Aging of the skin begins at the age of 25, and at first this period is noticeable.Meanwhile, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, changes its structure, loosens, enlarges pores, and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, there comes a time when changes become visible, and then it becomes difficult to cope with ordinary cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and thinning of the skin cannot be corrected 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 remove existing imperfections and signs of aging;It should be stimulated and cell renewal processes should start in it.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also a real facial rejuvenation.Fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation, which has been used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve such problems.
This technology is based on the method of fractional photolomolysis - exposure to a laser beam of a certain length, which is divided into several light streams (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today, fractional rejuvenation is considered a real alternative to surgical facelift.
Mechanism of laser fractional facial skin rejuvenation
Over time, all processes in the body are slow, including at the cellular level.This causes skin aging, cells do not reproduce as quickly, new ones do not grow actively, as a result, skin renewal becomes even more ineffective and practically stops.Studies show that laser irradiation of cells helps to restore the skin's potential for natural rejuvenation.
Produced in the skin under the influence of light rays and heat shock, intensive tissue cleaning has already lost dead cells and those who have lost the ability to grow and develop further.At the same time, young and healthy cells benefit from such an effect: they multiply actively, replace the used cells and restore the "damaged" skin renewal mechanism.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on the 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 is the one that contributes most to the replacement of old tissue with healthy ones.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect is not with a single beam, but with a mass of micro-rays, in which the light stream is divided, creating a network effect.Thus, the radiation occurs neither at a point 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 is a strong heat shock and surrounding tissues, and around them there are healthy cells that are not affected by the laser beam.The result of this treatment is active skin regeneration: the erosion of damaged cells and the growth of young skin in places.
Types of faction rejuvenation
Fractional photothermolysis exists in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and ablative.These methods of laser treatment differ from each other in many features: depth of laser penetration, intensity of treatment, mechanism of skin stimulation and final effect.
Ablative technology has a superficial effect on epidermal cells by vaporization.On the contrary, on the contrary, it does not affect the topmost layer of the skin, but penetrates deep into the place where the lower layer of the epidermis is located and where the dermis begins.In this case, the irradiated cells do not vaporize, but form coagulated tissue columns.
In both cases, the laser treatment is confined to limited areas, surrounding areas with cellular programming zones - healthy cells that have great potential for heat shock-triggered regeneration.A short-term increase in temperature in the tissues leads to the activation of all metabolic processes in them, including the growth of Elastin and Collagen fibers, which are responsible for elasticity and youthfulness.
Ablative Fraxel has a fast effect and is more suitable for removing the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, small damage.As a result of ablation, micro-regions are vaporized from the surface of the skin, which is covered with new skin during regeneration with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.Thus, the lifting (firming) of the facial skin as a whole, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and defects.
Such a superficial effect is not enough to solve the problems of a person with fading symptoms.Aging skin needs to be "healed" from the inside out, in the deep layers within the cells responsible for renewing its dermal framework.This result is ensured by non-abscissive fractional rejuvenation.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods.Then the effect will be even more surprising: the skin will receive a double impulse to rejuvenate both internally and externally, therefore, after one procedure, a visible improvement in the condition of the face 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 belongs to medical laser equipment, however, it is necessary to receive medical education, training and gain relevant experience.
In the wrong hands, lasers can be dangerous due to complications and unintended consequences;Moreover, this procedure has quite a large number of contraindications.By determining the obstacles to the use of laser procedures, the preparation process for fractional rejuvenation should begin.
Contraindications
We list these conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser-based procedures:
- the presence of any tumor formation in the body today and in the past;
- Skin diseases in the field of treatment: dermatitis, dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (abrasion, 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 phase;
- Taking drugs based on retinoids (after the end of treatment, at least six months, tablets should be used for at least 2 weeks if they are purchased and used for at least 2 weeks);
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- proximity
After studying the medical history and current state of health, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of performing the procedure.In some cases, for example, during a cold or menstruation, it is necessary to postpone it temporarily.In general, fractional laser rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and, if performed correctly, does not cause any complications.
The course of the procedure
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be expressed 100%.Most patients still experience discomfort, especially during laser rejuvenation.
This is why local anesthesia is what is usually used to start a laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce general skin sensitivity.Burning and tingling during exposure to pulses is acceptable.
The facial treatment takes 20-40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the treatment area), and after completion, a special protective cream is applied to the skin, and the patient receives recommendations for facial skin care during the recovery period.
Skin recovery 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.In order not to get into an awkward situation, it is better not to take risks and try not to combine a laser procedure with work or an upcoming vacation.These days you have to follow a rest regime and it is difficult to let your appearance lead an active life.The face will be red and swollen for a few days, after a few days it will begin to peel, and only after 7-10 days we can talk about a normal appearance.
Healing with Ablative Fraxel can be particularly unpleasant: with it, the condition of the face can resemble a burn.Other results after the procedure include:
- hyper or hypopigmentation;
- The appearance of scars and wounds, if the tendency to them was not previously determined;
- application of infection to microwaves.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of fractional rejuvenation cases.If the procedure itself is performed correctly, the probability of complications is reduced to zero, without disrupting the preparation and rehabilitation process.
After the fractional laser, you should not sunbathe, expose the skin to friction, aggressive cosmetics, overheating or excessive use.
Results of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure, unlike fractional skin rejuvenation.It does not "burn" the layers of the skin, so the effect after one session is unlikely to be surprising.As a rule, fractional rejuvenation in courses - you can evaluate the result after 3 to 6 sessions:
- tightening and firming of the skin;
- strengthen the oval of the face;
- Smoothing wrinkles;
- removal of pigment spots;
- acne smoothing;
- even skin.
The rejuvenating effect lasts from one to 10 years, then you can repeat the course.
Fractional laser rejuvenation goes well with other procedures: renewal during the recovery period after plastic surgery, injection methods.Laser radiation does not have a destructive effect on previously presented fillers, but experts believe that it is better to first carry out a full course of Fraxel and begin to correct the remaining shortcomings.
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:
- Recovery time is longer than cosmetologists.As a rule, it is about 10-14 days, as the beauty salon workers say, because we are not talking about 4-7 days.
- More than half of patients show insufficient efficacy.Many people find that fractional rejuvenation leaves the face plump, making them look older than before the procedure.It is also noted that the procedure's ability to correct wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
- The undoubted drawback of fractional laser rejuvenation is its cost.
Reviews of the procedure
Here are some reviews of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation:
Review number 1
My wife 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.The result is clear: the face is refreshed, tightened, all kinds of spots are gone, wrinkles around the eyes are noticeable.He did it only once, but he 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.At first I was in pain.Second, after the procedure, I didn't have 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 oozing iChor.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my cheeks.So everything remained as it was, it was worth all the trouble and also for my own money.
Feedback #3
I had enough for just one fraxel procedure.Still a bit expensive and unpleasant.But after 6 days I saw the result and it's great!The nasolabial folds are gone and all the age spots are gone and this is what makes me look really, really older than I am.Now I am happy with everything, I think I will decide to take the course again if necessary.
Price
As for the price of a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure, it varies significantly from the amount of work and the degree of intervention.The fee is usually determined for individual areas, for your face as a whole, 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 it out without waiting for significant changes in the skin when removing them, which is already difficult and expensive.If you start doing fractional rejuvenation from the age of 35-40, it will allow you to postpone using more radical methods for a long time.