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, as 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 issue of preserving and restoring the youth of the facial skin is especially important and significant. 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 current is divided into many thinner rays that touch the microscopic areas of the skin, located at a strictly defined depth, and evaporate them. The intact cells located between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - two major "building blocks" that are becoming less and less formed in the human body with age. After this procedure, skin color improves, fine 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. Laser fractional rejuvenation can be used not only as an independent method, but also to improve the results of plastic surgery or laser skin reappearance.
Lasers used for fractional laser rejuvenation
For the first time in the world, a patent for the principle of fractional laser exposure was obtained in 2004 by the American company Palomar Medical Technologies. Fractional laser systems are currently represented by a variety of laser technology companies. The most common are laser systems from Palomar and Fraxel, affirmative laser from the famous American company Cynosure, GentleYAG laser from Candela and others. Since all these attitudes have a common principle of action, the outcome of the procedure is mainly determined by the professionalism of the specialist conducting the procedure.
Contraindications to the laser renewal procedure
The absolute contraindications of the procedure are:
- Pregnancy, lactation.
- Foci of inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatoses. Outbreaks of herpes infection in the affected area.
- A chemical peel of the target treatment area is performed less than two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Systemic diseases of the blood, immune system, connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in the decompensation phase.
- Severe forms of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the procedure area.
- Tendency to create keloid scars.
- Family history of vitiligo.
Relative contraindications include active sun exposure in the last three weeks before the procedure, ie the presence of a fresh sunburn, as well as superficial and medium peels performed in the treatment area less than three weeks before the procedure.
Benefits of Laser Fragment Rejuvenation
Thanks to the point 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, preserving and activating the skin regenerative resource, which ensures rapid rehabilitation and long-term positive effect enhancement.
The procedure does not require anesthesia, it 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, slight itching and rapid onset, activation of herpes infection, changes in skin structure, including burns, peeling, and crusting. Signs, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin in the procedure area are extremely rare, but can be permanent.
What is a complete course of laser renewal procedures
A fractional laser exposure session lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area of the area being treated. Repeated procedures are performed in 3-4 weeks. As a rule, a total of 3-4 sessions are required. The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure. It is recommended to perform maintenance sessions once in 10-14 months.
What to do after laser facial rejuvenation procedure
The slight burning sensation that may be felt after the procedure disappears in 1-2 hours, while the slight redness and swelling may continue for 1-3 days. During this period, external agents (creams, oils, sprays) containing dexpanthenol should be used, 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 take a shower and wash the day of the procedure, but it is better to wait with the sauna and pool. The foundation can be used one day after the procedure.
It is mandatory to use sunscreens with a protection factor of at least 30, as at this time the skin's metabolism is activated and it becomes particularly sensitive to sunlight.
After the procedure, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the specialist who performed the procedure. The choice of cosmetic products, the frequency and duration of their use are determined individually and depend on the skin type and its characteristics.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure in which the skin is exposed to a group of lasers made of micro rays. The purpose of this effect is to activate the processes of regeneration and collagenogenesis. This is a relatively new hardware technique, but already very well known. In another way, it is called fraxel, fractional laser reappearance or photothermolysis.
Principle of operation and types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does a partial laser work? The micro-rays emitted by the apparatus cause a heat shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells begin to function more actively. To repair the damaged area, they split faster. Old cells that have turned out to be dysfunctional die, leaving room for the young. Heating of the deeper layers of the skin is accompanied by partial denaturation of proteins, as well as the formation of new extracellular matrix components, including elastin and collagen.
Depending on the depth of impact, ablative and non-ablative laser renewal is distinguished. The first is superficial and resembles grinding. 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 affects the deeper layers of the skin. In this case, no open wounds form.
Each type of renewal has its advantages and minutes. Thus, the effect of laser ablative reappearance is noticeable after the first procedure. With this method, you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, acne, stretch marks, scars. With a non-ablative procedure, there is no risk of infection and the rejuvenating effect is noticeable for several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40, with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
It is worth pursuing the photothermolysis procedure if available:
- Laziness, sagging skin.
- Both fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores, prone to acne.
- Wounds, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Vascular "stars" (rosacea).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications to fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergies, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the target treatment area.
- Any chronic disease in the decompensation phase.
- Oncology.
- Increase in body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Tendency to create keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Laser Renewal Features
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure consists of refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. During all this time it is also impossible to cleanse the skin, make chemical peels, take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Three days before the procedure, they stop going to the pool, bath, sauna, treat the alleged exposure area with cosmetic products containing alcohol. To prevent complications, the cosmetologist may prescribe antiviral and antibacterial medications for this period. The day before the procedure should be performed without alcohol and cigarettes, refrain from going to the gym.
Prior to laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetic products and impurities. In general, the effect of the laser is felt as an uncomfortable sensation of pain sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be required. In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared area of skin. Once the oil has worked, it continues to treat the skin with laser. The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treatment area and varies from a few minutes to an hour. Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
In the first days after the procedure, you should not use alcohol-based products, compress the parts of the body where photothermolysis is performed, with freedom of compression. It is recommended to exclude physical activity for a week, visit the pool, sauna or bath, limit the time spent on the road. The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day. And so for half a month. It is undesirable to make 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?
Rehabilitation period after fractional laser renewal lasts from 3 to 7 days. The speed of healing depends a lot on the lifestyle. Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all of these can slow down the regeneration processes.
For the first three days after laser exposure, skin redness and slight swelling may appear. Anesthetics and skin cooling can help reduce the feeling of discomfort. Normally normal if the tightness of the skin is felt within a week, there are areas of skin. A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan, which passes 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 be determined only by a cosmetologist, based on the initial data. The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks. As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging processes are stopped: wrinkles disappear or become less visible, turgor increases, pore severity decreases and complexion improves. This method is an effective tool in the fight against scars, pigmentation, acne, stretch marks.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is one of the three most popular cosmetic procedures of devices. Its advantages include efficiency, short recovery 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.
A woman of any age wants to see beautiful skin in the mirror, but not everyone is willing to go under the knife of a plastic surgeon.
In this case, fractional rejuvenation through the use of a laser will come to the rescue, which in modern cosmetology occupies one of the first places in anti-aging procedures.
Types and methods of exposure
Ablative photothermolysis
There are two methods of photothermolysis, each suitable for different cases. Choosing the right one in favor of the best option will help the cosmetologist to make the first appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to undergo natural aging.
The laser-assisted micro-damage network affects only the upper layers of the epidermis, forcing it to regenerate within 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 cells outside.
Damage also promotes the production of elastin and collagen, as in ablative photothermolysis.The healing process takes longer and the effect is more pronounced. Suitable for removing serious facial problems.
Readings
Anyone who wants to rejuvenate without a serious holder can use this method.
Fractional laser treatment fights many facial imperfections, including:
- very pronounced wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- the thread of crow's feet around the eyes;
- epidermis "flowing down";
- skin pigmentation, marks, marks, spider veins;
- problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy has been shown to be very effective in eliminating all of these problems.
The only caveat is that depending on the severity of the imperfection, some procedures may be required.
Contraindications
Like any other impact on the body from the outside, fractional laser rejuvenation has its own contraindications, in the presence of which it is forbidden to use such a procedure.
This includes:
- presence of severe inflammation on the face;
- infectious, fungal skin lesions;
- epidermal diseases - psoriasis, eczema;
- excessive dryness of the skin;
- malignant neoplasms in the body;
- history of epilepsy;
- heart disease;
- varicose veins on the face;
- herpes in the acute phase;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- immunodeficiency states;
- bronchial asthma, serious allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, ie the beautician weighs all the risks of the patient.
Sometimes it is necessary to first undergo treatment for skin problems or wait for the remission of chronic diseases, after which rejuvenation still takes place.
Preparation
Since the intervention is not a surgical operation, no serious preparation is required. First, you should consult a cosmetologist who will assess the condition of the skin and also give recommendations for the necessary method of photo regeneration.
The patient is obliged to tell the doctor about all the conditions and diseases in the history, as well as about the exacerbations of chronic diseases during the last six months.
If there is one, the specialist will advise you to visit specialist doctors to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also have a blood and urine test to identify or rule out inflammatory processes in the body. The date of the first visit is then set.
Execution
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation of the facial area is performed on an outpatient basis, ie the patient comes, is treated, then goes home.
Beforehand, the cosmetologist will apply an anesthetic cream or lidocaine-based oil to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not too painful, so sometimes the therapy is performed without passing this stage.
Be careful that the use of local anesthetics slightly hinders the natural regeneration of the skin afterwards.
Then the patient lies on the sofa and the specialist adjusts the depth of penetration of the laser beam using a special device. The device targets specific areas of the epidermis, deep into which the laser penetrates.
Manipulations last from half an hour and more, depending on the area to be treated with the device. During the procedure, the patient may feel a 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, slightly swollen, so it is better to take care of how to return home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional renewal does not rule out complications. In some cases, they are normal and disappear within a few days.
Others develop due to the experience 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;
- lesions do not heal within two weeks;
- pigmentation and signs appeared.
Light redness, skin and itching is a predictable condition for any type of epidermis.
Such effects disappear on their own within 1-2 weeks, leaving no visual imperfections behind.
Rehabilitation
The outcome of the procedure is greatly influenced by the patient's behavior. He should carefully monitor the skin, protect it from aggressive environmental influences, do not apply decorative cosmetics during healing.
General instructions:
- The first three days of the wound should be lubricated with a dexpanthenol-based oil,this will contribute to the rapid healing of micro-injuries. Next, it is recommended to use a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, which was advised by the beautician.
- Washing is not forbidden.For 2 weeks, the epidermis should not be exposed to strong heat, so it is better to refrain from baths and saunas, do not take hot baths.
- You should not go out without sunscreen,and 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 few weeks, it is recommended to review the specialist who performed the fractional laser rejuvenation. He should assess the condition of the skin on the face, to rule out complications.
Prediction
The result can be seen immediately after healing, if the imperfections were not too pronounced. Deep wrinkles or scars should be removed with some treatments.
Visually, the skin is softer, has a natural color, the face is tight and blooms noticeably in 99% of cases.
One percent is due to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of doctor qualifications.
Advantages of the method
For many patients, this method gains considerable advantages that are worth mentioning. By choosing photothermolysis, a person gets the following:
- low cost with high efficiency;
- painless;
- effect also from a procedure;
- non invasiveness;
- lack of strong side effects.
Moreover, the laser effect solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis at the same time, which is good news.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong rejuvenation clinic or do not follow the cosmetologist's recommendations exactly, you may get large age 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 feels an unpleasant odor of damaged skin, which not everyone is able to withstand.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result from a procedure with deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
Review thoughts
Fractional rejuvenation is gaining popularity in cosmetology. Every year more and more women choose a laser instead of a surgical scalpel.