Skin aging starts from the age of 25 and initially this process goes unnoticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, becomes loose, pores enlarge and wrinkles begin to appear.Sooner or later, there comes a time when changes become visible and then it becomes difficult to cope with them with normal cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and skin thinning cannot be cured by conservative methods at all.
Fortunately, modern technologies do not leave us alone with fading problems.To restore youthful skin, it is not enough to simply eliminate existing defects and signs of aging;It should be stimulated and cell renewal processes should be initiated in it.This is the only way to achieve not only visual effects, but also real facial rejuvenation.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, used for more than 10 years in cosmetology, can solve such issues.
This technology is based on the method of fractional photothermolysis - exposure to a laser beam of a certain length, divided into several light streams (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a real alternative to surgical facelift.
Mechanism of action of laser fractional 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 so quickly, new cells do not grow so actively, as a result, skin renewal occurs more and more ineffectively and practically stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of its cells helps restore the skin's capacity for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of the light beam and the heat shock it produces in the skin, an intensive tissue cleansing of already dead cells and those that have lost the ability to move and develop occurs.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from such an effect: they actively multiply, replace used cells and restore "spoiled" skin renewal mechanisms.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on facial skin.The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most effective laser beam size with a diameter of less than 200 microns: it is the thin laser that most contributes to the replacement of old tissues with young and healthy ones.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect occurs not with a single beam, but with the entire mass of microscopic rays into which the light flux is divided, creating a grid effect.Thus, the radiation is neither point-wise nor in the form of a 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 undergone a powerful heat shock, and around them there are healthy cells that are not affected by the laser beam.The result of this treatment is active skin regeneration: exfoliation of damaged cells and the growth of young skin in their place.
Types of partial rejuvenation
Fractional photothermolysis exists in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and non-ablative.These methods of laser treatment differ from each other in a number of characteristics: depth of laser penetration, intensity of treatment, mechanism of skin stimulation and final effect.
Ablative techniques involve a superficial effect on epidermal cells through their vaporization.Non-ablative rejuvenation, in contrast, does not affect the topmost layer of the skin, but penetrates deeper into it, where the lower layer of the epidermis is located and the dermis begins.In this case, the cells that were irradiated do not evaporate, but form columns of coagulated tissue.
In both cases, laser treatment takes place in limited areas, around which spaces containing so-called cellular programming zones are preserved – healthy cells that have a great capacity for regeneration, generated by heat shock.A short-term increase in temperature in the tissues activates all metabolic processes in them, including the growth of elastin and collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
Ablative Fraxel gives a quick effect and is more suitable for eliminating the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of elasticity.As a result of excision, microscopic areas are evaporated from the skin surface, which during regeneration are covered with new skin with the participation of cells from surrounding areas.Thus, the entire facial skin is lifted (tightened), and wrinkles and blemishes are also eliminated.
Such superficial influence will not be enough to solve the problems of a person with obvious symptoms of extinction.Aging skin needs to be "healed" from the inside, in the deeper 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.Then the effect will be even more amazing: the skin will receive a double impulse to rejuvenate both from the inside and outside, so a pronounced improvement in the condition of the face will be noticeable after one procedure, and active 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, lasers can be dangerous causing complications and unpredictable results;In addition, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications.The process of preparing for fractional rejuvenation should begin by identifying barriers to the use of laser procedures.
differences of opinions
We list conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser-based procedures:
- presence of any tumor formation in the body in the present and past;
- Skin diseases in the treatment area: dermatitis, dermatosis, 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 medications based on retinoids (after the end of treatment, at least six months must pass before the procedure if pills were taken, and at least 2 weeks if external agents were used);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recent body
After studying the medical history and the current state of health, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of carrying out the procedure.In some cases, it needs to be temporarily postponed, for example, during winter or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed correctly, does not cause any complications.
process progress
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be said 100%.Most patients still experience discomfort during and especially after laser rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is usually used to start the laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce overall skin sensitivity.Burning and tingling during exposure to the pulses is acceptable.
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 for facial skin care during the recovery period.
Skin regeneration after the procedure
It is believed that partial rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not disrupt the normal rhythm of life.Actually, this is not completely true.To avoid getting into an awkward situation it is better not to take risks and try to combine the laser procedure with work or upcoming holidays.It is advisable to take at least a week off, because these days you need to adhere to the 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 off, and only after 7-10 days can we talk about a normal appearance.
Treatment with ablative Fraxel can be particularly unpleasant: with it, the facial condition can resemble a burning sensation.Other results after the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- The presence of scars and marks, if their tendency was not identified in advance;
- Penetration of infection into micro wounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and occur in less than 3% of all cases of partial rejuvenation.If the procedure is performed correctly, without disturbing the process of preparation and rehabilitation, the probability 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 skin layers, so the effects after one session are unlikely to be surprising.As a rule, partial 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;
- Smoothness after acne;
- Same color.
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 radiation does not have a destructive effect on already introduced fillers, but experts believe that it is better to first do a full course of Fraxel, and then start correcting the remaining shortcomings.
As far as patient reviews are concerned, they are mixed.Along with positive recommendations for this procedure, negative statements are often found.Therefore, many women express the following complaints:
- The recovery period is 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 partial rejuvenation leaves their face puffy, making them look older than before the procedure.It has also been noted that the procedure's ability to remove wrinkles has been greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Reviews about the procedure
Here are some reviews about fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review #1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a certificate of partial rejuvenation for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman and she had fun.It is clear that there is a result: the face is refreshed, tightened, all kinds of spots disappear, wrinkles around the eyes are cleared.She did this only once, but she wants to go again to consolidate the result, and asks for the same gift for the next holidays.
Review #2
I didn't like the partial rejuvenation.First of all I was feeling pain.Secondly, after the procedure I was forced not to leave the house for about 2 weeks.The size of my face had increased manifold, it had become completely red and also wet, as if ichor was flowing.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my cheeks.So everything being as it was, it was worth the trouble, and for my own money too.
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 this is what made me look much older than I actually am.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think that if the need arises, I will decide to take the course again.
price
As far as the cost of a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure is concerned, it varies greatly depending on the amount of work done and the degree of intervention.Payments are usually determined for individual areas, for the entire face, including the 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 do it without waiting for significant changes in the skin, when it is already difficult and expensive to eliminate them.If you start doing partial rejuvenation from the age of 35-40, this will allow you to postpone for a long time the need to use more radical methods.