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, loosens, the pores dilate and wrinkles appear. Sooner or later, there comes a time when changes become visible and therefore it becomes difficult to cope with them with the usual cosmetics. And pigmentation disorders and skin thinning cannot be corrected at all by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technology doesn't leave us alone with the problems of withering. To restore the youthfulness of the skin, it is not enough just to eliminate existing defects and the signs of aging, it must be stimulated, to start the processes of cell renewal in it. This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also a real facial rejuvenation. Fractional laser rejuvenation of the skin of the face, which has been used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can cope with the solution of 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 streams (fractions) for more efficient operation. Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a viable alternative to a surgical facelift.
Mechanism of action of fractional facial skin rejuvenation with laser
Over time, all processes in the body slow down, even at the cellular level. This is what causes skin aging: cells are no longer used so quickly, new ones do not grow so actively, as a result, skin renewal is increasingly ineffective and practically stops. Studies have shown that laser irradiation of skin cells helps restore the skin's potential for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of the ray of light and the heat stroke it generates in the skin, the tissues are intensely cleansed of already dead cells and those whose capacity for further growth and development has been lost. At the same time, only young and healthy cells benefit from this effect: they actively multiply, replacing the cells used and restoring the "damaged" mechanism of skin renewal.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have such an effect on the skin. The difference between fraxel is that it uses the most effective size of the laser beam, less than 200 microns in diameter: it is such a thin laser that it is more conducive to replacing old tissues with young and healthy ones.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect does not occur with a beam, but with a whole mass of microbeams, in which the light flux is interrupted, creating a grid effect. Therefore, the irradiation does not occur as a dot or as a continuous pulse. It is located on a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which are tissues that have suffered a powerful thermal shock, and around them are healthy cells that have not been 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 occurs in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and non-ablative. These laser exposure methods differ from each other in many ways: the depth of penetration of the laser, the intensity of the treatment, the mechanism of skin stimulation, the final effect.
The ablative technology assumes a superficial effect on the cells of the epidermis through their evaporation. Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the other hand, does not affect the outermost 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 cells that have been irradiated do not evaporate, but form columns of coagulated tissues.
In both cases, the laser treatment takes place in limited areas, around which the areas with the so-called cell programming zones are preserved: healthy cells that have a high regeneration potential, which is triggered by the thermal shock. A short-term temperature rise in the tissues causes the activation of all metabolic processes in them, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers responsible for skin elasticity and youth.
Ablative Fraxel gives a quick effect and is more suitable for eliminating the first signs of aging: superficial wrinkles, slight loss of firmness. As a result of ablation, the micro-areas evaporate from the surface of the skin, which, during regeneration, are firmed by the new skin with the participation of the cells of the surrounding areas. Thus, there is a lifting (tightening) of the skin of the face as a whole, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and blemishes.
Such a superficial impact will not be enough to solve the problems of a face with clear signs of withering. Aging 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 provides non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods. Then the effect will be even more stunning: the skin will receive a double impulse to rejuvenate, both from the inside and the outside, so a visible improvement in the condition of the face will be noticeable after a procedure, and the activated tissue renewal will keep the face"fit" for a long time.
Fractional laser rejuvenation procedure
Like any other laser procedure, fracsel is performed only by a qualified specialist. The fact is that the equipment used belongs to medical laser equipment, to work with which you need to have medical training, undergo training and gain the appropriate experience.
In inept hands, a laser can be dangerous with unpredictable complications and consequences, plus this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications. It is with the identification of obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the preparation process for fractional rejuvenation should begin.
Contraindications
We list those conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of procedures based on laser exposure:
- the presence of any tumor 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 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 drugs (after the end of hospitalization, at least six months should elapse before the procedure if pills were taken and at least 2 weeks if external agents were used);
- pregnancy, lactation;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recent tan.
After reviewing the medical history and current state of health, the cosmetologist decides whether the procedure is possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to postpone it temporarily, for example if you have a cold or menstruation. In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, when done correctly, does not threaten any complications.
Procedure progress
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure. However, this cannot be 100% confirmed. Most patients continue to experience discomfort during and especially after laser rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is where it is customary to start a laser therapy session. An anesthetic is applied to the face to reduce the overall sensitivity of the skin. Burning and tingling sensations are acceptable during exposure.
The facial treatment lasts 20-40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the exposure zone) and, at the end, a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient receives skin care advice for therecovery period.
Regeneration of the skin after treatment
It is believed that fractional rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not disrupt the normal rhythm of life. In fact, this is not entirely true. In order not to get into an awkward situation, it is better not to take any chances and not to try to combine the laser procedure with the upcoming work or vacation. It is recommended to take a vacation for at least a week, because these days it is necessary to observe the rest regime, and the appearance is unlikely to allow you to lead an active life. For several days, the face will be red and swollen, after a few days it will begin to peel off, and only after 7-10 days can we talk about a normal appearance.
Healing with the ablative fraxel is particularly unpleasant: with it, the condition of the face can resemble a burn. Other consequences after the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the occurrence of scars and scars, if the tendency to them has not previously been identified;
- introduction of infections in micro wounds.
These side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all cases of fractional rejuvenation. If the procedure itself is carried out correctly, without interrupting the preparation and rehabilitation process, the likelihood of complications is reduced to zero.
After the fractional laser, do not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheating and hypothermia.
Results of facial skin rejuvenation with fractional laser
Fractional laser rejuvenation, unlike fractional skin resurfacing, is a minimally invasive procedure. It doesn't "burn" the skin layers, so the effect after a session is unlikely to be overwhelming. As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is carried out in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, so you can already evaluate the result:
- firm and firm the skin;
- strengthen the oval of the face;
- wrinkle smoothing;
- elimination of age spots;
- acne smoothing;
- skin tone alignment.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one to 10 years, then you can take a second course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is well combined 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 it is best to first perform a full cycle of Fraxel and then address the correction of the remaining deficiencies.
Patient reviews are mixed. Along with the positive recommendations of this procedure, negative statements are often encountered. For example, many women express such complaints:
- The recovery period lasts much longer than promised by cosmetologists. As a rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as the employees of beauty salons say, but 10-14 days.
- More than half of patients indicate insufficient efficacy. Many people believe that fractional rejuvenation has swollen their face, making it look older than it did before the procedure. Also note that the possibilities of the procedure for smoothing wrinkles are greatly exaggerated and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and traces of acne.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Treatment feedback
Here are some reviews on facial skin rejuvenation with fractional laser:
Review n. 1
My mother-in-law's husband and I have presented a certificate for fractional rejuvenation for the anniversary. She is a young and active woman, she went with pleasure. It can be seen that there is a result: the face is fresher, tense, all types of spots have disappeared, the wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed. I only did it once, but I still want to go, fix the result, I asked for the next vacation to give her the same gift.
Review n. 2
I didn't like fractional rejuvenation. First, it hurt. Secondly, after the procedure, I had to stay home for almost 2 weeks. My face increased several times, everything was red and even wet, as if the ichore was oozing. The result is zero. My main problem is the appearance of acne on the cheeks. So everything remained, as it was, it was worth so much suffering, even for one's money.
Review n. 3
I had enough for one Fraxel procedure. However, it is expensive and unpleasant. But after 6 days I saw the result, and it's great! The nasolabial folds have disappeared and all the age spots have disappeared, and that is exactly what made me much older than it actually is. Now everything is fine with me, I think if necessary I will decide to resume the course.
Price
Regarding the cost of a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies greatly depending on the amount of work and the degree of intervention. The payment is usually fixed for the individual areas, for the whole face as a whole, for a face with a grip of the neck and décolleté. Prices may vary by city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure a valid alternative to plastic surgery, but it makes sense to perform it without waiting for significant skin changes, when it is already difficult and expensive to eliminate them. If you start doing fractional rejuvenation at the age of 35-40, it will allow you to postpone the need for more radical methods for a long time.