Laser resurfacing of the face: 8 questions to the beautician

It is very easy to get confused in the abundance of cosmetic procedures. That’s why we asked a beautician to help us understand what laser facial resurfacing is and how it can work.

Anna Toms, beautician, dermatovenereologist at Beauty Time clinic

In general, how would you describe the laser resurfacing procedure? What is this manipulation?

Laser resurfacing is a procedure that exposes the skin with a laser beam designed for deep resurfacing. It allows you to completely remove the upper layer of the epidermis and partially the dermis, depending on the indications.

In this case, the laser beam penetrates to a predetermined depth and heats the tissue. As a result of exposure, skin cells are damaged and begin an active process of regeneration of new ones, including those that synthesize collagen and elastin.

The procedure has a pronounced anti-aging effect, and after waxing, the skin becomes elastic and dense.

What are the indications for laser facial resurfacing?

Write it down: atonic aging skin, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, post-acne, fine facial and deeper wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.

But what about contraindications?

There are enough. The list of prohibitions includes pregnancy and breastfeeding. herpes in the active period, oncological diseases in the relapse period, dermatological diseases in the acute period, infectious diseases, diabetes mellitus, decompensation, epilepsy, pustular inflammation of the skin and active sunburn.

Is laser resurfacing a specific procedure or a common name for a set of procedures?

This is a special procedure. However, some procedures such as laser peeling, laser rejuvenation, laser scar treatment are often meant under it. There are many laser devices and indications, but the essence is the same.

How painful is laser skin resurfacing?

Depending on the laser type and the depth of exposure. As a rule, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which minimizes discomfort.

How to properly prepare for the procedure?

Do not sunbathe three to four weeks before the procedure. Make sure to cancel the retinol application within 7-14 days. To create a hydro reserve (water reserve) in the skin, perform a biorevitalization procedure. The laser “sees” the water in the skin, this is one of its goals. Accordingly, the better the skin is moisturized, the more pronounced the result and the more comfortable the rehabilitation.

How many procedures are required to achieve a visible effect?

It all depends on the specific laser type and brand. We are working on a Halo hybrid laser, which includes two types of laser beams. That’s why only one or two procedures a year are enough to achieve a rejuvenating effect! And if we are talking about cicatricial changes, then everything is already individual, and the number of procedures is selected after an internal examination.

How is rehabilitation after grinding?

In the first hour, redness is seen on the skin and heat is felt, and the redness continues throughout the day. The second or third day is the maximum swelling. On the fourth and fifth days, the skin peels off and renews itself. And from the seventh to the tenth there is a complete recovery. After a month – the maximum result.

How often can laser skin resurfacing be repeated?

Depending on the indications and laser. As a rejuvenation procedure, halo is performed maximum two times with 1-1.5 months intervals. The course is repeated in a year.