Non-ablative laser rejuvenation allows you to tighten skin, reduce fine lines, improve complexion, even out embossing, and tighten pores. This mild version of laser exposure is recommended for people with photo signs and skin aging.
Ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation: what's the difference
Ablative and non-ablative methods of rejuvenation differ in the degree of laser exposure to the treated area.
Ablative lasers, acting on the skin, damage its surface. The temperature of the treated areas almost instantly rises to 150 °C. There is a targeted and controlled trauma to the skin to initiate the recovery processes.
The depth of exposure depends on the laser used. Carbon dioxide penetrates deeper than erbium, capturing 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 light beam, which ensure the beam penetrates deep into the skin. The surface of the treated skin is not disturbed, only redness remains.
The essence of non-ablative laser rejuvenation, the method effect
The firmness of the skin depends on the amount of structural proteins. This includes elastin and collagen. They are responsible for the skin's ability to stretch and contract.
If the amount of structural proteins in the skin decreases, it recovers worse after stretching, it becomes flaccid and flaccid. Wrinkles start to appear.
Laser beam, which is a directed beam of light:
- It affects the structure of the dermis;
- Protein denaturation occurs;
- Stimulates the synthesis of new collagen and elastin molecules.
The aim of non-ablative laser treatment is to heat the structural proteins to 42-80 °C. At the temperature limit, protein denaturation occurs: it thickens, activating aseptic inflammation, which leads to the initiation of the recovery process. New fibroblast cells appear and the skin is gradually renewed.
Today, cosmetology clinic customers have access to laser rejuvenation using a neodymium, erbium, diode, or alexandrite laser.
Advantages of the procedure, disadvantages
Indications for non-ablative laser rejuvenation are:
- Photo and chrono-aging of the skin on the face, neck, neckline, hands;
- Decreased tone;
- irregular complexion
- Post-acne;
- Scar;
- Vascular asterisks.
The benefits of non-ablative laser rejuvenation include:
- Save impact. The laser leaves no visible damage. Rarely, slight swelling may occur;
- Physiological rejuvenation;
- Quick recovery. The skin surface is not disturbed, after the procedure, hyperemia, which disappears within 24 hours;
- The precision of the impact. In the laser device, the light beam diameter, pulse power and various operating options are defined.
The procedure has its disadvantages:
- More procedures are needed compared to the ablative method;
- Light impact cannot eliminate deep scars;
- Monthly repetition. It is advisable to take a course of 3-6 procedures every 14-30 days. Then the cumulative effect will fully manifest and the result will be more noticeable;
- High Price.
Non-ablative laser rejuvenation is recommended for people who do not desire a period of rehabilitation and are able to afford the procedures as a course.
possible complications
The probability of complications during non-ablative laser rejuvenation is significantly lower than with traditional treatments (chemical and acid peels, surgical interventions, etc. ). The main risk is untrained personnel and poor quality equipment. The problem is easily resolved by checking the clinic's ratings.
In a face-to-face meeting with a cosmetologist, you should ask a question about training a cosmetologist and ask for a certificate for a laser.
It will not be superfluous to clarify when the machine was last repaired and ask for confirmation that the laser is in order.
The patient must inform the physician about possible allergic reactions to the medications. Before the procedure, the physician is required to inform about contraindications.
How does non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation work?
Before preparing for non-ablative laser rejuvenation, please note that this procedure requires a mandatory consultation with a physician. The cosmetologist assesses the condition of the skin, predicts the outcome, selects a technique based on the individual characteristics of the patient's skin. It is important to make sure that there are no contraindications: pregnancy, skin cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases, etc.
Preparing for the session
Before the non-ablative rejuvenation procedure, it is worth interrupting the use of alcohol, tetracycline antibiotics, anticoagulants and retinol.
There should be no damage to the treated area of skin.
A week before going to the doctor, you need to give up aggressive peels and cosmetics that contain alcohol. Immediately before visiting the clinic, it is not necessary to apply decorative cosmetics, creams and lotions to the treated area.
Technics
The cosmetologist selects the procedure for the procedure, the radiation intensity, the treatment area. The customer goes through 4 steps:
- Accommodation. The patient lies down on the stretcher, in a comfortable position, in which he will remain for 10 to 30 minutes. Hair is removed from the forehead with a disposable cap;
- Facial cleaning. The doctor removes the remains of cosmetics, sebum and other impurities;
- Laser treatment. The beautician in scan mode processes the necessary areas;
- To reduce redness, a cream is applied to the treated area, which stimulates the regeneration processes.
Most people do not experience pain during non-ablative rejuvenation. For a client with sensitive skin, the doctor will offer a local anesthetic.
Recovery
Slight redness in the treatment area and feeling of internal heat. These symptoms go away on their own for 1-2 days.
For the best effect, in the first 3-4 days, it is necessary to protect the treated areas from high temperatures: leave the bath, saunas, solarium for 2 weeks. There is 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 price of non-ablative laser facial skin rejuvenation is $45 to $330. The number of recommended procedures is at least three, the full course will cost the client $140-1000.
Neck and hand treatments are cheaper - from $28 to $125 (these areas usually cost the same). Neckline - from $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 the frontal area, nose, facial wrinkles near the eyes.
Many clinics offer a complex: face + neckline, face + neck, face + neck + neckline, etc. These general anti-aging treatments are cheaper than treating the zones separately.
The cost of the service is defined independently by each clinic. A significant drop in prices should be alarming. There is a possibility that the clinic is using poor quality equipment or not following recommendations for replacing consumable parts of the device.
Assessments
On cosmetology clinic websites, customers post reviews of non-ablative laser rejuvenation, share their impressions and advice, post "before" and "after" photos.
"I've completed a full course in laser rejuvenation. I'm going to talk about the procedure itself, so beginners know what to expect: the beam heats up. It feels like a mild electrical shock, it burns a little, but you can take it. If anyone's ever had a hair removal laser, here is one in one feeling.
The face after treatment has turned slightly red, but you can safely go to work the next day. The effect gradually increases: the face is visibly smoothed, the skin thickens. After 5 days, my skin peeled off a little bit, but there was no direct peeling. Overall, I'm happy with how the effect will play, and plan on repeating it. "
"The first time I decided on non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation was in 2015. And I was shocked by the effect! In the first few hours, my face burned, as if scalded with boiling water. of course, no tightening happened. The second time, I made up my mind after persistently advertising my friend. She did this at another clinic and became noticeably younger, around 10 years old.
I went to see a beautician, she explained to me that the first time the power was chosen incorrectly. I told you about wavelengths, how a neodymium laser works, but I didn't understand anything. And the second time I liked everything! So now I also advise everyone. The main thing is to find a competent specialist. "
In most non-ablative laser rejuvenation reviews, patients see a visible result.
Non-ablative laser rejuvenation helps maintain skin tone and prolongs youth. The absence of aggressive effects allows people with sensitive skin to use the procedure.
Before performing non-ablative rejuvenation, consultation with a cosmetologist is necessary.