Aging is a natural biological process that affects all tissues of the human body, including those that make up a person's appearance.At the same time, facial tissues are more susceptible to aging than others, as they are constantly under the influence of environmental factors, chewing, facial and speech functions.Since the face is a kind of "business card" of a person, the issue of preserving and restoring young facial skin is especially important and relevant.Among the many methods and techniques used today to solve this problem, laser facial rejuvenation deserves special attention.
The essence of this method is the fractional effect of a laser beam on the skin.The laser flow is divided into many very thin rays that hit microscopic areas of the skin located at a strictly specified depth and cause them to evaporate.Intact cells located between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin, the two main "building materials", which are formed less and less in the human body with age.After this procedure, the skin color improves, small and medium wrinkles are corrected, bags under the eyes are removed and the oval of the face is tightened.At the same time, the rehabilitation period is reduced to a minimum.Fractional laser rejuvenation can be used not only as an independent method, but also to improve the results of plastic surgery or laser skin resurfacing.
Lasers used for fractional laser rejuvenation
For the first time in the world, in 2004 the American company Palomar Medical Technologies obtained a patent on the principle of fractional laser exposure.Currently, fractional laser systems are represented by numerous laser technology companies.The most used laser systems are those of the manufacturers Palomar and Fraxel, the Affirm laser from the famous American company Cynosure, the GentleYAG laser from Candela and others.Since all these installations have a common principle of operation, the result of the procedure is largely determined by the professionalism of the specialist carrying out the procedure.
Contraindications to the laser rejuvenation procedure
Absolute contraindications to the procedure are:
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Foci of the inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatosis.
- Foci of herpetic infection in the affected area.
- Chemical peeling of the treatment area performed less than two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Systemic diseases of the blood, immune system, connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in decompensation phase.
- Severe forms of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the area of the procedure.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Cases of vitiligo in the family.
Relative contraindications include active sun exposure in the last three weeks before the procedure, i.e. the presence of a fresh tan, as well as superficial and medium peels performed in the area to be treated less than three weeks before the procedure.
Advantages of the fractional laser rejuvenation method
Thanks to the targeted effect, damage to the skin is minimal, so all traces after the procedure disappear within 3-4 days.
The method allows you to treat large areas of the skin in one procedure, preserving and activating the regenerative resource of the skin, which ensures rapid rehabilitation and a long-term increase in the positive effect.
The procedure does not require anesthesia and can be performed on the neck, décolleté and eye area.
Side effects are rare.Possible complications include the temporary appearance of red-purple spots in the treatment area, mild and rapid itching, activation of herpes infection, changes in the structure of the skin, including burns, peeling and crusting.Scarring, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin in the area of the procedure is extremely rare, but can be permanent.
What is a full course of laser rejuvenation procedures?
A fractional laser treatment session lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area treated.Repeated procedures are performed after 3-4 weeks.In total 3-4 sessions are usually necessary.The maximum positive effect occurs within three months of the last procedure.It is recommended to carry out maintenance sessions once every 10-14 months.
What to do after the laser facial rejuvenation procedure
The slight burning sensation that may be felt after the operation disappears within 1-2 hours, while the redness and slight swelling may persist for 1-3 days.During this period, you should use external products (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol, for example Bepanten, Panthenol, D-Panthenol.After the disappearance of the listed symptoms and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
You can shower and wash your face on the day of the procedure, but it is better to wait with sauna and swimming pool.Foundation cosmetics can be used one day after the procedure.
It is mandatory to use sunscreens with a protection factor of at least 30, since at this moment the skin's metabolism is activated and it becomes particularly sensitive to sun rays.
After the procedure, you must follow the recommendations of the specialist who performed the procedure.The choice of cosmetic preparations, the frequency and duration of their use are determined individually and depend on the type of skin and its characteristics.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure during which the skin is exposed to a series of laser microbeams.The purpose of this influence is to activate regeneration processes and collagenogenesis.This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique.It is otherwise called Fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing or photothermolysis.
The principle of operation and types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does fractional laser work?The microrays emitted by the device cause a thermal shock, in response to which “sluggish” skin cells begin to function more actively.To repair the damaged area, they divide faster.Old, ineffective cells die, making way for young ones.Heating of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by partial denaturation of proteins, as well as the formation of new components of the extracellular matrix, including elastin and collagen.
Based on the depth of the impact, ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation is distinguished.The first is superficial and resembles sanding.Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by evaporation of moisture and damage to the epidermis.After healing, the skin becomes more toned, its texture and color are uniformed.During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser targets the deep layers of the skin.In this case, no open wounds are formed.
Each type of rejuvenation has its own advantages and minutes.Therefore, the effect of ablative laser resurfacing is noticeable after the first procedure.Using this method it is possible to eliminate deep wrinkles and age spots, post-acne, stretch marks, scars.With a non-ablative procedure there is no risk of infection and the anti-aging effect is evident for several years.This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40, who show the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced firmness.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
You should resort to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Flaccidity, sagging skin.
- Both fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores, prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Spider veins (rosacea).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications to fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergy, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of intended treatment.
- Any chronic diseases in the decompensation phase.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser rejuvenation
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure involves avoiding visiting the solarium and the beach for two weeks.During this time, you should also not cleanse your skin, do chemical peels, or take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines.Three days before the procedure, stop going to the swimming pool, bathhouse, sauna and treat the intended exposure area with alcohol-containing cosmetics.In order to prevent complications, the cosmetologist can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period.The day before the procedure should be spent without alcohol and cigarettes and refrain from going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities.In general, the effect of the laser is felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be necessary.In this case, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area.After the ointment has taken effect, start treating the skin with a laser.The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the area to be treated and varies from a few minutes to an hour.Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
For the first few days following the operation, you should not use alcohol-based products or compress the areas of the body where photothermolysis was carried out with compression clothing.It is recommended to exclude physical activity, visit a swimming pool, sauna or bathhouse for a week and limit the time spent outdoors.The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day.And so for half a month.It is undesirable to perform peelings or use cosmetics with retinol or salicylic acid.You must use a cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or higher for two months.
How many procedures are necessary to obtain results?What effect should you expect?
The rehabilitation period after fractional laser rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days.The speed of recovery largely depends on lifestyle.Drinking alcohol, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all this can slow down the regeneration processes.
The first three days after laser exposure, skin redness and slight swelling may be observed.Pain relievers and skin cooling can help reduce the feeling of discomfort.It is normal for your skin to feel tight and flaky during the week.A side effect of the procedure may be a bronze tan, which disappears on its own after half a month.
A lasting result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures.Only a cosmetologist can determine the number of sessions more specifically, based on the initial data.The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks.As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging process is inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, firmness increases, the appearance of pores decreases and the complexion improves.This method is an effective remedy in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne and stretch marks.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures.Its advantages include effectiveness, short healing period and physiology.The result is visible after the first procedure and lasts up to three years.The method has a wide range of indications.You can choose the exposure depth of the laser.
A woman of any age wants to see beautiful facial skin in the mirror, but not everyone is ready to go under the knife of a plastic surgeon.
In this case, fractional rejuvenation using laser will come to the rescue, which in modern cosmetology occupies one of the first places in anti-aging procedures.
Types and methods of influence
Ablative photothermolysis
There are two methods of photothermolysis, each suitable for different applications.A cosmetologist will help you make the right choice in favor of the optimal option at your first appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to undergo natural aging.
A network of microdamage with the help of the laser affects exclusively the upper layers of the epidermis, forcing it to regenerate in a short time.
The result appears after the first procedure, as soon as the wounds heal.
Non-ablative photothermolysis
This method is a slightly more serious intervention.The laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis, ignoring the external cells.
The lesions also promote the production of elastin and collagen, as in ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process lasts longer and the effect is more pronounced.Suitable for removing serious facial problems.
Directions
Anyone who wants to look younger without major improvements can resort to this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many facial blemishes, including:
- severe wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- a wisp of crow's feet around the eyes;
- epidermis that “flows” downwards;
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, varicose veins;
- problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy shows high effectiveness in eliminating all these problems.
The only caveat is that, depending on the severity of the blemish, different procedures may be necessary.
Contraindications
Like any other external effect on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation has its contraindications, in the presence of which it is prohibited to resort to such a procedure.
This can include:
- the presence of severe inflammation on the face;
- infectious and fungal skin lesions;
- diseases of the epidermis - psoriasis, eczema;
- excessively dry skin;
- malignant neoplasms in the body;
- history of epilepsy;
- heart disease;
- varicose veins on the face;
- herpes in the acute phase;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- immunodeficiency states;
- bronchial asthma, severe allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the cosmetologist evaluates all the patient's risks.
Sometimes you should first undergo treatment for skin problems or wait for remission of chronic diseases, after which rejuvenation is still carried out.
Preparation
Since the procedure is not surgery, no extensive preparation is necessary.Initially, you should consult a cosmetologist who will evaluate the condition of the skin and also give advice on the necessary photorejuvenation method.
The patient is obliged to report to the doctor all conditions and diseases present in the medical history, as well as exacerbations of chronic diseases in the last six months.
If there are any, the specialist will advise you to visit specialized doctors to evaluate the safety of the procedure.
You should also do a blood and urine test to identify or exclude inflammatory processes in the body.The date of the first visit is then set.
Carry out
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation in the facial area is carried out on an outpatient basis, that is, the patient comes, is treated and then goes home.
First, the cosmetologist will apply an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the epidermis.
The procedure, in fact, is not excessively painful, so sometimes the therapy is carried out without this phase.
You should be aware that the use of local anesthetics subsequently slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin.
Then the patient lies on the sofa, and the specialist adjusts the penetration depth of the laser beam using a special device.The device is aimed at certain areas of the epidermis, deep into which the laser penetrates.
The manipulations last from half an hour or more, depending on the area to be treated with the device.During the procedure, the patient may feel a slight tingling and an unpleasant odor.
Immediately after the session, a network of red dots is visible on the face, the skin is red and slightly swollen, so it is better to take care of the mode of returning home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional rejuvenation does not exclude complications.In some cases they are normal and disappear within a few days.
Others develop due to the inexperience of the cosmetologist or the lack of proper facial care during the rehabilitation period.
What is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of laser beam exposure;
- the damage does not heal in two weeks;
- pigmentation and scarring appeared.
Mild redness, peeling and itching are a completely predictable condition for any type of epidermis.
Such consequences disappear on their own within 1-2 weeks, leaving no visual imperfections.
Rehabilitation
The outcome of the procedure is strongly influenced by the patient's behavior.He must carefully monitor the skin, protect it from aggressive environmental influences and not apply decorative cosmetics during healing.
General recommendations:
- For the first three days, the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol-based ointment,it will promote rapid healing of microdamages.After that, it is recommended to use a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, recommended by the cosmetologist.
- Washing is not prohibited.For 2 weeks the epidermis should not be exposed to strong heat, so it is better to refrain from baths and saunas and not take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go out without sunscreen,Also, it is better to choose 50 protection. If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will appear.The cosmetic product must be applied until completely healed, even if it is winter outside.
After a couple of weeks, it is recommended to visit the specialist who performed fractional laser rejuvenation again.He must evaluate the condition of the facial skin and exclude complications.
Forecast
The result can be noticed immediately after healing, if the imperfections were not very pronounced.Deep wrinkles or scars need to be removed through several procedures.
Visually the skin is smoother, has a natural complexion, the face is firmed and visibly blooms again in 99% of cases.
1% is due to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of qualifications of the doctor.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are fascinated by this method due to its significant advantages which are worth noting.By choosing photothermolysis, a person receives the following:
- low cost with high efficiency;
- painless;
- the effect of even a single procedure;
- non-invasive;
- no strong side effects.
In addition, the effect of the laser simultaneously solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis, which is good news.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong clinic for rejuvenation or do not strictly follow the recommendations of the cosmetologist, you can develop huge pigment spots on half of the face, which will not be easy to remove.
In addition, laser treatment lasts a long time, during which the patient feels an unpleasant smell of damaged skin, which not everyone can tolerate.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result of a procedure for deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
Review of opinions
Fractional rejuvenation is gaining more and more popularity in cosmetology.Every year more and more women choose the laser instead of the surgical scalpel.