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, as they are constantly under the influence of environmental factors, chewing, facial and speech functions.Since the face is a kind of "calling card" of a person, the issue of preserving and restoring youthful facial skin is especially important and important.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 partial effect of a laser beam on the skin.The laser beam is divided into many very thin beams that affect microscopic areas of the skin located at a strictly specified depth and vaporize them.The 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, 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 resurfacing
For the first time in the world, a patent on the principle of partial laser exposure was obtained in 2004 by the American company Palomar Medical Technologies.Currently, fractional laser systems are represented by a number of laser technology companies.The most used laser systems are from the manufacturers Palomar and Fraxel, the Affirm laser from the famous American company Cynosure, the GentleYAG laser from Candela, etc.Since all these installations have a common principle of operation, the result of the procedure is mainly determined by the professionalism of the specialist who performs the procedure.
Contraindications for the laser rejuvenation procedure
Absolute contraindications for the procedure are:
- Pregnancy, lactation.
- Foci of the inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatosis.
- Foci of herpetic infection in the affected area.
- Chemical peeling of the target treatment area is performed less than 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 form keloid scars.
- Cases of vitiligo in families.
Relative contraindications include active isolation in the last three weeks before the procedure, that is, the presence of a fresh tan, as well as superficial and medium peels performed in the treatment area less than three weeks before the procedure.
Advantages of the fractional laser rejuvenation method
Thanks to the intended effect, skin damage 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 source 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, light and rapid itching, activation of herpes infection, changes in the structure of the skin, including burns, skin and crust.Pain, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin in the area of the procedure are extremely rare, but may be permanent.
What is a full course of laser resurfacing procedures?
A fractional laser treatment session lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area of the treated area.Repeated procedures are performed after 3-4 weeks.In total, 3-4 sessions are usually required.The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure.It is recommended to perform 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 procedure goes away within 1-2 hours, while 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 hyaluronic acid cream is applied.
You can shower and wash your face on the day of the procedure, but it is better to wait with the sauna and the 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, as at this time the metabolism of the skin is activated and it becomes particularly sensitive to sunlight.
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 resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure during which the skin is exposed to a series of microbial laser beams.The purpose of this influence is to activate the processes of regeneration and collagenogenesis.This is a relatively new hardware technique, but already very popular.It is also called Fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing or photothermolysis.
Principle of operation and types of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does 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.To repair the damaged area, they separate faster.Old cells that are ineffective die, giving way to new 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 impact, ablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation are distinguished.The first is superficial and resembles polishing.Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is associated with evaporation of moisture and damage to the epidermis.After healing, the skin becomes more toned, its structure and color are even.During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser affects the deep layers of the skin.In this case, no open wounds are created.
Each type of renewal has its advantages and disadvantages.Thus, the effect of ablative laser resurfacing is visible after the first procedure.Using this method you can get rid of 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 visible over several years.This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40 years old, with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
You should go to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Saggy, sagging skin.
- Both fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased secretion of sebum.
- Enlarged pores, prone to acne.
- Marks, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Spider veins (rosacea).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications for fractional laser resurfacing are:
- Allergy, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the target treatment area.
- Any chronic disease 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 includes avoiding visiting the sunroom and the beach for two weeks.During this time, you should also not exfoliate your skin, do chemical peels, or take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines.Three days before the procedure, stop going to the pool, bath, sauna and treat the target exposure area with alcohol-containing cosmetics.To prevent complications, the cosmetologist can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period.One day before the procedure, you should go without alcohol and cigarettes, and refrain from going to the gym.
Before the laser treatment, the skin is cleaned of cosmetics and impurities.In general, the effect of the laser is felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be required.In this case, the cosmetologist applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area.Once the oil takes effect, it begins to treat the skin with a laser.The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treatment area and varies from a few minutes to an hour.Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
For the first days after the procedure, you should not use alcohol-based products or compress the areas of the body where photothermolysis was performed using compression garments.It is recommended to exclude physical activity, visit a swimming pool, sauna or spa for a week and limit the time spent outside.The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day.And so for half a month.It is undesirable to exfoliate 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 achieve results?What effect should you expect?
The rehabilitation period after fractional laser rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days.The speed of recovery depends mainly on the lifestyle.Drinking alcohol, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all this can slow down regeneration processes.
The first three days after laser exposure, redness of the skin and slight swelling may be observed.Pain relievers and cooling the skin can help reduce discomfort.It is normal for the skin to feel tight and cracked during the week.A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan, which goes away on its own after half a month.
A stable 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.Intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks.As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging process is inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less visible, turgor 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 resurfacing is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures.Its advantages include effectiveness, short recovery 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.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 knife of a plastic surgeon.
In this case, partial rejuvenation through the use of 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 initial appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just begun to undergo natural aging.
A network of microdamages with the help of a 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 cells outside.
Lesions also stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, as with ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process takes longer and the effect is more pronounced.Suitable for removing serious facial problems.
Indications
Anyone who wants to look younger without major lifts can turn to this method.
Fractional laser treatment combats many facial defects, including:
- strong wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- a thread of crow's feet around the eyes;
- epidermis "flows" down;
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- the problem of enlarged pores, acne.
Laser therapy shows high efficiency in eliminating all these problems.
The only caveat is that, depending on the severity of the imperfection, several procedures may be required.
Contraindications
Like any other external influence on the body, fractional laser rejuvenation has its own contraindications, in the presence of which it is forbidden to resort to such a procedure.
This may include:
- the presence of serious inflammation on the face;
- infectious, 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 weighs all the patient's risks.
Sometimes you first have to undergo treatment for skin problems or wait for the remission of chronic diseases, after which the rejuvenation is performed again.
Preparation
Since 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 for the necessary method of photorejuvenation.
The patient is obliged to tell the doctor all conditions and diseases in the medical history, as well as exacerbations of chronic diseases during the last six months.
If there are such, the specialist will advise you to visit specialized doctors to assess 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 for the first visit is then set.
The performance of
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 cosmetologist will apply an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not very painful, so sometimes the therapy is carried out without this stage.
You should be aware that the use of local anesthetics slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin afterwards.
Then the patient lies on the bed 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 how much area needs to be treated with the device.During the procedure, the patient may feel a tingling sensation, as well as an unpleasant smell.
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 how to return home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional rejuvenation does not exclude complications.In some cases they are normal and go away within a few days.
Others develop due to the cosmetologist's inexperience or lack of proper facial care during the rehabilitation period.
What is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of laser exposure;
- the damage does not heal within two weeks;
- pigmentations and scars 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 behind.
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The result of the procedure is greatly influenced by the patient's own behavior.He must carefully monitor the skin, protect it from aggressive environmental influences and not apply decorative cosmetics during recovery.
General recommendations:
- For the first three days, the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol-based ointment,will promote rapid healing of microdamages.Then, 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 to take hot baths.
- You shouldn't go outside without sunscreen.In addition, it is better to choose protection from 50. If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will appear.The cosmetic product must be applied until complete healing, even if it is winter outside.
After a couple of weeks, it is recommended to visit again the specialist who performed fractional laser resurfacing.He must assess the condition of the skin on the face and rule out complications.
PREDICTION
The result can be noticed immediately after healing, if the defects were not too pronounced.Wrinkles or deep scars must be removed through several procedures.
Visually, the skin is smoother, has a natural color, the face is tightened and blooms visibly in 99% of cases.
One percent is attributed to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of doctor's qualifications.
Advantages of the method
Many patients are amazed by this method because of its significant advantages that are worth mentioning.By choosing photothermolysis, a person gets the following:
- low cost with high efficiency;
- without pain;
- the effect of even one procedure;
- non-invasive;
- no strong side effects.
In addition, the laser effect solves some problems of the aesthetic component of the epidermis immediately, 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 large pigment spots on half of your face, which will not be easy to remove.
In addition, the laser treatment lasts quite a long time, during which the patient experiences an unpleasant smell of damaged skin, which not everyone is able to withstand.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result of a procedure for deep depressions, scars and wrinkles.
Review of opinions
Fractional rejuvenation is gaining increasing popularity in cosmetology.Every year more and more women choose the laser instead of the surgical scalpel.