Skin aging begins at the age of 25, and at first this process goes unnoticed.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, its structure changes, becomes looser, pores enlarge and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, there comes a time when changes become visible, and then it becomes difficult to cope with them with usual 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, it is not enough to simply eliminate existing defects and signs of aging; it must be stimulated and cell renewal processes launched in it.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also 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 light streams (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a real alternative to surgical facelift.
The 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 ones do not grow as 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 potential for natural rejuvenation.
Under the influence of a light beam and the heat shock it produces in the skin, intensive tissue cleansing occurs of already dead cells and those whose ability to further grow and develop has been lost.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from such an effect: they actively multiply, replacing utilized 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 effective laser beam size, with a diameter of less than 200 microns: it is this thin laser that most contributes to the replacement of old tissue with young and healthy ones.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect occurs not with one beam, but with a whole mass of micro-rays into which the light flux is divided, creating a grid effect.Thus, irradiation occurs neither pointwise nor 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, 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 methods of laser treatment differ from each other in many characteristics: depth of laser penetration, intensity of treatment, mechanism of skin stimulation, 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 very top 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 cells that were irradiated do not evaporate, but form columns of coagulated tissue.
In both cases, laser treatment occurs in limited areas, around which locations with so-called cellular programming zones are preserved - healthy cells that have a great potential for regeneration, which is triggered by heat shock.A short-term increase in temperature in the tissues causes 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.
Ablative Fraxel gives a quick effect and is more suitable for eliminating the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of turgor.As a result of ablation, micro-areas 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 the 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 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 even more stunning: the skin will receive a double impulse to rejuvenate, both from the inside and outside, so a visible improvement in the condition of the face will be noticeable after one procedure, and 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; moreover, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications.It is by identifying obstacles to the use of laser procedures that the process of preparing for fractional rejuvenation should begin.
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 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 stage;
- taking medications based on retinoids (after the end of treatment, at least six months must 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 cosmetologist decides on the possibility of carrying out the procedure.In some cases, it needs to be temporarily postponed, for example, during a cold or menstruation.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed 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 what is usually used to start a laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce overall skin sensitivity.During exposure to pulses, burning and tingling are acceptable.
Facial treatment takes 20-40 minutes (the 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 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 getting into an awkward situation, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine a laser procedure with work or upcoming holidays.It is advisable to take at least a week off, because on these days you need to adhere to 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 the tendency to them was not 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 carried out correctly, without disturbing the process of preparation and rehabilitation, the likelihood 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 stunning.As a rule, fractional rejuvenation is done 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 pigment spots;
- smoothing post-acne;
- even out 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 carry out 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 voice 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 workers say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients indicate insufficient effectiveness.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation has left their face puffy, causing them to look older than before the procedure.It is also noted that the procedure’s ability to smooth out wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted disadvantage of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Reviews about the procedure
Here are a few reviews about fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review #1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a certificate for fractional rejuvenation for our anniversary.She is a young, active woman, and she went with pleasure.It is clear that there is a result: the face is refreshed, tightened, all sorts of blemishes are gone, the wrinkles around the eyes are noticeably smoothed out.She only did it 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 fractional rejuvenation.First of all, I was in pain.Secondly, after the procedure I was forced not to leave the house for almost 2 weeks.My face had 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 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 this is 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 one 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 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 carry out it 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 for a long time the need to use more radical methods.