Aging is a natural biological process that affects every tissue in 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, since they are constantly under the influence of environmental factors, chewing, facial and speech functions.Since the face is a kind of "business card" of a person, the question of preserving and restoring youthful facial skin 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 flow is divided into several very thin beams that affect microscopic areas of the skin located at a strictly specified depth and evaporate them.Intact cells located between these zones stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - the two main "building materials", which are formed less and less in the human body with age.After this procedure, the skin color improves, small and medium wrinkles are corrected, bags under the eyes are eliminated, and the oval of the face is tightened.At the same time, the rehabilitation 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 on the principle of fractional laser exposure was filed 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 those from manufacturers Palomar and Fraxel, the Affirm laser from the famous American company Cynosure, the GentleYAG laser from Candela and others.All these installations having a common operating principle, the result of the intervention is largely determined by the professionalism of the specialist carrying out the intervention.
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 area to be treated carried out 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 hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the intervention area.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Case of vitiligo in the family.
Relative contraindications include active insolation during the last three weeks before the procedure, that is, the presence of a fresh tan, as well as superficial and medium peels carried out in the area to be treated 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, while preserving and activating the regenerative resource of the skin, which ensures rapid rehabilitation and long-term increase in positive effect.
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, minor and quickly passing itching, activation of the herpes infection, changes in skin texture, including burning, 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 comprehensive program of laser rejuvenation procedures?
A fractional laser treatment session lasts 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area treated.Repeated procedures are carried out after 3-4 weeks.In total, 3 to 4 sessions are usually necessary.The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure.It is recommended to perform maintenance sessions once every 10 to 14 months.
What to do after a laser facial rejuvenation procedure
The slight burning sensation that may be felt after the procedure disappears within 1 to 2 hours, while redness and slight swelling may persist for 1 to 3 days.During this period, you should use external products (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol, for example Bepanten, Panthenol, D-Panthenol.After the listed symptoms disappear and before the next procedure, a cream based on hyaluronic acid is applied.
You can shower and wash your face on the day of the procedure, but it is better to wait in the sauna and swimming pool.Basic cosmetic products can be used one day after the procedure.
It is obligatory to use sunscreens with a protection factor of at least 30, because at this time 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 type of skin and its characteristics.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure in which the skin is exposed to a laser array of microbeams.The purpose of this influence is to activate the processes of regeneration and collagenogenesis.This is a relatively new hardware technique, but already very popular.It is otherwise called Fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing or photothermolysis.
The principle of operation and types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does the fractional laser work?The micro-rays emitted by the device cause a thermal shock, in response to which the “lazy” cells of the skin begin to work more actively.To repair the damaged area, they divide faster.Old, inefficient cells die, making way for younger 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.
Depending on the depth of impact, ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation are distinguished.The first is superficial and resembles sanding.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 unified.During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deeper layers of the skin.In this case, no open wounds form.
Each type of rejuvenation has its benefits and minutes.So, the effect of laser ablative resurfacing is noticeable after the first procedure.Using this method, you can 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 is noticeable over several years.This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40 years old, showing the first signs of aging: fine lines, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
You should resort to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Flabbiness, sagging skin.
- 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 intended treatment area.
- Any chronic illness in the decompensation stage.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser rejuvenation
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure involves avoiding visiting the solarium and the beach for two weeks.During this time, you should also not cleanse your skin, do chemical peels, or take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines.Three days before the procedure, stop going to the swimming pool, bathhouse, sauna and treat the planned exposure area with cosmetic products containing alcohol.In order to prevent complications, the beautician can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period.The day before the procedure must be spent without alcohol or cigarettes and avoid going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities.Generally, the effect of the laser results in an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be necessary.In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area.Once the ointment takes effect, he begins treating the skin with a laser.The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the area to be treated and varies from a few minutes to an hour.Finally, the skin is soothed thanks to a nourishing cream.
During the first days after the procedure, you should not use alcohol-based products or compress the areas of the body where photothermolysis was carried out using compression clothing.It is recommended to exclude physical activity, visiting a swimming pool, sauna or bathhouse for a week and limit the time spent outdoors.The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day.And so for half a month.It is undesirable to do peels or use cosmetic products containing retinol or salicylic acid.You should use a cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or higher for two months.
How many procedures are needed to achieve results?What effect should we expect?
The rehabilitation period after fractional laser rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days.The speed of recovery largely depends on lifestyle.Drinking alcohol, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all this can slow down regeneration processes.
The first three days after laser exposure, skin redness and slight swelling may be observed.Pain relievers and cooling the skin can help reduce the feeling of discomfort.It is normal for the skin to feel tight and scaly during the week.A side effect of the procedure can be a tanned tan, which disappears on its own after half a month.
A lasting result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures.Only a cosmetologist can more accurately determine the number of sessions, based on initial data.The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks.Thanks to fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging process is inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less visible, turgor increases, the appearance of pores decreases and the complexion improves.This method is an effective remedy 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 benefits include effectiveness, short healing period and physiology.The result is visible from the first intervention 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 laser will come to the rescue, which in modern cosmetology occupies one of the leading places in anti-aging procedures.
Types and methods of influence
Ablative 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 option at your first appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to undergo natural aging.
A network of microdamage using a laser affects exclusively the upper layers of the epidermis, forcing it to regenerate in a short time.
The result appears after the first procedure, as soon as the wounds heal.
Non-ablative photothermolysis
This method is a slightly more serious intervention.The laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis, ignoring the outer cells.
The lesions also promote the production of elastin and collagen, as in the case of ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process lasts longer and the effect is more pronounced.Suitable for eliminating serious facial problems.
Indications
Anyone who wants to look younger without a major facelift can resort to this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many facial imperfections, including:
- severe wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- a thread of crow's feet around the eyes;
- the epidermis “flows” downward;
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy shows great effectiveness in eliminating all these problems.
The only downside is that, depending on the severity of the imperfection, several procedures may be necessary.
Contraindications
Like any other external influence on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation has its contraindications, in the presence of which it is prohibited to resort to such a procedure.
This may include:
- the presence of severe inflammation on the face;
- infectious and fungal skin lesions;
- epidermis diseases - psoriasis, eczema;
- excessive dry 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, severe allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the beautician weighs all the risks of the patient.
Sometimes you first need to undergo treatment for skin problems or wait for remission of chronic diseases, after which rejuvenation is still carried out.
Preparation
As the procedure is not surgical, no extensive preparation is required.Initially, 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 ailments and diseases in his medical history, as well as exacerbations of chronic diseases over the past six months.
If there are any, the specialist will advise you to consult specialized doctors to assess the safety of the procedure.
You also need to take a blood and urine test to identify or exclude inflammatory processes in the body.The date of the first visit is then set.
Realization
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation in the facial area is carried out on an outpatient basis, that is, the patient comes, is treated, and then goes home.
First of all, the beautician will apply an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not too painful, which is why the treatment is sometimes carried out without this step.
You should know that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin afterwards.
Then the patient lies down on the sofa, and the specialist adjusts the depth of penetration of the laser beam using a special device.The device is intended for certain areas of the epidermis, deeply penetrated by the laser.
The manipulations last half an hour or more, depending on the surface area 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 way of returning home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional rejuvenation does not exclude complications.In some cases, they are normal and disappear within a few days.
Others develop due to the inexperience of the beautician or lack of proper facial care during the rehabilitation period.
What is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of laser beam exposure;
- damage does not heal in two weeks;
- pigmentation and scarring appeared.
Mild redness, peeling and itching are a completely predictable condition for any type of epidermis.
These consequences disappear on their own in 1 to 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 decorative cosmetics during healing.
General recommendations:
- During the first three days, the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol ointment,this will promote rapid healing of microdamage.Afterwards, it is recommended to use a light moisturizing cream based on hyaluronic acid, recommended by the beautician.
- Washing is not prohibited.For 2 weeks, the epidermis should not be exposed to strong heat, so it is better to refrain from baths and saunas, and do not take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go out without sunscreen,In addition, it is better to choose protection from 50. If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will appear.The cosmetic product should be applied until completely healed, even if it is winter outside.
After a few weeks, it is recommended to consult again the specialist who performed fractional laser rejuvenation.He must assess the condition of the facial skin and rule out any complications.
Forecast
The result can be seen 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 tightened and visibly blossomed in 99% of cases.
One percent is allocated for unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of qualification of the doctor.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are attracted to this method because of its significant advantages which deserve to be highlighted.By choosing photothermolysis, a person receives the following:
- low cost with high efficiency;
- painless;
- the effect of a single procedure;
- non-invasive;
- no significant 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 rejuvenation clinic or do not strictly follow the beautician's recommendations, you can develop huge pigment spots on half of your face, which will not be easy to remove.
In addition, laser treatment lasts quite a long time, during which the patient experiences an unpleasant smell of damaged skin, which not everyone is able to resist.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result of a single procedure for deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
Review reviews
Fractional rejuvenation is gaining popularity in cosmetology.Every year, more and more women choose laser over surgical scalpel.