Fractional laser rejuvenation- a cosmetic procedure during which the skin is exposed to a laser array made of micro-rays. The purpose of this effect is to activate the process of regeneration and collagenogenesis. This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique. Alternatively, it is called fraxel, fractional laser recovery, or photothermolysis.
Principle of operation and variations of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does a fractional laser work? The micro-rays emitted by the device cause heat shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells begin to function more actively. To repair the damaged area, they split faster. Old cells that have been shown to be inoperative are dying out, giving way to the young. Warming of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by partial denaturation of the protein, as well as the creation of new components of the extracellular matrix, including elastin and collagen.
The depth of impact variesablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation. . . The first is superficial and reminiscent of grinding. Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by evaporation of moisture, damage to the epidermis. After healing, the skin becomes tighter, the 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 wounds occur.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and minutes. Therefore, the effect of ablative laser grinding is noticeable after the first procedure. With this method you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, post-acne, stretch marks, scars. There is no risk of infection by the non-ablative procedure, and the anti-aging effect has been noticeable for several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people younger than 40, with the first signs of aging: small wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
It is worth resorting to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Flabby, sagging skin.
- And fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores, prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Vascular "stars" (rosacea).
- Tup ten.
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 disease in the decompensation phase.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes.
- Tendency to create keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Laser rejuvenation features
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure consists of refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. All this time you can also not clean the skin, do chemical peels, take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Three days before the procedure, they stop going to the pool, bathroom, sauna, and treat the area of alleged exposure to cosmetics containing alcohol. To prevent complications, a cosmetologist may prescribe antiviral and antibacterial medications for this period. The day before the procedure should be spent without alcohol and cigarettes, refrain from going to the gym.
Before the laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities. In general, the effect of the laser feels like an uncomfortable tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be needed. In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared area of skin. Once the ointment acts, it continues with the laser skin treatment. 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 cannot use alcohol-based products, compress the parts of the body on which photothermolysis has been performed, with a compression cloth. It is recommended to exclude physical activity for a week, visit the pool, sauna or bath, limit the time spent on the street. The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day. And so for half a month. It is undesirable to do peeling, use cosmetics with retinol, salicylic acid. It is necessary to use a cream with a protection factor of 35 or more for two months.
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 largely depends on lifestyle. Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all this can slow down the regeneration process.
The first three days after laser exposure, skin redness and mild swelling may be noticed. Anesthetics and skin cooling can help reduce feelings of discomfort. It is normal if skin tightness is felt within a week, there are scaly areas. A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze complexion, which disappears on its own after half a month.
A lasting result after fractional photothermolysis comes after 2-5 procedures. More precisely, the number of sessions can be determined only by a cosmetologist, based on the initial data. The 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 becomes better. This method is an effective tool in the fight against 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, 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 select the depth of laser exposure.