The skin aging process begins at the age of 25 and at first this process goes unnoticed.At that time, the skin gradually loses elasticity, its structure changes, becomes looser, pores enlarge and wrinkles appear.Sooner or later, there will come a time when changes become obvious and then it becomes difficult to deal with them with conventional cosmetic products.And pigmentation disorders and skin thinning cannot be remedied by conservative methods at all.
Fortunately, modern technology does not leave us alone with the problem of fading.To restore youthful skin, it is not enough to simply remove existing imperfections and signs of aging;it must be stimulated and cell renewal processes launched in it.This is the only way to achieve not only a visual effect, but also real facial rejuvenation.Fractional laser facial rejuvenation, used in cosmetology for more than 10 years, can solve such problems.
This technology is based on fractional photothermolysis - exposure to a laser beam of a certain length, divided into several light streams (fractions) for more efficient operation.Today, partial rejuvenation is considered a real alternative to facelift surgery.
Mechanism of laser facial rejuvenation
Over time, all processes in the body slow down, including at the cellular level.This is the cause of skin aging: cells are no longer recycled quickly, new cells do not grow actively, as a result, the skin regeneration process becomes less and less effective and almost stops.Studies have shown that laser irradiation of its cells helps restore the skin's natural rejuvenation potential.
Under the influence of the light beam and the thermal shock it creates on the skin, an intensive tissue cleansing process takes place of dead cells and those whose ability to grow and develop further has been lost.At the same time, young and healthy cells only benefit from such an effect: they actively multiply, replacing used cells and restoring the regeneration mechanism of "damaged" skin.
Almost all cosmetic lasers have this effect on the facial skin.The difference between Fraxel is that it uses the most efficient laser beam size, with a diameter of less than 200 microns: it is this thin laser that contributes to the replacement of old tissue with young and healthy tissue.
The second feature of fractional rejuvenation is that the effect occurs not with one beam, but with the entire volume of microbeams in which the light stream is divided, creating a mesh effect.Therefore, irradiation does not occur pointwise nor does it occur as a continuous pulse.It is positioned according to a certain matrix.
The skin is divided into small zones, in the middle of each zone there are tissues that have undergone a strong thermal shock and around them are healthy cells that are not affected by the laser.The result of this treatment is active skin regeneration: the exfoliation of dead cells and the growth of young skin in their place.
Types of fractional rejuvenation
Fractional photothermal methods exist in two fundamentally different forms: ablative and nonablative.These laser treatments differ in many characteristics: laser penetration depth, treatment intensity, skin stimulation mechanism and final effect.
Ablative technology involves superficial effects on epidermal cells through their evaporation.In contrast, non-invasive rejuvenation does not affect the top layer of the skin but penetrates deep into it, where the lower layer of the epidermis is located and the dermis begins.In this case, the irradiated cells do not evaporate but form coagulated columns of tissue.
In both cases, laser treatment takes place in limited areas, around sites that preserve so-called cell programming zones - healthy cells with great regenerative potential, activated by heat shock.A short-term increase in temperature in tissues activates all metabolic processes in them, including the growth of elastic fibers and collagen, which are responsible for the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
Ablative Fraxel gives fast results and is more suitable for eliminating the first signs of aging: shallow wrinkles, slight loss of firmness.As a result of the excision process, microscopic areas will evaporate from the surface of the skin, which during regeneration will be covered with new skin with the participation of cells from the surrounding areas.As a result, lifting (tightening) of the entire facial skin occurs, as well as the destruction of wrinkles and imperfections.
To solve the problem of a person with obvious signs of weakness, such external effects will not be enough.Aging skin needs to be "treated" from within, in the deep layers, where the cells responsible for renewing the skin's framework are concentrated.This result is guaranteed by non-invasive partial rejuvenation method.
Of course, no one forbids combining these two methods.Then the effect will be even more amazing: the skin will receive a double impulse for rejuvenation, both from the inside and the outside, as a result, the condition of the face will noticeably improve after one procedure, and the activated tissue regeneration will keep the face “in shape” for a long time.
Fraction laser rejuvenation procedure
Like any other laser procedure, Fraxel should only be performed by a qualified professional.The fact is that the equipment used refers to medical laser equipment, to work with it you must have a medical education, undergo training and accumulate relevant experience.
In the wrong hands, lasers can be dangerous due to complications and unpredictable consequences;Moreover, this procedure has a fairly large number of contraindications.It is by identifying the obstacles to the use of laser procedures that preparation for partial rejuvenation begins.
Contraindicated
We list those conditions and diseases that do not allow the use of laser-based procedures:
- the presence of any tumors in the body in the present and past;
- Skin diseases in the treatment area: dermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo;
- damaged skin (scratches, abrasions);
- history of light allergy;
- tendency to form keloid scars;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological systems;
- acute viral and bacterial infections;
- weak immunity;
- Acute or chronic herpes in the acute stage;
- taking drugs based on retinoids (after the end of treatment, must pass at least six months before the procedure if taking tablets and at least 2 weeks if using external agents);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- epilepsy and other mental and neurological problems;
- recently tanned
After studying the medical history and current health condition, the cosmetologist decides on the possibility of performing the procedure.In some cases, it needs to be temporarily postponed, such as during a cold or menstruation.Overall, micro laser skin rejuvenation is a fairly safe procedure and if done properly should not cause any complications.
Progress of the procedure
Fractional photothermolysis is considered a painless procedure.However, this cannot be 100% confirmed.Most patients still feel discomfort during and especially after laser skin rejuvenation.
Therefore, local anesthesia is often used to begin a laser therapy session.A numbing agent is applied to the face to reduce overall skin sensitivity.During pulse exposure, burning and tingling sensations are acceptable.
Facial treatment takes 20-40 minutes (the duration of the session depends on the size of the treated area) and upon completion, a special protective cream will be applied to the skin and the patient will receive recommendations on how to care for the facial skin during the recovery period.
Skin regeneration after treatment
It is believed that partial rejuvenation does not require recovery time and does not disrupt the normal rhythm of life.In fact, this is not entirely true.To avoid getting into an awkward situation, it is better not to take risks and not try to combine the laser treatment procedure with work or upcoming vacation.You should rest for at least a week, because on these days you need to follow a rest regimen, and your appearance is unlikely to allow you to lead an active life.The face will be red and swollen for a few days, after a few days it will begin to peel, and only after 7–10 days can we talk about a normal appearance.
Ablative fraxel healing can be especially unpleasant: with it, the condition of the face can resemble a burn.Other consequences after the procedure include:
- increased or decreased pigmentation;
- the appearance of scars and scars if their tendency was not previously determined;
- introduce infection into small wounds.
Such side effects are unlikely and account for less than 3% of all partial rejuvenation cases.If the procedure is performed correctly, without compromising the preparation and rehabilitation process, the likelihood of complications will be reduced to zero.
After using fractional laser, you should not sunbathe, expose your skin to friction, use harsh cosmetics, or be too hot or too cold.
Results of facial skin rejuvenation with micro laser
Fractional laser rejuvenation, unlike fractional skin resurfacing, is a minimally invasive procedure.It does not “burn” the skin layers, so the effect after one session is rarely impressive.As a rule, partial rejuvenation is carried out in courses - from 3 to 6 sessions, after which you can evaluate the results:
- tightens and firms the skin;
- enhances the oval of the face;
- smoothes wrinkles;
- remove pigment spots;
- smoothes post-acne skin;
- evens skin tone.
The rejuvenation effect lasts from one year to 10 years, after which you can repeat the treatment.
Fractional laser rejuvenation is also suitable for other procedures: skin resurfacing, injection techniques, during the recovery period after cosmetic surgery.Laser irradiation does not have a destructive effect on previously introduced fillers, but experts believe that it is better to do the full course of Fraxel first, and then begin to correct the remaining shortcomings.
As for patient reviews, they are mixed.Along with positive recommendations for this procedure, negative statements are also often found.Therefore, many women voiced complaints as follows:
- Recovery time takes longer than cosmetic experts promise.As a rule, we are not talking about 4-7 days, as beauty salon workers say, but about 10-14 days.
- More than half of the patients found the drug to be insufficiently effective.Many people find that partial rejuvenation has left their face puffy, making them look older than before the procedure.It is also noted that the procedure's ability to smooth out wrinkles is greatly exaggerated, and its main purpose is to eliminate hyperpigmentation and acne.
- The definite downside to micro laser rejuvenation is the cost.
Procedure review
Here are some reviews about micro laser facial rejuvenation:
Review number 1
My husband and I gave my mother-in-law a partial rejuvenation certificate for our anniversary.She is a young, dynamic woman and she comes with joy.There is an obvious result: the face is fresh, firm, all imperfections disappear, wrinkles around the eyes are visibly blurred.She only did it once, but she wanted to go again to consolidate the results and ask for the same gift for her next vacation.
Review number 2
I don't like partial rejuvenation.First of all, I was in pain.Second, after the procedure, I was forced to leave my house for almost 2 weeks.My face had grown several times larger, red and even wet, as if ichor was oozing out.The result is zero.My main problem is acne on my cheeks.So everything remains the same, it's worth all the pain, and my own money too.
Review number 3
I only have enough for one Fraxel procedure.Still a bit expensive and uncomfortable.But after 6 days I saw the results and it was amazing!The nasolabial folds disappeared and all the age spots disappeared, and this is exactly why I look so much older than my real age.Now I am satisfied with everything, I think that if necessary, I will decide to take the course again.
Price
As for the cost of a partial laser skin rejuvenation procedure, it varies significantly depending on the volume of work and the level of intervention.Payments are typically applied to individual areas, to the entire face, to the entire face including the neck and chest.Prices may vary by city.
Most cosmetologists consider this procedure a worthy alternative to plastic surgery, but it is more reasonable to carry out it without waiting for significant changes in the skin, when their removal is already difficult and expensive.If you start performing partial rejuvenation from the age of 35-40, this will allow you to postpone the need for more radical methods for a long time.