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, because they are constantly under the influence of environmental factors, the function of chewing, face and speech.Since the face is a kind of "visiting card" of a person, the issue of preserving and restoring youthful facial skin is particularly important and relevant.Among the numerous 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 the laser beam on the skin.The laser jet is divided into many very thin beams that affect microscopic parts of the skin located at a strictly defined depth and vaporize them.Intact cells located between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - two main "building materials", which are less and less produced in the human body with age.After this procedure, skin color is improved, small and medium wrinkles are corrected, bags under the eyes are removed and the face oval is tightened.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 numerous laser technology companies.Laser systems produced by Palomar and Fraxel, Affirm laser by the well-known American company Cynosure, GentleYAG laser from Candela and others are mostly used.Since all these installations have a common working principle, the result of the procedure is largely determined by the professionalism of the specialist who performs the procedure.
Contraindications for the laser rejuvenation procedure
Absolute contraindications for the procedure are:
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- 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 blood, immune system, connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in the phase of decompensation.
- Severe forms of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Dilated veins in the procedure area.
- Propensity to create keloid scars.
- Cases of vitiligo in the family.
Relative contraindications are active insolation in the last three weeks before the procedure, i.e. the presence of freshly tanned skin, as well as surface and medium peels performed in the treatment area less than three weeks before the procedure.
Advantages of the method of fractional laser rejuvenation
Thanks to the targeted 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 the skin in one procedure, while preserving and activating the regenerative resources of the skin, which ensures rapid rehabilitation and a long-term increase in the positive effect.
The procedure does not require anesthesia and can be performed on the neck, décolleté and around the eyes.
Side effects are rare.Possible complications include the temporary appearance of red-purple spots in the treatment area, minor itching that passes quickly, activation of herpes infection, changes in skin texture, including burns, peeling and crusting.Scars, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin in the treatment area are extremely rare, but can be permanent.
What is the complete course of laser rejuvenation procedures?
One fractional laser treatment session lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the surface of the treated area.Repeated procedures are carried out after 3-4 weeks.A total of 3-4 sessions are usually required.The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure.It is recommended to hold a session once every 10-14 months.
What to do after laser facial rejuvenation
The slight burning sensation that can be felt after the procedure disappears within 1-2 hours, while the redness and slight swelling can last for 1-3 days.During this period, external products (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol should be used, for example, Bepanten, Panthenol, D-Panthenol.After the disappearance of the mentioned symptoms and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
On the day of the procedure, you can shower and wash, but it is better to wait with the sauna and swimming pool.The cosmetic foundation can be used the day after the procedure.
It is mandatory to use sun creams with a protection factor of at least 30, because at that time the metabolism of the skin is activated and it becomes particularly 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 rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure during which the skin is exposed to a series of laser microbeams.The purpose of this influence is to activate the process of regeneration and collagenogenesis.This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique.Otherwise called Fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing or photothermolysis.
Principle of operation and types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does a fractional laser work?The micro-rays emitted by the device cause a thermal shock, in response to which "lazy" skin cells begin to function more actively.To repair the damaged area, they divide faster.Old cells that are ineffective die, giving way to young ones.Heating of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by partial denaturation of proteins, as well as the creation of new components of the extracellular matrix, including elastin and collagen.
Based on the depth of impact, ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation 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 uniform.During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deep layers of the skin.In this case, open wounds are not created.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and minutes.Therefore, the effect of ablative laser resurfacing is already noticeable after the first procedure.With 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 the age of 40, with the first signs of aging: fine lines, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
You should resort to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Relaxation, loose skin.
- Both fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased secretion of sebum.
- 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 the intended treatment.
- Any chronic disease in the decompensation phase.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- diabetes mellitus.
- Propensity to create keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Characteristics of laser rejuvenation
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure involves avoiding visits to the solarium and the beach for two weeks.During this time, you should also not clean your skin, do chemical peeling, or take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines.Three days before the procedure, stop going to the pool, bath, sauna, and treat the area of intended exposure with cosmetic products that contain alcohol.In order to prevent complications, the cosmetologist can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period.The day before the procedure should be spent without alcohol and cigarettes, and refrain from going to the gym.
Before the laser treatment, the skin is cleaned of cosmetics and impurities.In general, the effect of the laser is felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be needed.In this case, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area.After the ointment begins to work, it begins to treat the skin with a laser.The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treated area and ranges 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 or compress the parts of the body on which photothermolysis was performed with compression garments.It is recommended to exclude physical activity, visiting the pool, sauna or bath for a week, and limit the time spent outdoors.The skin is hydrated with a special cream three times a day.And so half a month.It is undesirable to exfoliate or use cosmetics with retinol or salicylic acid.You must use a cream with a protection factor of 35 or more for two months.
How many procedures are needed to achieve results?What effect should we expect?
The rehabilitation period after laser fractional rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days.The speed of recovery is largely dependent on lifestyle.Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all of these can slow down regeneration processes.
The first three days after exposure to the laser, redness of the skin and slight swelling can be noticed.Pain relievers and cooling the skin can help reduce discomfort.It is normal for the skin to feel tight and flaky during the week.A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan, which disappears by itself after half a month.
A permanent result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures.Only a cosmetologist can more precisely determine the number of sessions, based on the initial data.Intervals between procedures are 3-4 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 in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne and stretch marks.
Laser fractional 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 depth of the 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 optimal option at the first examination.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to undergo natural aging.
The network of microdamages with the help of a laser affects only 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, ignoring the cells outside.
The lesions also stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, as in ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process lasts longer, and the effect is more pronounced.Suitable for eliminating serious problems on the face.
Indications
Any person who wants to look younger without major lifting can resort to this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many facial imperfections, including:
- severe forehead wrinkles;
- nasolabial folds;
- a crow's thread around the eyes;
- the epidermis "flows" downwards;
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- the problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy shows high efficiency in eliminating all these problems.
The only caveat is that, depending on the severity of the imperfection, several procedures may be required.
Contraindications
Like any other external influence on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation has its contraindications, in the presence of which it is forbidden to resort to such a procedure.
This may include:
- the presence of serious inflammation on the face;
- infectious, 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 conditions;
- bronchial asthma, serious allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the cosmetologist weighs all the patient's risks.
Sometimes it is necessary to undergo the treatment of skin problems first or to wait for the remission of chronic diseases, after which rejuvenation is still carried out.
Preparation
Since the intervention is not a surgical operation, extensive preparation is not required.Initially, you should contact a cosmetologist who will assess the condition of the skin and give recommendations on the necessary method of photorejuvenation.
The patient is obliged to inform the doctor about all conditions and diseases in the anamnesis, as well as about exacerbations of chronic diseases in the past six months.
If there are any, the specialist will advise you to visit a specialist to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also do a blood and urine test to identify or rule out inflammatory processes in the body.Then the date of the first visit is determined.
Execution
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation in the facial area is performed on an outpatient basis, i.e. the patient comes, is treated and then goes home.
First, the cosmetologist will apply an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not overly painful, so sometimes the therapy is carried out without this phase.
You must be aware that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin afterwards.
Then the patient lies on the couch, and the specialist adjusts the penetration depth of the laser beam using a special device.The device is aimed at certain parts of the epidermis, deep into which the laser penetrates.
Manipulations last half an hour or more, depending on how many surfaces need to be treated with the device.During the procedure, the patient may feel a slight burning sensation, as well as an unpleasant smell.
Immediately after the treatment, a network of red dots is visible on the face, the skin is red and slightly swollen, so it is better to take care of the way to return 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 proper facial care during the rehabilitation period.
What is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of exposure to the laser beam;
- damage does not heal in two weeks;
- pigmentation and scars appeared.
Mild redness, peeling and itching are completely predictable conditions for any type of epidermis.
Such consequences disappear by themselves within 1-2 weeks, leaving no visual defects behind.
Rehabilitation
The outcome of the procedure is greatly influenced by the behavior of the patient himself.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 smeared with dexpanthenol-based ointment,it will promote rapid healing of microdamages.After that, it is recommended to use a light moisturizing cream with hyaluronic acid, recommended by a cosmetologist.
- Washing is not prohibited.For 2 weeks, the epidermis should not be exposed to strong heat, so it is better to refrain from bathing and sauna and not to take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go outside without sunscreen,Moreover, it is better to choose a protection of 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, a return visit to the specialist who performed the fractional laser rejuvenation is recommended.He must assess the condition of the skin on the face and rule out complications.
Forecast
The result can be noticed immediately after healing, if the imperfections were not very pronounced.Deep wrinkles or scars must be removed through several procedures.
Visually, the skin is smoother, natural-colored, the face is tightened and visibly blooms in 99% of cases.
One percent is set aside for unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of doctor's qualifications.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are enchanted by this method because of the significant benefits that are worth noting.By choosing photothermolysis, a person gets the following:
- low price with high efficiency;
- painlessness;
- the effect of even one procedure;
- non-invasive;
- no strong side effects.
In addition, the action of the laser simultaneously solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis, which is good news.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong rejuvenation clinic or do not strictly follow the recommendations of a cosmetologist, you can develop huge pigment spots on half of your face that will not be easy to remove.
In addition, the laser treatment lasts quite a long time, during which the patient feels an unpleasant smell of damaged skin, which not everyone can stand.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result from one procedure for deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
A review of opinions
Fractional rejuvenation is becoming increasingly popular in cosmetology.Every year, more and more women choose the laser instead of the surgical scalpel.