Fractional laser rejuvenation- a cosmetic procedure, during which the skin is exposed to a laser beam made of micro-beams. The purpose of this effect is to activate processes of regeneration and collagenogenesis. This is a relatively new hardware technique, but already very popular. On the other hand, it is called fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing or photothermolysis.
The operating principle and fractional laser rejuvenation varieties
How does a fractional laser work? Micro-rays emitted by the device cause thermal shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells start to function more actively. To repair the damaged area, they split faster. The old cells that turned out to be inoperative die, giving way to the younger ones. The heating of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by the partial denaturation of proteins, as well as the formation of new extracellular matrix components, including elastin and collagen.
The depth of impact is distinctablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation. . . The first is superficial and resembles grinding. Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by the evaporation of moisture, damaging the epidermis. After healing, the skin is more toned, its relief and color are evened out. During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser acts on the deep layers of the skin. In this case, no open wound is formed.
Each type of rejuvenation has its perks and minutes. Thus, the effect of laser ablative 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 for several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40 years old, with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
It is worth resorting to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Sagging, saggy skin.
- Fine, deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Large pores, prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Vascular "asterisks" (rosacea).
- Opaque complexion.
Contraindications for fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergies, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of intended treatment.
- Any chronic diseases in the decompensated phase.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser rejuvenation
The preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure consists of refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. All this time, it is not possible to clean the skin, do chemical peels, take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Three days before the procedure, they stop going to the pool, spa, sauna, treat the supposed exposure area with alcohol-based cosmetics. To prevent complications, the cosmetologist can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period. The day before the procedure must be carried out without alcohol and without cigarettes, avoiding going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities. The laser effect is usually felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but pain relief may sometimes be necessary. In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area. After the ointment works, he starts to treat the skin with a laser. The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treatment area and varies from several minutes to an hour. Finally, the skin is smoothed with a nourishing cream.
In the first days after the procedure, it is not possible to use alcohol-based products, to compress the parts of the body where photothermolysis was performed, with compressive linen. It is recommended to exclude physical activity for a week, go to the pool, sauna or bath, 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 make peels, use cosmetics with retinol, salicylic acid. For two months it is necessary to use a cream with a sun protection factor equal to or greater than 35.
How many procedures do you need to achieve the result? What effect can you expect?
The rehabilitation period after fractional laser rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days. The speed of recovery is very lifestyle dependent. Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all these can slow down the regeneration processes.
In the first three days after laser exposure, redness of the skin and slight swelling may be observed. Anesthetics and skin cooling can help reduce the feeling of discomfort. It is normal to feel tightness of the skin within a week as there are scaly areas. A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan, which goes away on its own after half a month.
A lasting result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures. More specifically, the number of sessions can only be determined by a cosmetologist, based on initial data. Intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks. As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, aging processes are inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, pore severity decreases, and complexion improves. This method is an effective tool to fight scars, pigmentation, post-acne, stretch marks.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures. Its advantages include efficiency, 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. It is possible to choose the laser exposure depth.