From the time of Cleopatra to the present day there is not a single representative of the fair sex who does not want to prolong the youth and beauty of her skin. Modern medical science never ceases to amaze with innovations in the field of cosmetology, offering a variety of anti-aging surgeries and procedures.
Especially popular is the technique by which you can get rid of the external signs of aging without scalpel or Botox injections. Fractional laser rejuvenation is currently practically the fastest and safest way to combat skin aging.
What is a fractional laser and how does it "rejuvenate"
When the laser hits the skin, a burn occurs that extends deeper. Active healing (regeneration) processes begin, which provide the desired cosmetic effect. This procedure is also known in cosmetology as laser skin resurfacing.
If the same laser is divided into multiple micro-beams, then e. წ. Fractional laser beam. Such a beam will no longer act on the skin as a whole spot, but as an intermittent microclimate. After fractional laser thermolysis, the burn is located in the form of a large number of micro dots between the intact skin. This significantly reduces the trauma (and pain) of the procedure and allows the skin to heal faster.
After exposure to the laser, intact healthy skin cells begin to actively divide, producing collagen and elastin, which ensures skin elasticity and a youthful look.
Varieties of fractional photothermolysis
Ablative
Under the action of laser radiation, water evaporates from the tissues and a "open" microscopic wound is formed, around which the damaged (burned) cells are located.
The lifting effect is pronounced during healing, but there is a danger of penetration into the deeper layers of the infected skin.
Non-ablative
Radiation is used, which leaves the epidermis intact, so evaporation from the tissues and the formation of an "open" wound does not occur. Burns form and heal under the epidermis, so there is no risk of infection, but the rejuvenating effect of this procedure is less pronounced.
The cosmetologist individually chooses the method of fractional rejuvenation, depending on the condition and type of skin.
Effects and advantages of fractional laser thermolysis
The main difference between the technique and all other procedures is the optimal balance between safety and efficiency.
Key Pros:
- Ability to affect any part of the body (including décolleté, neck, eyelids);
- Wide range of display;
- Physiology (the lesion area is only 20% of the total laser treated area);
- Short treatment period (2-7 days);
- Method of anesthesia - application;
- Possibility of its use on persons with dark skin (as it does not cause hyperpigmentation);
- Duration of the result (from one to several years).
The downside is the lack of knowledge of all aspects of the fractional laser effect as this technology has only recently appeared.
Indications for fractional rejuvenation:
- Wrinkles (of any depth and location);
- Reduction of skin elastic properties;
- Enlarged pores;
- Pigmentation;
- Bumps;
- Spider veins;
- Scars (postoperative, after residual acne);
- Stretch marks (stretch marks), including on the skin of the mammary glands.
Peculiarities of conducting fractional laser thermolysis
A few days before the photothermolysis procedure, the cosmetologist may prescribe (if indicated) antibacterial or antiviral drugs in prophylactic doses.
On the day of fractional rejuvenation it is necessary to completely exclude physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Before the procedure, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and treated with a special anesthetic cream. In some cases, anesthesia is not required at all.
The effect of the laser is felt as "tingling" or "tingling". The duration of the procedure (from a few minutes to an hour) and their number are selected individually. After the laser treatment, a soothing nourishing cream is applied to the skin.
Further skin care:
- Moisturize the skin with a special cream 2-3 times a day (for 2 weeks);
- Protect skin from ultraviolet radiation for 2 months (do not visit the solarium, use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30);
- Do not use peeling and scrub (for 2 weeks);
- Do not use cosmetics containing salicylic acid and retinol (for 2 weeks);
- Do not wear compression underwear for several days (if fractional photothermolysis has been done on the body);
- Limit (exclude) smoking and alcohol (reduce skin regenerative functions) throughout the course of treatment.
On average, the rehabilitation period lasts up to 3 days after non-ablation fractional laser thermolysis and up to 7 days after ablation thermolysis.
The skin changes after the procedure
Redness, discomfort, and slight swelling of the skin may persist for 1-3 days after intense laser exposure. If this condition is subjectively poorly tolerated, then it is permissible to use painkillers and cool the skin.
After a few days, a bronze skin tone (tanning effect) may appear, lasting up to 2 weeks and disappearing on its own. Dry and peeling of the skin is observed for 5-7 days after fractional rejuvenation.
Adverse effects and contraindications of photothermolysis
The following complications are possible due to improper care after the procedure, non-compliance with the recommendations or technical errors during the laser treatment:
- Redness of the skin lasts longer than 3 days;
- Swelling at the site of impact, lasting more than 2 days;
- Exacerbation of herpes infection (if he was previously in the treatment area);
- Infection (appearance of streptoderma);
- Erosion, burns on the affected area;
- Indicate hemorrhages;
- Hyperpigmentation.
To avoid undesirable results, the fractional laser rejuvenation procedure is performed after examination and to rule out possible contraindications.
Absolute contraindications:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Tendency to form keloid scars;
- Acute infectious process (including herpes);
- Oncological pathology;
- Condition after radiation, chemotherapy;
- Epilepsy;
- Significant disorders of the immune system;
- Taking medications containing retinoids;
- Exacerbation of psoriasis (atopic dermatitis).
Relative:
- Renal pathology;
- diabetes;
- Inflammation at the site of impact;
- The patient's desire not to follow the cosmetologist's recommendations;
- Mental illness;
- Allergy to anesthetic;
- Autoimmune diseases;
- Fresh tan (visit to the solarium in the last month);
- Recent rejuvenation procedures (acts on the deeper layers of the skin - for the last three months, superficial - for 10 days).
Fractional laser rejuvenation reviews and patient photos from the "before" and "after" series generally undermine the effectiveness of this method of maintaining youth and low trauma.
remember!The procedure can be performed only by specialists (surgeon or dermatovenerologist) who are trained and have permission to work with laser devices. The competence of a doctor is the key to your beauty!