Skin aging starts at the age of 25 and at first this process remains unnoticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, gaps appear, pores expand and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, there comes a time when changes become noticeable and then it becomes difficult to deal with them with conventional cosmetic means.And pigmentation disorders and skin thinning cannot be corrected at all by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technology does not leave us alone with the problems of disappearance.To restore youthful skin, it is not enough to eliminate existing defects and signs of aging;It should be stimulated and cell renewal processes should 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, 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 - exposure to 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 face lifting.
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 of which skin renewal becomes more and more ineffective and practically stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of its cells helps restore the skin's natural rejuvenation potential.
Under the influence of the light beam and the thermal shock generated in the skin, the tissues are intensively cleaned of already dead cells and those whose ability to further grow and develop has been lost.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from such an effect: they multiply actively, replace useless 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 laser beam size, which is less than 200 microns in diameter: it is this thin laser that helps to replace old tissue with young and healthy tissue.
The second characteristic of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect is produced not by one beam, but by a whole mass of microbeams, in which the light flux is divided, which creates a grid effect.Thus, the irradiation is neither point nor continuous pulse.It is located according to a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of which there are tissues that have experienced a strong thermal shock, and around them there are healthy cells from the laser beam.The result of this treatment is the active regeneration of the skin: 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 features: depth of laser penetration, treatment intensity, mechanism of skin stimulation and final effect.
Ablative technology includes a surface effect on epidermal cells through their vaporization.Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the contrary, does not affect 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 irradiated cells do not evaporate, but form columns of coagulated tissue.
In both cases, the laser treatment is performed in limited areas, around which the locations of the so-called cellular programming zones - healthy cells that have a great potential for regeneration due to heat shock - are preserved.A short temperature increase in the tissues leads to 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: superficial wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of ablation, micro areas evaporate from the surface of the skin, which during regeneration are covered with new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.Thus, the face skin as a whole is lifted (hardened), as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problems of a person with obvious signs of disappearance, such a superficial effect will not be enough.Aging skin needs to 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 for rejuvenation, both from the inside and from the outside, so after one procedure, a noticeable improvement in the condition of the face will be noticeable, and the activated renewal of the tissue will keep the face in "shape" for a long time.
Fractional laser rejuvenation 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, for which you must have medical education, training and experience.
In the wrong hands, a laser can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable results;Moreover, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications.The process of preparation for fractional rejuvenation should begin by identifying the obstacles associated with the use of laser procedures.
Contraindications
We list the conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser-based procedures:
- the presence of any cancerous formations in the body in the present or in the past;
- Skin diseases in the treatment area: dermatitis, dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (abrasions, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloids;
- chronic diseases of endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute stage;
- taking retinoid-based medications (after the end of the treatment, at least six months should pass before the procedure in the case of taking tablets, and at least 2 weeks in the case of using external agents);
- 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 is necessary to postpone it temporarily, for example, during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and does not cause any complications if performed correctly.
the course 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.Burning and stinging are allowed during exposure to impulses.
The facial treatment takes 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 on facial skin 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 disturb the usual rhythm of life.Actually, this is not entirely true.To avoid getting into an embarrassing situation, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine the laser procedure with work or upcoming holidays.It is advisable to rest for at least a week, because 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.
Ablative Fraxel healing can be particularly unpleasant: it makes the face look like a burn.Other results after the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars, if the tendency to them was not detected earlier;
- Introduction of infection into microincisions.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all fractional rejuvenation cases.If the procedure itself is carried out correctly, without violating the preparation and rehabilitation process, the probability of complications is reduced to zero.
After the fractional laser, you should not bathe, do not allow the skin to rub, use aggressive cosmetics, overheat or get cold.
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 is unlikely to be stunning.As a rule, fractional rejuvenation takes place in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, and then you can evaluate the result:
- Stretching and stretching of the skin;
- strengthening of the face oval;
- straightening wrinkles;
- elimination of pigment spots;
- further smoothing of acne;
- will even out the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one 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 irradiation does not have a destructive effect on previously introduced fillers, but experts believe that it is better to do a full course of Fraxel first and then start correcting the remaining defects.
As for patient reviews, they are mixed.Along with positive recommendations for this procedure, there are often negative statements as well.So, many women express the following complaints:
- The recovery period takes much longer than beauticians promise.As a rule, it is not about 4-7 days, as the beauty salon employees say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of patients indicate insufficient efficacy.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation plumps up their face, making them look older than before the procedure.It is also noted that the ability of the procedure to correct 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 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 Fractional Rejuvenation Certificate for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman and she left with pleasure.It is clear that there is a result: the face is renewed, tightened, all kinds of spots disappear, wrinkles around the eyes are visibly smoothed.He only did it once, but he wants to go again to confirm the result and asked for the same gift at the next holiday.
Review #2
I didn't like fractional rejuvenation.First of all, it hurt.Second, after the procedure, I had to stay away from home for almost 2 weeks.My face grew several times, it was even red and wet, as if ichor was oozing.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 money.
Review #3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure.Still a bit expensive and unpleasant.But after 6 days I saw the result and it's great!The nasolabial folds are gone and all the age spots are gone, making me look much older than I really am.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think, if necessary, I will decide to take the course again.
the price
As for the cost of one fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies significantly depending on the volume of work and the degree of intervention.Payment is usually made on individual areas, including the entire face, neck and décolleté.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 fractional rejuvenation at the age of 35-40, it will allow you to postpone the need to use more radical methods for a long time.