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 does not cease to amaze with innovations in the field of cosmetology, offering various surgeries and procedures against aging.
Particularly popular are techniques that allow you to get rid of the external signs of aging without using a scalpel or botox injections. Laser fractional rejuvenation is currently practically the fastest and safest way to combat skin aging.
What is a fractional laser and how is it "renewed"
When the laser hits the skin, a burn occurs that spreads to the depths. Active healing processes (regeneration) begin, which provides the desired cosmetic effect. This procedure is also known in cosmetology as laser skin reappearance.
If the same laser splits 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, but as an intermittent micro-mesh. Burns after fractional laser thermolysis are located in the form of a large number of microdots between the intact skin. This significantly reduces the trauma of the procedure (and soreness as well) and allows the skin to recover faster.
After laser exposure, intact healthy skin cells begin to actively divide, with the formation of collagen and elastin, which provide elasticity and a youthful appearance to the skin.
Varieties of fractional photothermolysis
Ablative
Under the action of laser radiation, water evaporates from the tissues and a microscopic "open" wound is formed, around which the damaged (burned) cells are located.
During healing, a pronounced lifting effect occurs, but there is a risk of infection penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin.
Not ablative
Radiation is used, which leaves the epidermis intact, so that evaporation from the tissues and the formation of an "open" wound does not occur. Burns form and heal under the epidermis, so there is no risk of infection, but the rejuvenating effect of this procedure is less pronounced.
The cosmetologist chooses the method of fractional rejuvenation individually, depending on the condition and type of skin.
Effects and benefits of laser fractional thermolysis
The main difference between the technique and all other procedures is the optimal balance between safety and effectiveness.
Key pluses:
- the ability to touch 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 laser treated area);
- short recovery period (2-7 days);
- method of anesthesia - application;
- the possibility of its use in people with dark skin (as it does not cause hyperpigmentation);
- 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, as the technology itself has emerged recently.
Indications for fractional renewal:
- wrinkles (of any depth and location);
- reducing the elastic properties of the skin;
- enlarged pores;
- pigmentation;
- acne;
- spider veins;
- signs (postoperative, remnants after acne);
- stretch marks (stretch marks), including on the skin of the mammary glands.
Characteristics of performing fractional laser thermolysis
A few days before the photothermolysis procedure, the cosmetologist may prescribe (if indicated) antibacterial or antiviral medications 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 "piercing sensation" or "piercing sensation". The duration of the procedure (from a few minutes to an hour) and their number are chosen individually. After the laser treatment, a nourishing soothing cream is placed on 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 sunroom, 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 underwear with compression for several days (if fractional photothermolysis has been done on the body);
- limit (exclude) smoking and alcohol throughout the course of treatment (reduce skin regenerative functions).
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 partial rejuvenation, dryness and peeling of the skin is observed.
Undesirable consequences and contraindications for photothermolysis
With inadequate skin care after the procedure, non-compliance with recommendations or technical errors during laser treatment, the following complications are possible:
- skin rash lasting more than 3 days;
- edema at the site of exposure, lasting more than 2 days;
- exacerbation of herpes infection (if previously in the treatment area);
- infection (appearance of streptoderm);
- erosion, burns in the affected area;
- certain hemorrhages;
- hyperpigmentation.
In order to avoid undesirable consequences, the procedure of fractional laser rejuvenation is performed 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.
Relatives:
- kidney pathology;
- diabetes;
- inflammation at the site of exposure;
- unwillingness of the patient to follow the recommendations of the cosmetologist;
- mental illness;
- allergy to anesthetics;
- autoimmune diseases;
- fresh tan (visit to the solarium within the last month);
- recent rejuvenation procedures (affecting the deeper layers of the skin - within the last three months, superficial - within 10 days).
Fractional laser rejuvenation reviews and photos of patients from the "before" and "after" series generally undermine the effectiveness and low trauma of this method of preserving youth.
Do not forget!The procedure can only be performed by specialists (surgeon or dermatovenerologist) who are trained and have permission to work with laser equipment. The competence of a doctor is the key to your beauty!