Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure during which facial skin is exposed to laser microbeams, called fractional laser rejuvenation. The objective 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 minimum list of contraindications and a low probability of complications and side effects. In the clinic, photothermolysis is carried out only after consultation with a specialist!
What is fractional laser photothermolysis?
The essence of the photothermolysis procedure is that a laser beam, penetrating through a fractional network, "splits" into many microbeams: a targeted effect is exerted on the skin. Damaged lesions form in all layers of the dermis, which stimulate regeneration processes in 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, radically eliminates or 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 classic laser resurfacing. But photothermolysis does not require the use of general anesthesia and subsequent long-term rehabilitation.
Types of fractional photothermolysis
In a cosmetology clinic, the photothermolysis procedure is performed using several methods. Each of them has its 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 person's age, 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 especially effective in removing acne marks, acne, stretch marks and rejuvenating the face, neck and eyelids. During non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation, the skin does not suffer powerful effects and is moderately damaged, which makes it possible to carry out the lifting procedure and improve the appearance of the epidermis.
A distinctive feature 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 eliminating stretch marks, not just the realstretch marks become minimally noticeable or disappear completely, but the skin around them becomes firm and elastic after 1-2 months;
- after 5 sessions the wrinkles disappear, and the smoothing of deep wrinkles occurs for another 3 months after the end of the course.
The probability of side effects occurring after carrying out the procedure in question using a non-ablative method is low - this is recorded in only 5% of all patients.
Ablative fractional photothermolysis
It involves the penetration of laser microbeams to a certain depth of the dermis, where under their influence the process of protein folding begins with their subsequent destruction. Within 3 months after ablative fractional photothermolysis, collagen is formed in the 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 is the use of long laser beams that can penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis.
A distinctive feature of the method in question is that patients experience pain during the procedure and after its completion. But if we compare the ablative method with others, it is considered the most effective and safe.
CO2 laser method
This involves using a CO2 laser of a certain length and power - the beam is capable of eliminating only those epidermal cells that were initially damaged. 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 due to the division of surrounding cells.
DOT method
With special equipment, thermal microtraumas are caused to the dermis, which ensures the activation of the collagen and elastin production processes by skin cells. The surrounding tissues are not injured, so the rehabilitation period is reduced.
The peculiarity of DOT laser fractional rejuvenation is that the first results are obtained 5-7 days after the procedure. They improve over another 2-3 months and persist for a long period.
The choice of method largely depends on the patient's age - for example, non-ablative fractional rejuvenation is recommended for use at the age of 35-40, when age-related facial changes are still mild. But with premature aging, the procedure becomes unfeasible, 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 the age of 35 and are associated with age-related changes in the body, and not with vascular diseases;
- Sagging skin– visible sagging, the face "slides" downwards, double chin appears;
- Wrinkles– small facial expressions, including "crow's feet" (in the outer corners of the eyes), deep (nasolabial) folds and folds, muslin around the mouth;
- Excessive production of sebaceous secretions– may be associated with oily skin type, hormonal disorders;
- Enlarged pores– visually identified, periodically clogged with sebum and causing the appearance of abundant acne;
- Presence of excessive pigmentation– regardless of its origin (hereditary predisposition, impaired melanin production, skin aging);
- Presence of scars, scars, stretch marks, acne marks– how long ago they were formed doesn’t matter;
- Changes in complexion- there is no natural blush, the tone becomes opaque, acquires a grayish and yellowish tint.
Fractional laser rejuvenation can also be used to prevent age-related facial changes if the patient has a hereditary predisposition to premature 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 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 neoplasm 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 the laser beam.
It is worth postponing the procedure if:
- Long-term course of use of antibiotics, hormonal medications;
- Increase in body temperature;
- Menstruation;
- Pregnancy and during breastfeeding;
- Infectious processes located in the facial region;
- Focal inflammation of the skin in the areas where the procedure will be performed.
The listed conditions are conditional contraindications - the patient will have to undergo a full course of therapy, restore the level of immunity and only after the permission of the attending physician begin fractional laser rejuvenation.
Preparation for the procedure
It all starts with a consultation with a cosmetologist. In the clinic, a specialist will examine the patient, identify existing problems and take an anamnesis to exclude contraindications. During the consultation, the doctor will immediately determine the amount of work, the number of sessions, the depth and time of exposure to microrays. Laboratory blood tests may be required. The patient will receive recommendations regarding behavior in the preparatory period:
- Stop taking medications from the categories of fluoroquinolones, sulfamamides, tetracyclines(Be sure to consult your doctor! );
- In the 10 days before the appointed date, do not go to the solarium, do not sunbathe, do not do chemical peels.;
- 3 days before the session, do not go to baths, saunas, or take a hot shower,refuse to use cosmetics containing alcohol;
- 24 hours before the procedure, avoid cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea and physical activity.AND.
If necessary, the cosmetologist may prescribe a short course of antibacterial and/or antiviral medications - 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 require hospitalization. The duration of the procedure varies from 30 to 60 minutes and depends on the volume of the area that needs to be treated with rays. Manipulation is carried out according to a strict protocol:
- Skin cleansingfrom remains of decorative and skin care cosmetics, dust, dirt and sebaceous secretions. For this purpose, the doctor uses professional cosmetic products that do not contain ethanol.
- Application of anesthetic gel to the skin– is absorbed in 3-5 minutes. Anesthesia is performed at the patient's request and depends on the level of sensitivity of the epidermis and the pain threshold.
- Treat the skin with a special ointment, which makes it easier to slide the nozzle. Does not contain dyes, fragrances, flavors or any other substances that may cause an allergic reaction.
- 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 completing the skin treatment, the doctor removes the remaining ointment for better contact between the hardware fixation and the epidermis and applies a product to the face that has calming, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory properties - this will speed up the recovery process.
Procedure results
It will not be possible to evaluate the effectiveness immediately after the session - the face will be red and swollen. The first results will appear no earlier than 5-7 days:
- the color of the epidermis is uniform;
- pigment spots become less visible or disappear completely;
- increases skin firmness and elasticity– is felt when touched;
- the facial relief is leveled– "tubers", "pits", "grooves" disappear.
Regeneration, active production of collagen and elastin continues for another 2-3 months after the end of the multi-session course - the tone and structure of the skin improves, the epidermis becomes firmer, all fine wrinkles and deep folds disappear of age become minimally noticeable. At the end of 3 months after the procedure, scars, scars, stretch marks and acne marks become invisible.
How many sessions are needed to achieve the rejuvenation effect?
StandardIt is recommended to carry out a course of 5 to 8 proceduresfractional laser rejuvenation. Each session is held 4 weeks after the previous one. In this case, it is possible to achieve sustainable results that last 1 to 1. 5 years.
The clinic prefers to prescribe the duration of therapy individually. Only a doctor who examines the patient and assesses the initial condition of the skin can determine the advisability of carrying out a full course or a course reduced to 3 sessions. The reaction of the body, the human dermis, to exposure to the laser beam also plays an important role.
Care and rehabilitation after the procedure
The speed of skin restoration after a fractional laser rejuvenation session depends on how strictly the patient follows the doctor's recommendations:
- During the first week, do not heat your face.. It is necessary to give up hot baths, going to the bathhouse and sauna, and take a hot bath. Nowadays, you can only wash your face 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 go to the solarium and do not expose your facial skin to ultraviolet rays (sun rays). When leaving the house, be sure to apply sunscreen with a high level of SPF filters to your face. The rule even applies to being outdoors in cloudy weather – ultraviolet light can penetrate through dense clouds.
- For 10 days, apply moisturizers to pre-cleansed facial skin at least 2 to 3 times a day.. It is strictly forbidden to let the epidermis dry out, as this will cause increased peeling and severe irritation.
- Use masks with panthenol 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 prohibited to remove scabs by force! They must exfoliate on their own, so for the first 2 weeks you cannot use scrubs for cleansing (even the most gentle and delicate ones).
You need to 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 alleviate the condition, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, classic analgesics, 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 the heating of dermal cells, disappearing on their own on the 3-5th day of the recovery period;
- peeling and excessive dryness- this is how the cells of the epidermis are renewed, so that the process can be considered natural, the condition can be alleviated and recovery accelerated by correctly carrying out skin care manipulations (daily and massive application of moisturizer);
- increased pigmentation– possible only in the absence of protection against ultraviolet rays during the rehabilitation period (this also applies to ignoring the ban on visiting the solarium);
- inflammatory process in the superficial layer of the epidermis– develops when antiseptic rules are violated or due to lack of proper cleaning during rehabilitation.
Keloid scars only form if the predisposition for such formations has not been identified at the initial consultation or if the patient has forcibly removed the scabs.
Common questions
There are many doubts from patients about the procedure under consideration. Below are answers to frequently asked questions.
What does a fractional laser do?
Microrays rejuvenate, eliminate age spots, scars, stretch marks, acne marks. The fractional laser accelerates the regeneration of dermal cells and activates the production of collagen and elastin. It 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?
Final results appear 3 months after the procedure and last 24 months. But much depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body - it may be necessary to repeat the course of sessions after 1 year.
When is the best time to have 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, which eliminates the risk of developing excessive pigmentation as a complication.
What is better Botox or laser rejuvenation?
They 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?
Within 2 to 3 days the skin will turn red and within 3 to 4 days it will begin to actively peel. 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 about fractional laser rejuvenation
Most patients leave positive reviews about the procedure - this is a fact. But you can only achieve the desired results and avoid complications 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 has specialists with sufficient experience and knowledge to carry out fractional laser rejuvenation procedures using various methods. They provide a comprehensive service to each patient - from the initial consultation and determining the feasibility of manipulation to support during the recovery period. This rejuvenation has a positive effect not only on a person's appearance, but also on his psycho-emotional state - seeing a beautiful, young, flawless face in the mirror is worth a lot and always gives a great mood and self-confidence.