Skin aging begins at age 25, and at first this process goes unnoticed. Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, it becomes loose, pores are enlarged 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 pigmentation disorders and skin thinning cannot be corrected with conservative methods at all.
Fortunately, modern technology does not leave us alone with the problems of wilting. To restore the youth of the skin, it is not enough to eliminate the existing defects and signs of aging, it must be stimulated to start the processes of cell renewal in it. This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also a true facial rejuvenation. Fractional laser resurfacing of facial skin, which has been used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can address the solution of such 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 rejuvenation is considered a viable alternative to surgical facelift.
Mechanism of action of fractional laser skin rejuvenation
Over time, all processes in the body slow down, even at the cellular level. This is what causes skin aging: cells are no longer used as quickly, new ones do not grow as actively, as a result, skin renewal is increasingly ineffective and practically stops. Studies have shown that laser irradiation of skin cells helps restore the skin's natural rejuvenation potential.
Under the influence of the light beam and the heat stroke it generates on the skin, the tissues are intensely cleansed of already dead cells and those whose capacity for growth and development has been lost. At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from this effect: they actively multiply, replacing used cells and restoring the “damaged” mechanism of skin renewal.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have such an effect on the skin. The difference between fraxel is that it uses the most effective size of the laser beam, less than 200 microns in diameter: it is such a thin laser that it is more conducive to replacing old tissue with young and healthy tissue.
The second characteristic of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect does not occur with a beam, but with an entire mass of microbeams, in which the flow of light is interrupted, creating a grating effect. Therefore, the irradiation does not occur as a point or as a continuous pulse. It is located in a certain array.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which are tissues that have undergone a powerful heat shock, and around them are healthy cells unaffected by the laser beam. The result of this treatment is the active regeneration of the skin: exfoliation of damaged cells and the growth of young skin in its place.
Types of fractional rejuvenation
Fractional photothermolysis occurs in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and non-ablative. These laser exposure methods differ from each other in many ways: the depth of penetration of the laser, the intensity of the treatment, the mechanism of stimulation of the skin, the final effect.
Ablative technology assumes a superficial effect on the cells of the epidermis through their evaporation. Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the other hand, does not affect the upper layer of the skin, but penetrates deep into it, where the lower layer of the epidermis is and the dermis begins. In this case, the irradiated cells do not evaporate, but instead form columns of coagulated tissues.
In both cases, laser treatment occurs in limited areas, around which locations with so-called cellular programming zones are preserved, healthy cells that have a high regeneration potential, which is triggered by heat shock. A short-term increase in temperature in tissues causes 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 best suited to eliminate the first signs of aging: superficial wrinkles, slight loss of turgor. As a result of ablation, micro-areas evaporate from the skin surface, which, during regeneration, are tightened by new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas. Thus, a lifting (stretching) of the facial skin as a whole occurs, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
Such a superficial impact will not be enough to solve the problems of a face with clear signs of wilting. Aging skin needs to be "treated" from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells responsible for the renewal of the dermal structure are located. This result provides a non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods. Then the effect will be even more impressive: the skin will receive a double boost of rejuvenation, both from the inside and from the outside, so that a visible improvement in the state of the face will be noticed after a procedure, and the activated tissue renewal will maintainface "fit" for a long time.
Fractional laser resurfacing procedure
Like any other laser procedure, fracturing is performed only by a qualified specialist. The fact is that the equipment used belongs to laser medical equipment, to work with which it is necessary to have medical training, undergo training and acquire the appropriate experience.
In inept hands, a laser can be dangerous with complications and unpredictable consequences, in addition, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications. It is with the identification of obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the preparation process for fractional resurfacing should begin.
Contraindications
Let's make a list of those conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of procedures based on laser exposure:
- the presence of any tumor formation in the body in the present and in the past;
- skin diseases in the treatment area: dermatitis, dermatosis, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (abrasions, scratches);
- photoallergy history;
- 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 drugs (after the end of admission, at least six months should pass before the procedure if pills were taken, and at least 2 weeks if external agents were used);
- pregnancy, lactation;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recent tan.
After reviewing the history and current health status, the cosmetologist decides if the procedure is possible. In some cases, it may need to be temporarily postponed, such as with a cold or menstruation. In general, fractional laser resurfacing is a fairly safe procedure and, if done correctly, does not threaten complications.
Procedure progress
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure. However, this cannot be 100% confirmed. Most patients continue to experience discomfort during and especially after laser resurfacing.
Therefore, local anesthesia is where it is customary 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 facial treatment lasts between 20 and 40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the exposure area) and, once finished, a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient receives recommendations for careof the skin during the recovery period.
Skin regeneration after treatment
It is believed that fractional rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not alter the normal rhythm of life. In fact, this is not entirely true. In order not to get into an uncomfortable situation, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine the laser procedure with work or the next vacation. It is advisable to take a vacation for at least a week, because on these days you need to observe the rest regimen, and appearance is unlikely to allow you to lead an active life. For several days, the face will be red and swollen, after a few days it will begin to peel off, and only after 7-10 days can we speak of a normal appearance.
Healing with ablative fraxel is especially unpleasant: with it, the state 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 them was not previously identified;
- introduction of infection into micro-wounds.
These side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all fractional rejuvenation cases. If the procedure itself is performed correctly, without interrupting the preparation and rehabilitation process, the probability of complications is reduced to zero.
After fractional laser, do not sunbathe, expose skin to friction, use harsh cosmetics, overheating and hypothermia.
Results of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
Fractional laser resurfacing, unlike fractional skin resurfacing, is a minimally invasive procedure. It does not "burn" the layers of the skin, so the effect after a session is unlikely to be overwhelming. As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is carried out in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, and then you can already evaluate the result:
- tighten and tighten the skin;
- strengthening the facial oval;
- wrinkle smoothing;
- age spot removal;
- acne smoothing;
- alignment of the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one to 10 years, then you can take a second course.
Fractional laser resurfacing 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 run a full cycle of Fraxel and then treat the correction of the remaining deficiencies.
Patient reviews are mixed. Along with the positive recommendations of this procedure, negative statements are often found. For example, many women express such complaints:
- The recovery period lasts much longer than what cosmetologists promise. As a general rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as the employees of beauty salons say, but 10-14 days.
- More than half of patients report insufficient efficacy. Many people believe that fractional rejuvenation has puffed up their faces, making them appear older than before the procedure. It is also observed that the possibilities of the procedure for smoothing wrinkles are greatly exaggerated, and its main objective is to remove hyperpigmentation and traces of acne.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser resurfacing is its cost.
Comments on treatment
Here are some reviews on fractional laser skin rejuvenation:
Revision no. 1
My mother-in-law's husband and I presented a fractional rejuvenation certificate for the anniversary. She is a young, active woman, it was with great pleasure. You can see that there is a result: the face is fresher, tense, all kinds of spots disappear, the wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed. I did it only once, but I still want to go, fix the result, I asked the next vacation to give him the same gift.
Revision no. 2
Didn't like fractional rejuvenation. First, it hurt. Second, after the procedure, I had to stay home for almost 2 weeks. My face was enlarged several times, everything was red and even wet, as if the ichor was oozing. The result is zero. My main problem is that I have acne on my cheeks. Then everything remained, as it was, it was worth so much suffering, also for your own money.
Revision no. # 3
I only had enough for a Fraxel procedure. Still, it is expensive and unpleasant. But after 6 days I saw the result, and it is excellent! Gone are the nasolabial folds and all the age spots are gone, and this is exactly what made me so much older than I really am. Now everything suits me, I think that if necessary I will decide to do the course again.
Price
The cost of a fractional laser resurfacing procedure varies considerably depending on the amount of work and the degree of intervention. Payment is generally set for individual areas, for the entire face as a whole, for a face with a tight neckline and cleavage. Prices may vary by city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure a worthy alternative to plastic surgery, but it makes sense to perform it without expecting major skin changes, when it is already difficult and expensive to remove. If you start doing fractional rejuvenation at the age of 35-40, it will allow you to put off the need to use more radical methods for a long time.