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, becomes loose, pores dilate and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later the moment comes when the changes become visible and 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 by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technologies do not leave us alone with the problem of fading.To restore youthful skin, it is not enough to simply eliminate existing defects and signs of aging;it is necessary to stimulate it and initiate cellular renewal processes in it.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also real facial rejuvenation.Facial skin rejuvenation with fractional laser, used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve such problems.
This technology is based on the method of fractional photothermolysis: exposure to a laser beam of a certain length, divided into several light fluxes (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today fractional rejuvenation is considered a real alternative to surgical facelift.
The mechanism of action of fractional laser facial 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 recycled so quickly, new ones do not grow so actively, as a result skin renewal occurs more and more ineffectively and practically stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of its cells helps restore the skin's potential for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of a ray of light and the thermal shock it produces in the skin, intensive tissue cleansing of already dead cells and those whose ability to grow and develop further has been lost occurs.At the same time, young, healthy cells 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 thin laser that contributes most to the replacement of old tissue with young, healthy tissue.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect does not occur with one beam, but with a whole mass of microrays into which the light flux is divided, creating a grid effect.Therefore the irradiation does not occur either punctually or as a continuous pulse.It is found according to a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which are tissues that have undergone a powerful thermal shock, and around them are healthy cells 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.
The ablative technology provides a superficial effect on the epidermal cells through their evaporation.Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the contrary, does not affect the most superficial layer of the skin, but 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, the laser treatment takes place in limited areas, around which positions 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-term increase in temperature in the tissues causes the activation of all metabolic processes within them, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.
The ablative Fraxel gives a rapid effect and is more suitable for eliminating the first signs of aging: superficial wrinkles, slight loss of firmness.As a result of ablation, microareas evaporate from the surface of the skin, which during regeneration are covered with new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.Thus, lifting (firming) of the skin of the face as a whole occurs, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problems of a person who has obvious signs of discoloration, such a superficial effect will not be enough.Aged skin needs to be "treated" from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells responsible for the renewal of the dermal framework are located.This result is ensured by non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods.Then the effect will be even more amazing: the skin will receive a double pulse of rejuvenation, both from the inside and from the outside, so after one procedure you will notice a visible improvement in the condition of the face, and the activated renewal of tissues 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 you need to have medical training, undergo training and gain relevant experience.
In the wrong hands, a laser can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable consequences;Furthermore, this procedure has a rather large number of contraindications.It is by identifying obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the process of preparing 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 any tumor formations in the body in the present and in the past;
- skin diseases in the area to be treated: dermatitis, dermatosis, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (abrasions, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloids;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute phase;
- taking retinoid-based medications (at least six months must pass after the end of treatment before surgery if tablets were taken, and at least 2 weeks if external agents were used);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- 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 carrying out the procedure.In some cases, it needs to be temporarily postponed, for example during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed 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 rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is what is usually used to start a laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce overall skin sensitivity.During exposure to the pulses, burning and tingling are acceptable.
The facial treatment lasts 20-40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the area to be treated), and at the end a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient receives 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 interrupt the usual rhythm of life.In reality, this is not entirely true.To avoid finding yourself in an embarrassing situation, it is best not to take risks and not try to combine laser surgery with work or your next vacation.It is advisable to take at least a week of rest, because these days you need to follow a rest regime 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 can we talk about a normal appearance.
Healing with ablative fraxel can be especially unpleasant: with it the facial condition 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 infections into microwounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all cases of fractional rejuvenation.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, do not sunbathe, expose your skin to friction, use harsh cosmetics, overheat or overcool.
Results of facial skin rejuvenation with fractional laser
Fractional laser rejuvenation, unlike fractional skin resurfacing, is a minimally invasive procedure.It does not "burn" the skin layers, 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, so you can evaluate the result:
- skin tightening and tightening;
- strengthen the oval of the face;
- smooth wrinkles;
- elimination of pigment spots;
- post-acne smoothing;
- even out the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one year to 10 years, then you can repeat the course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation also goes 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 begin to correct the remaining deficiencies.
As for patient reviews, 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 operators say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of patients indicate insufficient efficacy.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation has left their face puffy, making it look older than before the procedure.Also note that the procedure's ability to smooth out wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Reviews about the procedure
Here are some reviews about facial skin rejuvenation with fractional laser:
Review no.1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a split rejuvenation certificate for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman and went with pleasure.It is clear that the result is there: the face is refreshed, firmed, all kinds of imperfections disappear, wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed.He only did it once, but he wants to go back to consolidate the result, and asked for the same gift for the next holidays.
Review no.2
I didn't like fractional rejuvenation.First of all, I was in pain.Secondly, after the surgery I was forced to not leave the house for almost 2 weeks.My face had increased in size several times, it was all red and even wet, as if exuding ichor.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my cheeks.So everything remained as it was, it was worth so much suffering, and for my money too.
Review no.3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure.Still a little 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 actually am.Now I'm satisfied with everything, I think that if necessary I will decide to do the course again.
Price
As for the cost of a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies significantly depending on the amount of work and degree of intervention.Payment is usually set for individual areas, for the entire face as a whole, for the face including 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 carry it out without waiting for significant changes in the skin, when eliminating them is already difficult and expensive.If you start doing 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.