Fractional laser rejuvenation is a know-how in cosmetology. The procedure appeared quite recently, but it has already proved successful. It is used by all those who want to rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck, hands. It has many indications and few contraindications.
This type of rejuvenation allows you to smooth the skin, remove scars and scars and even out the tone. The procedure takes a few minutes and the effect lasts up to five years. Isn't that what many women dream of: visiting a salon and staying beautiful for a long time? In any case, before signing up for a session, you should consult a doctor, as side effects are possible.
The essence of fractional laser rejuvenation
One of the latest modern developments in the field of cosmetology is the fractional laser rejuvenation technique. Currently, it is not without reason that it can be called the most popular of all laser therapy procedures.
During the session, the laser beam, passed through a special fractional lattice, breaks down into a large number of microbeams. This method provides a point (fractional) effect on the skin without completely destroying it.
Many of the smaller healing areas are formed in the dermis layer, where the development of young and renewed skin tissue occurs very quickly. The cells around the affected areas begin to divide intensively, filling the damaged areas. As a result, rejuvenation processes are stimulated in the deep layers of the dermis. The micro rays, acting on the middle and upper layers of the skin tissue, help eliminate pigmentation, wrinkles and scars.
The fractional laser rejuvenation of the facial skin helps to achieve firmness and elasticity. In addition, thanks to the procedure, the pores are noticeably reduced, the oval of the face becomes more toned, the shade and texture of the skin are smoothed, wrinkles and scars are noticeably smoothed.
4 types of fractional laser rejuvenation
Non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation
In the photo on the right you can see the result after the non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation.
As a rule, the method is used to rejuvenate the neck, face, eyelids, as well as to remove stretch marks and traces of acne.
With this photothermolysis the skin is not subject to serious damage. Therefore, this method is used for lifting procedures and to improve the condition of the skin in general.
Photothermolysis involves the use of an erbium laser, which penetrates the epidermis layer without damaging its integrity.
In addition, a thulium laser (1. 93 Nm) is often used. Thanks to the redistribution of melanin, it removes age spots more effectively and heals hypigmented areas.
The result of the non-ablative photothermolysis technique is prolonged. For example, after four acne treatments, there is an improvement in skin condition within two years. If the goal of photothermolysis is to eliminate stretch marks, the result exceeds expectations: at the end of the course not only the defect disappears, but also the local tissues acquire elasticity.
After the procedure, the wrinkles diminish for another three months. However, side effects are only reported in 5% of cases.
Ablative mode
The technique involves the use of a CO2 laser, whose rays, penetrating into some layers of the dermis, form damaged areas there. During this process, in the superficial layers of the skin, proteins are folded and destroyed. The renewed collagen forms in the treated areas for three months after the procedure.
This method is used for deep wrinkles, scars, excessive pigmentation, scar tissue and loose skin.
The CO2 laser has a long wave of radiation, thanks to which it is able to penetrate into the deep layers of the dermis and eliminate significant defects.
In addition, a shorter wavelength erbium laser is used. Its effect is superficial, but the result becomes visible sooner.
Unlike non-ablative thermolysis, patients often experience pain during and immediately after the ablative session. But at the same time, this method is more effective and safer than classic laser ablation.
CO2 rejuvenation
The photo shows a variation of the fractional laser rejuvenation procedure. The use of a CO2 laser with a wavelength of 10. 6 microns is assumed. The beam punctually eliminates cells with a defect within the epidermis layer. As a result of radiation in the tissues, intense heating of the liquid occurs. With CO2 fractional laser rejuvenation, the evaporation of water causes the breakdown of the structure of some areas, while the surrounding skin maintains its integrity.
With this method, the damaged areas are restored thanks to the living and active cells around.
DOT rejuvenation method
This method uses a carbon dioxide laser with a wavelength of 10. 6 μm. Falling into the layers of the epidermis, the beam selectively eliminates cells with defects. With the alternation of damaged and healthy areas, a specific network should form. As a result of the coagulation of the protein by the laser beam, unwanted cells are destroyed.
Advantages of fractional laser rejuvenation
This technology has been used in the field of cosmetology for over 10 years. It is effective, safe and has many advantages over other anti-aging and healing therapies:
causes almost no side effects;
is non-invasive, so there is no possibility of client infection (including HIV);
is quite comfortable and painless;
allowed from 16 years;
is hygienic as the instruments do not come into contact with the skin;
is suitable for atonic skin types;
it is possible to select an individual treatment program;
suits clients with any degree of skin pigmentation;
the areas with defects are processed in a timely manner, therefore the possibility of damage to surrounding healthy tissues is excluded;
since the skin is only 25% injured, the recovery period after the procedure is short (face - seven days, body - 14 days);
the effect becomes visible immediately after the first procedure;
the result obtained is saved for several years;
you can manage delicate places;
elastin production is significantly accelerated in the affected areas.
Indications for the rejuvenation procedure
Fractional laser rejuvenation can be used for:
general skin rejuvenation;
skin lifting (face, neck, décolleté, arms);
scars and smoothing scars;
skin alignment;
restore the contour of the face oval;
wrinkle removal;
removes age spots and melasma;
removes stretch marks (stretch marks);
elimination of the consequences of acne.
Intense fractional laser exposure can cause skin hyperpigmentation for a short time.
To obtain a good result, after the procedure, the skin must be treated with sun cosmetics with a protection level of at least SPF 50.
Fractional resurfacing can be compared to solid resurfacing in its effect. Judging by the vast foreign and domestic experience, this hardware technique is less traumatic and leads to a tremendous rejuvenating and firming effect.
Fractional rejuvenation for the treatment of scars and stretch marks
This rejuvenation method is particularly effective in treating scar tissue. Fractional laser beams have the ability to squeeze coarse scar tissue, after which it acquires elasticity, softness, and the tension of the surrounding healthy tissue decreases.
Fractional photothermolysis helps reduce the area of scars, making them elastic, discrete, as close to healthy skin as possible.
Fractional rejuvenation is indicated for the treatment of stretch marks. Unfortunately, stretch marks cannot be completely eliminated; you can only make them more invisible.
The effect of fractional healing is:
decreasing the stretch mark area;
reduce the breakages of the fibers of the fabrics;
aligns stretch marks with healthy skin tone;
increase the elasticity and firmness of the surrounding skin tissue and relieve tension.
Contraindications of such rejuvenation
Fractional rejuvenation, like any cosmetic procedure, is not shown to everyone. Therefore, in order to avoid negative consequences, it is necessary to carefully study all contraindications before the session.
Fractional photothermolysis is not recommended:
during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as any changes that occur in the body of a pregnant or nursing woman affect the baby - you should not risk the health of the baby, it is better to postpone the procedure;
in case of inflammation (or redness) in the treated area - the cosmetologist will refuse to perform fractional laser photothermolysis in the cheeks if they are covered by an allergic rash (the laser beam can damage the skin up to deep scars);
for chemical peeling: if you have cleaned your face, you need to let the epidermis layers harden for two weeks (minimum) and prepare for the laser beam;
in the presence of oncological diseases, as natural complications can occur following exposure to the laser;
for diagnosed diabetes mellitus;
in the presence of viral and bacterial infections - to avoid the invasion of foreign elements into the cell structure during fractional rejuvenation, you must first fully recover.
Preparation and flow of the procedure
In order to avoid disastrous consequences in the form of complications after a cosmetic procedure, it is necessary to prepare carefully.
First, you need to consult a beautician and get an assessment of the condition of the facial skin. The specialist will determine the list of contraindications and provide the necessary recommendations.
Before the procedure, it is not recommended to visit the bathhouse, sauna, solarium for 3-4 weeks. It is also forbidden to sunbathe in the open sun. Sunscreen should be applied to the face before going out.
It is very important to stop some medications, especially antibiotics and anticoagulants. Also, doctors recommend taking anti-herpetic drugs.
It is not recommended to carry out manipulations that damage the skin tissue no later than two weeks earlier.
Fractional laser rejuvenation of the eyes and other areas occurs in several stages. First, the beautician must prepare the skin areas for the procedure. To do this, it removes the remnants of decorative cosmetics from the skin, as well as dirt, dust, sweat. Then the surface is treated with an antiseptic.
The next step is to apply an anesthetic cream, which is left on the skin for about an hour.
After anesthesia, a contact gel is applied evenly to the face so that the sensor glides smoothly and evenly over the skin surface.
Then the tip is used to treat the skin tissue in straight lines in different directions. The device is equipped with attachments of different sizes. As a rule, 2 cm² of leather are processed in one pass.
At the end of the procedure, the specialist should remove the remaining contact gel and apply a soothing cream.
Number of sessions
After fractional laser rejuvenation of the eyelids and other problem areas, rehabilitation is required for 3-7 days. The duration of the rehabilitation period will depend on the patient's lifestyle. For example, bad habits, poor nutrition, excessive physical activity, stress, and sleep disturbances can significantly slow down skin regeneration after the procedure.
During the first three days after the session, redness and slight swelling may appear on the skin. Analgesics and skin refreshing products can be used to reduce discomfort.
It is considered normal if during the first week the skin appears firm and peels off in some places. Side effects include a bronze complexion which disappears after 14 days.
Long-lasting results can be achieved with 2-5 procedures. Specifically, the cosmetologist can tell you how many sessions are needed, depending on each individual case and the client's initial data.
The interval between sessions should be at least 3-4 weeks. Fractional laser rejuvenation slows down aging: wrinkles diminish or disappear completely, turgor increases, pores shrink and complexion is evened out. This method effectively removes pigmentation, acne, stretch marks and scars.
Possible side effects
Complications after fractional laser rejuvenation are extremely rare. Most often, negative consequences are noted due to the unprofessional actions of a cosmetologist who neglects the processing instructions. Sometimes side effects appear due to the customer's failure to comply with the skin care recommendations.
Most likely complications:
pronounced skin hyperemia, self-limiting after three days;
swelling;
dark skin tone;
excessive dryness and peeling of the skin;
burn;
scars and scars;
white or yellow milia rising above the surface (dense nodules forming under the skin);
inflammatory processes in damaged areas;
the phenomenon of hyperpigmentation (can occur as a result of exposure to sunlight).
Complications after fractional laser rejuvenation will not appear if you prepare well before the procedure, choose a reliable clinic and an experienced professional.
7 tips for post-treatment
To quickly restore the skin, the following recommendations should be followed:
Within 7-10 days, try not to overheat the treated areas. You can not go to the bathhouse, to the sauna. It is not recommended to visit the solarium for 1. 5 months.
The products prescribed by the beautician must be applied to the skin.
If the body has been treated, wear compression garments.
Treat skin with moisturizers at least 2-3 times a day.
Take a course of regenerating masks containing a stimulant for tissue regeneration.
Appeared scabs cannot be removed.
It is forbidden to peel, use scrubs, aggressive detergents.
Fractional laser rejuvenation price
The price for facial skin rejuvenation with fractional laser will depend on the area of the treatment areas, the depth of penetration of the rays. Some cosmetic clinics offer their customers price lists, which indicate the cost of processing 1 cm².
The cost depends on the number of sessions performed.
The best result is obtained if the treatment is carried out in courses calculated by a professional beautician.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fractional Laser Rejuvenation
Minimum age allowed for laser facial rejuvenation
There are practically no restrictions. Treatments can be performed as early as 17 to eliminate acne scars.
For women over 40 who want to preserve youthfulness and attractiveness, the technique is particularly useful, as laser beams cause the skin cells to produce collagen.
The recovery period after fractional laser rejuvenation is usually 7-14 days. The duration of rehabilitation depends on the complexity of the problem and the type of laser exposure.
When can I start
It depends on the type of laser treatment used, the area of problem areas, the experience and skills of the cosmetologist. The recovery period, depending on the method and the complexity of the defects, varies from two days to three weeks. It happens that the patient can start working one day after the session.
How long does it take to see the result
It takes about six months for the skin to completely renew itself and become visible. The result lasts about five years.
Facial skin rejuvenation with fractional laser refers to highly effective cosmetic procedures. It has many advantages over similar anti-aging treatments. But you need to know that this procedure is not suitable for everyone and has contraindications. Therefore, you must first consult a specialist. And to reduce the risk of complications, you should only choose reliable and proven clinics.