Fractional laser rejuvenation- a cosmetic procedure during which the skin is exposed to a laser array made of microbeams. The purpose of this effect is to activate the processes of regeneration and collagenogenesis. This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique. It is otherwise called fraxel, fractional laser surface or photothermolysis.
The principle of action and varieties of fractional laser rejuvenation
How does the fractional laser work? The micro-rays emitted by the device cause heat shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells begin to function more actively. To repair the damaged area, they separate faster. The old cells, which turned out to be inoperable, die, giving way to the young. The heating of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by partial denaturation of proteins, as well as the formation of new components of the extracellular matrix, including elastin and collagen.
The depth of the impact is distinguishedablative and non-ablative laser rejuvenation. . . The first is superficial and resembles grinding. Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by evaporation of moisture, damage to the epidermis. After healing, the skin becomes more toned, its relief and color are evened out. During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser acts on the deep layers of the skin. In this case, no open wounds are formed.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and minutes. Thus, the effect of the ablative laser surface is noticeable after the first procedure. Using this method, you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, post-acne, stretch marks, scars. With a non-ablative procedure there is no risk of infection, and the anti-aging effect is noticeable for several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40, with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
It is worth resorting to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Loose, sagging skin.
- Both fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Vascular "asterisks" (rosacea).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications for fractional laser rejuvenation are:
- Allergies, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of the planned treatment.
- All chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation.
- Oncology.
- Fever.
- Diabetes.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Characteristics of laser rejuvenation
Preparation for the procedure of fractional photothermolysis consists in refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. All this time you can also not clean the skin, do chemical peels, take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Three days before the procedure, they stop going to the pool, bath, sauna, treat the area of the alleged exposure with cosmetics containing alcohol. To prevent complications, the cosmetologist may prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period. The day on the eve of the procedure should be carried out without alcohol and cigarettes, refrain from going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities. In general, the effect of the laser is felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes it may be necessary to relieve the pain. In this case, the beautician applies an anesthetic to the prepared area of skin. Once the ointment works, it continues to treat the skin with a laser. The duration of the procedure depends on the scope of the treated area and varies from a few minutes to an hour. Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
In the first days after the procedure you can not use alcohol-based products, to compress the parts of the body where photothermolysis was performed, with compression underwear. It is recommended to exclude physical activity for a week, to visit the pool, sauna or bath, to limit the time spent on the street. The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day. And so for half a month. It is undesirable to peel, use cosmetics with retinol, salicylic acid. For two months it is necessary to use a cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or more.
How many procedures do you need to achieve the result? What effect can you expect?
The rehabilitation period after laser fractional rejuvenation lasts from 3 to 7 days. The speed of recovery depends a lot on lifestyle. Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety - all this can slow down the regeneration process.
For the first three days after laser exposure, reddening of the skin and slight swelling may occur. Anesthetics and cooling the skin can help reduce the feeling of discomfort. It is normal if within a week you feel tight skin, there are flaky areas. A side effect of the procedure can be a bronze tan, which disappears on its own after half a month.
Lasting result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures. More specifically, the number of sessions can only be determined by a cosmetologist based on the initial data. The intervals between procedures are 3-4 weeks. As a result of fractional laser rejuvenation, the aging processes are inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, the weight of the pores decreases and the complexion improves. This method is an effective tool in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne, stretch marks.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures. Its advantages include effectiveness, short healing period, physiology. The result is visible after the first procedure and lasts up to three years. The method has a wide range of indications. It is possible to choose the depth of laser exposure.