For rejuvenation, CO2 (carbon dioxide) and erbium lasers, whose radiation is predominantly absorbed by water, are used. They differ from each other in wavelength and degree of energy absorption, which determines the technology of the procedure. CO-2 devices are used for ablative rejuvenation and erbium devices are used for non-ablative.
With ablative rejuvenation, the laser beam acts not only on the deep layers of the skin, but also on the superficial ones. Non-ablative - the laser penetrates deep into the tissue, but does not damage the skin surface. This is possible due to the different wavelengths of lasers, as well as the fact that the epidermis contains less water (10-15%) than the deep layers of the skin (70-75%).
Carbon dioxide lasers have the longest wavelength of any medical laser available at 10, 600 nm. Such rays are very well absorbed by water, so they react even with a small amount of water contained in the epidermis. Therefore, ablative techniques are performed with the help of such lasers, which can act on the surface layer of the skin.
Erbium laser wavelengths range from 1064 to 2940 nm. Palomar Lux 1540 laser with a wavelength of 1540 nm and a penetration depth of up to 2 mm is used in clinics. Such rays are less absorbed by water and therefore pass through the epidermis without damaging it. Laser action starts already in deep layers where there are enough water molecules to interact with the beam. Palomar Lux 1540 is used for fractional photothermolysis.
Why is laser rejuvenation a safe and effective procedure?
Modern CO2 and erbium lasers act fractionally, i. e. the beam is divided into microbeams in the form of a grid. Therefore, only 20% of the surface is damaged and the healing process is initiated over the entire volume of the skin. This effect minimizes the possibility of heat damage, unpleasant consequences in the form of scars and scars, and also increases the rate of tissue repair.
As a result of the laser action, a closed coagulation column is formed, in the case of ablative technology - open, non-ablative. These columns are located at a certain distance from each other due to the fractional effect. Cells around the coagulation site are subjected to heat shock, which activates metabolic processes and the production of new cells. In this way, a lifting effect is achieved and the skin is rejuvenated.
Who is ablative rejuvenation suitable for?
Ablative rejuvenation is a very effective method for solving problems such as shallow wrinkles, pigmentation, decreased skin elasticity and firmness.
The laser works mainly in the upper layers of the dermis, does not penetrate deeply, but affects the surface layer. Thanks to this, the skin is regenerated to the full depth of penetration of the beam (up to 1 mm) and a pronounced correction of superficial defects. Only 1 procedure is required to achieve a good effect. The recovery period after the procedure is 5-7 days.
Ablative rejuvenation, especially DOT therapy, is suitable for those who want rapid results with minimal rehabilitation time.
Who is non-ablative rejuvenation suitable for?
Non-ablative rejuvenation is also one of the most effective techniques for removing wrinkles, lifting, rejuvenating the skin, improving skin quality, treating pigmentation and other skin imperfections.
The fact that the laser works only in the deep layers causes the rehabilitation period after the procedure to be practically non-existent and only 2-3 days. More procedures, usually 3-4, will be required to achieve a similar result to ablative rejuvenation. Due to deeper penetration, complete restructuring of tissues occurs, which provides a noticeable lifting effect.
Non-ablative rejuvenation, especially fractional photothermolysis, is suitable for those who want a noticeable result without intensive exposure and rehabilitation period.