Aging is a natural biological process that affects all tissues of the human body, including those that make up a person's appearance. At the same time, facial tissues are more sensitive to aging than others because they are constantly influenced by environmental factors, chewing, mimicry, and speech functions. Since the face is a kind of "business card" of a person, the issue of preserving and restoring the youthfulness of facial skin is especially important and relevant. Among the many methods and techniques used today to solve this problem, laser facial rejuvenation deserves special attention.
The essence of this method is the fractional effect of the laser beam on the skin. The laser beam is divided into many of the thinnest rays that affect the microscopic areas of the skin that are located at a strictly defined depth and evaporate them. The intact cells located between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - the two main "building materials", which are formed less and less in the human body over the years. After this procedure, the skin color improves, small and medium wrinkles are corrected, bags under the eyes are removed and the oval of the face is tightened. At the same time, the rehabilitation period is reduced to a minimum. Fractional laser rejuvenation can be used not only as an independent method, but also to improve the results of plastic surgery or laser skin rejuvenation.
Lasers used for fractional laser rejuvenation
For the first time in the world, the American company Palomar Medical Technologies in 2004 received a patent for the principle of fractional laser exposure. Fractional laser systems are currently represented by various companies dealing with laser technology. The most widespread are the Palomar and Fraxel laser systems, the Affirm laser from the well-known American company Cynosure, the GentleYAG laser from Candela and others. Since all these settings have a common principle of operation, the result of the procedure largely determines the professionalism of the expert conducting the procedure.
Contraindications for the laser rejuvenation procedure
Absolute contraindications for the procedure are:
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Outbreaks of inflammation in the affected area. Psoriasis and dermatoses.
- Outbreaks of herpes infection in the affected area.
- Chemical peeling of the area of the intended treatment performed less than two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Systemic diseases of the blood, immune system, connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in the decompensation phase.
- Severe forms of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the area of the procedure.
- The tendency to create keloid scars.
- Family history of vitiligo.
Relative contraindications include active sun exposure in the last three weeks before the procedure, ie the presence of fresh sunburn, as well as superficial and medium peels performed in the treatment area less than three weeks before the procedure.
Advantages of fractional laser rejuvenation
Thanks to the point effect, the damage to the skin is minimal, so that all traces disappear within 3-4 days after the procedure.
The method allows you to treat large areas of skin in one procedure, while maintaining and activating the regenerative resource of the skin, which ensures rapid rehabilitation and long-term growth of the positive effect.
The procedure does not require anesthesia, it can be performed on the neck, décolleté and eye area.
Side effects are rare. Possible complications include the temporary appearance of red-purple spots in the treatment area, mild and transient itching, activation of herpes infection, changes in skin texture, including burns, peeling, and crusting. Scarring, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin in the area of the procedure are extremely rare, but can be permanent.
What is a complete course of laser rejuvenation procedures
One session of fractional laser exposure lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area of the treated area. Repeated procedures are performed in 3-4 weeks. As a rule, 3-4 sessions are required. The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure. It is recommended to perform maintenance once every 10-14 months.
What to do after laser facial rejuvenation procedure
The slight burning sensation that can be felt after the procedure disappears in 1-2 hours, while the redness and slight swelling can last for 1-3 days. During this period, external agents (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol should be used, for example Bepanten, Panthenol, D-Panthenol. After the disappearance of the mentioned symptoms and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
You can take a shower and wash on the day of the procedure, but it is better to wait for the sauna and pool. The pad can be used the day after the procedure.
It is obligatory to use sunscreens with a protection factor of at least 30, because at that time the skin's metabolism is activated, and it becomes especially sensitive to the sun's rays.
After the procedure, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the expert who performed the procedure. The choice of cosmetic products, the frequency and duration of their use are determined individually and depend on the type of skin and its characteristics.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure during which the skin is exposed to a laser array made of micro-rays. The purpose of this effect is to activate the process of regeneration and collagenogenesis. This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique. Alternatively, it is called fraxel, fractional surface laser application or photothermolysis.
Working principle and varieties of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does a fractional laser work? The micro-rays emitted by the device cause heat shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells begin to function more actively. To repair the damaged area, they split faster. Old cells that turned out not to work are dying out, giving way to young ones. Warming of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by partial denaturation of the protein, as well as the creation of new components of the extracellular matrix, including elastin and collagen.
According to the depth of impact, ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation differ. The first is superficial and reminiscent of grinding. Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by evaporation of moisture, damage to the epidermis. After healing, the skin becomes tighter, its relief and color are evened out. During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deep layers of the skin. In this case, no open wounds are created.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and minutes. Thus, the effect of ablative laser reapplication is noticeable after the first procedure. With this method you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, acne, stretch marks, scars. There is no risk of infection with the non-ablative procedure and the rejuvenating effect is noticeable for several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people younger than 40 with the first signs of aging: small wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
It is worth resorting to the photothermolysis procedure, if available:
- Loose, relaxed skin.
- And fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores, prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Vascular "stars" (rosacea).
- Just ten.
Contraindications for fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergy, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of the intended treatment.
- Any chronic diseases in the decompensation phase.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- The tendency to create keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Laser rejuvenation characteristics
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure consists of refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. All that time, you also can't clean your skin, chemical peels, taking sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Three days before the procedure, they stop going to the pool, swimming pool, sauna, and treat the area of alleged exposure to cosmetics containing alcohol. To prevent complications, the cosmetologist may prescribe antiviral and antibacterial medications during this period. The day before the procedure should be spent without alcohol and cigarettes, stay away from going to the gym.
Before the laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities. In general, the effect of the laser feels like an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be needed. In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared area of skin. Once the ointment acts, it continues to treat the skin with a laser. The duration of the procedure depends on the scope of the treatment area and ranges from a few minutes to an hour. Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
In the first days after the procedure, you should not use alcohol-based products, compress the parts of the body on which photothermolysis has been performed with a compression cloth. It is recommended to exclude physical activity for a week, visit the pool, sauna or bath, limit the time spent on the street. The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day. And so for half a month. It is undesirable to do peelings, use cosmetics with retinol, salicylic acid. It is necessary to use a cream with a protection factor of 35 or more for two months.
How many procedures do you need to achieve the result? What effect can you expect?
The rehabilitation period after fractional laser rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days. The speed of recovery largely depends on lifestyle. Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety can slow down the regeneration processes.
For the first three days after laser exposure, skin redness and slight swelling may occur. Anesthetics and cooling the skin can reduce the feeling of discomfort. It is normal if skin tightening is felt within a week, there are areas to be washed. A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan that disappears on its own after half a month.
Persistent result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures. More precisely, the number of sessions can be determined only by a cosmetologist, based on the initial data. The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks. As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, aging processes are inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, pore weight decreases, and complexion improves. This method is an effective tool in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne, stretch marks.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures. Its advantages include efficiency, short healing period, physiology. The result is visible after the first procedure and lasts up to three years. The method has a wide range of indications. It is possible to select the depth of laser exposure.
A woman of any age wants to see beautiful skin in a mirror, but not everyone is willing to go under a plastic surgeon’s knife.
In this case, fractional rejuvenation will come to the rescue with the use of lasers, which in modern cosmetology occupies one of the first places in anti-aging procedures.
Types and methods of exposure
Ablative photothermolysis
There are two methods of photothermolysis, each suitable for different cases. The right choice in favor of the best option will help the cosmetologist to schedule the first appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun its natural aging.
The network of micro-damage with the help of a laser affects only the upper layers of the epidermis, forcing it to regenerate in a short time.
The result appears after the first procedure, as soon as the wounds heal.
Non-ablative photothermolysis
This method is a bit more serious intervention. The laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis, ignoring the cells on the outside.
Damage also promotes the production of elastin and collagen, as in ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process takes longer and the effect is more pronounced. Suitable for removing serious facial problems.
Readings
Anyone who wants to rejuvenate without serious brackets can use this method.
Fractional laser treatment fights many facial imperfections, including:
- very pronounced forehead wrinkles;
- nasolabial folds;
- thread of crow's foot around eyes;
- epidermis, "flowing down";
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy has proven to be very effective in eliminating all these problems.
The only caveat is that, depending on the severity of the imperfection, several procedures may be required.
Contraindications
Like any other external influence on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation has its contraindications, in the presence of which it is forbidden to resort to such a procedure.
This includes:
- presence of severe inflammation on the face;
- infectious, fungal skin lesions;
- diseases of the epidermis - psoriasis, eczema;
- excessive dryness of the skin;
- malignant neoplasms in the body;
- history of epilepsy;
- heart disease;
- varicose veins on the face;
- herpes in the acute phase;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- immunodeficiency states;
- bronchial asthma, severe allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, ie the cosmetologist weighs all the risks of the patient.
Sometimes you first need to undergo treatment for skin problems or wait for remission of chronic diseases, after which rejuvenation is still carried out.
Preparation
Since the intervention is not a surgical operation, no serious preparation is required. Initially, you should consult a cosmetologist who will assess the condition of the skin, and will also give recommendations on the necessary method of photo rejuvenation.
The patient is obliged to inform the doctor about all conditions and diseases in history, as well as worsening of chronic diseases in the last six months.
If there are any, an expert will advise you to visit specialized doctors to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also do blood and urine tests to identify or rule out inflammatory processes in the body. The date of the first visit is then determined.
Execute
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation in the facial area is performed on an outpatient basis, ie the patient enters, is treated, and then goes home.
The cosmetologist will first apply an anesthetic cream or lidocaine-based ointment to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not overly painful, so sometimes therapy is performed without going through this phase.
Keep in mind that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin afterwards.
Then the patient lies down on the couch, and the specialist adjusts the depth of penetration of the laser beam using a special device. The device is aimed at specific areas of the epidermis, deep into which the laser penetrates.
Manipulations last from half an hour and more, depending on the area to be treated with the device. During the procedure, the patient may feel a slight tingling as well as an unpleasant odor.
Immediately after the session, a network of red spots is visible on the face, the skin is red, slightly swollen, so it is better to take care of the way back home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional rejuvenation does not rule out complications. In some cases, they are normal and disappear within a few days.
Others develop due to the inexperience of the cosmetologist or the lack of proper facial care during the rehabilitation period.
Which is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of laser beam exposure;
- lesions do not heal in two weeks;
- pigmentation and scarring appeared.
Mild redness, dandruff and itching is a predictable condition for any type of epidermis.
Such consequences go away on their own within 1-2 weeks, leaving no visual imperfections.
Rehabilitation
The outcome of the procedure is greatly influenced by the patient's behavior. You should carefully monitor the skin, protect it from aggressive environmental influences and not apply decorative cosmetics during healing.
General guidelines:
- The first three days of the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol-based ointment,will promote rapid healing of micro damage. Subsequently, a light moisturizing cream with hyaluronic acid is recommended, which was advised by a beautician.
- Washing is not prohibited.During 2 weeks the epidermis should not be exposed to strong heat, so it is better to refrain from baths and saunas, do not take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go outside without sunscreen,and it's better to choose a protection of 50. If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will appear. The cosmetic product should be applied until complete healing, even if it is winter outside.
After a few weeks, it is recommended to revisit the specialist who performed the fractional laser rejuvenation. He must assess the condition of the skin on the face, rule out complications.
Forecast
The result can be seen immediately after healing, if the defects were not very pronounced. Deep wrinkles or scars must be removed with a few treatments.
Visually, the skin is smoother, has a natural color, the face is taut and visibly blooms in 99% of cases.
One percent is dedicated to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of qualifications of doctors.
Advantages of the method
This method has impressed many patients with significant benefits worth noting. By selecting photothermolysis, the person gets the following:
- low cost with high efficiency;
- painlessness;
- effect even from a single procedure;
- non-invasiveness;
- lack of strong side effects.
In addition, the laser effect solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis at once, which is good news.
Mane
If you choose the wrong rejuvenation clinic or do not strictly follow the recommendations of a cosmetologist, you can earn huge age spots on half of the face, which will not be easy to remove.
In addition, laser treatment lasts quite a long time, during which the patient feels an unpleasant odor of damaged skin, which not everyone is able to withstand.
Another drawback is the incomplete result of a procedure with deep indentations, scars and wrinkles.
Review Opinion
Fractional rejuvenation is gaining popularity in cosmetology. Every year, more and more women choose a laser instead of a surgical scalpel.