Aging is a natural biological process that affects all tissues in the human body, including those that make up a person's appearance. At the same time, facial tissues are more prone to aging than others because they are constantly affected by environmental factors, chewing, facial and speech functions. As the face is a kind of business card of a person, the issue of preserving and restoring the youth of the facial skin is especially important and topical. Among the many methods and techniques used today to solve this problem, special attention deserves laser facial rejuvenation.
The essence of this method is the partial effect of the laser beam on the skin. The laser flux is divided into many thinner beams, which affect the microscopic areas of the skin at a certain depth and evaporate them. Intact cells located between these sites stimulate the active production of collagen and elastin, the two main "building blocks", which are less and less produced in the human body with age. After this procedure, the skin color improves, fine and medium wrinkles are corrected, the bags are removed under the eyes and the oval of the face is tightened. At the same time, the rehabilitation period is reduced to a minimum. Fractional laser restoration can be used not only as an independent method, but also to improve the results of plastic surgery or skin laser restoration.
Lasers used for fractional laser regeneration
For the first time in the world, a patent for the principle of partial laser exposure was obtained in 2004 by the American company Palomar Medical Technologies. Fractional laser systems are currently represented by various laser technology companies. The most common are laser systems from Palomar and Fraxel, Affirm laser from the famous American company Cynosure, GentleYAG laser from Candela and others. As all these attitudes have a common principle of action, the outcome of the procedure is largely determined by the professionalism of the specialist performing the procedure.
Contraindications to laser restoration procedure
The absolute contraindications to the procedure are as follows:
- Pregnancy, breast-feeding.
- Focuses the inflammatory process in the affected area.
- Psoriasis and dermatoses.
- Focuses of herpes in the affected area.
- Chemical peeling of the intended treatment site less than two weeks before the procedure.
- Oncological diseases.
- Blood, immune system, connective tissue systemic diseases.
- Diabetes mellitus in the decompensation stage.
- Severe forms of hypertension and coronary heart disease.
- Varicose veins in the treatment area.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Family history of Vitiligo.
Relative contraindications include active sun exposure in the last three weeks before the procedure, ie the presence of fresh sunburn, as well as superficial and mid-line peels performed in the treatment area less than three weeks before the procedure.
The benefits of fractional laser regeneration
Due to the puncture effect, skin damage is minimal, so all traces disappear within 3-4 days after the procedure.
The method allows to treat large areas of skin in one procedure, while preserving and activating the skin's regenerating resource, which ensures rapid rehabilitation and long-term growth of positive effects.
The procedure does not require anesthesia, it can be performed on the neck, décolleté and eye area.
Side effects are rare. Possible complications include temporary appearance of red-purple spots in the treatment area, slight and transient itching, activation of the herpes infection, changes in the structure of the skin, including burns, peeling and crusting. Scarring, hyper- and hypopigmentation of the skin in the treatment area are extremely rare but can be permanent.
What is the full course of laser restoration procedures
One fractional laser exposure session lasts 20-40 minutes, depending on the nature of the problem and the area treated. Repeated procedures are performed within 3-4 weeks. It usually takes 3-4 sessions in total. The maximum positive effect occurs within three months after the last procedure. It is recommended to perform maintenance sessions every 10-14 months.
What to do after a laser facial rejuvenation procedure
A slight burning sensation that may be felt after the procedure disappears within 1-2 hours, while redness and slight swelling may persist for 1-3 days. External products (creams, ointments, sprays) containing dexpanthenol, such as Bepanten, Panthenol, D-Panthenol, should be used during this period. After the listed symptoms have disappeared and before the next procedure, a cream with hyaluronic acid is applied.
On the day of the treatment, you can take a shower and bathe, but it is better to wait with the sauna and swimming pool. The foundation can be used the day after the procedure.
It is essential to use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30, as this activates the skin's metabolism and makes it particularly sensitive to sunlight.
Following the procedure, follow the recommendations of the specialist who performed the procedure. The choice of cosmetics, their frequency and duration of use is determined individually and depends on the type of skin and its properties.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetological procedure in which the skin is exposed to a laser block made of microbars. The purpose of this effect is to activate regeneration processes and collagenogenesis. This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique. It is otherwise called fractal, fractional laser regeneration, or photothermolysis.
Principle and varieties of partial laser regeneration operation
How does a partial laser work? The microplants emitted by the device cause heat shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells become more active. To repair the damaged area, they decompose faster. Old cells that have proved useless die, giving way to new ones. The warming of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by the partial denaturation of proteins as well as the formation of new extracellular matrix components, including elastin and collagen.
Distinguishes between ablative and non-ablative laser regeneration after the depth of impact. The first is superficial and reminiscent of grinding. Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is complemented by moisture evaporation, epidermal damage. After healing, the skin becomes more toned, its relief and color are smoothed. During non-aberrant photothermolysis, the laser acts on the deep layers of the skin. In this case, no open wounds form.
Each type of recovery has its advantages and minutes. Thus, the effect of the ablative laser coating is noticeable after the first procedure. Using this method, you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, pimples, stretch marks, scars. With a non-rehabilitative procedure, there is no risk of infection and the restorative effect is noticeable for several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for persons under 40 years of age with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Instructions and contraindications for the procedure
If a photothermolysis procedure is available, you may want to use it:
- Unyielding, sagging skin.
- Both fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores that are prone to pimples.
- Scars, stretch marks, pimples.
- Vascular "stars" (rosacea).
- Dull complexion.
Contraindications to fractional laser regeneration are as follows:
- Allergies, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breast-feeding.
- Blood disorders.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of treatment.
- In the decompensation stage of any chronic disease.
- Oncology.
- Elevated body temperature.
- Diabetes.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Laser Recovery Features
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure consists of refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. All this time you can not clean the skin, perform chemical peels, use sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Three days before the procedure, they stop visiting the pool, sauna, treat the potential exposure area with cosmetics containing alcohol. To prevent complications, the beautician may prescribe antiviral and antibacterial drugs for this period. The day on the eve of the procedure should be done without alcohol and cigarettes, refrain from attending the gym.
Cleans the skin of cosmetics and impurities before laser treatment. The effects of the laser are usually felt as an unpleasant tingling sensation, but sometimes pain relief may be needed. In this case, the beautician applies the prepared area of skin to the anesthetic. After the ointment is applied, he continues to treat the skin with a laser. The duration of the procedure depends on the area of the area to be treated and varies from several minutes to an hour. Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
For the first days after the procedure, you should not use alcohol-based products, compress the parts of the body where photothermolysis was performed with compression underwear. It is recommended to turn off physical activities for a week, visit the pool, sauna or bath, limit the time spent on the street. The skin is moisturized with a special cream three times a day. And so half a month. It is not desirable to peel, use cosmetics with retinol, salicylic acid. It is necessary to use a cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or more for two months.
How many procedures are needed to achieve the result? What effect can you expect?
The rehabilitation period after fractional laser renewal lasts from 3 to 7 days. The speed of recovery is highly dependent on lifestyle. Alcohol consumption, smoking, overactivity, an unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety can slow down the recovery process.
Redness and slight swelling of the skin may occur during the first three days after laser exposure. Anesthetics and skin cooling can help reduce the feeling of discomfort. It is normal if the skin is tight during the week, there are scaly areas. A side effect of the procedure may be a bronze tan, which disappears on its own after half a month.
A lasting result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures. Specifically, the number of sessions can only be determined by a beautician based on initial data. Breaks between procedures are 3-4 weeks. Partial laser restoration slows down the aging process: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, pore severity decreases and complexion improves. This method is an effective tool in the fight against scars, pigmentation, pimples, stretch marks.
Laser fractional restoration is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures. Its advantages include efficiency, short healing period, physiology. The result is visible after the first procedure and lasts up to three years. The method has a wide range of indications. It is possible to select the depth of laser exposure.
A woman of any age wants to see beautiful skin in the mirror, but not everyone is ready to go under a plastic surgeon's knife.
In this case, partial laser rejuvenation will help, which in modern cosmetology occupies one of the first places in anti-aging procedures.
Routes and methods of exposure
Ablative photothermolysis
There are two methods of photothermolysis, each of which is suitable for different situations. The right choice in favor of the best option will help the beautician make the first appointment.
This method is suitable for rejuvenating skin that has just started to age naturally.
The laser microdata network only affects the upper layers of the epidermis, causing it to regenerate in a short time.
The result appears after the first procedure, as soon as the wounds heal.
Non-aberrant photothermolysis
This method is a slightly more serious intervention. The laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis, ignoring the cells on the outside.
Damage also promotes the production of elastin and collagen, as in the case of ablative photothermolysis.
The healing process takes longer and the effect is more pronounced. Suitable for serious facial problems.
Readings
Anyone who wants to recover without serious braces can use this method.
Fractional laser treatment eliminates many facial imperfections, including:
- very pronounced wrinkles on the forehead;
- nasolabial folds;
- crow's foot thread around the eyes;
- epidermis, "flowing down";
- skin pigmentation, scars, scars, spider veins;
- enlarged pores, pimple problem.
Laser therapy has been shown to be very effective in all of these problems.
The only caveat is that several procedures may be required depending on the severity of the deficiency.
Contraindications
Like any other external effect on the body, fractional laser regeneration has its own contraindications, in the presence of which the use of such a procedure is prohibited.
This includes:
- presence of severe inflammation on the face;
- infections, fungal skin lesions;
- epidermal diseases - psoriasis, eczema;
- Excessive dryness of the skin
- malignant neoplasms of the body;
- history of epilepsy;
- heart disease;
- varicose veins on the face;
- in the acute stage of herpes;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- immunodeficiency conditions;
- bronchial asthma, severe allergic reactions;
- neurological diseases.
All contraindications are conditional, that is, the beautician weighs all the risks to the patient.
Sometimes you may need to treat your skin problems first or wait for a remission of your chronic illness, after which recovery is still in progress.
Preparation
As the intervention is not a surgery, no serious preparation is required. Initially, you should consult a beautician, who will assess the condition of the skin, as well as provide recommendations on the necessary photo rejuvenation method.
The patient is obliged to tell the doctor about all the conditions and diseases in the history, as well as about the exacerbations of chronic diseases during the last six months.
If possible, the specialist will recommend that you visit specialists to assess the safety of the procedure.
You should also have a blood and urine test to identify or rule out inflammatory processes in your body. The date of the first visit is then set.
Execution
Fractional skin rejuvenation with a laser in the facial area is performed on an outpatient basis, that is, the patient enters, is treated, and then goes home.
The beautician will first apply an anesthetic cream or ointment based on lidocaine to the epidermis.
In fact, the procedure is not too painful, so sometimes the treatment is performed without going through this stage.
Be aware that the use of local anesthetics then slightly inhibits the natural regeneration of the skin.
The patient is then on the couch and the specialist adjusts the depth of penetration of the laser beam with a special device. The device is designed for certain areas of the epidermis where the laser penetrates deeply.
Manipulations last from half an hour or longer, depending on the area to be treated with the device. During the procedure, the patient may experience a slight tingling sensation as well as an unpleasant odor.
Immediately after the session, a grid of red dots is visible on the face, the skin is red, slightly swollen, so it is better to take care of the way back home in advance.
Possible complications
Fractional recovery does not rule out complications. In some cases, they are normal and disappear within a few days.
Others develop due to a lack of cosmetologist experience or proper facial care during the rehabilitation period.
What is not the norm:
- severe pain or swelling at the site of exposure to the laser beam;
- lesions do not heal within two weeks; Pigmentation and
- scars appeared.
Light redness, scaling and itching are a predictable condition for any type of epidermis.
These effects disappear within 1-2 weeks without leaving any visual imperfections.
Rehabilitation
The outcome of the procedure is greatly influenced by the patient's own behavior. He must carefully monitor the skin, protect it from the aggressive environment, do not use make-up during healing.
General guidelines:
- The first three days of the wound should be lubricated with dexpanthenol-based ointment, This will help heal microbial damage quickly. It is then recommended to use a mild moisturizer with hyaluronic acid recommended by a beautician.
- Washing is not prohibited.The epidermis should not be exposed to strong heat for 2 weeks, so it is better to refrain from baths and saunas, not hot baths.
- You should not go outside without sunbathing,and better choose protection from 50. If this is not done, hyperpigmentation will appear. The cosmetic should be used until it is completely healed, even if it is winter outside.
It is recommended that you revisit the specialist who performed the fractional laser restoration after a few weeks. He should assess the condition of the facial skin, rule out complications.
Forecast
The result can be seen immediately after healing, if the deficiencies were not very pronounced. Deep wrinkles or scars need to be removed in several procedures.
Visually, the skin is smoother, has a natural color, the face is tightened and visibly blooms in 99% of cases.
One percent is devoted to unforeseen circumstances, inadequate care and lack of medical qualifications.
Advantages of the method
For many patients, this method wins with significant benefits that are worth noting. When you choose photothermolysis, a person receives:
- low cost with high efficiency;
- painlessness;
- effect even from a single procedure;
- non-invasiveness;
- Lack of strong side effects.
In addition, laser exposure simultaneously solves several problems with the aesthetic component of the epidermis, which is good news.
Disadvantages
If you choose the wrong clinic for rejuvenation or do not strictly follow the beautician's recommendations, you can earn huge age spots on half of your face that will not be easy to remove.
In addition, the laser treatment lasts quite a long time, during which the patient feels an unpleasant smell of damaged skin, which not everyone can withstand.
Another disadvantage is the incomplete result of one procedure with deep depression, scars and wrinkles.
Review of opinions
Fractional rejuvenation is becoming more popular in cosmetology. Every year, more and more women are choosing a laser instead of a surgical scalpel.