Skin aging begins at the age of 25, and at first this process is not noticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, it becomes looser, pores enlarge and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, there comes a time when changes become visible, and then it is difficult to cope with them with ordinary cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and thinning of the skin cannot be corrected at all by conservative methods.
Fortunately, modern technologies do not leave us alone with the problems of fading.To restore youthful skin, simply eliminating blemishes and signs of aging is not enough;it must be stimulated and cell renewal processes launched there.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also a real facial rejuvenation.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, 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 streams of light (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a real alternative to surgical facelift.
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 grow less actively, as a result, skin renewal occurs more and more ineffectively and practically stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of its cells helps to restore the skin's natural renewal potential.
Under the influence of a light beam and the heat shock it produces in the skin, an intense tissue cleansing of already dead cells occurs and those with the ability to grow and develop further are lost.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from such an effect: they multiply actively, replacing used cells and restoring the renewal mechanism of "damaged" skin.
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: this thin laser contributes the most to the replacement of old tissue with young and healthy ones.
The second aspect of fractional renewal is that the effect does not occur with a single beam, but with a whole mass of micro-rays in which the light flux is divided, creating a grid effect.Therefore, irradiation does not occur as a point 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 which there are tissues that have undergone a powerful heat shock, surrounded by healthy cells that are not affected by the laser beam.The result of this treatment is active skin regeneration: the exfoliation of damaged cells and the growth of new skin in their place.
Types of fractional renewal
Fractional photothermolysis has two different basic 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 by vaporizing them.Non-ablative rejuvenation, on the contrary, does not affect the top layer of the skin, but goes deep inside, 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 are preserved sites with so-called cellular programming zones - healthy cells with great regenerative potential, which induces heat shock.A short-term increase in temperature in the tissues 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 Ablative gives a quick effect and is more suitable to eliminate the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of ablation, evaporation of micro-areas from the surface of the skin, which are covered during regeneration with new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.Thus, the lifting (sharpening) of the facial skin occurs as a whole, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
To solve the problems of a person with clear signs of fading, such a superficial effect will not be enough.Aging skin must be "treated" from the inside, in the deep layers where the cells responsible for renewing the dermal framework 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 more stunning: the skin will receive a double impulse to renew, from the inside and outside, so a visible improvement in the condition of the person will be noticed after one procedure, and the regeneration of activated tissues will keep the face "in shape" for a long time.
Fractional laser rejuvenation procedure
Like any other laser procedure, Fraxel is only performed by a qualified specialist.The fact is that the equipment used refers to medical laser equipment, to work with it you must have a medical education, undergo training and gain relevant experience.
In the wrong hands, lasers can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable consequences;in addition, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications.The preparation process for fractional rejuvenation should begin by identifying obstacles to the use of laser procedures.
Contraindications
We list those 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, 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;
- until recently
After studying the medical history and the current state of health, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of performing the procedure.In some cases, it is necessary to postpone it temporarily, for example, during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser resurfacing is a relatively safe procedure and, if performed correctly, does not cause 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.During exposure to pulses, burning and tingling are acceptable.
A facial treatment takes 20-40 minutes (the session time depends on the size of the treatment area), and after it is finished, 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 fractional rejuvenation does not require a recovery period and does not interfere with the normal rhythm of life.In fact, this is not entirely true.To avoid getting into a terrible situation, it is better not to take risks and not to try to combine a laser procedure with work or upcoming holidays.It is advisable to take at least a week's vacation, because 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 start to peel, and only after 7-10 days we can talk about a normal appearance.
Healing with ablative fraxel can be extremely unpleasant: with it, the person's condition can resemble a burn.Other side effects after the procedure include:
- hyper- or hypopigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars, if the tendency to them was not previously recognized;
- introducing infection into microbeads.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all cases of fractional renewal.If the procedure itself is performed correctly, without interfering with the preparation and rehabilitation process, 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.
Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation results
Unlike fractional skin resurfacing, fractional laser 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 spectacular.Usually, fractional renewal is done in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, and then you can evaluate the result:
- aggravation and aggravation of the skin;
- strengthening the oval of the face;
- smoothing wrinkles;
- eliminate pigment spots;
- post-acne smoothing;
- even out complexion.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one 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 do a full course of Fraxel first, and then start correcting the remaining deficiencies.
As for patient reviews, 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 takes much longer than cosmetologists promise.Usually, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as the beauty salon workers say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients show insufficient effectiveness.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation has left their face puffy, making them look older than before.It is also noted that the ability of the procedure to smooth out wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser resurfacing is its cost.
Reviews of 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 for a fractional renewal for our anniversary.She was a young, active woman, and she went with pleasure.It is clear that there is a result: the face is rejuvenated, tighter, all kinds of blemishes have disappeared, the wrinkles around the eyes are significantly smoothed out.She only did it once, but she wants to go again to consolidate the result, and she asked for the same gift for the next holiday.
Review #2
I didn't like fractional refresh.At first, I was in pain.Secondly, after the procedure I was forced not to leave the house for almost 2 weeks.My face increased in size 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 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's great!The nasolabial folds disappeared and all the age spots disappeared, which is exactly what made me look much older than I really am.Now that 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 single fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies greatly depending on the amount of work and the amount 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 to be worthwhile rather than 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 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.