Fractional laser rejuvenation

Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure in which facial skin is exposed to laser microbeams. This is called fractional laser rejuvenation. The purpose of the manipulation is to activate the processes of regeneration and collagen production at the cellular level. The second name of the process is photothermolysis. The duration of the session is short and the resulting effect lasts up to 5 years! The procedure has a minimal list of contraindications and a low likelihood of complications and side effects. In the clinic, photothermolysis is only carried out after consultation with a specialist!

What is Laser Fractional Photothermolysis?

The essence of the photothermolysis procedure is that a laser beam, penetrating a fracture grid, "breaks down" into many microbeams: a targeted effect is exerted on the skin. Damaged lesions are formed in all layers of the dermis, which stimulate regeneration processes in the surrounding tissue. Cells begin to divide quickly and fill the "burnt" areas.

The surface layer of the dermis radically eliminates or lightens age spots under the influence of laser microbeams, smoothes wrinkles and reduces the severity of scars.

According to the results of clinical studies, the procedure in question delivers identical results to classic laser treatment. However, photothermolysis does not require general anesthesia and subsequent long-term rehabilitation.

Types of fractional photothermolysis

In a cosmetic clinic, the photothermolysis procedure is carried out using various methods. Each of them has its own advantages, but the doctor makes the choice 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 age of the person, the degree of sensitivity of the epidermis, existing dermatological problems and the severity of the signs of aging.

Nonablative fractional laser rejuvenation

This method is particularly effective when it comes to removing acne marks, acne and stretch marks, as well as rejuvenating the face, neck and eyelids. With nonablative fractional laser rejuvenation, the skin is not subjected to strong influences and is moderately damaged, which makes it possible to carry out the procedure to tighten and improve the appearance of the epidermis.

A special feature of non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation is its prolonged effect:

• The acne treatment produces results after just 4 sessions and improves after another 24 months.
• Getting rid of stretch marks isn't just about the actual onesStretch marks become minimally visible or disappear completely, but the skin around it becomes firm and elastic after 1-2 months;
• After 5 sessions the wrinkles disappear, and smoothing of deep wrinkles occurs for another 3 months after the end of the course.

The likelihood of side effects occurring after performing the procedure in question using a non-ablative method is low - it occurs in only 5% of all patients.

Ablative fractional photothermolysis

Laser microbeams penetrate to a certain depth of the dermis, where, under their influence, the process of protein folding begins with its subsequent destruction. Within 3 months after ablative fractional photothermolysis, collagen is formed in 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 uses long laser beams that can penetrate into the deepest layers of the dermis.

A characteristic feature of the method under consideration is that patients experience pain during the procedure and after its completion. However, if we compare the ablative method with others, it is considered the most effective and safe.

CO2 laser method

This requires the use of a CO2 laser of a certain length and power - the beam is able to remove only the originally damaged epidermal cells. In tissues, biological fluids begin to heat up under the influence of radiation - they evaporate, which leads to the disintegration of some structures, but healthy cells remain unchanged.

Damaged areas are actively restored through the division of surrounding cells.

DOT method

Thermal microtraumas of the dermis are caused using special devices, which ensure the activation of the processes of collagen and elastin production by skin cells. The surrounding tissue is not injured, which shortens the rehabilitation time.

The peculiarity of fractional DOT laser rejuvenation is that the first results are achieved 5-7 days after the procedure. They improve after another 2-3 months and persist for a long period of time.

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 changes in the face are still mild. However, as you get older, the procedure becomes inconvenient, so the doctor will recommend other methods.

Indications for fractional laser rejuvenation

The photothermolysis process has clear indications for:

• Cuperose– Spider veins, spider veins that appeared after 35 years and are associated with age-related changes in the body, and not with vascular diseases;
• Sagging skin– visible slackening, the face "slides" downwards, cheeks form;
• Fold- small facial expressions, including "crow's feet" (at the outer corners of the eyes), deep wrinkles and folds (nasolabial folds), muslin around the mouth;
• Excessive production of sebum secretions– may be associated with oily skin type and hormonal disorders;
• Enlarged pores– visually noticeable, regularly clogged with sebum and provoking the appearance of severe acne;
• Presence of excessive pigmentation– regardless of origin (hereditary predisposition, disturbed melanin production, skin aging);
• Presence of scars, scars, stretch marks, acne marks– It doesn’t matter how long ago they were created.
• Changes in complexion– there is no natural blush, the tone becomes dull, acquires a grayish, yellowish tint.

Fractional laser rejuvenation can also be used to prevent age-related changes on the face 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. The unconditional restrictions include:

• Neurological pathologiesaccompanied by a convulsive syndrome (epilepsy of any origin and severity);
• Autoimmune diseasesoccurring at any stage;
• Diabetes mellitus, regardless of type, severity and existing complications;
• Oncological pathologies– A malignant neoplasm can be localized in any organ;
• Chronic internal diseaseswho are in the stage of decompensation;
• Predisposition to the formation of keloid scars;
• HIV and hepatitis B, C;
• psoriasis;
• Warts, multiple papillomas, large warts in areas exposed to a laser beam.

It is worth postponing the procedure if:

• Long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal drugs;
• Increased body temperature;
• Menses;
• Pregnancy and breast feeding period;
• Infectious processes localized in the facial area;
• Focal inflammation of the skin in the areas where the procedure is to be performed.

The listed conditions are conditional contraindications - the patient must undergo full therapy, restore the level of immunity and start fractional laser rejuvenation only after the permission of the attending physician.

Preparation for the procedure

It all starts with a consultation with a beautician. In the clinic, a specialist will examine the patient, identify existing problems and take an anamnesis to exclude contraindications. During the consultation, the doctor immediately determines the amount of work, the number of sessions, as well as the depth and duration of exposure to microradiation. Laboratory blood tests may be required. The patient is given recommendations on how to behave during the preparation period:

• Stop taking medications from the categories fluoroquinolones, sulfamides, tetracyclines(Be sure to consult your doctor! );
• Do not visit a solarium, sunbathe in the sun or do chemical peels 10 days before the appointment.;
• Do not visit baths, saunas or take hot baths 3 days before the session,refuse to use cosmetics containing alcohol;
• Avoid cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea, and physical activity 24 hours before the procedure.And.

If necessary, the beautician can prescribe a short course of antibacterial and/or antiviral drugs - this is to prevent complications during the rehabilitation period.

Facial photothermolysis procedure

In the clinic, fractional laser facial rejuvenation is performed on an outpatient basis - the patient does not need to be hospitalized. The duration of the procedure is between 30 and 60 minutes and depends on the volume of the area that needs to be treated with radiation. The manipulation takes place according to a strict protocol:

1. Skin cleansingfrom residues of decorative and care cosmetics, dust, dirt and sebum secretions. For this purpose, the doctor uses professional cosmetic products that do not contain ethanol.
2. Apply anesthetic gel to the skin– it absorbs within 3-5 minutes. Anesthesia is carried out at the patient's request and depends on the sensitivity of the epidermis and the pain threshold.
3. Treat the skin with a special ointment, which makes it easier for the nozzle to slide. It does not contain any dyes, fragrances, flavors or other substances that can cause an allergic reaction.
4. Work with the selected attachment– The patient does not feel any significant pain, but slight discomfort may occur. During the procedure, the face is exposed to a stream of cold air, which significantly reduces the severity of the discomfort.

After completing the skin treatment, the doctor removes the remaining ointment for better contact of the hardware approach with the epidermis and applies a product with soothing, edematous and anti-inflammatory properties to the face - this accelerates the recovery process.

Results of the procedure

It is not possible to assess the effectiveness immediately after the session - the face is red and swollen. The first results will be visible after 5-7 days at the earliest:

• the color of the epidermis is evened out;
• Pigment spots become less visible or disappear completely;
• increases skin firmness and elasticity– you feel it when you touch it;
• The facial relief is balanced– "humps", "pits", "grooves" disappear.

Regeneration and active production of collagen and elastin continue for 2-3 months after the end of several sessions - the tone and structure of the skin improve, the epidermis is tightened, all fine wrinkles disappear, and deep age wrinkles become minimally noticeable. By the end of 3 months after the procedure, scars, scars, stretch marks and acne marks become invisible.

How many sessions are required to achieve the rejuvenation effect?

defaultIt is recommended to carry out 5-8 proceduresfractional laser rejuvenation. Each session is conducted 4 weeks after the previous one. In this case, it is possible to achieve sustainable results that last 1–1. 5 years.

The clinic preferably determines the duration of therapy individually. Only a doctor, examining the patient and assessing the initial condition of the skin, can decide whether it is advisable to conduct a full course or shorten it to 3 sessions. The reaction of the body, the human dermis, to the effect of a laser beam also plays an important role.

Care and rehabilitation after the procedure

The speed of skin recovery after a fractional laser rejuvenation session depends on how strictly the patient follows the doctor's recommendations:

• Do not heat your face for the first week.. You will have to refrain from taking a hot bath, visiting a bathhouse and sauna, and taking a hot shower. 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.
• Do not visit a solarium or expose your facial skin to ultraviolet radiation (sun rays) for a month and a half.. When you go outside, be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF filter to your face. The rule even applies to staying outdoors in cloudy weather - ultraviolet light can penetrate through thick clouds.
• Apply moisturizers to pre-cleansed facial skin at least 2-3 times a day for 10 days.. It is strictly forbidden to allow the epidermis to dry out, as this leads to 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 has an allergic reaction to the substance mentioned, the doctor chooses another product with identical properties.
• It is strictly forbidden to remove crusts by force! You need to exfoliate on your own, so you cannot use scrubs for cleansing (even the most gentle and gentle ones) for the first two weeks.

You need to be prepared that there may be pain, burning and itching on the face in the first 3 to 5 days after fractional laser rejuvenation. This is a normal reaction. To alleviate the condition, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, classic painkillers and antihistamines - only as directed by a beautician!

Side effects and complications

Unpleasant consequences are atypical for fractional laser rejuvenation. However, in some cases side effects and complications may occur:

• Skin redness and swelling– are considered a normal reaction of the body to the warming of skin cells and disappear on the 3rd -5th. Day of recovery period by itself;
• Peeling and excessive dryness– in this way the cells of the epidermis are renewed, so the process can be considered natural, the condition can be alleviated and recovery can be accelerated through the correct implementation of skin care manipulations (daily, massive application of moisturizer);
• increased pigmentation– only possible if there is no protection against UV rays during the rehabilitation phase (this also applies if the ban on visiting solariums is ignored);
• inflammatory process in the superficial layer of the epidermis– occurs when antiseptic rules are violated or because proper cleaning is not carried out during rehabilitation.

Keloid scars only occur if no predisposition to such scars was identified during the initial consultation or if the patient forcibly removed the crusts.

FAQ

There are many questions from patients about the procedure under consideration. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions.

What does a fractional laser do?

Micro-rays rejuvenate, eliminate age spots, scars, stretch marks and acne. The fractional laser accelerates the regeneration of skin cells and activates the production of collagen and elastin. Can be used as an adjunctive therapy for excessive sebum production, excessive acne and enlarged pores.

How long does laser facial rejuvenation last?

The final result appears 3 months after the procedure and lasts 24 months. However, much depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body - after a year, repeat sessions may be required.

When is the best time for fractional laser facial rejuvenation?

Cosmetologists recommend carrying out the procedures in autumn, winter and early spring. During these periods, the intensity of ultraviolet rays is reduced, eliminating the risk of excessive pigmentation as a complication.

Which is better: Botox or laser rejuvenation?

These are completely different procedures! Botox is very effective and provides 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 treatment?

Within 2-3 days the skin turns red, and after 3-4 days it begins to actively peel off. Complete recovery of vision occurs 7-9 days after the session, and healing of all layers of the dermis occurs after 2-4 weeks.

Opinions on fractional laser rejuvenation

Most patients leave positive reviews about the procedure – this is a fact. However, you can achieve the desired results and avoid complications only if fractional laser rejuvenation is performed at a professional level and the patient strictly follows all the doctor's recommendations/prescriptions.

The professional clinic employs specialists who have enough experience and knowledge to carry out fractional laser rejuvenation procedures using various methods. They offer every patient a comprehensive service - from the initial consultation to determining the feasibility of the manipulation to support during the recovery phase. Such rejuvenation has a positive effect not only on a person's appearance, but also on his psycho-emotional state - seeing a beautiful, young and flawless face in the mirror is worth a lot and always gives a good mood and self-confidence.