Fractional laser rejuvenation

Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure where the skin of the face is exposed to micro laser beams, this is called fractional laser rejuvenation. The purpose of the manipulation is to activate the regeneration process 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! This procedure has a minimal list of contraindications and low possible complications and side effects. In the clinic, photothermolysis is carried out only after consultation with a specialist!

What is laser fractional photothermolysis?

The essence of the photothermolysis procedure is that the laser beam, penetrating the fractional lattice, "splits" into many microbes: a targeted effect is applied to the skin. Damaged wounds are formed in all layers of the dermis, which stimulate the regeneration process in the surrounding tissue. The cells begin to divide rapidly and fill the "burnt" area.

The surface layer of the dermis, under the influence of laser beams, removes or radically brightens age spots, smoothes wrinkles and reduces the severity of scars.

According to the results of clinical studies, the procedure in question gives the same results as classical laser resurfacing. But photothermolysis does not require the use of general anesthesia and subsequent long-term recovery.

Types of fractional photothermolysis

In cosmetology clinics, photothermolysis procedures are carried out using different methods. Each of them has its own 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 epidermal sensitivity, existing dermatological problems, and the severity of signs of aging.

Non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation

This method is very effective when it comes to getting rid of acne marks, pimples, stretch marks and to rejuvenate the face, neck and eyelids. During non-ablative laser fractional rejuvenation, the skin is not subjected to strong effects and moderate damage, which makes it possible to carry out procedures to lift 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 only 4 sessions, they improve within another 24 months;
• when removing stretch marks, not only the real onesstretch marks become very noticeable or disappear completely, but the skin around it becomes taut and elastic after 1-2 months;
• after 5 sessions wrinkles disappear, and smoothing out wrinkles in effect for another 3 months after the end of the course.

The likelihood of side effects occurring after performing the procedure using non-ablative methods is low - this is recorded in only 5% of all patients.

Ablative fractional photothermolysis

It involves the penetration of a laser beam to a certain depth of the dermis, where under its influence the protein folding process begins with its subsequent destruction. Within 3 months after ablative fractional photothermolysis, collagen is formed in the damaged area. This method is especially effective when it is necessary to remove 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 deepest layers of the dermis.

A distinctive feature of the method under consideration is that the patient experiences 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 implies the use of a CO2 laser of a certain length and power - the beam is able to eliminate only the initially damaged epidermal cells. In the tissue, under the influence of the rays, the biological fluid begins to heat up - it evaporates, which leads to the disintegration of some structures, although healthy cells remain unchanged.

The damaged area is actively restored due to the division of cells around it.

DOT method

Using special equipment, thermal microtrauma of the dermis is caused, which ensures the activation of collagen and elastin production processes by skin cells. The surrounding tissue is not injured, so the recovery 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 for another 2-3 months and continue for a long 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 years, when age-related changes in the face are still mild. But with early aging, the procedure becomes impractical, 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 begin to appear after 35 years and this is associated with age-related changes in the body, and not with vascular disease;
• Sagging skin– look sagging, the face "slides" down, the jaw is formed;
• Wrinkles– small facial expressions, including "crow's feet" (at the outer corners of the eyes), folds and deep folds (nasolabial), muslin around the mouth;
• Excessive sebum production– may be associated with oily skin type, hormonal disorders;
• Enlarged pores– visually identified, periodically clogged with sebum and triggering the appearance of abundant acne;
• The presence of excessive pigmentation– regardless of its origin (hereditary tendency, impaired melanin production, aging of the skin);
• The presence of scars, scars, stretch marks, acne marks– how long ago they were formed is not important;
• Changes in the skin of the face– there is no natural blush, the tone becomes dull, acquires a gray, yellowish color.

Fractional laser rejuvenation can also be used to prevent age-related changes in the face if the patient has a hereditary tendency to premature aging.

Contraindications to rejuvenation procedures

Since the laser beam acts at the cellular level, this procedure has clear contraindications. Unconditional restrictions include:

• Neurological pathologyaccompanied by seizure syndrome (epilepsy of any origin and any severity);
• Autoimmune diseaseoccur at any stage;
• diabetes, regardless of the type, severity and existing complications;
• Oncological pathology– malignant neoplasms can be located in any organ;
• Chronic internal diseaseswho are in the decompensation stage;
• Tendency to the formation of keloid scars;
• HIV and hepatitis B, C;
• Psoriasis;
• Warts, various papillomas, large warts in the area exposed to the laser beam.

It is appropriate to postpone the procedure if:

• Long-term course of taking antibiotics, hormonal drugs;
• Increased body temperature;
• menstruation;
• Pregnancy and during breastfeeding;
• The infectious process is localized in the facial area;
• Focal inflammation of the skin in the area where the procedure is intended to be performed.

The conditions listed are conditional contraindications - the patient must undergo full 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, the specialist will examine the patient, identify existing problems, and collect anamnesis to exclude contraindications. During the consultation, the doctor will immediately determine the amount of work, number of sessions, depth and time of exposure to micro radiation. Laboratory blood tests may be required. The patient will be given recommendations on behavior during the preparation period:

• Stop taking drugs from the category of fluoroquinolones, sulfamamides, tetracyclines(Make sure you consult your doctor! );
• For 10 days before the appointed date, do not visit the solarium, do not bask in the sun, do not do chemical peeling.;
• 3 days before the session do not visit the bath, sauna, or hot water bath,Avoid using cosmetics that contain alcohol;
• 24 hours before the procedure, avoid cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea, and physical activity. And.

If necessary, the cosmetologist can prescribe a short course of antibacterial and/or antiviral drugs - this will serve to prevent complications during the recovery period.

Facial photothermolysis procedure

In the clinic, fractional laser facial rejuvenation is performed on an outpatient basis - the patient does not require hospitalization. The duration of the procedure is between 30-60 minutes and depends on the amount of area to be treated with radiation. Manipulation is performed according to a strict protocol:

1. Skin cleansingfrom decorative cosmetic and skin care residues, dust, dirt and sebum secretion. For this purpose, doctors use professional cosmetic products that do not contain ethanol.
2. Apply anesthetic gel to the skin- it is absorbed within 3-5 minutes. Anesthesia is performed at the patient's request and depends on the level of epidermal sensitivity and pain threshold.
3. Treat the skin with a special ointment, which facilitates the sliding of the nozzle. It does not contain dyes, fragrances, flavors or any other ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.
4. Work with selected attachments– the patient does not feel significant pain, there may be mild discomfort. During the procedure, the face is exposed to a flow 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 attachment with the epidermis and applies products that have soothing, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory properties to the face - this will speed up the recovery process.

Procedural results

It is not possible to evaluate the effectiveness immediately after the session - the face will be red and swollen. The first results will appear no earlier than after 5-7 days:

• the color of the epidermis becomes even;
• pigment spots become less noticeable or disappear completely;
• increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin– it is felt when touched;
• even face relief– "tubers", "holes", "grooves" are missing.

Regeneration, the active production of collagen and elastin continues for another 2-3 months after the end of a course of several sessions - the tone and structure of the skin improves, the epidermis is tightened, all fine wrinkles disappear, and deep age folds become minimal. significant. By the end of 3 months after the procedure, scars, scars, stretch marks, and acne marks become invisible.

How many sessions are needed to achieve a rejuvenating effect?

StandardIt is recommended to carry out a course of 5-8 proceduresfractional laser rejuvenation. Each session is done 4 weeks after the previous session. In this case, it is possible to achieve sustainable results that last for 1-1. 5 years.

The clinic prefers to set the duration of therapy individually. Only the doctor who examines the patient and evaluates the initial condition of the skin can determine the suitability to carry out a full course or shortened to 3 sessions. The reaction of the body, the human dermis, to exposure to laser beams also plays an important role.

Care and recovery 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:

• During the first week, do not heat your face.. You need to stop taking hot baths, visiting bathhouses and saunas, and taking hot baths. These days 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 a gentle tonic.
• For a month and a half, do not visit the solarium and do not expose your skin to ultraviolet (sunlight). When going out, make sure to use a sunscreen with a high level of SPF on your face. This rule also applies to being outside in cloudy weather - ultraviolet light can penetrate through thick clouds.
• For 10 days, apply the moisturizer to the cleansed facial skin at least 2-3 times a day.. It is strictly forbidden to allow the epidermis to dry, as this will cause increased peeling and severe irritation.
• Use a mask with panthenol every day for 7 days.. This will help to quickly restore the epidermis and avoid complications. If the patient is allergic to the specified ingredient, the doctor will choose another product with the same properties.
• It is strictly forbidden to remove the crust by force! They must exfoliate themselves, so in the first 2 weeks you should not use scrubs for cleaning (even the softest and gentlest 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 the face. This is a normal reaction; to reduce the situation, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, classic pain relievers, antihistamines - only as prescribed by the cosmetologist!

Side effects and complications

Unpleasant consequences are not characteristic of laser fractional rejuvenation. But in some cases, side effects and complications may appear:

• redness and swelling of the skin– considered a normal response of the body to the heating of dermal cells, disappears on its own on the 3rd-5th day of the recovery period;
• excessive peeling and dryness– this is how epidermal cells are renewed, so the process can be considered natural, the condition can be reduced and the recovery can be accelerated by performing skin care manipulations correctly (daily, massive use of moisturizer);
• increased pigmentation– possible only if there is no protection from ultraviolet radiation during the recovery 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 recovery.

Keloid scars are formed only if the tendency to such formation is not identified at the initial consultation or the patient forcibly removes the crust.

Frequently asked questions

There are many questions from patients about the procedure being considered. Below are answers to frequently asked questions.

What does a fractional laser do?

Micro radiation rejuvenates, removes age spots, scars, stretch marks, acne marks. Fractional laser accelerates the regeneration of dermis cells and activates the production of collagen and elastin. Can be used as an adjunct therapy for excessive sebum production, excessive acne and enlarged pores.

How long does laser facial rejuvenation last?

Final results appear 3 months after the procedure and last for 24 months. But much depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body - a repeat course of sessions may be required after 1 year.

When is the best time to have fractional laser facial rejuvenation?

Cosmetologists recommend conducting a course of procedures in autumn, winter and early spring. During this period, the intensity of ultraviolet rays is reduced, which eliminates the risk of developing excessive pigmentation as a complication.

Is Botox or laser rejuvenation better?

This is a completely different procedure! Botox is very effective and provides a quick visual effect, but fractional laser rejuvenation is a safer and completely harmless procedure.

How long does it take for the face to heal after laser?

In 2-3 days the skin will be red, and in 3-4 days it will begin to actively peel. Full visual recovery occurs 7-9 days after the session, and healing of all dermis layers occurs after 2-4 weeks.

Opinions on fractional laser rejuvenation

Most patients leave positive comments about the procedure - this is a fact. But you can get 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.

Professional clinics use specialists who have sufficient experience and knowledge to carry out fractional laser rejuvenation procedures using different 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. 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 perfect face in the mirror is very valuable and always gives a great mood and self-confidence.