Aging of the skin begins at the age of 25, and at first this process is not even noticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, it becomes looser, the pores expand, and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, the time comes when the changes become visible, and then it is difficult to cope with them with the usual cosmetic products.Pigment spots and thinning of the skin cannot be corrected at all with conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technologies do not leave us alone with the problems of fading.To restore youthful skin, it is not enough to simply eliminate existing defects and signs of aging;it must be stimulated and cell regeneration processes started in it.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also real facial rejuvenation.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, solves these problems.
This technology is based on the method of fractional photothermolysis - with a laser beam of a certain length, which is divided into several light fluxes (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today, fractional rejuvenation is a real alternative to surgical facelift.
Mechanism of action of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
Over time, all processes in the body slow down, including at the cellular level.This causes the skin to age: the cells are no longer utilized as quickly, the new ones do not multiply as actively, as a result the renewal of the skin becomes more and more ineffective and practically stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of your cells helps restore the skin's natural ability to regenerate.
As a result of the light beam and the thermal shock it causes, the skin is intensively cleansed of already dead cells and those that have lost the ability to further grow and develop.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from this effect: they multiply actively, replace worn-out cells and restore the "broken" skin renewal mechanism.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on the skin of the face.The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most effective laser beam with a diameter of less than 200 microns: this thin laser contributes most to the replacement of old tissue with young and healthy tissue.
The second characteristic of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect occurs not with one beam, but with a whole mass of micro-rays, into which the light flux is divided, creating a grid effect.Thus, the irradiation does not occur as a point or continuous pulse.It is located according to a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which there are tissues that have undergone a strong thermal shock, and around them are healthy cells that are not affected by the laser beam.The result of the treatment is active skin regeneration: the exfoliation of damaged cells and the 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 features: the depth of penetration of the laser, the intensity of the treatment, the mechanism of skin stimulation and the final effect.
Ablative technology exerts a surface effect on epidermal cells through their evaporation.Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the contrary, does not affect the top layer of the skin, but penetrates deep into 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 is carried out in limited areas, around which the sites with the so-called cellular programming zones remain - healthy cells that have a high potential for heat shock-induced regeneration.A short-term increase in tissue temperature activates all metabolic processes in them, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.
Ablative Fraxel has a fast effect and is more suitable for eliminating the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of the ablation, micro-areas evaporate from the surface of the skin, which are covered by new skin during regeneration with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.Thus, lifting (tightening) of the facial skin as a whole occurs, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problems of a person with obvious signs of fading, such a superficial effect will not be enough.Aging skin must be "treated" from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells responsible for renewing the skin skeleton 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 impressive: the skin receives a double impulse for rejuvenation, both from the inside and the outside, so you can feel a visible improvement in the condition of the face after just one procedure, and the activated tissue renewal "keeps the face in shape" for a long time.
Fractional laser rejuvenation procedure
Like any other laser procedure, Fraxel should only be performed by a trained professional.The fact is that the equipment used is medical laser equipment, which requires a medical degree, training and experience to work with.
In the wrong hands, the laser can be dangerous due to complications and unforeseeable consequences;moreover, this procedure has quite a lot of contraindications.Preparation for fractional rejuvenation should begin by identifying the obstacles to the use of laser procedures.
Contraindications
We list the conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser procedures:
- the presence of any neoplastic formations 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);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to develop 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 (at least six months must pass before the procedure after the end of the treatment, 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 beautician decides on the possibility of carrying out the procedure.In some cases, it must 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 cause complications.
Progress of the procedure
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be stated with 100% certainty.Most patients still experience discomfort during and especially after laser rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is usually used to start laser therapy.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce the overall sensitivity of the skin.Burning and tingling during exposure to pulses is acceptable.
The facial treatment takes 20-40 minutes (the duration of the treatment depends on the size of the treated area), after which a special protective cream is applied to the skin, and the patient receives recommendations for the care of the facial skin during the healing period.
Skin regeneration after the procedure
It is believed that fractional rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not disrupt the usual rhythm of life.In fact, this is not entirely true.In order to avoid getting into an embarrassing situation, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine the laser procedure with work or upcoming holidays.It is advisable to take a break of at least a week, because on these days you have to follow the 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 we can talk about a normal appearance.
Treatment with ablative fraxel can be particularly unpleasant: with it, the condition of the face can resemble a burn.Other consequences following the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars, if the tendency was not previously identified;
- introduction of infection into microwounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all fractional rejuvenation treatments.If the procedure itself is performed correctly, without disturbing the process of preparation and rehabilitation, the probability of complications is reduced to zero.
After the fractional laser, do not sunbathe, do not expose the skin to friction, do not use aggressive cosmetics, do not overheat or overcool.
Results of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
Unlike fractional skin resurfacing, fractional laser rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure.It does not "burn" the layers of the skin, so the effect after one treatment is unlikely to be impressive.Fractional rejuvenation is usually carried out in courses - 3-6 times, and then you can evaluate the result:
- tightening and firming of the skin;
- strengthening the oval of the face;
- smoothing out wrinkles;
- elimination of pigment spots;
- smoothing after acne;
- evens out the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one year to 10 years, and then you can repeat the course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation fits well with other procedures: surface renewal, 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 do a full Fraxel course first, and then begin to correct the remaining deficiencies.
As for the opinions of patients, they are mixed.In addition to positive recommendations for the procedure, there are also often negative statements.So many women voice the following complaints:
- The healing period takes much longer than beauticians promise.In general, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as the beauty salon workers say, but 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients indicate insufficient efficiency.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation causes their face to look puffy, making them look older than before the procedure.It should also be noted that the anti-wrinkle ability of the procedure is greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Reviews of the procedure
Here are some reviews of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Opinion 1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a certificate of fractional rejuvenation for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman, and she went with joy.It is clear that the result is there: the face is refreshed, tighter, all kinds of spots disappear, wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed out.He only did it once, but he wants to go again to consolidate the result and asked for the same gift for the next holiday.
2nd opinion
I didn't like fractional rejuvenation.First, I was in pain.Second, after the procedure, I was forced not to leave the house for almost 2 weeks.My face grew several times, it was red and even wet, as if the ichor was leaking.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my face.That's how everything stayed the way it was, it was worth all the suffering and for my own money too.
3. opinion
Only one Fraxel procedure was enough.It's still a bit expensive and inconvenient.But after 6 days I saw the result and it is excellent!Gone are the nasolabial folds and all the age spots, which is exactly what made me look much older than I really am.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think, if necessary, I will decide to take the course again.
Price
As for the cost of a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies significantly depending on the amount of work and the extent of the intervention.Payment is usually for individual areas, the entire face, and the face, including the neck and décolleté.Prices may vary by city.
Most beauticians consider this procedure a worthy alternative to plastic surgery, but it is advisable to perform it without waiting for significant changes in the skin, when their removal is already difficult and expensive.If you start 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.