Laser resurfacing of the face - a technique that allows you to remove the outer layer of the skin to stimulate cell renewal. With this technology can smooth out the surface wrinkles, make the skin more supple, eliminate dark spots Brown spots: whether they can be removed completely?   or to make them less noticeable.

Laser resurfacing is used for the treatment of scars (including postugrevyh) and some skin cancers Skin cancer: causes and prevention   - In the early stages of tumor development. The doctor can manipulate the laser only at the problem areas - for example, the wrinkles around the eyes and nose or folds, or the entire surface of the skin.

There are two main types of laser resurfacing face:

• Ablative resurfacing destroys the cells of the epidermis - the outer layer of the skin. In this laser heats the dermis by stimulating the formation of new collagen fibers. As soon as the damaged skin recovers, formed a new layer of skin - softer, smoother, less noticeable scars and pigment spots.
• Non-ablative laser resurfacing does not destroy the epidermis: it focuses on the dermis - the second layer of the skin and stimulates collagen formation.

Alternatives to laser resurfacing face

The following two procedures perform almost the same tasks as laser resurfacing:

• Chemical peeling - removal of the outer layer of skin cells with the help of acids;
• Dermabrasion - during this procedure the cells are removed by mechanical action.

In order to decide which procedure is best suited to you, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. For those with deep wrinkles and sagging skin of the face lift surgery may be more effective than laser resurfacing.

Preparation for the procedure

Smokers Individuals are advised to quit smoking about a month before the laser resurfacing of the face. This is due to the fact that regular exposure to tobacco smoke in the body increases the risk of infections and slow recovery of the skin. Your doctor may also recommend to change the dose of some medications taken by the patient.

Laser resurfacing - is an outpatient procedure, which is usually done under local anesthesia. Patients may also be given sedatives - it helps you to relax during the procedure.

Some patients prefer general anesthesia - this should agree in advance with your doctor. If you choose general anesthesia, the doctor will ask you to not eat or drink for at least six hours before the procedure.

The physician should explain to the patient as it will take a procedure, what it would feel after it, how much it will take a period of recovery, and so on. Prepare your questions in advance physician. The patient should receive the maximum amount of information available to him in the form before it makes a final decision on whether he wants to carry out this procedure or not.

Facial laser resurfacing procedure

The entire procedure takes from half an hour to two hours, depending on which area of ​​skin to be treated, and a physician uses laser type. Immediately prior to the procedure, and after will become effective anesthesia, a nurse or a doctor thoroughly cleanse the skin. Then, if necessary, the patient to wear special glasses - usually this is done, if the laser will affect the skin near the eyes. After that, the doctor begins to conduct the laser beam on the skin, constantly watching how deep the laser penetrates - modern technologies provide a person complete control over the procedure, so the likelihood of complications is minimized. When the procedure is over, the doctor covers the skin with a special ointment or a bandage.

After the procedure

If local anesthesia was used, it may take several hours before you come back to face the normal level of sensitivity. At this time, it is important to avoid situations and actions that can cause injury face - because of the anesthetic you can not see how serious damage.

Patients who choose general anesthesia, after the procedure will feel dizziness, coordination of movements will be broken - a state similar to alcohol intoxication. While anesthesia is over, patients are in the House - the attempts of independent movement could cause injury.

As the skin after laser resurfacing can be quite ill, many patients require painkillers. The patient can go home when they feel well enough - usually two to four hours after the procedure.

If you have been taking sedatives, or if you do laser resurfacing under general anesthesia, within 24 hours, you should not get behind the wheel, as well as working with the technique, which is potentially dangerous to you or others. Call a taxi or ask someone from relatives or friends to take you home.

Restoration

Typically, the skin heals within 7-10 days after laser resurfacing, and 2-6 months for the redness disappears completely. However, keep in mind that the exact length of the recovery period depends on the characteristics of the human body, and on what type of laser is used for the procedure.

In the first few days after the procedure, many patients take painkillers on a regular basis; usually enough to relieve pain OTC analgesics such as ibuprofen.

To reduce swelling, which is stored as a rule within one week, it is recommended to make cold compresses and sleeping on a high pillow. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection - must pass before the end of treatment, do not stop it ahead of time.

Furthermore, in the first three weeks, it is recommended to minimize the use of facial muscles. Constantly monitor their facial expressions can be difficult and tedious, but it is a necessary measure in order to get the best result from the procedure.

Until the skin has healed completely, wash your hair baby shampoo to avoid irritation.

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