My Laser Lift With The Fotona 4D

Laser lifting with the Fotona 4D is an innovative method that combines the latest laser technologies to tighten the skin from the inside and outside. The aim is to reduce wrinkles and improve facial contours. And it’s painless too. This made me so curious that I wanted to try it out for myself..

During my consultation with Dr. Stefan Duve from the MVZ Haut- und Laserzentrum an der Oper in Munich, I learn the most important cornerstones of laser lift with the Fotona 4D.

What is the aim of the Fotona laser lift?

Dr. Duve: As with many of these devices that are now on the market, the aim is to tighten the connective tissue. The advantage of the Fotona 4D is that it can be used from the outside and inside using two different laser systems. One is an erbium Yag and the other a neodymium Yag. Ultimately, it is a tightening of weakening connective tissue with the aim of producing new collagen and elastic connective tissue.

Do both laser systems always work simultaneously?

No. There are a total of four modes for the laser lift that can be set. And the more of these four functions you combine, the better the result. The Fotona has four phases that specifically stimulate the different skin layers: “Smooth” is used in the oral cavity to stimulate the collagen in the cheek area. This leads to tightening from the inside out. “Piano” creates an extensive warming of the skin, which tightens the tissue and promotes the formation of new collagen.

“Frac3” targets deeper layers of the skin to reduce minor imperfections such as pigmentation spots or acne scars, and the “SupErficial” mode gently removes the top layer of skin to smooth the skin and create a fresh complexion.

However, the fourth mode with the Erbium Yag from the outside is associated with a slight burning of the skin, a kind of deeper peeling. It is therefore often omitted if the treatment is carried out in spring or summer.

When does the firming effect occur?

As with all these, let’s say, tightening methods, only after several weeks. So you don’t actually see the end result for two to three months.

Are there any side effects with the laser lift?

You only have to reckon with side effects if you use the fourth mode with the Super-Erbium. This causes crust formation and you have to be careful with the sun. Otherwise, you should not expect any side effects.

General rules of conduct after a Fotona treatment?

If you do not use mode four, there are no restrictions because you do not “damage” the skin either externally or internally with the other settings.

For which indications do you recommend the Fotona?

For anything that is described as elastosis, i.e. an incipient slackening of the skin. The method should not be used for acute facial inflammation such as rosacea or severe neurodermatitis. It can or should not be used in these cases.

How often should the treatment be repeated?

Normally as recommended for Ultherapy and Thermage – once a year, every two years. Of course, it also depends on how intensively you work with the device. If you take a more cautious approach, you may need a second treatment after two or three months. Otherwise, if you do it really intensively, one a year is enough.

How much does a laser lift cost?

Depending on which and how many modes you use, between 800 and 2500 euros.

My laser lift treatment start…

Thank you, Dr. Duve, for the information. With my practitioner Reza Mokhtari, he discusses the two modes that are used on me – Smooth from the inside, Piano from the outside. For “sun-related” reasons, I’m not ready for the “peeling” effect, which takes me out of action for days at a time. And off I go to the therapy room one floor below. Reza is a medical assistant. I already know him from other treatments and have complete trust in him.

As soon as I’ve made myself comfortable on the couch and put the goggles on my nose to protect me from the laser beams, the treatment begins. Reza, also wearing goggles and an additional mouth guard, has set the device to “smooth” mode and explains to me that the treatment of the oral mucosa in the cheek area might sting a little from the inside. The feeling that a gloved hand is working in the mouth, where otherwise only the dentist has access, is a bit strange. But I hardly feel anything, I just hear the tacking of the laser. Once both sides have been treated, the mode is changed.

Owww on the upper lip

With “Piano”, Reza lasers my cheek and chin area from the outside up to my ear to tighten the so-called jawline. I don’t feel any pain here either, just a slight warmth generated by the erbium yag. However a slight smell of burning rises to my nose. Hair? But Reza reassures me: “The laser energy only burns the fine cilia in the cheek area without damaging the skin.” I can actually smell the burnt keratin, but apart from a slight warmth, I don’t feel anything.

Moving on to the mouth region. It stings a little more at the sides of the corners of the mouth. But it’s only above my upper lip, where the annoying little lines are (even though I never smoked!) that I have to hold my breath for a moment, it stings so badly. But Reza works quickly, so the pain is over in no time.

After thirty minutes, the treatment is complete. My face looks the same as ever – no clearly visible redness, no telltale swelling. Now it’s time to be patient. Difficult for me, but I have no choice. Because as Dr. Duve said, you only see the effect after two to three months…