From the time of Cleopatra to the present day, there is not a single member of the fairer sex who does not want to prolong the youth and beauty of their skin. Modern medical science never ceases to amaze with innovations in the field of cosmetology, offering various anti-aging operations and procedures.
Especially popular are techniques that allow you to get rid of the external signs of aging without resorting to injections with a scalpel or Botox. Fractional laser rejuvenation is currently practically the fastest and safest way to combat skin aging.
What is a fractional laser and how it "rejuvenates"
When the laser strikes 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 rejuvenation.
If the same laser is divided into many microbeams, 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 interrupting microlattice. Burns after fractional laser thermolysis are in the form of a large number of microspots among intact skin. This significantly reduces the trauma of the procedure (and the pain as well) and allows the skin to recover faster.
After exposure to the laser, intact healthy skin cells begin to actively divide, forming 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 there are damaged (burned) cells.
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 that no evaporation from the tissues and the formation of an "open" wound. Burning is formed and heals under the epidermis, so there is no risk of infection, but the rejuvenating effect of this procedure is lessexpressed.
The beautician chooses 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 efficiency.
Main advantages:
- the ability to affect any part of the body (including décolleté, neck, eyelids);
- a wide range of indications;
- physiology (the area of damage is only 20% of the total area treated with laser);
- short treatment period (2-7 days);
- method of anesthesia - application;
- the ability to use in people with dark skin (because it does not cause hyperpigmentation);
- the duration of the result (from one year to several years).
The disadvantage is the insufficient knowledge of all aspects of the fractional laser effect, as the technology itself has recently appeared.
Indications for fractional rejuvenation:
- wrinkles (at any depth and location);
- reducing the elastic properties of the skin;
- enlarged pores;
- pigmentation;
- acne;
- arachnoid veins;
- scars (postoperative, residual after acne);
- stretch marks (stretch marks), including on the skin of the mammary glands.
Characteristics of 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 partial 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 a few 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 the body has undergone fractional photothermolysis);
- 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-abrasive 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 continue. If this condition is subjectively poorly tolerated, then it is permissible to use painkillers and skin cooling.
After a few days, a bronze skin tone (tan) 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 is noticed.
Side effects and contraindications for photothermolysis
In case of improper skin care after the procedure, non-compliance with the recommendations or technical errors during laser treatment, the following complications are possible:
- redness of the skin lasting more than 3 days;
- swelling at the site of exposure lasting more than 2 days;
- exacerbation of herpes infection (if it has previously been in the treatment area);
- infection (occurrence of streptoderma);
- erosion, burns in the affected area;
- accurate bleeding;
- hyperpigmentation.
To avoid side effects, the procedure for fractional laser rejuvenation is performed after examination and exclusion of possible contraindications.
Absolute contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- tendency to form keloid scars;
- acute infectious process (including herpes);
- oncological pathology;
- condition after irradiation, chemotherapy;
- epilepsy;
- significant disorders of the immune system;
- taking drugs containing retinoids;
- psoriasis (atopic dermatitis) during exacerbation.
Relative:
- renal pathology;
- diabetes;
- inflammation at the site of exposure;
- the patient's unwillingness to follow the recommendations of the cosmetologist;
- mental illness;
- allergy to anesthesia;
- autoimmune diseases;
- fresh tan (visit to the solarium in the last month);
- recent rejuvenation procedures (affecting the deep layers of the skin - in the last three months, the superficial - within 10 days).
Fractional laser rejuvenation examinations and pictures of patients from the "before" and "after" series usually impair the effectiveness and low trauma of this method of preserving youth.
I remember!The procedure can be performed only by specialists (surgeon or dermatovenerologist) who are trained and licensed to work with laser devices. The competence of a doctor is the key to your beauty!