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 susceptible to aging than others because they are constantly exposed to the influence of environmental factors, chewing, facial and speech functions.Since the face is a kind of “business card” of a person, the issue of maintaining and restoring youthful 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 beam is divided into many very thin beams that affect microscopic areas of the skin at a precisely defined depth and vaporize them.The intact cells located between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - the two most important "building materials" that are produced less and less in the human body as we age.After this procedure, 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 time 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.
Laser for fractional laser rejuvenation
For the first time in the world, the American company Palomar Medical Technologies received a patent on the principle of fractional laser exposure in 2004.Currently, fractional laser systems are represented by a number of laser technology companies.The most widespread laser systems come from the manufacturers Palomar and Fraxel, the Affirm laser from the well-known American company Cynosure, the GentleYAG laser from Candela and others.Since all of these systems have a common principle of operation, the result of the procedure is largely determined by the professionalism of the specialist performing the procedure.
Contraindications to the laser rejuvenation procedure
Absolute contraindications to 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.
- 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 decompensation stage.
- Severe forms of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the area of the procedure.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Cases of vitiligo in the family.
Relative 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 in the treatment area, which are carried out 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 skin in one procedure and at the same time preserve and activate the skin's regenerative resources, ensuring rapid rehabilitation and a long-term increase in positive effects.
The procedure does not require anesthesia and can be performed in the neck, décolleté and eye areas.
Side effects are rare.Possible complications include the temporary appearance of red-purple spots in the treatment area, mild and quickly transient itching, activation of a herpes infection, changes in skin texture, including burns, peeling and crusting.Scarring, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation of the skin in the area of the procedure are extremely rare, but can be permanent.
What is Total Laser Rejuvenation?
A session of fractional laser treatment lasts 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of problem and the area of the treated area.Repeated procedures are carried out after 3-4 weeks.A total of 3-4 sessions are usually required.The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure.It is recommended that maintenance sessions be performed every 10-14 months.
What to do after laser facial rejuvenation?
The mild burning sensation that may occur after the procedure disappears within 1-2 hours, while redness and mild swelling may last 1-3 days.During this period, you should externally use products (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol, for example Bepanten, Panthenol, D-Panthenol.After the listed symptoms disappear and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
You can take a shower and wash your face on the day of the procedure, but it is better to wait for the sauna and swimming pool.Foundation cosmetics can be used a day after the procedure.
It is imperative to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30, since at this point the skin's metabolism 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, frequency and duration of their use are determined individually and depend on the skin type and its characteristics.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure that involves exposing the skin to a laser array of microbeams.The aim of this influence 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 treatment or photothermolysis.
The principle of operation and types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does fractional laser work?The micro-rays emitted by the device cause a heat shock, after which “lazy” skin cells begin to function more actively.To repair the damaged area, they divide more quickly.Old, ineffective cells die and make way for young cells.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.
A distinction is made between ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation based on the depth of impact.The first is superficial and resembles grinding.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 firmer, its texture and color are evened out.In non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser acts on the deep layers of the skin.In this case there are no open wounds.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and benefits.The effect of the ablative laser treatment can therefore be felt after the first procedure.This method allows you to get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, post-acne, stretch marks and scars.With a non-ablative procedure, there is no risk of infection and the anti-aging effect can be felt over several years.This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40 years of age who are experiencing the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
You should resort to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Sagging, 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.
- Spider veins (rosacea).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications to fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergy, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of intended treatment.
- All chronic diseases in the decompensation stage.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser rejuvenation
To prepare for the fractional photothermolysis procedure, you must avoid going to the solarium and the beach for two weeks.During this time, you should also avoid cleansing your skin, performing chemical peels, or taking sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines.Three days before the procedure, stop going to the swimming pool, bathhouse or sauna and treat the area where you plan to stay with cosmetics that contain alcohol.To prevent complications, the beautician may prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period.You should spend the day before the procedure without alcohol or 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 experienced as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but pain relief is sometimes required.In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared area of skin.After the ointment has taken effect, he begins laser treatment of the skin.The duration of the procedure depends on the size 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 and do not compress the areas of the body where photothermolysis was performed with compression clothing.It is recommended to exclude physical activity, visiting a swimming pool, sauna or bathhouse for a week and limit time outdoors.The skin is moisturized three times a day with a special cream.And so for half a month.It is undesirable to perform peelings or use cosmetics containing retinol or salicylic acid.You must use a cream with an SPF of 35 or more for two months.
How many procedures are required to achieve results?What effect can be expected?
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, an unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all of this can slow down regeneration processes.
In the first three days after laser irradiation, skin redness and slight swelling may be observed.Painkillers and skin cooling can help relieve discomfort.It's normal for skin to feel tight and flaky throughout the week.A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan, which disappears on its own after half a month.
A permanent result after fractional photothermolysis appears after 2-5 procedures.Only a beautician can determine the number of sessions more accurately based on the initial data.The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks.Fractional laser rejuvenation inhibits the aging process: wrinkles disappear or become less visible, turgor increases, the appearance of pores decreases, and the complexion improves.This method is an effective tool in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne and stretch marks.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures.Its advantages include effectiveness, short healing time and physiology.The results are visible after the first procedure and last up to three years.The method has a wide range of indications.It is possible to choose the depth of laser exposure.
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 a laser, which occupies one of the first places in anti-aging procedures in modern cosmetology, helps.
Types and methods of influencing
Ablative photothermolysis
There are two methods of photothermolysis, each suitable for different applications.A beautician will help you make the right choice in favor of the optimal option at your first appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to succumb to natural aging.
A network of microdamage using a laser affects only the upper layers of the epidermis, forcing it to regenerate in a short time.
The results become apparent after the first procedure as soon as the wounds heal.
Non-ablative photothermolysis
This method is a slightly more serious procedure.The laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis and ignores the cells outside.
The lesions also promote the production of elastin and collagen, as in ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process takes longer and the effect is more pronounced.Suitable for eliminating serious problems on the face.
Notes
If you want to look younger without major lifting, you can use this method.
Fractional laser treatment targets many facial imperfections, including:
- severe wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- a thread of crow's feet around the eyes;
- Epidermis “flows” downwards;
- Skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- Problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy shows high effectiveness in eliminating all these problems.
The only limitation is that, depending on the severity of the imperfection, multiple procedures may be required.
Contraindications
Like any other external influence on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation also 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;
- Diseases of the epidermis - psoriasis, eczema;
- excessively dry skin;
- malignant neoplasms in the body;
- history of epilepsy;
- heart disease;
- varicose veins on the face;
- herpes in the acute stage;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- immune deficiency states;
- bronchial asthma, severe allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the cosmetologist weighs all the patient's risks.
Sometimes, if you have skin problems, you should first undergo treatment or wait for chronic diseases to go into remission, then rejuvenate.
Preparation
Since the procedure is not a surgical procedure, no extensive preparation is required.First of all, you should consult a beautician who will assess the condition of the skin and also give recommendations on the necessary photorejuvenation method.
The patient is obliged to inform the doctor about all complaints and illnesses in the medical history as well as about exacerbations of chronic diseases in the last six months.
If available, the specialist will advise you to visit specialists to assess the safety of the procedure.
In order to detect or rule out inflammatory processes in the body, you should also have a blood and urine test carried out.The date for the first visit will then be set.
Carry out
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation in the facial area is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient comes, is treated and then goes home.
First, the beautician applies a lidocaine-based numbing cream or ointment to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not excessively painful, which is why therapy is sometimes carried out without this step.
You should be aware that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin as a result.
The patient then lies on the couch and the specialist uses a special device to adjust the penetration depth of the laser beam.The device targets specific areas of the epidermis where the laser penetrates deeply.
The manipulations take 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 and 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 find out in advance about the method of returning home.
Possible complications
Fractional rejuvenation does not exclude complications.In some cases they are normal and disappear within a few days.
Others arise due to the inexperience of the beautician or lack of facial care during the rehabilitation period.
What is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of exposure to the laser beam;
- the damage does not heal within two weeks;
- Pigmentation and scarring appeared.
Mild redness, flaking and itching are a completely predictable condition for any type of epidermis.
Such consequences disappear on their own within 1-2 weeks and do not leave any visual defects.
rehabilitation
The outcome 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 decorative cosmetics during healing.
General recommendations:
- In the first three days, the wound should be lubricated with a dexpanthenol-based ointment.It promotes rapid healing of microdamage.We then recommend using a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, which was recommended by the beautician.
- Washing is not forbidden.The epidermis should not be exposed to strong heat for 2 weeks, so it is better to avoid baths and saunas and not take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go outside without sun protectionIn addition, it is better to choose protection from 50 and above.Otherwise, 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 revisit the specialist who performed fractional laser rejuvenation.He must assess the condition of the skin on the face and rule out complications.
forecast
The result is visible immediately after healing if the imperfections were not very pronounced.Deep wrinkles or scars must be removed through several procedures.
Visually, the skin is smoother, has a natural color, the face is toned and visibly blooms in 99% of cases.
One percent is due to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and the doctor's lack of qualifications.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are intrigued by this method due to its remarkable benefits.By choosing photothermolysis, a person receives:
- low costs with high efficiency;
- Painlessness;
- the effect of even one procedure;
- non-invasive;
- no strong side effects.
In addition, the effect of the laser solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis at once, which is good news.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong clinic for rejuvenation or do not strictly follow the beautician's recommendations, huge pigment spots can appear on half of your face that are difficult to remove.
In addition, laser treatment takes quite a long time, during which the patient experiences an unpleasant smell of damaged skin, which not everyone can withstand.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result of a procedure for deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
Verification 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.