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, since they are constantly under the influence of environmental factors, chewing, facial and speech functions.Since the face is a kind of “calling card” of a person, the issue 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 stream is divided into many very thin beams that affect microscopic areas of the skin located at a strictly specified depth and evaporate them.The intact cells located between these areas 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, 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 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 received 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 from the manufacturers Palomar and Fraxel, the Affirm laser from the famous American company Cynosure, the GentleYAG laser from Candela and others.Since all these installations have a common operating principle, 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, lactation.
- Foci of the inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatoses.
- Foci of herpetic infection in the affected area.
- Chemical peeling of the intended treatment area performed less than two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Systemic diseases of the blood, immune system, connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation.
- Severe forms of hypertension 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 insolation in the last three weeks before the procedure, that is, the presence of a fresh tan, as well as superficial and medium peels performed in the treatment area 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 a long-term increase in the positive effect.
The procedure does not require anesthesia and can be performed in 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 herpes infection, changes in skin texture, including burns, 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 full course of laser rejuvenation procedures?
One session of fractional laser treatment lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area of the treated area.Repeated procedures are carried out after 3-4 weeks.In total, 3-4 sessions are usually required.The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure.It is recommended to conduct maintenance sessions once every 10-14 months.
What to do after laser facial rejuvenation procedure
The slight burning sensation that may be felt after the procedure goes away within 1-2 hours, while redness and slight swelling may persist for 1-3 days.During this period, you should use external products (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol, for example, Bepanten, Panthenol, D-Panthenol.After the disappearance of the listed symptoms and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
You can shower and wash your face on the day of the procedure, but it’s better to wait with the sauna and swimming pool.Foundation cosmetics can be used a day after the procedure.
It is mandatory to use sunscreens with a protection factor of at least 30, since at this time the skin's metabolism is activated and it becomes especially 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 during which the skin is exposed to a laser array of microbeams.The purpose of this influence is to activate regeneration processes and collagenogenesis.This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique.It is otherwise called Fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing 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, in response to which “lazy” skin cells begin to function more actively.To repair the damaged area, they divide faster.Old cells that are ineffective die off, giving way to young 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.
Based 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 evened out.During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deep layers of the skin.In this case, no open wounds are formed.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and minutes.Thus, the effect of ablative laser resurfacing is noticeable after the first procedure.Using this method you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, post-acne, stretch marks, 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, with 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:
- Flabbiness, 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.
- Any chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation.
- 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 clean your skin, do chemical peels, or take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines.Three days before the procedure, stop going to the pool, bathhouse, sauna, and treat the area of intended exposure with alcohol-containing cosmetics.In order to prevent complications, the cosmetologist may prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period.The day before the procedure should be spent without alcohol and cigarettes, and refrain from going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities.In general, the effect of the laser is felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be required.In this case, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic to the prepared area of skin.After the ointment takes effect, he begins to treat the skin with a laser.The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treatment area and ranges from several minutes to an hour.Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
For the first days after the procedure, you should not use alcohol-based products or compress the areas of the body where photothermolysis was performed using compression garments.It is recommended to exclude physical activity, visiting a swimming pool, sauna or bathhouse for a week, and limit the time spent outside.The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day.And so for half a month.It is undesirable to do peelings or use cosmetics with retinol or salicylic acid.You must use a cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or more for two months.
How many procedures are needed to achieve results?What effect should you expect?
The rehabilitation period after laser fractional 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 skin cooling can help reduce the feeling of discomfort.It is normal for the skin to feel tight and flaky during the week.A side effect of the procedure may be a bronze tan, which goes away on its own after half a month.
A lasting result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures.Only a cosmetologist can determine the number of sessions more specifically, based on the initial data.The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks.As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging process is inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, the appearance of pores decreases, and complexion improves.This method is an effective remedy in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne, and stretch marks.
Laser fractional rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures.Its advantages include effectiveness, short healing period, and physiology.The result is visible after the first procedure and lasts 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 laser will come to the rescue, which in modern cosmetology occupies one of the first 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 initial appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to undergo natural aging.
A network of microdamages with the help of 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 into the deep layers of the epidermis, ignoring the cells outside.
The lesions also promote the production of elastin and collagen, as with ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process lasts longer and the effect is more pronounced.Suitable for removing serious problems on the face.
Indications
Any person who wants to look younger without major lifts can resort to this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many imperfections on the face, including:
- severe wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- a thread of crow's feet around the eyes;
- epidermis “flowing” down;
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy shows high effectiveness in eliminating all these problems.
The only caveat is that, depending on the severity of the imperfection, several procedures may be required.
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 serious inflammation on the face;
- infectious, fungal skin lesions;
- diseases of the epidermis - 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, serious allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the cosmetologist weighs all the patient’s risks.
Sometimes you should first undergo treatment for skin problems or wait for remission of chronic diseases, after which rejuvenation is still carried out.
Preparation
Since the intervention is not a surgical operation, no extensive preparation is required.Initially, you should consult a cosmetologist who will assess the condition of the skin and also give recommendations on the necessary photorejuvenation method.
The patient is obliged to tell the doctor about all conditions and diseases in the medical history, as well as exacerbations of chronic diseases over the past six months.
If there are any, the specialist will advise you to visit specialized doctors to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also take a blood and urine test to identify or exclude inflammatory processes in the body.The date for the first visit is then set.
Carrying out
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, the cosmetologist will apply an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not overly painful, so sometimes therapy is carried out without this stage.
You should be aware that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin subsequently.
Then the patient lies on the couch, and the specialist adjusts the depth of penetration of the laser beam using a special device.The device is aimed at certain areas of the epidermis, deep into which the laser penetrates.
Manipulations last from 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, 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 method of returning home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional rejuvenation does not exclude complications.In some cases they are normal and go away within a few days.
Others develop due to the inexperience of the cosmetologist 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 scars appeared.
Mild redness, peeling and itching are a completely predictable condition for any type of epidermis.
Such consequences disappear on their own within 1-2 weeks, leaving behind no visual imperfections.
Rehabilitation
The outcome of the procedure is greatly 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:
- For the first three days, the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol-based ointment,it will promote rapid healing of microdamages.Subsequently, it is recommended to use a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, which was recommended by the cosmetologist.
- 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 should not go outside without sunscreen,Moreover, it is better to choose protection from 50. If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will appear.The cosmetic product should be applied until complete healing, even if it is winter outside.
After a couple of weeks, it is recommended to re-visit 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 can be noticed 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 blooms in 99% of cases.
One percent is allocated to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care, and the lack of qualifications of the doctor.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are captivated by this method due to its significant advantages that are worth noting.By choosing photothermolysis, a person receives the following:
- low cost with high efficiency;
- painlessness;
- the effect of even one procedure;
- non-invasive;
- no strong side effects.
In addition, the effect of laser solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis at once, which is good news.
Flaws
If you choose the wrong clinic for rejuvenation or do not strictly follow the cosmetologist’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 odor of damaged skin, which not everyone is able to withstand.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result from one procedure for deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
Review of opinions
Fractional rejuvenation is gaining increasing popularity in cosmetology.Every year more and more women choose laser instead of a surgical scalpel.