Fractional laser rejuvenation

Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure during which the facial skin is exposed to laser microbeams, this is called fractional laser rejuvenation. The aim 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 only carried out after consultation with a specialist!

What is fractional laser photothermolysis?

The essence of the photothermolysis procedure is that a laser beam, penetrating through a split array, "splits" into numerous microbeams: a targeted effect is exerted on the skin. Damaged lesions are formed in all layers of the dermis, which stimulates the regeneration processes of the surrounding tissues. Cells begin to divide rapidly and fill in the "burned" areas.

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

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

Types of fractional photothermolysis

In a cosmetology clinic, the photothermolysis procedure is carried out using different methods. Each of them has its own 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 particularly effective when it comes to removing acne marks, acne, stretch marks and for rejuvenating the face, neck and eyelids. During fractional non-ablative laser rejuvenation, the skin is not subject to strong effects and is moderately damaged, which makes it possible to carry out the procedure of lifting and improving the appearance of the epidermis.

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

• acne treatment gives results after just 4 sessions, they improve in another 24 months;
• when removing stretch marks, not only the realstretch marks become barely visible or disappear completely, but the skin around them becomes firm and elastic after 1 to 2 months;
• after 5 sessions the wrinkles disappear, and smoothing of deep wrinkles occurs another 3 months after the end of the course.

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

Ablative fractional photothermolysis

This involves the penetration of laser microbeams to a certain depth of the dermis, where, under their influence, the process of protein folding begins, followed by their destruction. Within 3 months after ablative fractional photothermolysis, collagen is formed in damaged areas. This method is especially effective when it is necessary to eliminate deep age wrinkles, smooth scars and scars, increase skin elasticity and excessive pigmentation.

Ablative fractional photothermolysis involves using long laser beams capable of penetrating the deepest layers of the dermis.

A distinctive feature of the method under consideration is that patients experience pain during and after the procedure. 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 removing only 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 through the division of surrounding cells.

POINT method

With the help of special equipment, thermal microtrauma of the dermis is caused, which ensures the activation of the processes of collagen and elastin production by skin cells. The surrounding tissues are not injured, so the rehabilitation period is reduced.

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

The choice of method largely depends on the age of the patient - for example, fractional non-ablative rejuvenation is recommended between 35 and 40 years of age, when age-related facial changes are still mild. But with early aging, the procedure becomes inconvenient, so the doctor will recommend other methods.

Indications for fractional laser rejuvenation

The photothermolysis procedure has clear indications for:

• Cuperosis– spider veins, spider veins, which began to appear after 35 years and which are associated with age-related changes in the body, and not with vascular diseases;
• Skin sagging– visible sagging, the face "slides" downwards, jowls form;
• Wrinkles– small facial expressions, including "crow’s feet" (at the outer corners of the eyes), deep folds and furrows (nasolabial), muslin around the mouth;
• Excessive production of sebaceous secretions– can be associated with oily skin and hormonal disorders;
• Pores– visually identified, periodically clogged by sebum and causing the appearance of abundant acne;
• Presence of excessive pigmentation– whatever its origin (hereditary predisposition, alteration of melanin production, skin aging);
• Presence of scars, scars, stretch marks, acne marks– how long ago they were trained doesn’t matter;
• Complexion changes– there is no natural blush, the tone becomes dull, acquires a grayish, yellowish tint.

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

Contraindications to the rejuvenation procedure

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

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

It is worth postponing the procedure if:

• Long-term intake of antibiotics, hormonal drugs;
• Increased body temperature;
• Rules;
• Pregnancy and while breastfeeding;
• Infectious processes localized in the facial area;
• Focal inflammation of the skin in the areas where the intervention is intended to be performed.

The listed conditions are conditional contraindications - the patient will have to undergo comprehensive treatment, restore the level of immunity and only after permission from the attending physician, start fractional laser rejuvenation.

Preparing for the procedure

It all starts with a consultation with a beautician. 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, number of sessions, depth and duration of exposure to micro-rays. Laboratory blood tests may be necessary. The patient will receive recommendations regarding his behavior during the preparatory period:

• Stop taking drugs from the categories fluoroquinolones, sulfamamides, tetracyclines(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 cosmetic products containing alcohol;
• 24 hours before the procedure, avoid cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea, and physical activity.And.

If necessary, the beautician can prescribe a short course of antibacterial and/or antiviral drugs - this will serve to prevent complications during the rehabilitation period.

Facial photothermolysis procedure

In the clinic, fractional laser facial rejuvenation is carried out on an outpatient basis - the patient does not need to be hospitalized. 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 handling is carried out according to a strict protocol:

1. Skin cleansingremnants of decorative cosmetic and skin care products, dust, dirt and sebaceous secretions. For this purpose, the doctor uses professional cosmetic products that do not contain ethanol.
2. Apply anesthetic gel to the skin– it is absorbed in 3 to 5 minutes. Anesthesia is carried out 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 makes it easier to slide the nozzle. It does not contain dyes, perfumes, flavors or any other substance that could cause an allergic reaction.
4. Working with the selected attachment– the patient does not feel significant pain, there may be slight discomfort. During the procedure, the face is exposed to a flow of cold air, which significantly reduces the severity of discomfort.

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

Results of the procedure

It will not be possible to assess the effectiveness immediately after the session - the face will be red and swollen. The first results will appear after 5 to 7 days at the earliest:

• the color of the epidermis is unified;
• pigment spots become less visible or disappear completely;
• increases skin firmness and elasticity– we feel it to the touch;
• the relief of the face is unified– the "tubers", the "hollows", the "furrows" disappear.

Regeneration, active production of collagen and elastin continue for another 2-3 months after the end of several sessions - the tone and structure of the skin improves, the epidermis is tightened, all fine wrinkles disappear anddeep creases due to age become minimal. perceptible. After 3 months after the procedure, scars, scars, stretch marks and acne marks become invisible.

How many sessions are needed to achieve the rejuvenating effect?

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

The clinic prefers to prescribe the duration of treatment on an individual basis. Only a doctor who examines the patient and assesses the initial condition of the skin is able to determine the advisability of carrying out a full course or shortened 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

How quickly the skin restores 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 need 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 visit the solarium and do not expose the skin on your face to ultraviolet (sun rays). When you go out, make sure to apply sunscreen with a high level of SPF filters on your face. The rule applies even when you're outside on cloudy days: ultraviolet light can penetrate through dense clouds.
• For 10 days, apply moisturizing creams to pre-cleansed facial skin at least 2-3 times a day.. It is strictly forbidden to allow the epidermis to dry, as this will lead to increased peeling and severe irritation.
• Use panthenol masks 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 remove the scabs forcibly! They need to exfoliate on their own, so in the first 2 weeks you cannot use scrubs for cleaning (even the gentlest and most gentle ones).

You should 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 your face. This is a normal reaction; to relieve the disease, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, classic pain relievers, antihistamines - only as prescribed by a cosmetologist!

Side effects and complications

Unpleasant consequences are not characteristic of 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 heating of the dermal cells, disappear on their own on the 3-5th day of the recovery period;
• flaking and excessive dryness– this is how the cells of the epidermis are renewed, therefore the process can be considered natural, the condition can be relieved and recovery can be accelerated by correctly carrying out care manipulations (daily and massive application of creammoisturizing);
• increased pigmentation– possible only in the absence of protection against ultraviolet rays during the rehabilitation period (this also applies to non-compliance with the ban on visiting the solarium);
• inflammatory process in the superficial layer of the epidermis– develops when antiseptic rules are not followed or due to lack of proper cleaning during rehabilitation.

Keloid scars are formed only if a predisposition to such formations was not identified during the first consultation or the patient forcibly removed the crusts.

FAQs

Patients ask many questions about the planned procedure. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions.

What is a fractional laser used for?

Micro-rays rejuvenate, remove age spots, scars, stretch marks, acne marks. The fractional laser accelerates the regeneration of dermis cells and activates the production of collagen and elastin. Can be used as an additional therapy for excessive production of sebaceous secretions, excessive acne and enlarged pores.

How long does laser facial rejuvenation last?

The final results appear 3 months after the intervention and last 24 months. But much depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body - a repetition of sessions may be necessary after 1 year.

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

Cosmetologists recommend carrying out a series 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.

Which 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?

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

Opinions on fractional laser rejuvenation

Most patients leave positive reviews about the procedure - this is a fact. But you can achieve the desired results and avoid complications only if fractional laser rejuvenation is carried out at a professional level and the patient strictly follows all the doctor's recommendations / prescriptions.

The professional clinic employs specialists with 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 and determination of 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 impeccable face in the mirror is worth a lot and always gives a good mood and confidencein itself.