagulation process occurs. The following positive aspects of the carbon dioxide laser can be distinguished:
- regeneration processes are improved;
- damaged tissues are quickly replaced with new ones;
- the skin is renewed;
- fine wrinkles, neoplasms are removed;
- polished stretch marks scars.
3. Erbium laser. This is the most popular type of laser used for grinding. Acts at a depth of 1 micron. The moisture contained in the epidermis is evaporated, that is , the laser radiation is absorbed. Neighboring areas are not affected, it acts only on selected sites. Such polishing is also called cold. The positive aspects of this influence:
- targeted laser exposure;
- minimal skin damage;
- lifting effect;
- the procedure is almost painless;
- minimal risk of side effects;
- can be used on sensitive areas of the face.
The laser resurfacing of stretch marks on the body, wrinkles, scars and scars is well corrected. About the cases in which it is needed, read on.
Who needs a procedure
Laser resurfacing may be recommended by your doctor. This procedure is carried out at any age. In what cases is it necessary:
- photoaging of the skin;
- with a tendency of the skin to keloid formation;
- scars, scars resulting from burns, injuries, with improper fusion of the edges of the wound;
- skin pigmentation;
- enlarged pores;
- stretch marks;
- age-related changes.
Laser resurfacing with stretch marks on the body after childbirth and rapid weight loss is also easy to cope with.
Contraindications to the procedure
Laser resurfacing should not be carried out in such cases:
- skin diseases in the treated area;
- low healing of scars;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- immunodeficiency;
- oncological diseases;
- exacerbation of somatic pathologies;
- chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation;
- diabetes;
- blood diseases;
- fever;
- relapsing acne;
- tendency to form keloid scars;
- psoriasis;
- epilepsy.
If you are taking retinoids, the laser resurfacing procedure can be carried out only three months after taking the drugs of this group.
How to prepare for the procedure
Before the procedure, you must pass some tests:
- general blood analysis;
- blood chemistry;
- blood for hepatitis B, C, HIV, syphilis.
Also, do not resort to the following procedures:
- sunbathe;
- visit the solarium;
- carry out chemical peeling;
- do face cleansing at home.
Three days before grinding:
- Do not visit the pool, sauna, and bath;
- treat the area with alcohol;
- do not drink alcohol and quit smoking;
- Do not use makeup;
- do not take drugs containing aspirin.
For preventive purposes, in order to reduce the manifestation of side effects, it is possible to use:
- glycolic acid;
- antiviral drugs;
- antibiotics: Sumamed, Azitsin.
If a person has dark skin, bleaching preparations are used before the procedure, this significantly reduces the risk of dark pigmentation. Laser resurfacing of stretch marks on the body also requires in the preparatory period to abandon the use of any cosmetic products for the body.
Laser resurfacing procedure
Consider how the laser resurfacing procedure is carried out:
- An anesthetic cream is applied to the area of the skin to be treated. General anesthesia can also be used, it all depends on the area of exposure and the depth of grinding.
- If face resurfacing is carried out, then the patient wears protective glasses, remove makeup.
- The treatment site is lubricated with an antiseptic.
- After the initial laser treatment, the skin should acquire a white color.
- If the anesthesia was local in the form of a cream, then the treatment is repeated.
- The procedure is continued after 10 minutes.
- The process continues until blood droplets appear on the skin. This suggests that the laser penetrated to the papillary dermis.
- The procedure can last from 5 minutes to an hour.
It is worth noting that the laser resurfacing of stretch marks on the stomach is carried out most often by a carbon dioxide laser. Erbium does not have such an effect as sealing cells. Therefore, after such a procedure, a longer rehabilitation period is necessary. Laser resurfacing of breast stretch marks helps women to correct the effects of pregnancy or sudden weight loss. It is also better to use a carbon laser for this.
Recovery process
We highlight some of the negative aspects of laser resurfacing:
- The skin turns red. In this condition, it can be about 4 months.
- Hyperpigmentation condition or decreased pigmentation.
- The appearance of scars on the skin.
- If an infection is present, it can cause complications after the procedure. In such cases, prophylactic antibiotic therapy is necessary.
- After the procedure, the skin is slightly swollen.
- Crusts on the skin.
During the recovery period, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Do not expose the treated skin to sunlight for the entire recovery period.
- In the future you need to constantly use sunscreens.
- Do not touch.
- When crusting, never remove them. After 7 days, they will leave on their own.
- The first days the treated area will have to be covered with a sterile dressing.
- It is necessary to treat the surface with wound healing agents up to 5 times a day.
- If there is severe pain, it is necessary to take painkillers.
- To prevent herpetic fever or the occurrence of a bacterial infection, it is necessary to take antiviral drugs before and after the procedure, as well as, if necessary, antibacterial.
- If severe swelling occurs after the procedure, then ice can be applied.
- After 5-7 days, the skin will begin to peel off, peel off, the crusts will go off. At this point you need to use moisturizers.
The full recovery period will take about two weeks. Physical activity is allowed in full after 4-6 weeks. Laser resurfacing removes stretch marks very effectively. Before and after the procedure, for effectiveness it is important to follow all the recommendations of a specialist. It may take from 3 to 10 sessions to achieve the desired effect.
Patient Reviews
Laser resurfacing of stretch marks reviews often deserves positive. Patients see the results after the first procedure. During the recovery period, you must adhere to the recommendations of the doctor. There are several positive aspects of laser resurfacing, which patients note:
- skin rejuvenation;
- removal of stretch marks;
- removal of age spots, scars, scars ;
- narrowing of pores;
- the skin will noticeably tighten;
- The relief of the skin improves, it will become more even, smooth;
- wrinkle reduction;
- the effect persists for several years.
It is also noted that laser resurfacing of the stretch marks removes forever, that is, it is not necessary to conduct repeated procedures after several years. In negative reviews, patients note that laser resurfacing of stretch marks has a fairly high price: from 27 to 45 thousand rubles. The procedure will not bring the desired result to patients if the scars or stretch marks are very deep, or if the laser power was chosen incorrectly by the doctor. Also, not everyone agrees to endure pain, redness, swelling. For some, this is a severe psychological trauma.