Incorporating natural rejuvenation processes is the goal of a procedure called CO2 laser resurfacing. Under the influence of radiation, the liquid from the upper layers of the skin evaporates, the horn cells are destroyed in a controlled manner, due to which the mechanism of production and restoration of “fresh” cells is activated. Despite the fact that this is technically a burn, the damage to the skin is microscopic and pinpoint, and the result is a renewed surface that is pleasing to the eye of both the doctor and the patient.
The procedure is classified as modern and highly effective. After it, there are fewer wrinkles on the face, and their depth also changes for the better. The skin acquires a pleasing texture, its tone increases, and the pores narrow. Heating and coagulation of pathologically altered tissues and blood vessels makes it possible to eliminate minor and significant cosmetic defects. Dr. Lystratenkov recommends scheduling a consultation for anyone interested in safe rejuvenation or experiencing discomfort due to skin problems.
Indications for the procedure
CO2 laser facial resurfacing will come to the aid of those who:
- has shallow, fine wrinkles.
- self-conscious about pigment spots (age-related, hormonal);
- wants to get rid of keloids and other types of scars;
- suffers from hyperkeratosis;
- wants to tighten pores;
- after consultation with a dermatologist and oncologist, I decided to get rid of moles, papillomas, warts;
- I came across the concept of “stressed skin” while living in a metropolis.
This procedure is indicated for many categories of patients of Dr. K. V. Listratenkov. It is recommended even for people with the consequences of tattoos and rhinophyma (enlargement of all elements of the skin of the nose). However, only a doctor after an examination and conversation can say with confidence whether the above procedure is indicated for you.
Fractional laser: description of the procedure and its features
In cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, 2 types of fractional lasers are used: erbium lasers, with a lower power level and shorter waves, and CO2 lasers, which use higher laser power and reach deeper layers of the skin.
The procedure using fractional laser gives the following results:
- Rejuvenation.
- Improving the structure of the epidermis.
- Reduction of stretch marks, scars and scars.
- Removing pigment spots.
- Narrowing of pores.
- Skin tightening.
- Evening out complexion.
- Improving skin health by stimulating blood circulation in the capillaries, so it receives more oxygen, which has a positive effect on its appearance.
The most popular is fractional rejuvenation with a CO2 laser, which gives excellent results. Thanks to the increased production of elastin and collagen, the skin regains firmness and elasticity, wrinkles are smoothed out, and facial tone is evened out. A lifting effect occurs, thanks to which the previous contours of the face return - it becomes clearer and better defined, the sagging of the chin and cheeks is removed, and the nasolabial folds are smoothed out.
In the photo you can compare the skin condition of patients before and after fractional laser:
During the procedure, the skin is treated with laser beams that target 20-25% of its treated area when one laser head is activated. Laser beams are distributed at certain distances from each other, equally vertically and horizontally. The number of beams and the depth of treatment of skin tissue depend on the settings of the laser parameters in a given area of the skin and the head used. They are selected depending on the characteristics of the patient’s skin, the treatment area and the type of problem to solve which the procedure is being carried out.
The wavelength of the fractional laser is about 1550 nm. This results in the beam penetrating to a depth of 2 mm into the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in skin tissue, which leads to a rejuvenating effect and a reduction in scars. Also, as a result of the procedure, the regenerative function of the epidermis increases.
To obtain the desired result, you should complete a course of 2-6 procedures; your doctor will tell you the exact number. The duration of the procedure is 40-100 minutes (processing time depends on many parameters).
Despite the excellent effects, the procedure still causes a lot of negativity, especially among those who were poorly informed at the beginning and were disappointed due to discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Diseases and conditions that interfere with grinding
For the safety of the patient, Dr. Listratenkov Kirill Viktorovich may refuse to perform this procedure if he has:
- diagnosed with cancer;
- history of radiation therapy;
- herpetic rashes in the facial area;
- chronic illness worsened.
Taking certain medications (anticoagulants, hormones) may also be a reason to postpone the procedure.
Kirill Viktorovich recommends that pregnant and lactating women temporarily refrain from CO2 laser resurfacing. The procedure will not harm the child (fetus), but the skin of the expectant or existing mother may react inadequately during lactation.
Indications
Laser skin resurfacing has certain indications:
- The appearance of scars and post-acne.
- Small senile wrinkles.
- Papillomas and warts.
- Strong pigmentation.
- Enlarged pores and papillomas.
Grinding is not recommended during pregnancy, lactation and exacerbation of chronic diseases. The procedure is not recommended for acne, psoriasis and cancer.
Equipment used for laser resurfacing
Dr. Listratenkov performs CO2 laser resurfacing using modern devices such as COSMO PULSE. The latter is a universal surgical device that provides the ability to perform bloodless operations and evaporate tissue with a carbon dioxide laser. Power regulation in the range from 0.1 to 25 W allows you to accurately determine the size of the coagulation zone, which means there is practically no chance of damaging a healthy area of skin.
The device can operate in three modes:
- constant;
- pulse;
- super impulse.
Thanks to this, Kirill Viktorovich can choose the optimal method for processing fabrics. The pilot beam helps him “aim”, which is adjusted in such a way that the area of influence of the main beam is clearly visible, and in any lighting.
Preparatory activities
The procedure requires a mandatory preliminary consultation. However, for this the patient does not need to come specially in advance. The doctor can conduct an examination and history taking on the same day on which the CO2 laser resurfacing was scheduled. Sometimes consultation with other specialists is required, in particular a dermatovenerologist and oncologist. If the risk of infectious complications is high, then before the procedure, the doctor will prescribe a treatment regimen with antibiotics (antimicrobial drugs) or antiviral agents, for example, if there is a history of herpes.
It is also recommended to refrain from smoking. Harmful components of tobacco smoke negatively affect the skin, slow down the process of tissue restoration and healing, and contribute to infection of laser-treated areas. Accordingly, the effect of the procedure will be unsatisfactory, and the risk of adverse reactions will increase.
Consequences
After the CO2 laser, redness and slight peeling occur. This condition is considered normal and goes away on its own within two days. Swelling and mild soreness may also be a concern.
More serious complications include hyperemia, which can persist for up to 30 days. Also, crusts form on the epidermis, which under no circumstances should be peeled off.
When performing a large number of manipulations, the formation of bleeding ulcers cannot be ruled out. If the laser affects the deep layers during exposure, depigmented zones may appear. With even deeper penetration, scars and cicatrices are formed.
Stages of CO2 laser resurfacing
The doctor is prohibited from starting work without special glasses. The patient's eyes are also protected, but first the skin must be prepared. Using an antiseptic solution, remnants of cosmetics and dirt are washed off, and the surface is disinfected. Before the procedure, glycolic or retinoic cream is applied. It increases the effectiveness of CO2 laser resurfacing by helping the rays penetrate deeper into the dermis. An anesthetic is then applied, which reduces the level of discomfort to almost zero. Usually this is a special ointment or cream. After 10–15 minutes, the drug is removed from the surface of the skin, and the doctor begins to work with the laser. During the procedure, some discomfort may occur, but it is definitely not painful and is completely tolerable. At the end of the session, the doctor applies a soothing cream to the laser-treated areas.
No hospitalization required. The patient goes home after the procedure. Just before this, the doctor puts a bandage on the face.
Execution steps
CO2 laser resurfacing involves several sequential steps.
First, the cosmetologist cleans the surface of the skin from remnants of decorative cosmetics, dirt, dust and sebaceous secretions. To do this, he can use an antiseptic solution.
Next, the treatment area is numbed with local anesthetics. Anesthesia can be injected or applied, when an anesthetic cream is applied to the skin and left on the face for 20 minutes until it begins to act. Special protective glasses are put on the eyes.
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After this, the specialist begins to directly treat the skin with a laser. First, the effect is on the forehead, then the nose, cheeks, chin and neck. Next, the device changes the parameters, which allows you to treat areas with more delicate and sensitive epidermis, for example, the area around the eyes.
At the final stage, the surface is wiped with antiseptics again and a gel application is applied, which improves the regeneration of dermal cells.
Recovery period
What can and cannot be done after the procedure? The most important rule is to follow all the doctor’s recommendations, because not only the degree of effectiveness of the procedure and external changes, but also the health of the skin in general depends on this.
A day after the resurfacing session, Kirill Viktorovich allows his patients to remove the bandage. In this case, it is necessary to wipe your face with special solutions 5 times a day. The risk of scab formation is reduced many times over if you follow the doctor's recommendation about applying a rich cream afterwards. Steroid medications prescribed by the doctor during the recovery period are designed to combat eyelid swelling, which is normal for a patient who has undergone laser resurfacing. Don't be afraid of them. They will only bring benefits if you do everything as the doctor said. The swelling will go away faster and will be less pronounced if the patient sleeps on a high pillow.
Dr. Listratenkov strongly does not recommend smoking after the procedure, immediately driving, using any other cosmetics other than those prescribed, going to the pool, solarium, sunbathing, or drinking alcoholic beverages.
Description
CO2 lasers have been actively used in cosmetology since 2007. The principle of its operation is based on the gradual evaporation of the surface layers of the skin as a result of the continuous supply of thermal load, that is, burns.
Skin resurfacing using a carbon dioxide laser is a gentle way to smooth out the skin.
The essence of the procedure consists of controlled burns caused by a light beam. In response to this, rapid regenerative changes begin in the cells.
This leads to the disappearance of unevenness and smoothness of the skin. Experts recommend using this method to remove stretch marks, warts and condylomas, and post-acne.
As a result of microdamage, fibroblasts are activated. They are directly involved in the production of the required amount of missing substances. This, in turn, triggers tissue protective mechanisms, and already in the first 1-22 days the synthesis of new components of the epidermis is noted.
Laser resurfacing works well on stretch marks.
A course of such procedures can significantly smooth out stretch marks, making them almost invisible. Additionally, you can use special creams at home, which will increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist
Zhikhoreva Inna Viktorovna
6 years experience
CO2 laser resurfacing is used on areas such as the neck, hands, décolleté, face, including the area around the eyes.
Repeat visit to the doctor
CO2 laser resurfacing makes it possible to prolong youth by 5–7 years, as well as permanently get rid of signs of post-acne and other defects for life. Repeated procedures are usually necessary. Their number can range from 3 to 6. Only a doctor can tell you more specifically during a consultation and after the first procedure. However, you can see the full picture only after 2 weeks or more.
In the first 7–14 days, severe redness of the skin, formation of crusts, slight release of moisture on the surface of laser-treated areas, swelling - all these are normal phenomena that do not require an unscheduled consultation with a doctor. However, other complications (for example, a severe burn, the appearance of scars, age spots, signs of infection) are a good reason to see a doctor.
Advantages of the technique
Grinding has many advantages over other technologies.
Advantages of the technique:
- no age restrictions;
- safety of the procedure;
- speed of recovery;
- lasting results;
- There are practically no contraindications.
For a pronounced result, you will need a course of 4-6 procedures. After a number of sessions, the skin becomes even and smooth, its texture is restored. At our center you will be greeted by experienced and attentive doctors. And after treatment using innovative equipment, you will have clean and healthy skin.
CO2 laser resurfacing price
The cost of one procedure is from 4000 rubles. Prices are subject to change. You can always find out the current price either by calling the numbers listed on the website or by contacting us online. Email from Dr. Listratenkov Kirill Viktorovich can assess the scale of the problem and announce the amount needed to solve it during a personal meeting at the clinic.
Subscribe to our pages on social networks. Kirill Viktorovich has his own accounts on Instagram and Facebook. This way, you will always be aware of the latest changes in the price list, and you will also be able to see firsthand the effectiveness of the CO2 laser facial resurfacing procedure by viewing the doctor’s posts and stories with photos and videos of real patients.
Early spring and late autumn are the ideal periods for transformation in this way. Sign up for carbon dioxide laser facial resurfacing in advance!
