From the time of Cleopatra to the present day, there is not a single representative of the fair sex who would 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 various anti-aging surgeries and procedures.
Especially popular are the techniques that allow you to get rid of the external signs of aging without resorting to a 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 spreads in depth. Active healing (regeneration) processes begin, which provides the desired cosmetic effect. This procedure is also known in cosmetology as laser skin resurfacing.
If the same laser is divided into many micro-beams, then the so-called fractional laser beam is obtained. Such a beam will no longer act on the skin as a whole spot, but as an intermittent microgrid. Burns after fractional laser thermolysis are located in the form of a large number of microdots among intact skin. This significantly reduces the trauma of the procedure (and soreness as well) and allows the skin to recover faster.
After exposure to the laser, intact healthy skin cells begin to actively divide, with the formation of collagen and elastin, which provide elasticity and a youthful appearance of the skin.
Varieties of fractional photothermolysis
Ablative
Under the action of laser radiation, water evaporates from the tissues and an "open" microscopic wound is formed, around which damaged (burned) cells are located.
In the course of healing, a pronounced lifting effect occurs, but there is a danger of infection penetrating into the deep layers of the 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. The burn forms and heals under the epidermis, so there is no risk of infection, but the rejuvenating effect of this procedure is less pronounced.
The cosmetologist selects the method of fractional rejuvenation individually, depending on the condition and type of skin.
Effects and Benefits of Fractional Laser Thermolysis
The main difference between the technique and all other procedures is the optimal balance between safety and effectiveness.
Main pluses:
- the ability to affect any part of the body (including the décolleté, neck, eyelids);
- a wide range of indications;
- physiology (the area of damage is only 20% of the entire area treated with a laser);
- short healing period (2-7 days);
- anesthesia method - application;
- the possibility of use on persons with dark skin (since it does not cause hyperpigmentation);
- the duration of the result (from one year to several years).
The downside is the insufficient knowledge of all aspects of the effect of a fractional laser, since the technology itself has appeared recently.
Indications for fractional rejuvenation:
- wrinkles (of any depth and location);
- decrease in the elastic properties of the skin;
- enlarged pores;
- pigmentation;
- acne;
- spider veins;
- scars (postoperative, residual after acne);
- stretch marks (striae), including on the skin of the mammary glands.
Features 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 several minutes to an hour) and their number are selected individually. After laser treatment, a soothing nourishing cream is applied to the skin.
Follow-up skin care:
- Moisturize the skin with a special cream 2-3 times a day (within 2 weeks);
- protect the skin from UV radiation for 2 months (do not visit the solarium, use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30);
- do not use peels and scrubs (within 2 weeks);
- do not use cosmetics containing salicylic acid and retinol (within 2 weeks);
- do not wear compression underwear for several days (if fractional photothermolysis was performed on the body);
- limit (exclude) smoking and alcohol during the entire course of treatment (reduce the regenerative functions of the skin).
On average, the rehabilitation period lasts up to 3 days after non-ablative fractional laser thermolysis and up to 7 days after ablative thermolysis.
Skin changes after the procedure
For 1-3 days after intense laser exposure, redness, discomfort and slight swelling of the skin may persist. If this condition is subjectively poorly tolerated, then it is permissible to use pain relievers and skin cooling.
After a few days, a bronze skin tone (tanning effect) may appear, which lasts up to 2 weeks and disappears on its own. Within 5-7 days after fractional rejuvenation, dryness and peeling of the skin are noted.
Undesirable consequences and contraindications to photothermolysis
With improper skin care after the procedure, non-compliance with recommendations, or technical errors during laser treatment, the following complications are possible:
- redness of the skin lasting more than 3 days;
- edema at the site of exposure, lasting more than 2 days;
- exacerbation of herpes infection (if it was previously in the treatment area);
- infection (appearance of streptoderma);
- erosion, burns in the affected area;
- pinpoint hemorrhages;
- hyperpigmentation.
In order to avoid undesirable consequences, the procedure of fractional laser rejuvenation is carried out after examination and exclusion of 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;
- psoriasis (atopic dermatitis) during an exacerbation.
Relative:
- kidney pathology;
- diabetes;
- inflammation at the site of exposure;
- the patient's unwillingness to follow the recommendations of the cosmetologist;
- mental illness;
- allergy to anesthetic;
- autoimmune diseases;
- fresh tan (visit to the solarium within the last month);
- recent rejuvenation procedures (affecting deep layers of the skin - within the last three months, superficial - within 10 days).
Reviews of fractional laser rejuvenation and photos of patients from the "before" and "after" series generally damage the effectiveness and low-trauma of this method of preserving youth.
Remember!The procedure can only be performed by specialists (surgeon or dermatovenerologist) who have been trained and have permission to work with laser devices. The competence of a doctor is the key to your beauty!