Laser Facial Resurfacing
Laser dermabrasion rejuvenates the skin by removing layers of old skin and scar tissues. Because of this treatment, there is a marked improvement in the blood supply and in the formation of new skin fibers with greater elasticity. This results in the significant reduction of wrinkles and improvement in the resilience of the skin. The key to this method is the delivery of precise doses of laser flow.
 Laser Facial Resurfacing |
 Laser Facial Resurfacing |
The basics of laser dermabrasion lie in the use of the laser beam to penetrate the upper layers of the skin (1-20 mkm), and destroy old cells. By removing layers of old skin, the newly exposed skin becomes completely rejuvenated. The laser also breaks up collagenous fibers and stimulate new cell growth, which, in turn synthesizes new fibers.
Currently, Medi uses two types of lasers in cosmetology - erbium and carbon dioxide (CO2). The radiation of erbium lasers is focused on a thin skin layer of approximately 1mkm. Carbon dioxide radiation penetrates deeper - up to 20 mkm. The basic effect of erbium laser is ablation, i.e. cell eradication. Carbon dioxide laser always causes additional tissue coagulation. Taking these differences into account, carbon dioxide laser is usually used when the maximum skin renovation and the emergence of an entirely new one is required, however this may be accompanied by greater risks. Erbium lasers penetrate less deeply and complications, such as scars, hypo- and hyper-pigmentation, are rarely encountered.
Laser dermabrasion is prescribed for premature aging due to ultra-violet damage of the skin. Ultraviolet damage of the skin causes the constant replication of the upper layers, the accumulation of fibrous tissue, the loss of fluid - factors that cause the appearance of wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
The other all-important purpose for laser dermabrasion is for the treatment of scars. Scars are streaks of connective tissue. Skin scar mutations are the result of mechanical injuries and burns. Connective tissue, which penetrates skin layers, forms a layer of its own, causing the emergence of a scar. Laser dermabrasion gradually destroys this tissue and stimulates the division of adjacent cells. As a result, the scar becomes more elastic and diminishes considerably in size and appearance.
Treatment of the skin with lasers is painless as there are no nerve clusters in the 1mkm skin layer and the skin is cooled immediately after cell eradication.
Because carbon dioxide lasers penetrate deeper under the skin and, aside from cell eradication, they also lead to coagulation, there may be complications. The principal complications are:
- Erythema - skin reddening.
- Hyperpigmentation - emergence of darker skin areas.
- Hypopigmentation - emergence of lighter skin areas.
- Emergence of minor scars.
Complications from infection are rarely observed as the laser beam possesses a bactericide effect. During the procedure, the operating parts of the equipment never touch the patient's skin, thus considerably diminishing the risk of infection.
The results of laser dermabrasion can be seen in 7-10 days, after the upper skin layer recovers. The ultimate result can be seen in 3-6 months, depending on the depth of abrasion. After the procedure, special gels can be used to facilitate cell recovery. The skin becomes more sensitive to the sun's rays after the operation, therefore exposure to direct sun is not recommended. Sunscreens with the highest sun-protection factor (SPF) are required.
Only an experienced and qualified physician can fully assess the need for this treatment and predict the results and risk of possible complications. Laser dermabrasion requires the doctor to calculate precisely the laser operation depth and locate the specific areas for treatment.
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