definition of laser
The word Laser is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation or Lumiere Amplifiée par Stimulation d’Emission de Radiations.
The laser is a treatment which makes it possible to carry out an abrasion of the skin by thermal action. We distinguish it from peeling , which carries out a chemical abrasion of the skin.
Which lasers are used to treat the face, especially wrinkles?
These treatments are as effective as they are heavy , because the surface of the skin is stripped by a controlled burn . In this case, the skin is rebuilt, it takes a fortnight, sometimes more, to recover normal activity.
Photo-rejuvenation lasers have a very superficial, essentially epidermal action. They are much less aggressive than CO2 lasers / Erbium lasers, but their effect is less. They cause no significant complications. They require no anesthesia, no social eviction. They bring a boost of radiance, have an action on the complexion by producing a refreshing effect and an action on very fine lines. They do not treat deep wrinkles.
How does the laser work to treat facial wrinkles?
The laser beam acts by destroying, by controlled photo vaporization , the superficial layer of the skin, that is to say the epidermis and can go as far as the superficial dermis, depending on the desired goal: it is a burn controlled by a central computer !
The depth of the vaporization is controlled by the number of passages of the laser beam, the energy emitted, its density. It depends on the importance of the defect to be corrected, the area to be treated, the quality of the skin and the desired goal.
Result of aesthetic facial laser treatment
After several months, the final result shows smoother skin, having benefited from a tightening effect, with an epidermis of normal thickness.
The goal of these treatments is to bring about an improvement and not to achieve perfection.
In case of CO2 or Erbium laser treatment : desocialization 2 weeks. But spectacular result. The final result is obtained after two months. The result lasts between 3 and 5 years depending on the quality of the skin.
In case of photo-rejuvenation : no desocialization. The result is a blast, but it is less spectacular than with the CO2 or Erbium laser. The result is obtained from the 3rd session (on average 5 sessions spaced one month apart are necessary).
What treatments can be associated with the facial laser?
The laser is a treatment of the cutaneous surface which can, of course, be associated with techniques for treating sagging skin linked to aging such as lifting, blepharoplasty. It can also be associated with other techniques such as injections of fillers or botulinum toxin.
How does the facial aesthetic laser treatment session take place?
We have summarized the procedure in a practical sheet on the laser .
before the operation:
Skin cleansing, fruit acid or vitamin acid creams, antibiotic coverage, anti-herpetic coverage, during the 2 or 3 weeks before the CO2 or Erbium laser.
No care in case of photo-rejuvenation
This depth depends on the size of the defect to be corrected, the area to be treated, the quality of the skin and the desired goal. It is assessed, as well as the dermal contraction, after each pass, which makes it possible to modify the parameters if the surgeon decides on additional passes.
end of the laser session
In case of CO2 or Erbium laser , the end of the laser-brasion sees the dermis exposed which leads to bleeding. This dermis must then be covered and protected:
Follow-up after cosmetic laser treatment of the face
Only a few rednesses in the hours following the treatment may appear but they disappear quickly, generally during the night following the session
in case of erbium or co2 laser treatment
Immediately after the treatment, the abrasion exposes the dermis: this leads to redness, edema and oozing.
Local care, based on fatty substances or dressings will be carried out until complete healing, obtained in 10 to 15 days, which requires social eviction.
Properly directed by your surgeon, this local care will prevent the appearance of scabs, which even if they are not desirable can eventually form and should not be torn off to respect the underlying healing in progress and not to run the risk. of any residual scar.
Appropriate make-up and sun protection are recommended from the 10th day to camouflage erythema of varying intensity (red or pink appearance of the skin treated for 1 to 2 months, or even longer, which is not a complication, but a follow-up normal).
A general treatment (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-herpetic, anti-pruritic) is prescribed in parallel.
The skin can be uncomfortable, dry, fragile, irritable, intolerant to usual beauty products for several weeks.
Regarding exposure to the sun, avoidance is recommended for 6 months, as well as protection with total screen creams.
This follow-up period is sometimes difficult, on a psychological level, for the patient: your practitioner is present to help and advise you during the consultations which follow the act and which are necessary for proper healing.
Risks of cosmetic laser treatment of the face
Laser abrasion of the face, although carried out for essentially aesthetic reasons, nevertheless constitutes a cutaneous, epidermal and dermal attack, which involves the risks associated with any medico-surgical act.
Fortunately, the real complications are rare following a laser abrasion carried out in the rules. In practice, the vast majority of these treatments take place without any problem and the patients are fully satisfied with their results.
