Aging is a natural biological process that affects all tissues in 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 “visiting card” of a person, the issue of preserving and restoring young facial skin is especially important and relevant.Among the various 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 flow is divided into many very thin beams that affect microscopic areas of the skin located at a strictly specified depth and evaporate them.Intact cells located between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - the two main “building materials”, which are formed less and less in the human body with age.After this procedure, skin color improves, small and medium wrinkles are corrected, bags under the eyes are removed, and the oval of the face becomes more taut.At the same time, the rehabilitation period is reduced to a minimum.Fractional laser rejuvenation can be used not only as an independent method, but also to improve the results of plastic surgery or laser skin resurfacing.
Lasers used for fractional laser rejuvenation
For the first time in the world, the patent on the principle of fractional laser exposure was received in 2004 by the American company Palomar Medical Technologies.Currently, fractional laser systems are represented by several laser technology companies.The most used laser systems are from manufacturers Palomar and Fraxel, the Affirm laser from the famous American company Cynosure, the GentleYAG laser from Candela and others.Since all these installations have a common principle of operation, the result of the procedure is largely determined by the professionalism of the specialist performing the procedure.
Contraindications to the laser rejuvenation procedure
The absolute contraindications for the procedure are:
- Pregnancy, lactation.
- Foci of the inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatoses.
- Foci of herpetic infection in the affected area.
- Chemical peeling of the intended treatment area performed less than two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Systemic diseases of the blood, immune system, connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in decompensation phase.
- Severe forms of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the procedure area.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Cases of vitiligo in the family.
Relative contraindications include active sunstroke in the last three weeks before the procedure, i.e. the presence of a fresh tan, as well as superficial and medium peels carried out in the treatment area less than three weeks before the procedure.
Advantages of the fractional laser rejuvenation method
Thanks to the targeted effect, damage to the skin is minimal, so all traces after the procedure disappear within 3-4 days.
The method allows you to treat large areas of the skin in a single procedure, preserving and activating the skin's regenerative resource, which guarantees rapid rehabilitation and an increase in the long-term positive effect.
The procedure does not require anesthesia and 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, mild and rapid itching, activation of herpes infection, changes in skin texture including burning, peeling and crusting.Scarring, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin in the area of the procedure are extremely rare, but can be permanent.
What is a full course of laser rejuvenation procedures?
A fractional laser treatment session lasts 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area treated.Repeated procedures are carried out after 3-4 weeks.In total, 3-4 sessions are usually required.The maximum positive effect occurs three months after the last procedure.It is recommended to carry out maintenance sessions once every 10-14 months.
What to do after laser facial rejuvenation procedure
The slight burning sensation that may be felt after the procedure disappears within 1 to 2 hours, while redness and slight swelling may persist for 1 to 3 days.During this period, external products (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol, for example, Bepanten, Panthenol, D-Panthenol, should be used.After the listed symptoms disappear and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
You can shower and wash your face on the day of the procedure, but it's best to wait in the sauna and pool.Basic cosmetics can be used one day after the procedure.
It is mandatory to use sunscreens with a minimum protection factor of 30, as at this time the skin's metabolism is activated and it becomes especially sensitive to the sun's rays.
After the procedure, you must follow the recommendations of the specialist who performed the procedure.The choice of cosmetic preparations, the frequency and duration of their use are determined individually and depend on the type of skin and its characteristics.
Fractional laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure during which the skin is exposed to a set of laser microbeams.The purpose of this influence is to activate the processes of regeneration and collagenogenesis.This is a relatively new but already very popular hardware technique.It is also called Fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing or photothermolysis.
The principle of operation and types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does the fractional laser work?The microrays emitted by the device cause a thermal shock, in response to which the “lazy” skin cells begin to work more actively.To repair the damaged area, they divide more quickly.Old, ineffective cells die, giving way to young cells.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.
Based on the depth of impact, ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing are distinguished.The first is superficial and resembles sanding.Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by evaporation of moisture and damage to the epidermis.After healing, the skin becomes more toned, its texture and color are evened out.During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deep layers of the skin.In this case, no open wounds form.
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 over several years.This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40 years of age, with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
You should resort to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Sagging, sagging skin.
- Fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores, prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Spider veins (rosacea).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications for fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergy, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of intended treatment.
- Any chronic diseases in the decompensation phase.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser rejuvenation
Preparing for the fractional photothermolysis procedure involves avoiding going to the solarium and the beach for two weeks.During this period, you should also not clean your skin, do chemical peels or take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines.Three days before the procedure, stop visiting the pool, bathhouse, sauna and treat the intended exposure area with cosmetics containing alcohol.To prevent complications, the cosmetologist may prescribe antiviral and antibacterial medications for this period.The day before the procedure you should do without alcohol and cigarettes, and refrain from going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities.In general, the effect of the laser is felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be necessary.In this case, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area.After the ointment takes effect, he begins to treat the skin with laser.The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the treatment area and varies from several minutes to an hour.Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
In the first few days after the procedure, you should not use alcohol-based products or compress the areas of the body where photothermolysis was performed with compression belts.It is recommended to exclude physical activity, visit the pool, sauna or spa for a week and limit the time spent outdoors.The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day.And so for half a month.It is undesirable to do peelings or use cosmetics with retinol or salicylic acid.You must use a cream with a sun protection factor equal to or greater than 35 for two months.
How many procedures are needed to obtain results?What effect should you expect?
The rehabilitation period after fractional laser rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days.The speed of recovery largely depends on your lifestyle.Drinking alcohol, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all this can slow down the regeneration processes.
In the first three days after laser exposure, redness of the skin and slight swelling may be observed.Pain relievers and skin cooling can help reduce feelings of discomfort.It is normal for the skin to feel tight and flaky during the week.A side effect of the procedure can be a tanned tan, which disappears on its own after half a month.
A lasting result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2 to 5 procedures.Only a cosmetologist can determine the number of sessions more specifically, based on the initial data.The intervals between procedures are 3 to 4 weeks.As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging process is inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, the appearance of pores decreases and the complexion improves.This method is an effective remedy for combating scars, pigmentation, post-acne and stretch marks.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures.Its advantages include effectiveness, short healing period and physiology.The result is visible after the first procedure and lasts up to three years.The method has a wide range of indications.You can choose the depth of laser exposure.
A woman of any age wants to see beautiful facial skin in the mirror, but not everyone is ready to go under the knife of a plastic surgeon.
In this case, fractional rejuvenation using 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 influence
Ablative photothermolysis
There are two methods of photothermolysis, each suitable for different applications.A cosmetologist will help you make the right choice in favor of the best option at your initial consultation.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to age naturally.
A network of laser-assisted microdamages exclusively targets the upper layers of the epidermis, forcing it to regenerate in 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, bypassing the outer cells.
The injuries also promote the production of elastin and collagen, as occurs in ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process lasts longer and the effect is more pronounced.Suitable for removing serious problems on the face.
Indications
Anyone who wants to look younger without major lifts can resort to this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many facial imperfections, including:
- severe wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- a string of crow's feet around the eyes;
- epidermis “flowing” downwards;
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy is highly effective in eliminating all these problems.
The only caveat is that, depending on the severity of the imperfection, different procedures may be necessary.
Contraindications
Like any other external influence on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation has its contraindications, in view of which it is prohibited to resort to such a procedure.
This may include:
- the presence of severe inflammation on the face;
- infectious and fungal skin lesions;
- diseases of the epidermis - psoriasis, eczema;
- excessively dry 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, severe allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the cosmetologist assesses all the patient's risks.
Sometimes it is necessary to first undergo treatment for skin problems or wait for chronic diseases to remit, after which rejuvenation is carried out.
Preparation
As the intervention is not a surgical operation, no extensive preparation is required.Initially, you should consult a cosmetologist who will assess the condition of the skin and also give recommendations on the necessary photorejuvenation method.
The patient is obliged to inform the doctor about all conditions and diseases in the medical history, as well as exacerbations of chronic diseases over the last six months.
If there is, the specialist will advise consultation with specialized doctors to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also take blood and urine tests to identify or exclude inflammatory processes in the body.The date of the first visit is then set.
Performing
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation in the facial region is carried out on an outpatient basis, that is, the patient arrives, is treated and then goes home.
First, the cosmetologist will apply a lidocaine-based anesthetic cream or ointment to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not very painful, so sometimes therapy is performed without this step.
You should be aware that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits natural skin regeneration afterwards.
Then the patient lies down on the stretcher and the specialist adjusts the penetration depth of the laser beam using a special device.The device is aimed at certain areas of the epidermis, into which the laser penetrates deeply.
Manipulations last half an hour or more, depending on the amount of area that needs to be treated with the device.During the procedure, the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation, as well as an unpleasant odor.
Immediately after the session, a network of red dots is visible on the face, the skin becomes red and slightly swollen, so it is better to take care of the method of returning home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional rejuvenation does not exclude complications.In some cases, they are normal and disappear within a few days.
Others develop due to the cosmetologist's inexperience or lack of adequate facial care during the rehabilitation period.
What is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of laser beam exposure;
- the damage does not heal within two weeks;
- pigmentation and scars appeared.
Mild redness, peeling and itching are completely predictable conditions for any type of epidermis.
These consequences disappear on their own within 1 to 2 weeks, leaving no visual imperfections.
Rehabilitation
The result of the procedure is greatly influenced by the patient's own behavior.He must carefully monitor the skin, protect it from aggressive environmental influences and not apply decorative cosmetics during healing.
General recommendations:
- For the first three days, the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol-based ointment,will promote rapid healing of microdamages.Afterwards, it is recommended to use a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, recommended by the beautician.
- Washing is not prohibited.For 2 weeks, the epidermis should not be exposed to intense heat, so it is better to refrain from baths and saunas, and not take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go out without sunscreen,In addition, it is better to choose protection from 50. Otherwise, hyperpigmentation will appear.The cosmetic product must be applied until complete healing, even if it is winter outside.
After a few weeks, it is recommended to visit the specialist who performed the fractional laser rejuvenation again.He must assess the condition of the facial skin and rule out complications.
Forecast
The result can be seen soon after healing, if the imperfections are not too pronounced.Deep wrinkles or scars must be removed through several procedures.
Visually, the skin becomes smoother, has a natural color, the face is taut and visibly blooms in 99% of cases.
One percent is allocated to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of doctor qualifications.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are captivated by this method due to its significant advantages that are worth highlighting.By choosing photothermolysis, a person receives the following:
- low cost with high efficiency;
- absence of pain;
- the effect of even one procedure;
- non-invasive;
- no strong side effects.
In addition, the action of the laser solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis at once, which cannot but rejoice.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong clinic for rejuvenation or do not strictly follow the cosmetologist's recommendations, you can develop huge pigmentation spots on half of your face, which will not be easy to remove.
In addition, laser treatment lasts a long time, during which the patient feels an unpleasant odor of damaged skin, which not everyone can tolerate.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result of a procedure for deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
Review of opinions
Fractional rejuvenation is gaining more and more popularity in cosmetology.Every year, more and more women choose the laser over the surgical scalpel.