Skin aging begins from the age of 25, and this process initially goes unnoticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, becomes slacker, pores enlarge and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, changes become visible and it becomes difficult to manage them with conventional cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and thinning of the skin cannot be corrected at all with conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technologies do not leave us alone with the problems of fading.To restore youthful skin, it is not enough to simply eliminate existing defects and signs of aging;it must be stimulated and cell renewal processes initiated within it.This is the only way to achieve not only an optical effect, but also real facial rejuvenation.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 - the action of a laser beam of a certain length, which is divided into several light streams (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a real alternative to surgical facelift.
The mechanism of action of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
Over time, all processes in the body slow down, including at the cellular level.This leads to skin aging: cells are no longer recycled as quickly, new ones no longer grow as actively, which means that skin renewal becomes less and less effective and practically comes to a standstill.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of cells helps restore the skin's potential for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of a beam of light and the resulting heat shock in the skin, there is an intensive tissue cleansing of dead cells and those whose ability for further growth and development has been lost.At the same time, only young and healthy cells benefit from such an effect: they actively multiply, replace used cells and restore the “spoiled” skin renewal mechanism.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on facial skin.The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most effective laser beam size, less than 200 micrometers in diameter: this thin laser does the most to replace old tissue with young and healthy.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect occurs not with one beam, but with a whole mass of micro-beams into which the light flux is divided, creating a lattice effect.The irradiation is neither punctual nor as a continuous pulse.It is localized according to a specific matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which there is tissue that has been exposed 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: removal of damaged cells and growth of young skin in their place.
Types of fractional rejuvenation
Fractional photothermolysis comes in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and non-ablative.These laser treatment methods differ from each other in many characteristics: depth of penetration of the laser, intensity of treatment, mechanism of skin stimulation and final effect.
Ablative technology involves a superficial effect on epidermal cells through their evaporation.Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the other hand, does not affect the top layer of skin, but penetrates deep into it, where the lower layer of the epidermis is and the dermis begins.In this case, the irradiated cells do not evaporate but form columns of coagulated tissue.
In both cases, laser treatment is carried out in limited areas, around which areas with so-called cellular programming zones are preserved - healthy cells that have great regenerative potential triggered by a heat shock.A short-term increase in temperature in the tissue leads to the activation of all metabolic processes in the tissue, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
Ablative Fraxel has a quick effect and is more suitable for eliminating the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.Ablation causes micro areas to evaporate from the surface of the skin, which are covered with new skin during regeneration with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.This results in a lifting (tightening) of the entire facial skin and the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problems of a person with obvious signs of fading, such a superficial effect will not be enough.Aging skin needs to be “treated” from within, in the deeper layers where the cells responsible for renewing the skin structure are located.This result is ensured by non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one prohibits the combination of these two methods.Then the effect becomes even more impressive: the skin receives a double impulse for rejuvenation, both from the inside and from the outside, so that after one procedure a visible improvement in the condition of the face is noticeable and the activated tissue renewal keeps the face “in shape” for a long time.
Fractional laser rejuvenation procedure
Like any other laser procedure, Fraxel is only performed by a qualified specialist.The fact is that the devices used are medical laser devices, for the work of which medical education, training and appropriate experience are required.
In the wrong hands, a laser can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable consequences;In addition, this procedure has a relatively large number of contraindications.The preparatory process for fractional rejuvenation should begin with the identification of obstacles to the use of laser procedures.
Contraindications
We list those conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser-based procedures:
- the presence of 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 keloid formation;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular and hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute stage;
- Taking medications based on retinoids (after the end of treatment, at least six months must pass before the procedure when taking tablets and at least 2 weeks when using external agents);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other psychological and neurological problems;
- current tan
After studying the medical history and current state of health, the beautician decides on the possibility of carrying out the procedure.In some cases, the dose may need to be temporarily postponed, for example if you have a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and does not cause complications if performed correctly.
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 usually used at the beginning of a laser therapy session.An anesthetic is applied to the face to reduce overall skin sensitivity.Burning and tingling sensations are acceptable when exposed to legumes.
The facial lasts 20-40 minutes (session length depends on the size of the treatment area).After completion, a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient receives recommendations for facial 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 disrupt 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 try to combine laser treatment with work or the upcoming vacation.It is advisable to take at least a week off, since on these days you will need to take a break and your appearance is unlikely to allow you to lead an active life.The face will be red and swollen for several days, after a few days it will begin to peel and only after 7-10 days can one speak of a normal appearance.
Healing with ablative Fraxel can be particularly unpleasant: the condition of the face can resemble a burn.Further consequences after the procedure are:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars, if the tendency to this was not previously identified;
- Introduction of infection into microwounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all fractional taper cases.If the procedure itself is carried out correctly, without disrupting the preparatory and rehabilitation process, the likelihood of complications is reduced to zero.
After fractional laser, you should not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheat or hypothermia.
Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation results
Unlike fractional skin resurfacing, fractional laser rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure.It does not “burn” the skin layers, so the effects are unlikely to be overwhelming after one session.As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is carried out in courses – from 3 to 6 sessions, and then you can evaluate the result:
- tightening and toning of the skin;
- strengthening the oval of the face;
- smoothing of wrinkles;
- elimination of pigment spots;
- smoothing after acne;
- evens out the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts between one year and 10 years, after which you can repeat the course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is also well combined with other procedures: resurfacing, injection techniques, during the recovery period after plastic surgery.Laser irradiation has no destructive effect on previously introduced fillers.However, experts believe that it is better to first carry out a full treatment with Fraxel and then start correcting the remaining deficiencies.
Patient reviews are mixed.In addition to positive recommendations about this procedure, there are often negative statements.Therefore, many women express the following complaints:
- The recovery period lasts much longer than beauticians 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 patients report inadequate effectiveness.Many people find that their face is swollen as a result of partial rejuvenation, making them look older than they did before the procedure.It is also noted that the procedure's ability to smooth wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Reviews about the procedure
Here are a few reviews about fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review #1
My husband and I presented my mother-in-law with a certificate for a partial makeover for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman and she enjoyed going there.It is clear that there is a result: the face is refreshed, toned, all sorts of imperfections have disappeared, the wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed.She only did it once, but she wants to go again to consolidate the result and has asked for the same gift for the next holiday.
Review #2
I didn't like the fractional taper.Firstly, I was in pain.Secondly, after the procedure, I was forced not to leave the house for almost two weeks.My face had enlarged many times over, it was completely red and even wet, as if secretions were coming out.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my cheeks.So everything stayed as it was, it was worth so much suffering, even for my own money.
Review #3
I only had enough for a Fraxel procedure.Still a bit expensive and uncomfortable.But after 6 days I saw the result and it is excellent!The nasolabial folds disappeared and all the age spots disappeared, and that's exactly what made me look much older than I actually am.Now I am happy with everything and think that if necessary I will decide to take the course again.
Price
The cost of fractional laser rejuvenation varies significantly depending on the amount of work and level of procedure.The compensation is usually carried out for individual areas, for the entire face as a whole, for the face including the neck and décolleté.Prices may vary depending on the city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure a worthy alternative to plastic surgery, however, it makes sense to carry it out without waiting for significant changes in the skin, when eliminating them is already difficult and expensive.If you start fractional rejuvenation at the age of 35-40, you can postpone for a long time the need to use more radical methods.