Fractional laser rejuvenation

Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure during which the skin of the face is exposed to laser microbeams, this is called fractional laser rejuvenation. The purpose of the manipulation is to activate the processes of regeneration and collagen production at the cellular level. The second name of the procedure is photothermolysis. The duration of the session is short and the resulting effect lasts up to 5 years! The procedure has a minimal list of contraindications and a low probability of complications and side effects. In the clinic, photothermolysis is performed only after consulting a specialist!

What is fractional laser photothermolysis?

The essence of the photothermolysis procedure is that a laser beam, penetrating through a fractional lattice, "breaks down" into many microrays: a targeted effect is exerted on the skin. Damaged lesions are formed in all layers of the dermis, which stimulate regeneration processes in the surrounding tissues. The cells begin to divide rapidly and fill in the "burned" areas.

The superficial layer of the dermis, under the influence of laser rays, radically eliminates or lightens age spots, smoothes wrinkles and reduces the severity of scars.

According to the results of clinical studies, the procedure in question gives identical results to classic laser resurfacing. But photothermolysis does not require the use of general anesthesia and subsequent long-term rehabilitation.

Types of fractional photothermolysis

In a cosmetology clinic, the photothermolysis procedure is performed using different methods. Each of them has its advantages, but the choice is made by the doctor taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. It is important to take into account the initial condition of the skin, the type of dermis, the age of the person, the level of sensitivity of the epidermis, existing dermatological problems and the severity of the signs of aging.

Non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation

This method is especially effective when it comes to removing acne marks, acne, stretch marks and for rejuvenating the face, neck and eyelids. During non-ablative laser fractional rejuvenation, the skin is not subjected to powerful effects and is moderately damaged, which makes it possible to carry out the procedure of lifting and improving the appearance of the epidermis.

A distinctive feature of non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation is its prolonged action:

• acne treatment gives results after just 4 sessions, they improve over the course of another 24 months;
• when eliminating stretch marks, not just the actual onesstretch marks become minimally noticeable or disappear completely, but the skin around it becomes firm and elastic after 1-2 months;
• after 5 sessions the wrinkles disappearand smoothing of deep wrinkles occurs for another 3 months after the end of the course.

The probability of side effects occurring after performing the procedure in question using a non-ablative method is low: this is recorded in only 5% of all patients.

Ablative fractional photothermolysis

It involves the penetration of laser microbeams to a certain depth of the dermis, where under their influence the process of protein folding begins with their subsequent destruction. Within 3 months of ablative fractional photothermolysis, collagen forms in the damaged areas. This method is especially effective when you need to eliminate deep wrinkles, smooth scars and scars, increase skin elasticity and excessive pigmentation.

Ablative fractional photothermolysis is the use of long laser beams capable of penetrating the deepest layers of the dermis.

A distinctive feature of the method under consideration is that patients feel pain during the procedure and after its completion. But if we compare the ablative method with others, it is considered the most effective and safe.

CO2 laser method

This involves the use of a CO2 laser of a certain length and power: the beam is capable of eliminating only the initially damaged epidermal cells. In tissues, under the influence of rays, biological fluids begin to heat up: they evaporate, which leads to the disintegration of some structures, although healthy cells remain unchanged.

Damaged areas are actively restored due to the division of surrounding cells.

DOT method

Using special equipment, thermal microtraumas of the dermis are caused, which ensures the activation of the processes of collagen and elastin production by skin cells. The surrounding tissues are not damaged, so the rehabilitation period is shortened.

The peculiarity of DOT laser fractional rejuvenation is that the first results are obtained 5-7 days after the operation. They improve within another 2-3 months and persist for a long period.

The choice of method largely depends on the age of the patient: for example, the use of non-ablative fractional rejuvenation is recommended at the age of 35-40 years, when age-related changes on the face are still mild. But with premature aging, the procedure becomes impractical, so the doctor will recommend other methods.

Indications for fractional laser rejuvenation

The photothermolysis procedure has clear indications for:

• Cuperosi– varicose veins, varicose veins, which began to appear after 35 years and this is associated with age-related changes in the body and not with vascular diseases;
• Skin relaxation– visible sagging, the face "slides" downwards, cheeks form;
• Wrinkles– small facial expressions, including "crow's feet" (at the outer corners of the eyes), deep folds and folds (nasolabial), muslin around the mouth;
• Excessive production of sebaceous secretions– may be associated with oily skin type, hormonal disorders;
• Dilated pores– visually identified, periodically clogged with sebum and cause the appearance of abundant acne;
• Presence of excessive pigmentation– regardless of its origin (hereditary predisposition, reduced melanin production, skin aging);
• Presence of scars, scars, stretch marks, acne marks– how long ago they were formed does not matter;
• Changes in complexion– there is no natural redness, the tone becomes dull, acquires a grayish, yellowish tint.

Fractional laser rejuvenation can also be used as a prevention of age-related changes on the face if the patient has a hereditary predisposition to premature aging.

Contraindications to the rejuvenation procedure

Since the laser beam acts at a cellular level, the procedure has obvious contraindications. Unconditional restrictions include:

• Neurological disordersaccompanied by convulsive syndrome (epilepsy of any origin and any severity);
• Autoimmune diseasesoccurring at any stage;
• Diabetes, regardless of the type, severity and existing complications;
• Oncological pathologies– a malignant neoplasm can be localized in any organ;
• Chronic internal diseaseswho are experiencing decompensation;
• Predisposition to the formation of keloid scars;
• HIV and hepatitis B, C;
• Psoriasis;
• Warts, multiple papillomas, large warts in areas exposed to the laser beam.

It is worth postponing the procedure if:

• Long-term course of taking antibiotics, hormonal drugs;
• Increased body temperature;
• Menses;
• Pregnancy and during breastfeeding;
• Infectious processes localized in the facial area;
• Focal inflammation of the skin in the areas where the procedure is intended to be performed.

The listed conditions are conditional contraindications: the patient will have to undergo a full course of therapy, restore the level of immunity and only after the permission of the attending physician begin fractional laser rejuvenation.

Preparation for the procedure

It all starts with a consultation with a cosmetologist. In the clinic, a specialist will examine the patient, identify existing problems and collect anamnesis to exclude contraindications. During the consultation, the doctor will immediately determine the amount of work, the number of sessions, the depth and time of exposure to microrays. Laboratory blood tests may be needed. The patient will be given recommendations regarding behavior in the preparatory period:

• Stop taking drugs from the fluoroquinolone, sulphonamide and tetracycline categories(Be sure to consult your doctor! );
• For 10 days before the appointed date, do not visit the solarium, do not sunbathe under the sun's rays, do not do chemical peels.;
• 3 days before the session do not visit baths, saunas or take hot baths,refuse to use cosmetics containing alcohol;
• 24 hours before the procedure, avoid cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea, and physical activity.AND.

If necessary, the cosmetologist can prescribe a short course of antibacterial and/or antiviral drugs: this will help prevent complications during the rehabilitation period.

Facial photothermolysis procedure

In the clinic, facial rejuvenation with fractional laser is performed on an outpatient basis: the patient does not require hospitalization. The duration of the procedure varies from 30 to 60 minutes and depends on the volume of the area to be treated with rays. The manipulation is carried out according to a strict protocol:

1. Skin cleansingfrom remains of decorative and skin care cosmetics, dust, dirt and sebaceous secretions. For this purpose the doctor uses professional cosmetic products that do not contain ethanol.
2. Application of anesthetic gel to the skin– is absorbed within 3-5 minutes. Anesthesia is performed at the patient's request and depends on the level of sensitivity of the epidermis and the pain threshold.
3. Treat the skin with a special ointment, which facilitates the sliding of the nozzle. It does not contain dyes, perfumes, flavors or other substances that may cause an allergic reaction.
4. Work with the selected attachment– the patient does not feel significant pain, there may be mild discomfort. During the procedure, the face is exposed to a flow of cold air, which significantly reduces the severity of discomfort.

After finishing the skin treatment, the doctor removes the remaining ointment for better contact of the hardware attachment with the epidermis and applies a product to the face that has soothing, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory properties - this will speed up the recovery process .

Results of the procedure

It will not be possible to evaluate its effectiveness immediately after the session: the face will be red and swollen. The first results will appear no earlier than 5-7 days:

• the color of the epidermis is uniform;
• pigmentary spots become less noticeable or disappear completely;
• increases the firmness and elasticity of the skin– you can feel it when it is touched;
• facial relief is uniform– "tubercles", "pits", "grooves" disappear.

Regeneration, active production of collagen and elastin continue for another 2-3 months after the end of the cycle of several sessions: the tone and structure of the skin improves, the epidermis is tightened, all fine wrinkles disappear and deep folds with age they become notable minimums. By the end of 3 months after the procedure, scars, scars, stretch marks and acne marks become invisible.

How many sessions are necessary to obtain the rejuvenating effect?

StandardIt is recommended to carry out a course of 5-8 proceduresfractional laser rejuvenation. Each session is performed 4 weeks after the previous one. In this case, it is possible to achieve sustainable results that last 1-1. 5 years.

The clinic prefers to prescribe the duration of therapy on an individual basis. Only a doctor who examines the patient and evaluates the initial condition of the skin is able to determine the advisability of conducting a full course or reduced to 3 sessions. The reaction of the body, the human dermis, to exposure to a laser beam also plays an important role.

Care and rehabilitation after the procedure

The speed of skin restoration after a session of fractional laser rejuvenation depends on how strictly the patient follows the doctor's recommendations:

• During the first week, do not heat your face.. You have to give up a hot bath, visit a bathhouse and sauna and take a hot shower. Nowadays you can wash your face only with water at room temperature, but it is better to abandon this method of cleansing the dermis and use gentle tonics.
• For a month and a half do not go to the solarium and do not expose your facial skin to ultraviolet rays (sun rays). When you go out, be sure to apply sunscreen with a high level of SPF filters on your face. The rule also applies when you are outdoors in cloudy weather: ultraviolet light can penetrate through dense clouds.
• For 10 days, apply moisturizers to previously cleansed facial skin at least 2-3 times a day.. It is strictly forbidden to allow the epidermis to dry out, as this will lead to increased flaking and severe irritation.
• Use masks with panthenol every day for 7 days. . This will help quickly restore the epidermis and avoid complications. If the patient is allergic to the specified substance, the doctor will select another product with identical properties.
• It is strictly forbidden to forcibly remove scabs! They must exfoliate themselves, so in the first 2 weeks you cannot use scrubs for cleansing (even the softest and most delicate ones).

You must be prepared for the fact that in the first 3-5 days after the fractional laser rejuvenation procedure you may experience pain, burning and itching on the face. This is a normal reaction; to alleviate the condition, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, classic painkillers, antihistamines - only as prescribed by a cosmetologist!

Side effects and complications

Unpleasant consequences are unusual for fractional laser rejuvenation. But in some cases side effects and complications may appear:

• redness and swelling of the skin– are considered a normal reaction of the body to the heating of the dermal cells, they disappear on their own in the 3-5th day of the recovery period;
• flaking and excessive dryness– this is how the cells of the epidermis are renewed, so the process can be considered natural, the condition can be alleviated and recovery can be accelerated by correctly carrying out skin care manipulations (daily and massive application of moisturizing cream);
• increased pigmentation– possible only in the absence of protection from ultraviolet rays during the rehabilitation period (this also applies to ignoring the ban on attending the solarium);
• inflammatory process in the superficial layer of the epidermis– develops when antiseptic rules are violated or due to lack of proper cleansing during rehabilitation.

Keloid scars are formed only if at the time of the initial consultation a predisposition to such formations was not identified or if the patient forcibly removed the crusts.

FAQ

There are many questions from patients about the procedure under consideration. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What does a fractional laser do?

Micro-rays rejuvenate, eliminate age spots, scars, stretch marks, acne marks. The fractional laser accelerates the regeneration of dermal cells and activates the production of collagen and elastin. It can be used as an additional therapy in cases of excessive production of sebaceous secretions, excessive acne and enlarged pores.

How long does laser facial rejuvenation last?

Final results appear 3 months after the procedure and last 24 months. But a lot depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body: it may be necessary to repeat the course of sessions after 1 year.

When is the best time to perform fractional laser facial rejuvenation?

Cosmetologists recommend carrying out a course of procedures in autumn, winter and early spring. During these periods, the intensity of ultraviolet rays is reduced, eliminating the risk of developing excessive pigmentation as a complication.

What is better Botox or laser rejuvenation?

These are completely different procedures! Botox is very effective and gives a quick visual effect, but fractional laser rejuvenation is a safer and absolutely harmless procedure.

How long does it take for a face to heal after laser?

Within 2-3 days the skin will become red, and within 3-4 days it will begin to actively peel off. Complete visual recovery occurs 7-9 days after the session, and healing of all layers of the dermis occurs after 2-4 weeks.

Opinions on fractional laser rejuvenation

Most patients leave positive reviews about the procedure - this is a fact. But it is possible to achieve the desired results and avoid complications only if fractional laser rejuvenation is performed professionally and the patient strictly follows all the doctor's recommendations/prescriptions.

The professional clinic employs specialists who have sufficient experience and knowledge to perform fractional laser rejuvenation procedures using different methods. They provide a comprehensive service to each patient: from the initial consultation to determining the feasibility of manipulation to support during the recovery period. Such rejuvenation has a positive effect not only on a person's appearance, but also on his psycho-emotional state: seeing a beautiful, young and flawless face in the mirror is worth a lot and always gives a good mood and self-confidence.