Fractional laser rejuvenation- a cosmetological procedure, during which the skin is exposed to a laser array made of microbeams. The purpose of this effect is to activate regeneration processes and collagenogenesis. This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique. In another way, it is called fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing or photothermolysis.
The principle of operation and varieties of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does a fractional laser work? Micro-beams emitted by the apparatus cause heat shock, in response to which "lazy" skin cells begin to function more actively. To repair the damaged area, they divide faster. Old cells, which turned out to be inoperative, 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.
The depth of the impact is distinguishedablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation. . . The first is superficial and resembles sanding. Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by evaporation of moisture, damage to the epidermis. After healing, the skin becomes more toned, its relief and color are leveled. During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser acts on 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 for several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for persons under 40 years of age, with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
It is worth resorting 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, acne prone.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Vascular "asterisks" (rosacea).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications to fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergies, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Diseases of the blood.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of intended treatment.
- Any chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser rejuvenation
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure consists in refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. All this time it is also impossible to clean the skin, do chemical peels, take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Three days before the procedure, they stop going to the pool, bath, sauna, and treat the area of the alleged exposure with alcohol-containing cosmetics. In order to prevent complications, the cosmetologist can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period. The day on the eve of the procedure should be carried out without alcohol and cigarettes, refrain from going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleaned of cosmetics and impurities. In general, the effect of the laser is felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but pain relief may sometimes be required. In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area. After the ointment has worked, he proceeds 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.
The first days after the procedure, you cannot use alcohol-based products, compress the parts of the body where photothermolysis was performed with compression linen. It is recommended to exclude physical activity for a week, visit the pool, sauna or bath, limit the time spent on the street. The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day. And so for half a month. It is undesirable to do peels, use cosmetics with retinol, salicylic acid. For two months it is necessary to use a cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or more.
How many procedures do you need to achieve the result? What effect can you expect?
The rehabilitation period after laser fractional rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days. The speed of recovery depends a lot on the lifestyle. Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all these can slow down the regeneration processes.
The first three days after laser exposure, skin redness and slight swelling may be observed. Anesthetics and cooling of the skin can help reduce the feeling of discomfort. It is normal if skin tightness is felt within a week, there are flaky areas. A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan, which goes away on its own after half a month.
A stable result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures. More specifically, the number of sessions can only be determined by a cosmetologist, based on the initial data. The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks. As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, aging processes are inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, the severity of pores decreases, and the complexion improves. This method is an effective tool in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne, stretch marks.
Laser fractional rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures. Its advantages include efficiency, short healing period, 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.