Skin aging begins at the age of 25 and at first this process goes unnoticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, loosens, pores enlarge and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, there comes a point when the changes become visible and then it becomes difficult to cope with them with ordinary 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 fading problems.To restore youthful skin, it is not enough to simply eliminate existing blemishes and signs of aging;it must be stimulated and cell renewal processes start 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, used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve such issues.
This technology is based on the method of fractional photothermolysis - exposure to a laser beam of a certain length, divided into several streams of light (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 is what causes skin aging: cells are no longer recycled as quickly, new ones do not grow as actively, as a result, skin renewal occurs more and more ineffectively and practically stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of its cells helps to restore the skin's potential for natural renewal.
Under the influence of a light beam and the heat shock it produces on the skin, the tissue is intensively cleaned of already dead cells and those that have lost the ability to grow and develop further.At the same time, new and healthy cells only benefit from such an effect: they multiply actively, replacing used cells and restoring the renewal mechanism of "broken" skin.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on facial skin.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 more to the replacement of old tissues with new and healthy ones.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect does not occur with one beam, but with a whole mass of microbeams into which the light flux is divided, creating a network effect.Thus, the radiation occurs neither in the direction of the point nor as a continuous pulse.It is arranged according to 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 treatment is active skin regeneration: the 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 laser treatment methods differ from each other in many characteristics: laser penetration depth, treatment intensity, 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 touch the upper 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 takes place in limited areas, around which locations with so-called cellular programming zones are preserved - healthy cells that have a great potential for regeneration, which is caused 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 eliminating the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of 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 is how the lifting (tightening) of the facial skin occurs as a whole, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problems of a person with visible 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 skin's framework are located.This result is provided by non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids the combination of these two methods.Then the effect will be even more amazing: the skin will receive a double impulse to renew itself, both internally and externally, so a significant improvement in the condition of the face will be visible after one procedure, and activated tissue renewal will keep the face "in shape" for a long time.
Fractional laser resurfacing 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 need to have a medical education, undergo training and gain relevant experience.
In the wrong hands, a laser can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable consequences;Moreover, this procedure has quite a large number of contraindications.It is by identifying the obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the process of preparation for fractional rejuvenation should begin.
Contraindications
We list those conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser-based procedures:
- the presence of any tumor formation in the body in the present and past;
- skin diseases in the treatment area: dermatitis, dermatosis, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (scratches, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloid;
- chronic diseases of endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute phase;
- taking medications based on retinoids (after the end of treatment, at least six months must pass before the procedure if tablets are taken and at least 2 weeks if external agents are used);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- the last tan
After studying the medical history and the current state of health, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of performing the procedure.In some cases, it should be postponed temporarily, for example, during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser resurfacing is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed correctly, does not present any complications.
The 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 resurfacing.
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 sensations are acceptable.
The facial treatment lasts 20-40 minutes (session time depends on the size of the treatment area) and 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.In fact, this is not entirely true.In order not to get into a difficult situation, it is better not to take risks and not to try to combine a laser procedure with work or upcoming holidays.It is advisable to take at least a week off, because on 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 we can talk about a normal appearance.
Healing 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 wounds and sores, if the tendency to them was not previously identified;
- the introduction of infection into the microwound.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all fractional rejuvenation cases.If the procedure itself is performed correctly, without harming the preparation and rehabilitation process, the likelihood of complications is reduced to zero.
After the fractional laser, you should not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheat or get cold.
Results of fractional laser facial skin resurfacing
Fractional laser resurfacing, 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 amazing.As a rule, partial rejuvenation is done in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, and then you can evaluate the result:
- tightening and tightening of the skin;
- strengthening the oval of the face;
- softening of wrinkles;
- elimination of pigment spots;
- alleviation of post-acne acne;
- even out the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one year to 10 years, then you can repeat the course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation also 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 inserted fillers, but experts believe that it is better to first complete a full course of Fraxel, and then start correcting the remaining deficiencies.
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 lasts 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 patients show insufficient effectiveness.Many people find that partial resurfacing leaves their face puffy, making them look older than before the procedure.It is also noted that the ability of the procedure to soften wrinkles is greatly exaggerated and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser resurfacing is its cost.
Reviews about the procedure
Here are some reviews about fractional laser facial skin resurfacing:
Review #1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a fractional renewal certificate for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman and has gone with pleasure.It is clear that there is a result: the face is refreshed, tightened, all kinds of spots have disappeared, the wrinkles around the eyes have visibly softened.She has only done it once, but she wants to go again to consolidate the result and asked for the same gift for the next party.
Review #2
I didn't like the partial renewal.First of all, I was in pain.Second, after the procedure I was forced to stay home for almost 2 weeks.My face had grown several times in size, it was 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, but also for my money.
Review #3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure.Still a bit expensive and uncomfortable.But after 6 days I saw the result and it's great!The nasolabial folds disappeared and all the age spots disappeared, and that's exactly what made me look much older than I really am.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think that if the need arises I will decide to take the course again.
PRICE
As for the cost of a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies significantly depending on the amount of work and the degree of intervention.Payment is usually made for specific 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, 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 fractional rejuvenation from the age of 35-40, this will allow you to postpone for a long time the need to use more radical methods.