Skin aging begins at the age of 25 and initially goes unnoticed. Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, relaxes, the pores expand and wrinkles appear. Sooner or later there comes a time when the changes become visible and then it becomes difficult to deal with them with the usual cosmetics. And disorders of pigmentation and thinning of the skin can not be corrected at all by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technology does not leave us alone with the problems of wilting. To restore the youth of the skin, it is not enough just to eliminate the existing defects and signs of aging, it must be stimulated, to start the process of cell renewal in it. This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also a real rejuvenation of the face. Fractional laser rejuvenation of facial skin, which has been used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve such problems.
This technology is based on the method of fractional photothermolysis - exposure to a laser beam of a certain length, divided into several light streams (fractions) for more efficient operation. Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a viable alternative to surgical facelift.
Mechanism of action of laser fractional rejuvenation of facial skin
Over time, all processes in the body slow down, including at the cellular level. This is what causes skin aging: cells are no longer used so quickly, new ones do not grow as actively, as a result skin renewal is increasingly inefficient and virtually stops. Studies show that laser irradiation of skin cells helps restore the skin's potential for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of the light beam and the heat shock generated by it in the skin, the tissues are intensively cleaned of already dead cells and those whose ability for further growth and development is lost. At the same time, young and healthy cells benefit only from this effect: they actively multiply, replacing the cells used and restoring the "damaged" mechanism of skin renewal.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on the skin. The difference between fraxel is that it uses the most effective laser beam size, less than 200 microns in diameter: it is such a thin laser that is most conducive to replacing old tissue with young and healthy.
The second characteristic of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect occurs not with a single beam, but with a whole mass of micro-rays, in which the light flux is broken, creating a network effect. In this way, the radiation does not occur as a point or as a continuous pulse. It is located on a specific matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which there are tissues that have suffered a powerful heat shock, and around them there are healthy cells that are not affected by the laser beam. The result of this treatment is active skin regeneration: exfoliation of damaged cells and growth of young skin in their place.
Types of fractional rejuvenation
Fractional photothermolysis is available in two radically different forms: ablative and non-ablative. These methods of laser irradiation differ from each other in many ways: the depth of penetration of the laser, the intensity of treatment, the mechanism of skin stimulation, the final effect.
Ablative technology assumes a surface effect on epidermal cells by evaporating them. Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the other hand, does not affect the top layer of the skin, but penetrates deep into it, where the bottom layer of the epidermis is located and the dermis begins. In this case, the cells that have been irradiated do not evaporate, but form columns of coagulated tissues.
In both cases, the laser treatment is performed in limited areas, around which locations with the so-called cell programming areas are preserved - healthy cells that have a high potential for regeneration caused by heat shock. The short-term rise in temperature in the tissues leads to the activation of all metabolic processes in them, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.
Ablative Fraxel gives a quick effect and is more suitable for removing the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of turgor. As a result of ablation, microplates evaporate from the surface of the skin, which during regeneration are tightened by new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas. In this way there is a lifting (tightening) of the facial skin as a whole, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
Such a superficial impact will not be enough to solve the problems of the face with clear signs of wilting. Aging skin should be "treated" from the inside, in the deep layers, where the cells responsible for the renewal of the dermal framework are located. This result provides non-abrasive fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods. Then the effect will be even more stunning: the skin will receive a double impulse for rejuvenation, both inside and out, so a visible improvement in the condition of the face will be noticeable after one procedure, and activated tissue renewal will keep the face for a long time. in shape".
Fractional laser rejuvenation procedure
Like any other laser procedure, fracsel is performed only by a qualified professional. The fact is that the equipment used belongs to medical laser equipment, to work with which you need to have a medical education, undergo training and gain the appropriate experience.
In unskilled hands, the laser can be dangerous with complications and unpredictable consequences, in addition, this procedure has a number of contraindications. It is with the identification of the obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the process of preparation for fractional rejuvenation should begin.
Contraindications
Let's list these conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of procedures based on laser exposure:
- the presence of any tumors in the body in the present and past;
- skin diseases in the field of treatment: dermatitis, dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (abrasions, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloids;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in acute stage;
- taking retinoid-based medicines (at least six months before the procedure if the pills have been taken and at least 2 weeks if external remedies have been used);
- pregnancy, lactation;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recent tan.
After examining the anamnesis and the current state of health, the beautician decides whether the procedure is possible. In some cases, a temporary delay may be needed, for example for colds or menstruation. In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed correctly, does not threaten any complications.
Procedure progress
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure. However, this cannot be confirmed 100%. Most patients still experience discomfort during and especially after laser rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is the place where it is common to start a laser therapy session. An anesthetic is applied to the face to reduce the overall sensitivity of the skin. Burning and tingling sensations are acceptable during exposure.
The treatment of the face takes 20-40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the exposure area), and after its completion a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient receives recommendations for skin care for the recovery period. / p>
Skin regeneration after treatment
It is believed that fractional rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not disrupt the normal rhythm of life. In fact, this is not entirely true. In order not to get into an unpleasant situation, it is better not to take risks and do not try to combine the laser procedure with work or the upcoming holidays. It is advisable to take a vacation for at least a week, as these days you must observe a rest regime, and appearance is unlikely to allow you to lead an active life. For a few days the face will be red and swollen, after a few days it will start to peel off and only after 7-10 days we can talk about a normal look.
Healing with ablative fraxel is particularly unpleasant: it can make the face look like a burn. Other consequences after the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars, if the trend towards them has not been previously identified;
- introduction of infection into micro-wounds.
These side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all cases of partial rejuvenation. If the procedure itself is performed correctly without disrupting the process of preparation and rehabilitation, the likelihood of complications is reduced to zero.
After the fractional laser do not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheating and hypothermia.
Results of fractional laser rejuvenation of facial skin
Laser fractional rejuvenation, unlike partial skin rejuvenation, is a minimally invasive procedure. It does not "burn" the layers of the skin, so the effect after one session is unlikely to be striking. As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is performed in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions and then you can already evaluate the result:
- skin tightening and tightening;
- strengthen the oval face;
- smoothing wrinkles;
- elimination of age spots;
- acne smoothing;
- even complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one to 10 years, after which you can do a second course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is well combined with other procedures: grinding, injection techniques, during the recovery period after plastic surgery. Laser radiation does not have a destructive effect on pre-introduced fillers, but experts believe that it is better to first take a full course of Fraxel and then work on correcting the remaining shortcomings.
Patient feedback is mixed. Along with the positive recommendations of this procedure, there are often negative statements. For example, many women express such complaints:
- The recovery period lasts much longer than cosmetologists promise. As a rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as the employees of beauty salons say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients show insufficient effectiveness. Many people believe that partial rejuvenation has made their face puffy, making them look older than before the procedure. It is also noted that the possibilities of the procedure for smoothing wrinkles are greatly exaggerated and its main purpose is to remove hyperpigmentation and traces of acne.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its price.
Treatment feedback
Here are some reviews for fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review # 1
My mother-in-law and I presented a certificate of partial rejuvenation for the anniversary. She is a young, active woman, went with pleasure. It can be seen that there is a result: the face is fresher, firmer, all spots have disappeared, wrinkles around the eyes are smoothed noticeably. I did it only once, but she still wants to go, to correct the result, I asked for the next holiday to give her the same gift.
Review # 2
I didn't like partial rejuvenation. First, it hurts. Secondly, after the procedure I had to stay home for almost 2 weeks. My face grew several times, everything was red and even wet, as if the ihor was pointing. The result is zero. My main problem is after acne on the cheeks. So everything remained as it was, it was worth so much suffering, also for their own money.
Review # 3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure. And yet it is expensive and unpleasant. But after 6 days I saw the result and it is excellent! The nasolabial folds disappeared and all age spots disappeared, and that's exactly what made me much older than I really am. Now everything suits me, I think that if necessary I will decide to take the course again.
Price
As for the cost of a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies considerably depending on the volume of work and the degree of intervention. The pay is usually determined for individual areas, for the whole face as a whole, for a person with a neck and décolleté grip. Prices may vary depending on the city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure to be a worthy alternative to plastic surgery, but it makes sense to perform it without waiting for significant skin changes, when it is already difficult and expensive to remove them. If you start doing fractional rejuvenation at the age of 35-40, this will allow you to postpone the need to use more radical methods for a long time.