Aging is a natural biological process that affects all tissues in the human body, including those that make up a person's external appearance. At the same time, facial tissues are more prone to aging than others because they are constantly under the influence of environmental factors, chewing, facial and language functions. Since the face is a kind of "calling card" of a person, the problem of maintaining and restoring the youthfulness of the facial skin is particularly 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 thinnest rays that affect microscopic areas of skin that are at a precisely defined depth, and evaporate them. The intact cells between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - two main "building materials" that are less and less formed in the human body with age. After this process, the skin color improves, fine 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 time is reduced to a minimum. Not only can fractional laser rejuvenation be used as a standalone method, it can also be used to improve the results of plastic surgery or laser skin resurfacing.
Laser for fractional laser rejuvenation
For the first time in the world, in 2004 the American company Palomar Medical Technologies granted a patent for the principle of fractional laser exposure. Fractional laser systems are currently represented by a large number of laser technology companies. The most widely used are laser systems from Palomar and Fraxel, Affirm lasers from the well-known American company Cynosure, GentleYAG lasers from Candela and others. Since all these settings have a common principle of action, the outcome of the procedure is largely determined by the professionalism of the specialist who performs the procedure.
Contraindications for the laser rejuvenation procedure
Absolute contraindications for the procedure are:
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- foci of the inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatoses.
- Foci of herpes infection in the affected area.
- A chemical peel of the area of the intended treatment done less than two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Systemic disorders of the blood, the immune system and the connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in the decompensation stage.
- Severe forms of high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
- Varicose veins in the area of the procedure.
- tendency to form keloid scars.
- Family history of Vitiligo.
Relative contraindications are active sun exposure in the last three weeks before the procedure, ie the presence of a fresh sunburn, as well as superficial and midline peelings that were carried out in the treatment area less than three weeks before the procedure.
Advantages of fractional laser tapering
Thanks to the point effect, the skin damage is minimal, so that all traces disappear within 3-4 days after the procedure.
With this method, you can treat large areas of the skin in one procedure and at the same time preserve and activate the regenerative resources 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 in the neck, décolleté and eye areas.
Side effects are rare. Possible complications are the temporary appearance of red-purple spots in the treatment area, light and rapid itching, the activation of a herpes infection, changes in the structure of the skin, 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?
A fractional laser exposure session lasts 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area of the treated area. Repeated procedures are carried out in 3-4 weeks. Usually 3-4 sessions are required. The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure. It is recommended to perform maintenance every 10 to 14 months.
What should be done after laser facial rejuvenation?
The slight burning sensation that can occur after the procedure disappears after 1-2 hours, while redness and slight swelling can last for 1-3 days. During this period, external means (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol should be used, e. g. B. Bepanten, panthenol, D-panthenol. After the listed symptoms have disappeared and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
You can shower and wash yourself on the day of the procedure, but it is better to wait with the sauna and pool. Foundation can be used one day after the procedure.
It is compulsory to use sunscreens with a protection factor of at least 30, since at this point the metabolism of the skin is activated and it becomes particularly sensitive to the sun's rays.
After the procedure, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the specialist who performed the procedure. The choice of cosmetic products, the frequency and duration of their use are determined individually and depend on the skin type and its properties.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure in which the skin is exposed to a laser array of micro rays. The purpose of this effect is to activate regeneration processes and collagenogenesis. This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technology. In another way one speaks of Fraxel, fractional laser treatment or photothermolysis.
The principle of operation and different types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does a fractional laser work? Micro-rays emitted by the device cause heat shock, whereupon "lazy" skin cells begin to function more actively. To repair the damaged area, they divide faster. Old cells that have proven to be ineffective die and young ones give way. The heating of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by a partial denaturation of proteins and the formation of new components of the extracellular matrix, including elastin and collagen.
Depending on the depth of impact, a distinction is made between ablative and non-ablative laser tapering. The first is superficial and is similar to sanding. Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is associated with evaporation of moisture and damage to the epidermis. After healing, the skin becomes firmer, its relief and color are balanced. During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deep layers of the skin. In this case, open wounds will not be formed.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and minutes. The effect of the ablative laser treatment can thus be felt after the first procedure. With this method, you can remove deep wrinkles and age spots, acne, stretch marks and scars. With a non-ablative procedure, there is no risk of infection and the rejuvenating effect can be felt over several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40 with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
It is worth using the photothermolysis process, if available:
- Careless, sagging skin.
- Both 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).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications for fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergies, psoriasis.
- autoimmune diseases.
- pregnancy, lactation.
- blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of the intended treatment.
- All chronic diseases in the decompensation stage.
- oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- tendency to form keloid scars.
- epilepsy.
Features of laser tapering
The preparation for fractional photothermolysis consists in refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. Neither can you clean your skin, perform chemical peels, take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines all this time. Three days before the procedure, they no longer go to the pool, bathhouse or sauna and treat the area of suspected exposure with cosmetics containing alcohol. To prevent complications, the beautician can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period. The day on the eve of the procedure should be carried out without alcohol and cigarettes. Don't go to the gym.
Before the laser treatment, the skin is cleaned of cosmetics and impurities. In general, the laser effect feels like an uncomfortable tingling sensation, but pain relief may sometimes be needed. In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared area of the skin. After the ointment has worked, he treats the skin with a laser. The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the treatment area and ranges from several minutes to an hour. Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
You must not use alcohol-based products for the first few days after the procedure. Use compression garments to compress the parts of the body that have been subjected to photothermolysis. It is recommended to exclude physical activity for a week, visit the pool, sauna or bath, and limit your time on the street. The skin is moistened with a special cream three times a day. And so for half a month. It is undesirable to do peelings and use cosmetics with retinol and salicylic acid. A cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or more must be used for two months.
How many procedures do you need to achieve the result? What effect can you expect?
The rehabilitation phase after fractional laser rejuvenation lasts 3 to 7 days. The speed of recovery is highly dependent on lifestyle. Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, an unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety can slow down the regeneration processes.
In the first three days after the laser exposure, skin reddening and slight swelling can occur. Anesthetics and cooling the skin can help reduce discomfort. It is normal to have skin tension and flaky spots within a week. A side effect of the procedure may be a bronze tan, which will go away on its own after half a month.
A persistent result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures. In particular, the number of sessions can only be determined by a beautician based on the initial data. The intervals between the procedures are 3-4 weeks. Fractional laser rejuvenation inhibits aging processes: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, the turgor increases, the heaviness of the pores decreases and the complexion improves. This method is an effective tool in the fight against scars, pigmentation, acne and stretch marks.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures. Its benefits include efficiency, short healing times, and physiology. The result is visible after the first procedure and takes up to three years. The method has a large number of indications. It is possible to choose the depth of the laser exposure.
A woman of all ages wants to see beautiful skin in the mirror, but not everyone is ready to go under the knife of a plastic surgeon.
In this case, the fractional rejuvenation is eliminated by the use of a laser, 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. Making the right choice in favor of the best option will help the beautician make the first appointment.
This method is suitable for the rejuvenation of skin that has just experienced natural aging.
The laser-assisted micro-damage network only affects the upper layers of the epidermis and forces them to regenerate in a short time.
The result appears after the first procedure as soon as the wounds have healed.
Non-ablative photothermolysis
This method is a slightly more serious intervention. The laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis and ignores the cells outside.
Damage also promotes the production of elastin and collagen, as in ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process takes longer and the effect is stronger. Suitable for eliminating serious facial problems.
Measured values
Anyone who wants to rejuvenate without serious braces can use this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many imperfections on the face, including:
- very pronounced wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- crow's foot thread around the eyes;
- epidermis "flows down";
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy has been shown to be very effective in eliminating all of these problems.
The only limitation is that multiple procedures may be required depending on the severity of the imperfection.
Contraindications
Like any other external influence on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation also has its own contraindications, for which it is forbidden to resort to such a procedure.
This includes:
- the 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 stage;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- immunodeficiency states;
- bronchial asthma, serious allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, ie the beautician weighs up all the patient's risks.
Sometimes you should undergo treatment for skin problems first, or wait for chronic disease to remission, after which rejuvenation is done.
Preparation
Since the procedure is not a surgical procedure, no serious preparation is required. First of all, you should consult a beautician, who will assess the condition of the skin and give recommendations on the necessary method of photorejuvenation.
The patient is obliged to inform the doctor about all illnesses and complaints in the anamnesis as well as about the worsening of chronic illnesses in the last six months.
If there are any, the specialist will advise you to see specialized doctors to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also do blood and urine tests to identify or rule out any inflammatory processes in the body. The date of the first visit is then set.
Execution
The fractional laser skin rejuvenation in the facial area is carried out on an outpatient basis, ie the patient comes in, is treated and then goes home.
The beautician first applies an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not overly painful so sometimes therapy is given without going through this phase.
Note 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 sets the penetration depth of the laser beam on a special device. The device is aimed at specific areas of the epidermis that the laser penetrates deeply.
Manipulations take half an hour and longer, depending on the area to be treated with the device. During the procedure, the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation and an unpleasant odor.
Immediately after the session, a grid of red dots is visible on the face. The skin is red and slightly puffy. Therefore, you better pay attention to the return home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional tapering does not rule out complications. In some cases, they are normal and go away within a few days.
Others develop due to the beautician's inexperience or lack of facial care during the rehabilitation period.
What is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling in the area where the laser beam is exposed;
- lesions do not heal in two weeks;
- Pigmentation and scars appeared.
Slight redness, flaking, and itching are predictable conditions for any type of epidermis.
Such consequences disappear on their own within 1-2 weeks without leaving any visual imperfections.
Rehabilitation
The result of the procedure is strongly influenced by the behavior of the patient himself. He must carefully monitor the skin, protect it from aggressive environmental influences and not apply any decorative cosmetics during the healing process.
General guidelines:
- The first three days of the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol ointment.it will help heal micro damage quickly. Then it is recommended to use a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid recommended by the beautician.
- Washing is not prohibited.The epidermis should not be exposed to excessive heat for 2 weeks. It is therefore better to refrain from baths and saunas and not take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go outside without sunscreen,and it is better to choose protection from 50. If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will occur. The cosmetic product should be used until completely cured, even if it is winter outside.
After a few weeks, it is recommended to visit the specialist who performed the fractional laser rejuvenation again. 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 imperfections were not very pronounced. Deep wrinkles or scars must be removed with multiple treatments.
Visually, the skin is smoother, has a natural color, the face is firmer and blooms visibly in 99% of cases.
One percent is devoted to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and the poor qualification of the doctor.
Advantages of the method
For many patients, this method convinces with significant advantages that are worth mentioning. By choosing photothermolysis, a person will get:
- low costs with high efficiency;
- painlessness;
- Effect even from a procedure;
- non-invasiveness;
- Lack of strong side effects.
In addition, the action of the laser solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis at the same time, which is good news.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong clinic for rejuvenation or do not follow the beautician's recommendations exactly, you can get large age spots on half of the face that are not easily removed.
In addition, the laser treatment takes quite a long time, with the patient feeling an unpleasant smell of damaged skin that not everyone can withstand.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result of a procedure with deep pits, scars and wrinkles.
Review of opinions
Fractional rejuvenation is becoming increasingly popular in cosmetics. Every year more and more women are choosing a laser instead of a surgical scalpel.