Aging of the skin begins at the age of 25, and at first this process goes unnoticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, it becomes looser, the pores expand and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, the time comes when the changes become visible and then it becomes difficult to deal with them with the usual cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and skin thinning cannot be corrected by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technologies do not leave us alone with fading problems.To restore the youth of the skin, it is not enough to just remove the existing defects and signs of aging;it must be stimulated and cell renewal processes initiated in it.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also real rejuvenation of the face.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, which has been used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve 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 work.Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a real alternative to surgical facelift.
Mechanism of action of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
Over time, all processes in the body slow down, including at the cellular level.This is what causes skin aging: cells are no longer recycled as quickly, new ones do not grow as actively, due to which skin renewal occurs more and more inefficiently and practically stops.Research has shown that laser irradiation of its cells helps restore the skin's potential for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of the light beam and the heat shock it produces in the skin, there is an intensive cleaning of the tissue from already dead cells and those whose ability to further grow and develop has been lost.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from such an effect: they actively multiply, replacing the used cells and restoring the "broken" skin renewal mechanism.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on facial skin.The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most efficient laser beam, with a diameter of less than 200 microns: it is this thin laser that contributes the most to the replacement of old tissue with young and healthy ones.
Another characteristic of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect does not occur with a single beam, but with the entire mass of micro-beams into which the light flux is divided, creating a network effect.Therefore, the radiation does not occur either pointwise or as a continuous pulse.It is located according to a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small parts, in the center of each of which there are tissues that have suffered a strong heat shock, and around them are healthy cells that are not affected by the laser beam.The result of this treatment is active skin regeneration: exfoliation of damaged cells and the growth of new skin in their place.
Types of fractional rejuvenation
Fractional photothermolysis exists in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and non-ablative.These methods of laser treatment differ from each other in many characteristics: depth of laser penetration, intensity of treatment, skin stimulation mechanism and final effect.
Ablative technology involves a surface effect on epidermal cells through their vaporization.Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the contrary, does not affect the top layer of the skin itself, but penetrates deep into it, where the lower layer of the epidermis is located and the dermis begins.In this case, the cells that were irradiated do not evaporate, but form columns of coagulated tissue.
In both cases, the laser treatment takes place in limited areas, around which are preserved locations with so-calledcellular programming zones - healthy cells that have a great potential for regeneration, which is triggered by heat shock.A short-term increase in temperature in the tissues causes the activation of all metabolic processes in them, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.
Ablative Fraxel gives a quick effect and is more suitable for removing the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of ablation, microareas evaporate from the surface of the skin, which during regeneration are covered with new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.This is how the skin of the face is lifted (tightened) as a whole, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problem of a person with obvious signs of fading, such a surface effect will not be enough.Aging skin needs to be "treated" from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells responsible for renewing the dermal framework are located.This result is ensured by non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods.Then the effect will be even more amazing: the skin will receive a double impulse for rejuvenation, both inside and outside, so a visible improvement in the condition of the face will be visible after just one procedure, and activated tissue regeneration will keep the face "in shape" for a long time.
Fractional laser rejuvenation procedure
Like any other laser procedure, Fraxel is performed only by a qualified specialist.The fact is that the equipment used refers to medical laser equipment, to work with which you must have a medical education, undergo training and gain relevant experience.
In the wrong hands, the laser can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable consequences;in addition, this procedure has a rather large number of contraindications.The process of preparing for fractional rejuvenation should begin precisely by identifying the obstacles to the use of laser procedures.
Contraindications
We list those conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser procedures:
- the presence of any tumor formations in the body in the present and past;
- skin diseases in the treatment area: dermatitis, dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (abrasions, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloid;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological system;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute phase;
- taking retinoid-based medications (after the end of treatment, at least six months must pass before the procedure if tablets were taken, and at least 2 weeks if external means were used);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recently tanned
After studying the anamnesis and the current state of health, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of performing the procedure.In some cases, it is necessary to postpone it temporarily, for example, during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed correctly, presents no complications.
Progress of the procedure
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be said 100%.Most patients still experience discomfort during, and especially after, laser rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is what is usually used to start a laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce overall skin sensitivity.During exposure to pulses, burning and tingling are acceptable.
The facial treatment lasts 20-40 minutes (session time depends on the size of the treated area), and after completion, a special protective cream is applied to the skin, and the patient receives recommendations for facial skin care during the recovery period.
Skin regeneration after the procedure
It is believed that fractional rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not disturb the usual rhythm of life.In fact, this is not entirely true.In order not to get into an unpleasant situation, it is better not to take risks and not to try to combine the laser procedure with work or the upcoming holidays.It is recommended to take at least a week of rest, because in these days you have to follow a rest regime, and your appearance is unlikely to allow you to lead an active life.The face will be red and swollen for a few days, after a few days it will begin to peel, and only after 7-10 days can we talk about a normal appearance.
Treatment with ablative fraxel can be particularly unpleasant: with it, the facial condition can resemble a burn.Other consequences after the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars, if the tendency to them has not been previously determined;
- introducing infection into microwounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all fractional rejuvenation cases.If the procedure itself is carried out correctly, without interfering with the preparation and rehabilitation process, the probability of complications is reduced to zero.
After the fractional laser, you should not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheat or cool down.
Results of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
Fractional laser rejuvenation, unlike fractional skin resurfacing, is a minimally invasive procedure.It does not "burn" the layers of the skin, so the effect after one session is unlikely to be stunning.As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is done in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, and then you can evaluate the result:
- skin tightening and tightening;
- strengthening the oval face;
- smoothing wrinkles;
- removal of pigment spots;
- post-acne smoothing;
- to even out the complexion.
The rejuvenation effect lasts from one to 10 years, and then you can repeat the course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation goes well with other procedures: resurfacing, injection techniques, during the recovery period after plastic surgery.Laser radiation does not have a destructive effect on previously introduced fillers, but experts believe that it is better to first conduct a full course of Fraxel, and then start correcting the remaining defects.
As for patient reviews, they are different.Along with positive recommendations for this procedure, there are often negative statements as well.So, many women present the following complaints:
- The recovery period lasts much longer than cosmetologists promise.As a rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as the beauty salon workers say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients indicate insufficient efficiency.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation has left their face puffy, making them look older than before the procedure.It is also noted that the ability of the procedure to smooth out wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to remove hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Reviews about the procedure
Here are some reviews of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review #1
My husband and I gave my in-laws a certificate for Fractional Rejuvenation for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman and she left with pleasure.It is clear that there is a result: the face is refreshed, tightened, all kinds of spots have disappeared, wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed.She only did it once, but she wants to go again to consolidate the results, and she asked for the same gift for the next holiday.
Review #2
I didn't like fractional rejuvenation.First of all, I was sick.Second, after the procedure, I was forced to stay at home for almost 2 weeks.My face grew several times, it was all red and even wet, as if it was leaking.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my cheeks.So everything remained as it was, it was worth so much suffering, and for my money too.
Review #3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure.It's still a bit expensive and inconvenient.But after 6 days I saw the result, and it was great!Nasolabial wrinkles and all age spots disappeared, and that's exactly why I looked much older than I really am.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think that if necessary, I will decide to attend the course again.
Price
As for the price of one fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies significantly depending on the amount of work and the degree of intervention.Payment is usually determined for individual areas, for the entire face as a whole, for the face including the neck and décolletage.Prices may vary depending on the city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure a valuable alternative to plastic surgery, but it makes sense to carry it out without waiting for significant changes in the skin, because their removal is already difficult and expensive.If you start doing fractional rejuvenation from the age of 35-40, it will allow you to postpone the need to use more radical methods for a long time.