Non-ablative lasers/IPL/RF do not remove the top layer of the skin, but process the underlying dermis in order to stimulate the production of new collagen. Due to this, non-ablative lasers are less effective than the other treatments, but they also pose far less risk of complications.
About skin Rejuvenation with Non-Ablative Laser/IPL/RF
Laser, IPL, (Intense Pulsing Light) and RF (Radio Frequency/radio waves) can be used to remove or better several unwanted skin conditions, including certain actual skin diseases, as well as give the skin a nicer texture.
Acne scars, fine wrinkles, vessel expansions, freckles, liver spots, rosacea, and stretch marks, are some of the conditions, which a skin treatment with laser/IPL/RF can help to correct.
Generally speaking, a treatment like this will help rejuvenate the skin, along with giving it a younger-looking, smoother appearance.
A treatment with non-ablative laser/IPL is not as effective as other skin rejuvenation treatments (where the top layer of the skin is removed) but it does, however, bring less risk of complications, and the healing process is shorter as well.
Generally on non-Ablative Skin Laser and IPL
Non ablative laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and RF (Radio Frequency/Radio Waves) make use of special filters to decide which part of the tissue that is to absorb the heat energy from the light and thereby disintegrate.
There are several different laser, IPL and RF machines available in the many different clinics out there. The manufacturers each claim that their equipment is the best, and each clinic will typically prefer a particular machine.
Here is a list of some of the different non-ablative lasers, IPL, and RF machines in use today:
- Ellipse (IPL)
- PowerLite (IPL)
- Harmony (IPL)
- Elos (IPL & RF)
- Accent (RF)
- CoolGlide (Laser)
- LightSheer (Laser)
- Diodelaser (Laser)
- Fraxel (Laser)
- Pixel (Laser)
Suitability
The treatment is suited for people with uneven, scarred, and/or sun damaged skin, who would like an improvement.
Fit and healthy people over the age of 18 are suited for treatment with laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), and RF (Radio Frequency).
The procedure
A special light pistol is placed over the area to be treated, after which the treatment provider shoots laser or light pulses into the skin in the area to be treated.
The light penetrates down through the top layer of the skin (edidermis), down to the underlying layer (dermis), which is then stimulated. This causes the body to start producing collagen. At the same time, the enzyme production, which breaks down the existing, damaged collagen, is also stimulated.
During this process, a fresh, new network of collagen fibres replaces the old and partly broken-down collagen.
The result of the laser treatment is a new and smoother skin, with fewer wrinkles, acne scars, and pigmentation changes.
It is not possible to perform the treatment directly on the upper eyelids. Only the area from right under the brow at the bony edge can be treated. It is, however, possible to treat the lower eyelids all the way up to the eyelashes.
Prior to the treatment, the treatment provider should gather information on allergies that the patient might have, the patient's use of medicine, former skin problems or infections, sun exposure, and tendency of forming hypertrophic scars or keloids.
In some cases, a cooling gel is applied onto the area to be treated.Anaesthesia
The treatment is most often performed without the use of anaesthetics, and done on an outpatient basis. In some cases, a locally sedative gel can be applied onto the area to be treated.
The treatment can cause anywhere from mild tickling to moderate pain, depending on the area and type of tissue that is treated.
Side-effects
After the treatment, the skin might go red and break out. This will quickly fade, though.
After the treatment the patient will be left feeling sunburnt. This will usually go away after an hour or so. Some may experience itching.
In some cases, the skin will be reddish or bronze coloured 5-7 days after the treatment. Minimal swellings might occur, but these will wear off within 2-3 days.
Risk of complications
Possible complications with the non-ablative laser and IPL treatment are long lasting reddening of the skin, wound formation, swelling, blistering, pigmentation changes with dark, light, or white colouring of the skin, infection with bacteria, virus or fungus, and scar tissue formation.
Complications after treatments with these non ablative lasers and IPL/RF are very rare, though.
Healing and recovery
After the treatment, the patient will be able to return to normal activities. It is strongly advised to avoid direct sunlight during the first 2-3 days after the treatment.
Duration of the result
The results are long-lasting, but please bear in mind, that the laser will not stop the aging process, and eventually new wrinkles will appear.