CO2 (carbon dioxide) and erbium lasers are used for rejuvenation, their radiation is mainly absorbed by water. They differ from each other in the wavelength and the degree of energy absorption, which determines the technology of the procedure. CO-2 devices are used for ablative rejuvenation, and erbium for non-ablative rejuvenation.
With ablative rejuvenation, the laser beam affects not only the deep layers of the skin, but also the surface layers. With 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 the lasers, as well as the fact that the epidermis has less water (10-15%) than the deeper 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 with a small amount of water in the epidermis. Therefore, ablative methods are performed with the help of such lasers, which can affect 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 without damaging the epidermis. The laser movement begins in deep layers where there are enough water molecules to interact with the beam. Palomar Lux 1540 fraction is used for photothermolysis.
Why is laser rejuvenation a safe and effective procedure?
Modern CO2 and erbium lasers act as a fraction, ie. The beam is divided into micro-beams in the form of a grid. As a result, only 20% of the surface is damaged and the recovery process begins along the entire volume of the skin. This effect minimizes the possibility of thermal damage, unpleasant consequences in the form of wounds and scars, as well as increases the speed of tissue repair.
As a result of the laser, a coagulation column is formed, in the case of ablative technology - open, non-ablative - closed. These columns are located at a certain distance from each other due to the movement of the fraction. Cells around the coagulation zone are exposed to heat shock, which activates metabolic processes and the production of new cells. Due to this, a lifting effect is achieved, the skin is rejuvenated.
Who is ablative rejuvenation suitable for?
Ablative rejuvenation is a highly effective method for solving problems such as shallow wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of skin elasticity and firmness.
The laser works mainly on the upper layers of the dermis, does not penetrate deeply, but affects the surface layer. As a result, the skin is renewed to the full penetration depth of the beam (up to 1 mm) and the surface defects are clearly corrected. Only 1 procedure is required to get a good effect. The recovery period after the procedure is 5-7 days.
Ablative rejuvenation, especially DOT therapy, is suitable for those who want to achieve quick results with a minimum rehabilitation period.
Who is non-ablative rejuvenation suitable for?
Non-ablative rejuvenation is also one of the most effective methods for removing wrinkles, lifting, rejuvenating the skin, improving skin quality, treating pigmentation and other skin imperfections.
The fact that the laser works only in deep layers means that the rehabilitation period after the procedure is practically non-existent and lasts only 2-3 days. A greater number of procedures will be required to achieve a result similar to ablative rejuvenation, usually 3-4. Thanks to the deeper penetration, a complete reconstruction of the tissues takes place, which gives a noticeable lifting effect.
Non-ablative rejuvenation is especially suitable for those who want to achieve a noticeable result without fractional photothermolysis, intensive exposure and rehabilitation period.