Skin aging begins at the age of 25, and this process initially goes unnoticed. Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, becomes looser, the 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 the usual cosmetics. And pigment disorders and skin thinning cannot be corrected at all using conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technology does not leave us alone with the problems of wilting. In order to restore the youthfulness of the skin, it is not enough just to get rid of the existing defects and signs of aging, it must be stimulated to start the processes of cell renewal in it. This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also real facial rejuvenation. Fractional laser rejuvenation of facial skin, which has been used in cosmetics for more than 10 years, can cope with solving 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 flows (fractions) for more efficient work. Fractional rejuvenation is now seen as a viable alternative to a surgical face lift.
Mechanism of action of the laser-fractionated 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 used as quickly, new ones no longer grow as actively, which means that skin renewal becomes increasingly ineffective and practically comes to a standstill. Studies have shown that laser irradiation of skin cells helps restore the skin's potential for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of the light beam and the heat stroke it generates in the skin, the tissues are intensively cleansed of cells that have already died and those whose ability to further grow and develop has been lost. At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from this effect: They actively multiply, replace the cells used and restore the "damaged" mechanism of skin renewal.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have such an effect on the skin. The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most effective size of the laser beam, less than 200 microns in diameter: it's such a thin laser that is best at replacing old tissue with young and healthy one.
The second characteristic of fractional tapering is that the effect does not appear on one ray, but on a whole mass of micro-rays in which the flow of light is interrupted, creating a grid effect. Thus the irradiation does not take place as a point or as a continuous pulse. It is on a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the middle of which there 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 taper
Fractional photothermolysis comes in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and non-ablative. These methods of laser exposure differ in many ways: depth of penetration of the laser, intensity of treatment, mechanism of skin stimulation, end effect.
The ablative technology takes on a superficial effect on the cells of the epidermis through its 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 located and the dermis begins. In this case, the irradiated cells do not evaporate, but form columns of coagulated tissue.
In both cases, the laser treatment takes place in limited areas around which places with the so-called zones of cellular programming are preserved - healthy cells with a high regeneration potential, which is triggered by heat shock. A short-term increase in temperature in the tissue causes the activation of all metabolic processes in these tissues, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin.
Ablatives Fraxel works quickly and is better suited to getting rid of the first signs of aging: flat wrinkles, slight loss of turgor. As a result of the ablation, micro-areas evaporate from the skin surface, which are tightened during regeneration by new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas. This leads to a lifting (tightening) of the skin of the entire face and the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
Such a superficial effect is not enough to solve problems of a face with clear signs of wilting. Aging skin needs to be "treated" from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells that are responsible for renewing the skin's framework are located. This result provides a non-ablative fractional taper.
Of course, nobody forbids the combination of these two methods. Then the effect is even more impressive: the skin receives a double impulse to rejuvenate both from the inside and outside, so that a visible improvement in the condition of the face is noticeable after an operation and the activated tissue renewal keeps the face "in shape" for a long time.
Process for fractional laser rejuvenation
As with any other laser procedure, fracsel is only performed by a qualified specialist. The fact is that the equipment used belongs to medical laser equipment, for which work is required, in order to have medical education, undergo training and gain the relevant experience.
In incompetent hands, a laser can be dangerous with complications and unpredictable consequences. In addition, this procedure has a relatively large number of contraindications. With the identification of obstacles to the use of laser procedures, the process of preparing for fractional tapering should begin.
Contraindications
Let's list the conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of procedures based on laser exposure:
- 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 photo allergy;
- tendency to form keloids;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological system;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute stage;
- taking retinoid-based drugs (after the end of admission, at least six months should elapse before the procedure if pills were taken, and at least two weeks if external agents were used);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- last tan.
After checking the anamnesis and the current state of health, the beautician decides whether the procedure is possible. In some cases it may need to be moved temporarily, e. g. B. with cold or menstruation. In general, fractional laser tapering is a fairly safe procedure, and if done correctly, there are no complications.
Procedure progress
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure. However, this cannot be 100% confirmed. Most patients still feel uncomfortable during and especially after laser rejuvenation.
It is therefore common practice in local anesthesia to start a laser therapy session. An anesthetic is applied to the face to reduce the general sensitivity of the skin. Burning and tingling sensations are acceptable during exposure.
The facial treatment lasts 20 to 40 minutes (the time of the session depends on the size of the exposure zone). At the end of the session, a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient is given recommendations for skin care for the recovery period.
Skin regeneration after the treatment
It is believed that fractional rejuvenation does not require a recovery phase and does not disrupt the usual rhythm of life. In fact, this is not entirely true. In order not to get into an uncomfortable situation, it is better not to take any risks and not try to combine the laser procedure with work or the upcoming holidays. It is advisable to take at least a week of vacation because these days you have to adhere to the rest regime and it is unlikely that you will be able to lead an active life based on appearance. For a few days the face is red and puffy, after a few days it begins to peel off, and only after 7-10 days can we talk about normal appearance.
Healing with ablative Fraxel is particularly uncomfortable: the condition of the face can resemble a burn. Further consequences after the procedure are:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars when the tendency towards them has not been previously identified;
- 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 disrupting the preparatory and rehabilitation process, the likelihood of complications will be reduced to zero.
Do not sunbathe after the fractional laser, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheating and hypothermia.
Results of the fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
In contrast to fractional skin renewal, fractional laser rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure. It doesn't "burn" the layers of the skin, so the effect after one session is unlikely to be overwhelming. As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is carried out in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions. You can then already evaluate the result:
- Tightening and tightening the skin;
- Strengthening the face oval;
- Smoothing of wrinkles;
- Removal of age spots;
- acne smoothing;
- Alignment of the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts for one to ten years, then you can take a second course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation can be easily combined with other procedures: surface renewal, injection techniques during the recovery phase after plastic surgery. The laser irradiation does not have a destructive effect on previously introduced fillers. However, experts believe that it is better to take a full Fraxel course first, and then correct any remaining shortcomings.
Patient ratings are mixed. In addition to the positive recommendations of this procedure, negative statements are often made. For example, many women express such complaints:
- The recovery phase takes much longer than promised by beauticians. As a rule, we're not talking about 4-7 days as beauty salon employees say, but 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients indicate insufficient effectiveness. Many people believe that fractional rejuvenation has puffed their face and made them look older than they did before the procedure. It is also noted that the possibilities of the procedure for smoothing wrinkles are greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to get rid of hyperpigmentation and traces of acne.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser tapering is its cost.
Treatment feedback
Here are some reviews of the fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Check # 1
My mother-in-law's husband and I presented a certificate of fractional rejuvenation for the anniversary. She is a young, active woman, she walked with pleasure. It can be seen that there is a result: the face is fresher, firmer, all possible spots have disappeared, the wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed. I've only done it once but I still want to go, correct the result and ask about the next vacation to give her the same gift.
Check # 2
I didn't like fractional taper. First of all, it hurt. Second, I had to stay home for almost two weeks after the procedure. My face increased several times, everything was red and even wet, as if the ichor was oozing. The result is zero. My main problem is post acne on my cheeks. So everything stayed as it was, it was worth so much suffering, even for your own money.
Check # 3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure. Still, it's expensive and uncomfortable. But after 6 days I saw the result and it's excellent! Gone are the nasolabial folds and all the age spots are gone, which is what made me a lot older than I really am. Now everything suits me, I think that if necessary I will decide to take the course again.
price
The costs for a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure vary considerably depending on the amount of work and the degree of intervention. Payment is usually made for individual areas, for the entire face as a whole, for a face with a neck and décolleté handle. Prices may vary depending on the city.
Most beauticians consider this procedure a worthy alternative to plastic surgery, but it makes sense to do it without waiting for significant skin changes when it is already difficult and expensive to get rid of. If you start fractional rejuvenation between the ages of 35 and 40, you can postpone the need for more radical methods for a long time.