Skin aging begins at age 25 and, at first, this process goes unnoticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, it becomes more flaccid, the pores dilate and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, there comes a time when the changes become visible and it becomes difficult to combat them with usual cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and skin thinning cannot be corrected by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technologies do not leave us alone with the problems of fading.To restore youth to your skin, it is not enough to simply eliminate existing defects and signs of aging;it must be stimulated and cell renewal processes initiated within it.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also true facial rejuvenation.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve these problems.
This technology is based on the fractional photothermolysis method - 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 lifting.
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 no longer grow as actively, as a result, skin renewal occurs increasingly ineffectively and practically stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of your cells helps restore your skin's natural rejuvenation potential.
Under the influence of a beam of light and the thermal shock it produces on the skin, there is an intensive cleansing of tissues from already dead cells and those whose ability to grow and develop has been lost.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from this 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 with Fraxel is that it uses the most effective laser beam, with a diameter of less than 200 microns: it is this thin laser that contributes most to the replacement of old tissue with young, healthy tissue.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect does not occur with one beam, but with a whole mass of microrays into which the light flux is divided, creating a grid effect.Thus, irradiation does not occur either punctually or as a continuous pulse.It is located according to a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small areas, in the center of each of them there are tissues that have suffered a strong thermal shock, and around them 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 reach 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 clotted tissue.
In both cases, laser treatment takes place in limited areas, around which areas with so-called cellular programming zones are preserved – healthy cells with great potential for regeneration, which is triggered by thermal shock.A short-term increase in tissue temperature 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.
Fraxel Ablativo has a quick effect and is best suited to eliminate the first signs of aging: superficial wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of ablation, microareas evaporate from the surface of the skin, which during regeneration are covered with new skin with the participation of cells from adjacent areas.Thus, lifting (firming) of the facial skin as a whole occurs, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve a person's problems 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 guaranteed by non-ablative fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods.Then the effect will be even more impressive: the skin will receive a double boost of rejuvenation, both inside and out, so that after one procedure a visible improvement in the condition of the face will be noticeable, and the renewal of activated tissues 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 it is necessary to have a medical education, undergo training and acquire 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 obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the preparation process for fractional rejuvenation must begin.
Contraindications
We list the conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser-based procedures:
- the presence of any tumor formations in the body in the present and 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 the endocrine, cardiovascular and 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;
- recent tan
After studying the medical history and current state of health, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of carrying out the procedure.In some cases, it needs to be postponed temporarily, for example, during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a very safe procedure and, if carried out correctly, has no complications.
Procedure progress
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be stated 100%.Most patients still experience discomfort during and especially after laser resurfacing.
Therefore, local anesthesia is what is normally used to start a laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce overall skin sensitivity.During pulse exposure, burning and tingling are acceptable.
The facial treatment lasts from 20 to 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 facial skin care recommendations 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.In fact, this is not entirely true.To avoid embarrassing situations, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine the laser procedure with work or an upcoming vacation.It is advisable to take at least a week off, since on these days you need 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 several days, after a few days it will begin to peel and only after 7-10 days can we talk about a normal appearance.
Healing with ablative fraxel can be especially 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 a tendency to them has not been previously identified;
- introduction of infection into microwounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and represent less than 3% of all cases of fractional rejuvenation.If the procedure itself is carried out correctly, without disturbing 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 cool down too much.
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 impressive.As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is carried out 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;
- smoothing wrinkles;
- elimination of age spots;
- post-acne smoothing;
- even out the complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from a 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 irradiation does not have a destructive effect on previously introduced fillers, but experts believe that it is better to first complete a full course of Fraxel, and then begin to correct the remaining deficiencies.
As for patient reviews, they are mixed.Along with positive recommendations for this procedure, negative statements are also often found.So, many women express the following complaints:
- The recovery period takes much longer than cosmetologists promise.As a rule, we are not talking about 4 to 7 days, as beauty salons say, but about 10 to 14 days.
- More than half of patients report insufficient efficacy.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation has left their face puffy, making them look older than they did before the procedure.It is also noted that the procedure's ability to smooth wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main objective is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Comments on the procedure
Here are some reviews about 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 went with pleasure.Of course, there is a result: the face becomes refreshed, taut, all kinds of blemishes disappear, wrinkles around the eyes are visibly smoothed out.She only did this once, but she wants to go again to consolidate the result and asked for the same gift for the next holiday.
Review #2
I didn't like the fractional rejuvenation.First of all, I was in pain.Secondly, after the procedure I was forced to not leave the house for almost 2 weeks.My face had increased several times in size, it was all red and even wet, as if ichor was dripping.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my cheeks.So everything stayed 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.Still a bit expensive and unpleasant.But after 6 days I saw the result, and it is excellent!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 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 as a whole, for the face including 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 carry it out without waiting for significant changes in the skin, when eliminating them is already difficult and expensive.If you start doing 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.