Skin aging begins at the age of 25 and, at first, this process goes unnoticed.During this time, the skin gradually loses elasticity, its structure changes, becomes looser, pores expand and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later there comes a time when the changes become visible, and then it becomes difficult to cope with them with the usual cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and thinning of the skin cannot be corrected at all by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technologies don't leave us alone with fading problems.To regain youthful skin, it is not enough to simply eliminate existing defects and signs of aging;it must be stimulated and launch the cellular renewal processes.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also real facial rejuvenation.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, which has been used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve these problems.
This technology is based on the method of fractional photothermolysis - exposure to a laser beam of a certain length, divided into several light fluxes (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 develop as actively, so that 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 a light beam and the thermal shock that it produces in the skin, intensive cleaning of tissues occurs, of already dead cells and those whose ability to grow and develop has been lost.At the same time, young and healthy cells benefit from only such an effect: they actively multiply, replacing used cells and restoring the “spoiled” skin renewal mechanism.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on facial skin.The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most efficient laser beam size, with a diameter of less than 200 microns: it is this fine laser that contributes most to the replacement of old tissue with young, healthy tissue.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect occurs not with a single beam, but with a whole mass of micro-rays, into which the light flux is divided, creating a grid effect.Thus, irradiation occurs neither punctually nor in the form of a continuous pulse.It is located according to a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small zones, in the center of each of which there are tissues that have undergone powerful thermal shock, and around them there are healthy cells not affected by the laser beam.The result of this treatment is active skin regeneration: exfoliation of damaged cells and growth of young 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 superficial effect on epidermal cells through their evaporation.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, laser treatment takes place in limited areas, around which locations with so-called cellular programming zones are preserved - healthy cells that have great potential for regeneration, triggered by thermal shock.A short-term increase in temperature in the tissues causes the activation of all metabolic processes, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
Fraxel Ablative gives a rapid effect and is more suitable for eliminating the first signs of aging: superficial wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of ablation, micro-zones 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, lifting (tightening) of the facial skin as a whole occurs, as well as destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problems of a person with obvious signs of fading, 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 dermal structure are located.This result is ensured by non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods.The effect will then be even more stunning: the skin will receive a double impulse of rejuvenation, both from the inside and from the outside, so a visible improvement in the condition of the face will be noticeable after an intervention, and the activated tissue renewal 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, to work with which you must 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;in addition, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications.It is by identifying the obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the process of preparing for fractional rejuvenation should begin.
Contraindications
We list conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser procedures:
- the presence of any tumor formations in the body in the present and past;
- skin diseases in the area to be treated: dermatitis, dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (abrasions, scratches);
- history of photoallergy;
- tendency to form keloids;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular and hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- low immunity;
- acute or chronic herpes in the acute stage;
- take medications based on retinoids (after the end of treatment, at least six months should pass before the procedure if tablets were taken, and at least 2 weeks if external agents were used);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recent tan
After studying the medical history and current state of health, the beautician decides on the possibility of carrying out the procedure.In some cases it must be temporarily postponed, for example in case of cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if done correctly, does not pose any complications.
Progress of the procedure
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be stated 100%.Most patients still experience discomfort during and especially after laser rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is usually used to start a laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce the overall sensitivity of the skin.When exposed to legumes, burning and stinging are acceptable.
The facial treatment lasts 20-40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the treatment area) and once completed, a special protective cream is applied to the skin and the patient is given recommendations for 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 disrupt the usual rhythm of life.Actually, that's not entirely true.To avoid getting into an awkward situation, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine laser intervention with work or the upcoming vacation.It is advisable to take at least a week off, because on these days you need to follow a rest regime and your appearance is unlikely to allow you to lead an active lifestyle.The face will be red and swollen for several days, after a few days it will start 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 scars and scars, if the tendency to them has not been previously identified;
- introduction of infection into microwounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all cases of fractional rejuvenation.If the procedure itself is performed correctly, without disrupting the preparation and rehabilitation process, the risk of complications is reduced to zero.
After fractional laser, you should not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, use aggressive cosmetics, overheat or overcool.
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 breathtaking.As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is done in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, then you can evaluate the result:
- tightening and firming of the skin;
- strengthen the oval of the face;
- smooth wrinkles;
- removal of pigment spots;
- post-acne smoothing;
- unify 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 interventions: 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 first carry out comprehensive treatment with Fraxel, and then proceed to correct the remaining defects.
As for patient reviews, they are mixed.Along with positive recommendations for this procedure, negative statements are also often found.Thus, many women express the following complaints:
- The recovery period takes much longer than cosmetologists promise.As a rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as beauty salon employees say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of patients indicate insufficient effectiveness.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation has left their face puffy, making them look older than before the procedure.It should also be noted that the procedure's ability to smooth wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main goal is to remove hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Comments on the procedure
Here are some reviews of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review #1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a split rejuvenation certificate for our anniversary.She is a young and active woman, and she went there with pleasure.It is clear that there is a result: the face is refreshed, tightened, all kinds of imperfections have disappeared, wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed.She has only done it once, but she wants to go back to consolidate the result and has asked for the same gift for the next vacation.
Review #2
I didn't like fractional rejuvenation.First of all, I was in pain.Second, after the procedure, I was forced not to leave the house for almost 2 weeks.My face had swollen several times, it was all red and even 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 own money.
Review #3
I only had enough for one Fraxel procedure.It's still a bit expensive and unpleasant.But after 6 days I saw the result, and it is excellent!The nasolabial folds are gone and all the age spots are gone, and that's exactly what made me look much older than I actually am.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think that if necessary 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 set for individual areas, for the entire face, for the face including the neck and décolleté.Prices may vary depending on the city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure an interesting alternative to plastic surgery, but it makes sense to carry it out without waiting for significant skin changes, when their elimination is already difficult and expensive.If you start practicing fractional rejuvenation from the age of 35-40, this will allow you to postpone the need to use more radical methods for a long time.