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 prone to aging than others, since they are constantly under the influence of environmental factors, chewing, facial and speech functions.Since the face is a kind of "calling card" of a person, the issue of preserving and restoring the youthful skin of the face 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 a laser beam on the skin.The laser current is divided into many very fine rays that affect tiny areas of the skin located at a strictly defined depth and vaporize them.The intact cells located between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - the two main "structural materials", which are formed less and less in the human body with age.After this procedure, skin color is improved, 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 recovery 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 resurfacing.
Lasers used for fractional laser rejuvenation
For the first time in the world, a patent for the principle of fractional laser exposure was received in 2004 by the American company Palomar Medical Technologies.Currently, fractional laser systems are represented by a number of laser technology companies.The most widely used laser systems are from the manufacturers Palomar and Fraxel, the Affirm laser from the famous American company Cynosure, the GentleYAG laser from Candela, etc.Since all these facilities have a common principle of operation, the result of the procedure is largely determined by the professionalism of the specialist who performs the procedure.
Contraindications to the laser rejuvenation procedure
The absolute contraindications for the procedure are:
- Pregnancy, lactation.
- Foci of the inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatoses.
- Foci of herpes infection in the affected area.
- Chemical peeling of the intended treatment area is performed less than two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Systemic diseases of the blood, immune system, connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in the compensation stage.
- Severe forms of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the area of the procedure.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Cases of vitiligo in the family.
Relevant contraindications include active sun exposure in the last three weeks before the procedure, i.e. the presence of a fresh tan, as well as superficial and medium peels performed in the treatment area less than three weeks before the procedure.
Advantages of the fractional laser rejuvenation method
Thanks to the targeted effect, skin damage is minimal, so all traces after the procedure disappear within 3-4 days.
The method allows you to treat large areas of the skin in one procedure, preserving and activating the skin's regenerative resource, which ensures rapid recovery and a long-term increase in the positive result.
The procedure does not require anesthesia and 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, light and quickly passing itching, activation of a herpes infection, changes in the texture of the skin, including burns, peeling and crusting.Scars, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin in the area of the procedure are extremely rare, but may be permanent.
What is a full course of laser resurfacing procedures?
A fractional laser treatment session lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area of the area being treated.Repeated procedures are carried out after 3-4 weeks.A total of 3-4 sessions are usually required.The maximum positive effect appears within three months after the last procedure.Maintenance sessions are recommended once every 10-14 months.
What to do after the laser facial rejuvenation procedure
The slight burning sensation that may be felt after the procedure subsides within 1-2 hours, while redness and slight swelling may persist for 1-3 days.During this period, you should use external products (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol, 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 shower and wash your face on the day of the procedure, but it is better to wait with the sauna and the pool.Cosmetic foundations can be used one day after the procedure.
It is mandatory to use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30, since during this period the metabolism of the skin is activated and it becomes particularly sensitive to the sun's rays.
After the procedure, you must follow the recommendations of the specialist who performed the procedure.The choice of cosmetic preparations, the frequency and duration of their use are determined individually and depend on the type of skin and its characteristics.
Fractional laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure in which the skin is exposed to a series of laser beams.The purpose of this effect is to activate regeneration processes and collagenogenesis.This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique.It is also called Fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing or photothermolysis.
The principle of operation and types of fractional laser resurfacing
How does the fractional laser work?The micro-rays emitted by the device cause a thermal shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells begin to work more actively.To restore the damaged area, they split faster.Old cells that are ineffective die, giving way to young ones.Heating of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by partial denaturation of proteins, as well as the formation of new components of the extracellular matrix, including elastin and collagen.
Based on the depth of impact, ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation are distinguished.The first is superficial and looks like rubbing.Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by evaporation of moisture and damage to the epidermis.After healing, the skin becomes more toned, its texture and color are evened out.During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deep layers of the skin.In this case, open wounds are not formed.
Each type of rejuvenation has its pros and cons.Thus, the effect of laser removal is noticeable after the first procedure.Using this method you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, after acne, stretch marks, scars.With a non-ablative procedure, there is no risk of infection and the anti-aging effect is noticeable for several years.This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under the age of 40, with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced impulse.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
You should resort to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Flatness, relaxation of the skin.
- Both fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores, prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, after acne.
- Spider veins (rosacea).
- Dull skin.
Contraindications for fractional rejuvenation laser are:
- Allergy, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of intended treatment.
- Any chronic conditions at the compensation stage.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser resurfacing
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure includes avoiding visiting the solarium and the beach for two weeks.During this time, you should also not exfoliate your skin, do chemical peels, or take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines.Three days before the procedure, stop going to the pool, bath, sauna and treat the area of intended exposure with cosmetics containing alcohol.In order to avoid complications, the cosmetologist can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period.The day before the procedure you should spend without alcohol and cigarettes and avoid going to the gym.
Before the laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities.Generally, the effect of the laser is felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be required.In this case, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area.After the ointment takes effect, the skin begins to be treated with a laser.The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treatment area and ranges from several 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 or compress the areas of the body where photothermolysis was performed using compression garments.It is recommended to exclude physical activity, visiting a swimming pool, sauna or bath for a week and limit the time you spend outside.The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day.And so for half a month.It is not desirable to peel or use cosmetics with retinol or salicylic acid.You must use a cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or more for two months.
How many procedures are needed to achieve results?What result should you expect?
The recovery period after fractional laser resurfacing lasts from 3 to 7 days.The speed of recovery is largely dependent on lifestyle.Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and stress - all these can slow down regeneration processes.
In the first three days after laser exposure, redness of the skin and slight swelling may be observed.Pain relievers and cooling the skin can help reduce discomfort.It's normal for the skin to feel tight and flaky during the week.A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan, which goes away on its own after half a month.
A lasting result after fractional photothermolysis appears after 2-5 procedures.Only a cosmetologist can determine the number of sessions more specifically, based on the initial data.The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks.As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging process is inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, the impulse increases, the appearance of pores decreases and the complexion improves.This method is an effective treatment for fighting scars, pigmentation, post-acne and stretch marks.
Fractional laser resurfacing is one of the three most popular cosmetic hardware procedures.Its advantages include efficiency, short healing period and 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 choose the laser exposure depth.
A woman of any age wants to see beautiful facial skin in the mirror, but not everyone is ready to go under the knife of a plastic surgeon.
In this case, fractional rejuvenation through the use of lasers will come to the rescue, which in modern cosmetology occupies one of the first places in antiaging procedures.
Types and methods of influence
Subtractive photothermolysis
There are two methods of photothermolysis, each suitable for different applications.A cosmetologist will help you make the right choice in favor of the optimal choice at your initial appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to undergo natural aging.
A network of micro-damages with the help of a laser affects exclusively the upper layers of the skin, forcing it to regenerate in a short time.
The result appears after the first procedure, as soon as the wounds heal.
Nonablative photothermolysis
This method is a slightly more serious intervention.The laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the skin, ignoring the outer cells.
The lesions also promote elastin and collagen production, as with ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process takes longer and the effect is more intense.Suitable for removing serious problems on the face.
Clues
Anyone who wants to look younger without big lifts can resort to this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many facial imperfections, including:
- severe forehead wrinkles.
- nasolabial folds;
- a thread with crow's feet around the eyes.
- The skin "flows" downwards.
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins.
- problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy shows high efficiency in eliminating all these problems.
The only caveat is that, depending on the severity of the defect, various procedures may be required.
Contraindications
Like any other external effect on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation has its contraindications, in the presence of which it is forbidden to resort to such a procedure.
This may include:
- the presence of severe inflammation on the face.
- infectious, fungal skin lesions.
- skin diseases - psoriasis, eczema.
- excessive dryness;
- malignant neoplasms in the body.
- history of epilepsy;
- heart disease;
- varicose veins on the face;
- herpes in the acute stage.
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- immunodeficiency states;
- bronchial asthma, severe allergic reactions.
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the cosmetologist weighs all the patient's risks.
Sometimes you will first need to undergo treatment for skin problems or wait for remission of chronic diseases, after which rejuvenation continues.
Preparation
Since the intervention is not a surgical procedure, extensive preparation is not required.First, you should consult a cosmetologist who will assess the condition of the skin and also give recommendations on the necessary method of photorejuvenation.
The patient is obliged to inform the doctor about all conditions and diseases in the medical history, as well as exacerbations of chronic diseases in the last six months.
If there are, the specialist will advise you to visit specialized doctors to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also have a blood and urine test to detect or rule out inflammatory processes in the body.The date for the first visit is then set.
Conduct
Fractional laser skin resurfacing in the facial area is performed on an outpatient basis, that is, the patient comes, is treated, and then goes home.
First, the beautician will apply an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the skin.
In fact, the procedure is not overly painful, so sometimes the treatment is carried out without this stage.
You should be aware that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin afterwards.
Then the patient lies on the couch and the specialist adjusts the penetration depth of the laser beam using a special device.The device targets certain areas of the skin, deep into which the laser penetrates.
The manipulations last from half an hour or more, depending on how much area needs to be treated with the device.During the procedure, the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation, as well as an unpleasant odor.
Immediately after the session, a network of red dots is visible on the face, the skin is red and slightly swollen, so it is better to take care of the method of returning home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional resuscitation does not exclude complications.In some cases they are normal and go away within a few days.
Others develop due to the inexperience of the cosmetologist or the lack of proper facial care during the recovery period.
What is not the rule:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of exposure to the laser beam.
- The damage does not heal in two weeks.
- pigmentation and scarring appeared.
Mild redness, peeling and itching is a completely predictable condition for any skin type.
Such consequences disappear by themselves within 1-2 weeks, leaving no visual defects behind.
Restoration
The outcome of the procedure is greatly influenced by the behavior of the patient himself.He must carefully monitor the skin, protect it from aggressive environmental influences and not apply decorative cosmetics during healing.
General recommendations:
- In the first three days, the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol-based ointment,will promote rapid healing of micro-damages.After that, it is recommended to use a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, which was recommended by the cosmetologist.
- Washing is not prohibited.For 2 weeks, the skin should not be exposed to strong heat, so it is better to refrain from baths and saunas and not to take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go out without sunscreen,In addition, it is better to choose a protection of 50. If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will appear.The cosmetic product must be applied until complete healing, even if it is winter outside.
After a few weeks, it is recommended to visit the specialist who performed fractional laser resurfacing again.He must assess the condition of the skin on the face and rule out complications.
Forecast
The result can be noticed immediately after healing, if the blemishes were not too intense.Deep wrinkles or scars must be removed by various procedures.
Visually, the skin is smoother, has a natural color, the face is tightened and blooms visibly in 99% of cases.
One percent is allocated to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of doctor's qualifications.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are fascinated by this method because of its significant advantages that are worth noting.By choosing photothermolysis, a person receives the following:
- low cost with high performance.
- painless?
- the result of even one process.
- non-invasive;
- without strong side effects.
In addition, the effect of the laser solves many problems of the aesthetic component of the skin at the same time, which is good news.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong clinic for rejuvenation or do not strictly follow the recommendations of the cosmetologist, you can create huge spots of pigment on half the face, which will not be easy to remove.
In addition, the laser treatment lasts for quite a long time, during which the patient experiences an unpleasant smell of damaged skin, which not everyone can stand.
Another disadvantage is the imperfect result of a procedure for deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
Review opinions
Fractional rejuvenation is gaining increasing popularity in cosmetology.Every year more and more women choose laser instead of scalpel.