Skin aging begins at the age of 25, and at first this process goes unnoticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, it becomes loose, pores enlarge, 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 cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and thinning of the skin cannot be corrected at all with conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technologies do not leave us alone with the problems of fading.To recover the youth of the skin, it is not enough to eliminate existing defects and signs of aging;It must be stimulated and cellular renewal processes launched in it.Only in this way can you achieve not only a visual effect, but also a true facial rejuvenation.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve these problems.
This technology is based on the fractional photothermolysis method: exposure to a laser beam of a certain length, divided into several light streams (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today, fractional resurfacing is considered a real alternative to surgical facelift.
The mechanism of action of fractional laser facial rejuvenation.
Over time, all body processes slow down, even at the cellular level.This is what causes skin aging: cells are no longer processed as quickly, new ones do not grow as actively, and as a result, skin renewal occurs more and more ineffectively and practically stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of your cells helps restore the skin's natural rejuvenation potential.
Under the influence of a ray of light and the thermal shock that it produces on the skin, an intensive cleansing of the tissues of already dead cells and those whose ability to continue growing and developing has been lost takes place.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from this effect: they actively multiply, replacing used cells and restoring the renewal mechanism of "spoiled" skin.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on facial skin.The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most effective laser beam size, with a diameter of less than 200 microns: it is this fine laser that contributes the most to the replacement of old tissue with young, healthy tissue.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect is produced not with a single beam, but with a whole mass of microrays into which the light flow is divided, creating a grating effect.Therefore, irradiation does not occur punctually or as a continuous impulse.It is located according to a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which there are tissues that have undergone a powerful thermal 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 exists in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and non-ablative.These laser treatment methods differ from each other in many characteristics: laser penetration depth, treatment intensity, skin stimulation mechanism and final effect.
Ablative technology involves a superficial effect on epidermal cells through evaporation.Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the other hand, does not affect the upper layer of the skin, but rather penetrates deep into it, where the lower layer of the epidermis is located and the dermis begins.In this case, the irradiated cells do not evaporate, but form columns of coagulated tissue.
In both cases, laser treatment is performed in limited areas, around which areas with the so-called cellular programming zones are preserved, healthy cells that have a great potential for regeneration, which is triggered by thermal shock.A short increase in temperature in the tissues causes the activation of all metabolic processes in them, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.
Ablative Fraxel gives a quick effect and is best suited to eliminate the first signs of aging: superficial wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of ablation, microareas of the skin surface evaporate, which during regeneration are covered with new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.In this way, the facial skin as a whole is lifted (tightened), as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problems of a person with obvious signs of fading, such a superficial effect will not be enough.Aging skin needs to be “treated” from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells responsible for renewing the dermal structure are located.This result is guaranteed by non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one prohibits combining these two methods.Then the effect will be even more surprising: the skin will receive a double boost of rejuvenation, both from the inside and from the outside, so after one procedure a visible improvement in the condition of the face will be noted, and the active renewal of the tissue will keep the face "in shape" for a long time.
Fractional laser rejuvenation procedure.
Like any other laser procedure, Fraxel is performed only by a qualified specialist.The fact is that the equipment used refers to medical laser equipment, to work with which it is necessary to have medical training, receive training and gain appropriate experience.
In the wrong hands, a laser can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable consequences;In addition, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications.It is by identifying the obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the process of preparation for fractional rejuvenation should begin.
Contraindications
We list those conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser-based procedures:
- the presence of tumor formations in the body in the present and in the past;
- skin diseases in the treatment area: dermatitis, dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (abrasions, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloids;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular and hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute stage;
- taking retinoid-based medications (after the end of treatment, at least six months should pass before the procedure if tablets were taken and at least 2 weeks if external agents were used);
- pregnancy, lactation;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recent tan
After studying the medical history and current state of health, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of performing the procedure.In some cases, it is necessary to temporarily postpone it, for example, during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser resurfacing is a fairly safe procedure and, if done correctly, does not present any complications.
Progress of the procedure
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be stated 100%.Most patients still experience discomfort during and especially after laser resurfacing.
Therefore, local anesthesia is what is usually used to start a laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce the overall sensitivity of the skin.During exposure to legumes, burning and tingling are acceptable.
The facial treatment lasts between 20 and 40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the treatment area) and, after completion, a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient is given recommendations for facial skin care during the recovery period.
Skin regeneration after the procedure.
It is believed that fractional rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not disrupt the usual rhythm of life.In fact, this is not entirely true.To avoid getting into an uncomfortable situation, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine the laser procedure with work or the upcoming vacation.It is advisable to take at least a week of rest, because these days it is necessary to follow a rest regimen and your appearance is unlikely to allow you to lead an active life.The face will be red and swollen for several days, after a few days it will begin to peel and only after 7-10 days we can talk about a normal appearance.
Healing with ablative fraxel can be especially unpleasant: with it, the condition of the face can resemble a burn.Other consequences after the procedure include:
- hyper or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars, if the tendency to have them was not previously identified;
- Introduction of infection in microwounds.
These side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all fractional rejuvenation cases.If the procedure itself is performed correctly, without disturbing the preparation and rehabilitation process, the probability of complications is reduced to zero.
After fractional laser, it is not advisable to sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheat or cool down too much.
Results of facial skin rejuvenation with fractional laser.
Fractional laser resurfacing, unlike fractional 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 surprising.As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is carried out in courses, from 3 to 6 sessions, and then the result can be evaluated:
- tightening and tightening of the skin;
- strengthen the oval of the face;
- smooth wrinkles;
- removal of age spots;
- soften post-acne;
- even out the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one year to 10 years, then you can repeat the course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation also combines well with other procedures: resurfacing, injection techniques, during the recovery period after plastic surgery.Laser irradiation does not have a destructive effect on previously introduced fillers, but experts believe that it is better to first carry out a full course of Fraxel, and then start correcting the remaining deficiencies.
As for patient opinions, they are mixed.Along with positive recommendations for this procedure, negative statements are also often found.So, many women express the following complaints:
- The recovery period takes much longer than cosmetologists promise.As a rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as beauty salon workers say, but 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients indicate insufficient efficacy.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation leaves their face swollen, making them look older than before the procedure.It is also noted that the procedure's ability to smooth wrinkles is greatly exaggerated and its main objective is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser resurfacing is its cost.
Comments on the procedure.
Here are some reviews about fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review #1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a fractional rejuvenation certificate for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman and she went with great pleasure.It is clear that there is a result: the face is refreshed, tightened, all kinds of imperfections disappear, and wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed.He only did it once, but he wants to return to consolidate the result and asked for the same gift for the next vacation.
Review #2
I didn't like fractional rejuvenation.First of all, I felt pain.Secondly, after the procedure I was forced not to leave the house for almost 2 weeks.My face had increased in size several times, it was all red and even wet, as if it were oozing ichor.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my cheeks.So everything remained as it was, it was worth all the suffering, and also for my own money.
Review #3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure.Still a bit expensive and unpleasant.But after 6 days I saw the result, and it is excellent!The nasolabial folds disappeared and all the age spots disappeared, and this is exactly what made me look much older than I really am.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think that if necessary I will decide to take the course again.
Price
As for the cost of a fractional laser resurfacing procedure, it varies significantly depending on the amount of work and degree of intervention.The payment is usually set for individual areas, for the entire face as a whole, for the face including the neck and décolleté.Prices may vary depending on the city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure a worthy alternative to plastic surgery, but it makes sense to perform it without waiting for significant changes in the skin, when removing them is already difficult and expensive.If you start to carry out fractional rejuvenation from the age of 35-40, this will allow you to postpone the need to use more radical methods for a long time.