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 more relaxed, the pores expand and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later there comes a time 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 at all with conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technology does not leave us alone with the problems of fading.To restore the youth of the skin, it is not enough to simply remove the existing defects and signs of aging;it must be stimulated and cell renewal processes started in it.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also a real rejuvenation of the face.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve such problems.
This technology is based on the method of fractional photothermolysis - impact of 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.
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 is the cause of skin aging: cells are no longer recycled as quickly, new ones grow less actively, as a result skin renewal becomes more and more ineffective and practically stops.Studies show that laser irradiation of its cells helps restore the skin's natural rejuvenation potential.
Under the influence of the light beam and the heat shock it causes in the skin, there is an intensive cleaning of the tissues from already dead cells and those whose ability for further growth and development has been lost.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from this effect: they actively multiply, replace used cells and restore the "broken" skin renewal mechanism.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have such an effect on the skin of the face.The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most effective size of the laser beam, with a diameter of less than 200 microns: it is this thin laser that contributes the most to the replacement of old tissues with young and healthy ones.
The second feature of partial rejuvenation is that the effect is obtained not with one beam, but with a whole mass of microbeams, into which the light flux is divided, creating a lattice effect.In this way, the irradiation is neither spot nor continuous pulse.It is located on a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which there are tissues that have undergone a powerful heat shock, and around them are healthy cells unaffected by the laser beam.The result of this procedure is active skin regeneration: exfoliation of damaged cells and growth of young skin in their place.
Types of fractional rejuvenation
Fractional photothermolysis exists in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and non-ablative.These laser treatment methods differ from each other in many characteristics: laser penetration depth, treatment intensity, mechanism of skin stimulation and final effect.
Ablative technology involves a surface effect on epidermal cells through their evaporation.Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the contrary, does not affect the top layer of the skin, 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 is carried out in limited areas, around which places with so-called cellular programming zones are preserved - healthy cells that have a high potential for regeneration, which is triggered by heat shock.The 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 the ablation, microzones 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 results in lifting (tightening) of the skin of the face as a whole, as well as 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 must be "treated" from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells responsible for renewing the dermal framework are located.This result is provided by 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 outside, so a visible improvement in the condition of the face will be noticed after one procedure, and the activated tissue renewal will keep 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 equipment used refers to medical laser equipment, in order to work with which you must have a medical education, undergo training and gain appropriate experience.
In the wrong hands, the laser can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable consequences;in addition, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications.It is by identifying the obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the process of preparation for partial rejuvenation should begin.
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 (scratches, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloids;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute stage;
- taking drugs based on retinoids (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;
- recent tan
After studying the medical history and current state of health, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of carrying out the procedure.In some cases, it is necessary to temporarily postpone it, for example, during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed correctly, does not cause any complications.
Progress of the procedure
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be claimed 100%.Most patients still experience discomfort during and especially after laser rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is what is usually used to initiate laser therapy.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce overall skin sensitivity.When exposed to pulses, burning and tingling are acceptable.
The facial procedure takes 20-40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the treated area), after its 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 partial rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not disrupt the usual rhythm of life.Actually, that's not quite true.In order not to get into an uncomfortable situation, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine a laser procedure with work or upcoming holidays.It is recommended that you take at least a week off, because in these days you have to observe 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 one speak of a normal appearance.
Treatment with ablative fraxel can be particularly unpleasant: with it, the condition of the face can resemble a burn.Other consequences after the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars, if the tendency to them was not previously identified;
- introducing infection into microwounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all cases of partial rejuvenation.If the procedure itself is carried out correctly, without disrupting the preparation and rehabilitation process, the likelihood of complications is reduced to zero.
After a fractional laser, you should not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheat or overcool.
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 will hardly be stunning.As a rule, partial rejuvenation is carried out in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, after which you can evaluate the result:
- tightening and firming of the skin;
- strengthening the oval of the face;
- smoothing out wrinkles;
- removal of pigment spots;
- post-acne smoothing;
- evening out the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one year to 10 years, after which you can repeat the course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation also combines well with other procedures: resurfacing, injection techniques, during the recovery period after plastic surgery.Laser irradiation 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 flaws.
As for patient reviews, they are mixed.Along with positive recommendations for this procedure, negative statements are often found.So, many women express the following complaints:
- The recovery period takes much longer than cosmetologists promise.As a rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as the workers in beauty salons say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of patients show insufficient effectiveness.Many people find that partial facelift leaves 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 eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The indisputable disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Reviews of the procedure
Here are some reviews of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review #1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a partial rejuvenation certificate for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman and went 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 confirm the result, and asked for the same gift for the next holiday.
Review #2
I didn't like the partial rejuvenation.First, I was in pain.Second, after the procedure I was forced to stay at home for almost 2 weeks.My face had increased in size several times, all red and even wet, as if ichor was flowing.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 also for my own money.
Review #3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure.It's a bit expensive and annoying though.But after 6 days I saw the result and it is excellent!The nasolabial folds are gone and all the age spots are gone and that's exactly what made me look so much older than I really am.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think that if necessary, I will decide to take the course again.
Price
As for the price of a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies greatly 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 by 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 their elimination is already difficult and expensive.If you start doing partial rejuvenation from the age of 35-40, this will allow you to postpone for a long time the need to use more radical methods.