Skin aging begins at the age of 25, and initially this process goes unnoticed. Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses elasticity, its structure changes, becomes looser, pores enlarge and wrinkles appear. Sooner or later there comes a moment when the changes become visible and then it becomes difficult to deal with them with the usual cosmetics. And pigmentation disorders and skin thinning are not at all amenable to correction by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technology does not leave us alone with the problems of wilting. In order for the skin to regain its youthfulness, it is not enough just to remove the existing defects and signs of aging, it must be stimulated, in order for the processes of cell renewal to begin in it. It is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also a real rejuvenation of the face. Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, which has been used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can deal with the solution to 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 fluxes (fractions) for more efficient operation. Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a viable alternative to surgical facelift.
Mechanism of action of laser fractional rejuvenation of facial skin
Over time, all processes in the body slow down, including at the cellular level. This is what causes skin aging: cells are no longer used so quickly, new ones don’t grow as actively, resulting in skin regeneration becoming increasingly inefficient and virtually ceasing. Studies have shown that laser radiation of skin cells helps restore the skin's potential for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of the light beam and the heat shock it creates in the skin, the tissues are intensively cleansed of already dead cells and those whose ability to further grow and develop is lost. At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from this effect: they actively multiply, replacing used cells and restoring the "damaged" mechanism of skin renewal.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have such an effect on the skin. The difference between fraxels is that it uses the most efficient size of laser beam, less than 200 microns in diameter: it is such a thin laser that is most suitable for replacing old tissue with young and healthy ones.
Another characteristic of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect occurs not with a single beam, but with a whole mass of micro-rays, into which the light flux is interrupted, creating a network effect. Thus, radiation does not occur as a point or as a continuous pulse. It is located on a specific matrix.The skin is divided into small areas in the center of which are tissues that have been subjected to 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: peeling of damaged cells and growth of young skin in their place.
Types of fractional rejuvenation
Fractional photothermolysis has two essentially different forms: ablative and non-ablative. These methods of laser exposure differ from each other in many ways: the depth of laser penetration, the intensity of treatment, the mechanism of skin stimulation, the final effect.
Ablative technology assumes a superficial effect on epidermal cells by their evaporation. Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the other hand, does not affect the uppermost layer of the skin, but penetrates deep into it, where the lower layer of the epidermis is located and begins the dermis. In this case, the cells that were irradiated do not evaporate, but form columns of clotted tissue.
In both cases, the laser treatment takes place in limited areas, around which sites with so-called cell programming zones are preserved - healthy cells that have a high potential for regeneration, which is caused by heat shock. A short-term rise 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, mild loss of turgor. As a result of ablation, micro surfaces evaporate from the surface of the skin, which during regeneration tightens with new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas. Thus, there is a lifting (tightening) of the facial skin as a whole, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and imperfections.
Such a superficial blow will not be enough to solve the problem of a person with clear signs of wilting. Old skin should be “treated” from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells responsible for regenerating the dermal framework are located. This result provides non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods. Then the effect will be even more stunning: the skin will receive a double rejuvenation impulse, both inside and out, so after one procedure you will notice a visible improvement in the condition of the face, and activated tissue regeneration will keep the face "in shape" for a long time.
Fractional laser rejuvenation procedure
Like any other laser procedure, the fracsel is only done by a qualified professional. The fact is that the equipment used belongs to medical laser equipment, to work with which it is necessary to have medical education, undergo training and gain appropriate experience.
In incompetent hands, the laser can be dangerous with complications and unpredictable consequences, moreover, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications. The identification of obstacles to the use of laser procedures should begin the process of preparation for fractional rejuvenation.
Contraindications
List those conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of procedures based on laser exposure:
- the presence of any tumor formations in the body in the present and past;
- skin diseases in the field of treatment: dermatitis, dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (scratches, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloids;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular and hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute phase;
- taking retinoid-based medications (at least six months before the procedure if tablets have been taken and at least 2 weeks if external agents have been used);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recent tan.
After examining the medical history and current health condition, the cosmetologist decides whether the procedure is possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to delay it temporarily, such as a cold or menstruation. In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed correctly, does not threaten any complications.
Procedure progress
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure. However, this cannot be 100% confirmed. Most patients still feel discomfort during and especially after laser rejuvenation.
Therefore, it is common for local anesthesia to begin a laser therapy session. An anesthetic is applied to the face to reduce the overall sensitivity of the skin. Feelings of burning and tingling are acceptable during exposure.
Facial treatment lasts 20-40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the exposure zone), and after it is finished, a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient receives recommendations for skin care during the recovery period.
Skin regeneration after treatment
Fractional rejuvenation is not considered to require a recovery period and does not disrupt the normal rhythm of life. In fact, this is not entirely true. In order not to get into an awkward 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 advisable to take a break for at least a week, because these days you have to respect the rest regime, and appearance will probably not allow you to live an active life. A few days the face will be red and swollen, after a few days it will start to peel and only after 7-10 days we can talk about a normal look.
Healing with ablative fraxel is especially uncomfortable: with it, the condition of the face can resemble a burn. Other consequences after the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- appearance of scars and scars, if the tendency towards them has not been previously determined;
- introduction of infection into micro-wounds.
These side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all fractional rejuvenation cases. If the procedure itself is performed correctly, without interfering with the preparation and rehabilitation process, the probability of complications is reduced to zero.
After the fractional laser, do not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheating and hypothermia.
Results of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
Laser fractional rejuvenation, unlike fractional skin rejuvenation, is a minimally invasive procedure. It does not "burn" the layers of the skin, so the effect after one session is unlikely to be overwhelming. As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is performed on courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, and then you can already evaluate the result:
- skin tightening and tightening;
- Oval face strengthening;
- smoothing wrinkles;
- removing age spots;
- acne smoothing;
- complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one to 10 years, and then you can do another course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation combines well with other procedures: surface restoration, injection techniques during the recovery period after plastic surgery. Laser radiation does not have a devastating effect on previously introduced fillers, but experts believe that it is better to first conduct a full course of Fraxel, and then deal with the correction of the remaining shortcomings.
Patient reviews vary. In addition to the positive recommendations of this procedure, negative statements are often encountered. For example, many women make such complaints:
- The recovery period takes much longer than cosmetologists promise. As a rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as the employees of beauty salons say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients indicate insufficient efficiency. Many people believe that fractional rejuvenation has inflated their face, making them older than before the procedure. It is also noted that the possibilities of the procedure for smoothing wrinkles are very excessive, and its main purpose is to remove hyperpigmentation and traces of acne.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its price.
Treatment feedback
Here are some reviews of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review # 1
My mother-in-law's husband and I submitted a factional rejuvenation certificate for the anniversary. She is a young, active woman, she went with pleasure. You can see that there is a result: the face is fresher, taut, all kinds of stains have disappeared, wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed. I only did it once, but I still want to go, fix the result, I asked for the next holiday to give her the same gift.
Review # 2
I didn't like fractional rejuvenation. First, it hurt. Secondly, after the procedure, I had to stay at home for almost 2 weeks. My face grew several times, everything was red and even wet, as if ichor was leaking. The result is zero. My main problem is acne on my cheeks. So everything else, as it was, was worth so much suffering, also for their own money.
Review # 3
It was enough for just one Fraxel procedure. It is expensive and inconvenient though. But after 6 days I saw the result, and it was great! The nasolabial folds were gone and all the age spots were gone, and that’s exactly what made me a lot older than I actually was. Now everything suits me, I think that if necessary, I will decide to attend the course again.
Price
As for the costs of one fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, they differ significantly depending on the amount of work and the degree of intervention. Payment is usually determined for individual areas, for the whole face as a whole, for a person with a neck and décolleté procedure. Prices may vary depending on the city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure a worthy alternative to plastic surgery, but it makes sense to perform it without waiting for significant changes in the skin when it is already difficult and expensive to remove them. If you start doing fractional rejuvenation at the age of 35-40, it will allow you to delay the need to use more radical methods for a long time.