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 sensitive to aging than others because 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 protecting and restoring young facial skin is especially important and relevant.Among the many methods and methods used today to solve this problem, laser facial rejuvenation deserves special attention.
The essence of this method is the fractional effect of the laser beam on the skin.The laser beam is divided into very thin beams that affect and vaporize microscopic areas of the skin located at a strictly defined depth.Intact cells located between these areas stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin - the two main "building materials" in the human body that are formed less and less with age.After this procedure, the color of the skin improves, small and medium wrinkles are corrected, bags under the eyes are removed, and the oval part of the face is tightened.At the same time, the rehabilitation period is minimized.Fractional laser rejuvenation can be used not only as an independent method, but also to improve the results of plastic surgery or laser skin rejuvenation.
Lasers used for fractional laser rejuvenation
For the first time in the world, in 2004, the American company Palomar Medical Technologies received a patent on the principle of fractional laser exposure.Currently, fractional laser systems are represented by a number of laser technology companies.The most commonly used laser systems are manufacturers Palomar and Fraxel, Affirm laser from the famous American company Cynosure, GentleYAG laser from Candela and others.Since all these devices have a common working principle, the result of the procedure is mainly determined by the professionalism of the specialist who performs the procedure.
Contraindications to the laser rejuvenation procedure
Absolute contraindications for the procedure:
- Pregnancy, lactation.
- Foci of the inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatoses.
- Foci of herpetic infection in the affected area.
- Chemical peeling of the intended treatment area is carried out two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Systemic diseases of blood, immune system, connective tissue.
- Diabetes mellitus in the decompensation stage.
- Severe forms of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the procedure area.
- Tendency to the formation of keloid scars.
- Family history of vitiligo.
Relative contraindications include active insolation during the last three weeks before the procedure, i.e. the presence of fresh tan, as well as superficial and medium peels performed in the treatment area less than three weeks after the procedure.
Advantages of the fractional laser rejuvenation method
Due to the targeted effect, skin damage is minimal, so after the procedure, all traces disappear within 3-4 days.
The method allows to treat large areas of the skin in one procedure by protecting and activating the regenerative resource of the skin, which enables rapid rehabilitation and long-term increase of 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, small and quick itching, activation of herpes infection, changes in skin texture, including burns, crusts and crusts.Scarring, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation of the skin in the procedure area are extremely rare, but may be permanent.
What is the full course of laser rejuvenation procedures?
One session of fractional laser treatment lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area of the treated area.Repeated procedures are carried out after 3-4 weeks.In total, 3-4 sessions are usually required.The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure.Maintenance sessions are recommended once every 10-14 months.
What to do after the laser facial rejuvenation procedure
The slight burning sensation that may be felt after the procedure disappears within 1-2 hours, and the redness and slight swelling may last 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 listed symptoms disappear and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
On the day of the procedure, you can shower and wash your face, but it is better to wait in the sauna and pool.Tonal cosmetics can be used one day after the procedure.
It is mandatory to use sun protection products with at least 30 protection factor, because at this time the metabolism of the skin is activated and it becomes especially sensitive to the sun's rays.
After the procedure, you should follow the recommendations of the specialist who performed the procedure.The choice of cosmetic preparations, the frequency and duration of their use is determined individually and depends on the type of skin and its characteristics.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure in which the skin is exposed to a laser array of microwaves.The purpose of this effect 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.
Working principle and types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does a fractional laser work?The micro-rays emitted by the device cause a heat shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells begin to work more actively.They divide faster to repair the damaged area.Inefficient old cells die and are replaced by young ones.Warming 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.
Ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation are distinguished according to the depth of the lesion.The first is superficial and looks like sandpaper.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 become even.During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deep layers of the skin.In this case, open wounds are not formed.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and disadvantages.So, after the first procedure, the effect of renewal with ablative laser is noticeable.Using this method, you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, after acne, stretch marks, and scars.With a non-ablative procedure, there is no risk of infection and the anti-aging effect is noticeable within several years.This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under the age of 40 who have the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, decreased turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
You should apply for the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Pallor, sagging skin.
- Both fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores are prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Spider veins (rosacea).
- Pale skin.
Contraindications to fractional laser rejuvenation are as follows:
- Allergy, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the intended treatment area.
- Any chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation.
- Oncology.
- Increase in body temperature.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Tendency to the formation of keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser rejuvenation
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure consists of not going to the solarium and the beach for two weeks.You should also not exfoliate your skin, do chemical peels, or take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines during this time.Three days before the procedure, stop going to the pool, bath, sauna and treat the intended exposure area with alcohol-containing cosmetics.To prevent complications, the cosmetologist can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period.The day before the procedure, he should spend without alcohol and smoking, avoid going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleaned of cosmetics and impurities.In general, the effect of the laser is felt as a pleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes a pain reliever may be required.In this case, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic to the prepared area of the skin.After the ointment takes effect, it begins to treat the skin with a laser.The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the treatment area and is from a few minutes to an hour.Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
In the first days after the procedure, you should not use alcohol-based products and do not compress the areas of the body that underwent photothermolysis with compression garments.For a week, it is recommended to exclude physical activity, visit the pool, sauna or bath and limit the time spent outside.The skin is moisturized three times a day with a special cream.And so, half a month.It is undesirable to peel or use cosmetics with retinol or salicylic acid.You must use a sun protection factor of 35 or more for two months.
How many procedures are needed to get a result?What effect to expect?
After laser fractional rejuvenation, the rehabilitation period lasts from 3 to 7 days.The speed of recovery depends mainly on the lifestyle.Drinking alcohol, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, lack of sleep and anxiety - all these can slow down regeneration processes.
Redness and slight swelling of the skin may be observed in the first three days after laser exposure.Pain relievers and cooling the skin can help reduce discomfort.It is normal for the skin to feel tight and flaky during the week.A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan that disappears by itself after half a month.
After fractional photothermolysis, the permanent result occurs after 2-5 procedures.Only a cosmetologist can more accurately determine the number of sessions based on preliminary data.Intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks.As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging process is slowed down: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, the appearance of pores decreases, and complexion improves.This method is effective in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne and stretch marks.
Laser fractional rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures.Its advantages include efficiency, short recovery time and physiology.The result is visible after the first procedure and lasts up to three years.The method has a wide range of indicators.It is possible to choose the depth of laser exposure.
A woman of any age wants to see beautiful facial skin in the mirror, but not everyone is ready to go under the plastic surgeon's knife.
In this case, fractional rejuvenation with the use of a laser, which occupies one of the first places in anti-aging procedures in modern cosmetology, will help.
Types and methods of influence
Ablative photothermolysis
There are two methods of photothermolysis, each suitable for different applications.The beautician 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 started to age naturally.
With the help of the laser, the network of microdamages affects only the upper layers of the epidermis, forcing it to regenerate in a short time.
The result is visible after the first procedure, after the wounds have healed.
Non-ablative photothermolysis
This method is a slightly more serious intervention.The laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis, ignoring the outer cells.
The lesions also promote the production of elastin and collagen, as in ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process takes longer and the effect is more pronounced.It is suitable for eliminating serious problems on the face.
Indications
Anyone who wants to look younger without major lifts can turn to this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many facial imperfections, including:
- severe wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- thread of crow's feet around the eye;
- "flowing" down the epidermis;
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- enlarged pores, acne problem.
Laser therapy is highly effective in eliminating all these problems.
The only caveat is that depending on the severity of the defect, several procedures may be required.
Contraindications
Like any other external effect on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation has contraindications, in the presence of which it is forbidden to resort to such a procedure.
This may include:
- the presence of severe inflammation on the face;
- infectious, fungal skin lesions;
- diseases of the epidermis - psoriasis, eczema;
- extremely dry skin;
- malignant neoplasms in the body;
- history of epilepsy;
- heart disease;
- varicose veins on the face;
- acute stage herpes;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- immunodeficiency states;
- bronchial asthma, severe allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the cosmetologist bears all the risks of the patient.
Sometimes you have to first get treatment for skin problems or wait for the remission of chronic diseases, after which rejuvenation is still carried out.
Preparation
As the intervention is not a surgical operation, extensive preparation is not required.First, you should consult a cosmetologist who will assess the condition of the skin and also give recommendations on the necessary photorejuvenation method.
The patient must inform the doctor about all the conditions and diseases in the medical history, as well as the exacerbation of chronic diseases in the last six months.
If there is, the specialist advises to consult specialized doctors to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also conduct a blood and urine test to identify or exclude inflammatory processes in the body.Then the date of the first visit is set.
is carried out
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation in the facial area is performed on an outpatient basis, that is, the patient comes, is treated, and then goes home.
First, the beautician will apply an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not too painful, so sometimes the therapy is carried out without this stage.
You should know that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin.
Then the patient lies on the couch 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 where the laser penetrates deeply.
Manipulations last half an hour or more, depending on how many areas need to be treated with the device.During the procedure, the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation, as well as an unpleasant smell.
Immediately after the session, a network of red dots appears on the face, the skin is red and slightly swollen, so it is better to pay attention to the method 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 exposure to the laser beam;
- the injury does not heal within two weeks;
- pigmentation and scars appeared.
Mild redness, peeling and itching is a completely predictable condition for any type of epidermis.
Such results disappear by themselves within 1-2 weeks and do not leave any visual defects.
Rehabilitation
The result of the procedure is greatly influenced by the behavior of the patient himself.He should carefully monitor the skin, protect it from aggressive environmental influences and not apply decorative cosmetics during recovery.
General recommendations:
- In the first three days, the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol-based ointment,will help to heal microdamages quickly.Afterwards, it is recommended to use a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid recommended by a cosmetologist.
- Washing is not prohibited.Within 2 weeks, the epidermis should not be exposed to strong heat, so it is better to refuse baths and saunas, not to take a hot bath.
- You shouldn't go out without sunscreen.Moreover, it is better to choose protection from 50.If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will appear.The cosmetic product should be applied until it is completely cured, even if it is winter outside.
After a few weeks, it is recommended to re-apply to a fractional laser rejuvenator.He should assess the condition of the skin on his face and rule out complications.
Forecast
If the defects are not too obvious, the result can be felt immediately after healing.Deep wrinkles or scars should be removed with several procedures.
Visually, the skin has a smoother, natural color, the face is tightened, and in 99% of cases, it visibly blooms.
One percent is allocated to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of doctor's qualifications.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are fascinated by this method due to its significant advantages that deserve attention.By choosing photothermolysis, one gets the following:
- low price with high efficiency;
- painlessness;
- the effect of even one procedure;
- non-invasive;
- absence of strong side effects.
In addition, the effect of the laser solves several problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis at once, which is good news.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong clinic for rejuvenation or do not strictly follow the recommendations of a cosmetologist, huge pigment spots may appear on half of your face, which will not be easy to remove.
In addition, laser treatment lasts for quite a long time, during which the patient experiences 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 reviews
Fractional rejuvenation is becoming more and more popular in cosmetology.Every year, more women choose the laser instead of the surgical scalpel.