Fractional laser resurfacing is one of the most effective types of cosmetic procedures to combat age-related skin changes.
Thanks to this procedure, you can get rid of the obvious signs of aging without surgery.
The method has its own specific characteristics, indications and contraindications.
Before performing the procedure, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
Description
Fractional laser rejuvenation is a modern technique of appliance therapy, which allows not only to restore, but also to heal the skin.
Thanks to the action of the laser beam, it is possible to act on both superficial and deep dermal layers. When a heat flow is applied, the activation of regenerative processes at the cellular level is noticed.
During the procedure, the patient's eyes are placed in special glasses.
They are necessary so that the flashes of light during the laser operation do not damage the retina. It is better to keep your eyes closed under the glasses.
To perform the manipulation, specialists use a laser device equipped with photocells, which are directly involved in the formation of the laser matrix.
As a result of the penetration of high-temperature rays, some of the cells evaporate and minor skin damage occurs.
The unaffected part of the cell structures divides rapidly, which contributes to the healing of microdamages in the shortest possible time. This, in turn, contributes to the creation of a lifting effect that is noticeable to the naked eye.
Important!In addition, when exposed to a laser beam, the regeneration process is triggered, the natural production of collagen and elastin fibers. There is also an improvement in the microcirculation of the lymphatic and circulatory system.
Thanks to such processes, the epidermis is rejuvenated, mimic wrinkles are smoothed, and deeper ones become less noticeable.
Types
Depending on the depth of exposure, fractional laser skin resurfacing is divided into two methods.
Ablative
With this technique, the laser beam exclusively touches the superficial layers of the skin, helping to eliminate the visible signs of age-related changes directly from the outside. This tactic is widely used to get rid of subtle wrinkles that are just beginning to appear.
It should be noted that this method of rejuvenation does not differ in the duration of the obtained result. To maintain the effect obtained, the procedure must be carried out regularly.
Non ablative
The laser hits the deep dermal layers. In this case, the upper areas of the skin are not affected. In this case, there is an update from the inside, which allows you to save the result for the longest possible period.
Important!As a result of the use of this rejuvenation technique, a large volume of elastin and collagen is produced, which contributes to an increase in the elasticity of the skin in a short period of time.
If we consider the type of laser used, fractional rejuvenation can be as follows.
CO2
The wavelength is 10. 6 microns. Punctual destruction of unwanted epidermal cells is observed. Thanks to this radiation, the water in the tissues heats up quickly.
In the context of their evaporation, the cellular structures of the bleaching zones are destroyed. At the same time, the integrity of the skin surrounding this area is not disturbed. With this method, the damaged areas are restored due to the healthy living cells that are nearby.
POINT
This technique uses a carbon dioxide laser whose wavelength does not exceed 10. 6 microns. Destruction of unwanted structures occurs selectively. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the moment when the damaged areas alternate with those that function normally. As a result, the formation of a kind of grid is noticeable.
Indications
As a general rule, at a more mature age, metabolic processes slow down, the skin receives less nutrients, and as a result, it becomes flabby and flabby. In addition, against the background of the gradual atrophy of the vascular and cellular structure, wrinkled meshes begin to appear. To solve these problems, experts recommend using fractional laser skin resurfacing.
However, the procedure is indicated not only to eliminate the signs of aging, but also to get rid of conditions such as:
- stretch marks in the face area;
- tissue healing;
- the formation of a pronounced vascular network;
- enlarged pores;
- pigmentation;
- the effects of acne;
- superficial and mimic wrinkles.
Also, this technique is considered an alternative to skin tightening surgery.
Contraindications
A fractional laser has its own limitations, under which manipulation cannot be performed. Such contraindications include the following pathological conditions:
- inflammatory processes in the face area;
- lesions of the epidermis of fungal or infectious origin;
- history of epileptic seizures;
- cardiovascular disease;
- increased dryness of the skin;
- phlebeurysm;
- malignant neoplasms;
- aggravated herpetic pathologies;
- tendency to develop an allergic reaction;
- diagnosed bronchial asthma;
- neurological diseases.
Also, the use of such a technique is prohibited during the period of having a child and breastfeeding.
It should be noted that the listed constraints are conditional. That is, if there is one or more of them, the specialist must assess all the risks to which the client may be exposed.
Training
In order for the cosmetic procedure to be as successful as possible and with minimal complications, you need to properly prepare for it.
Good to know!First of all, you need to visit a beautician who will assess the condition of the skin of the face, exclude possible contraindications, and also give certain recommendations.
For 3-4 weeks, you need to leave the bath, sauna and solarium. Banned and tanned in the sunlight. Before going out, a special protective cream should be applied to the face.
No less important is the refusal to take certain medications, in particular antibiotics and drugs intended to thin the blood fluid. In this case, the doctor will advise you to start taking drugs from the anti-herpetic group.
No other procedures that damage the epidermis should be performed 14 days prior to the scheduled fractional rejuvenation date.
Conducting
The facial skin rejuvenation process takes place in several stages. First, the specialist prepares the skin for further manipulations. To do this, the surface of the epidermis is cleaned of the remains of decorative cosmetics, dirt, dust and sebum. After that, the integument is treated with an antiseptic.
Important!Next, a cream with an anesthetic effect is applied, which must be kept for 40-60 minutes.
After the action of the anesthetic, a contact gel is distributed on the surface of the face, which contributes to a smooth and uniform sliding of the sensor.
Processing is carried out with the tip of the apparatus in a straight line in different directions. Accessories can be of various sizes. One pass allows you to process up to two square centimeters of the problem area.
In the final stage, the beautician removes the remains of the contact gel and applies a soothing cream.
In terms of duration, an average session will not last more than 20 minutes. The following procedure can be performed no earlier than 21-30 days.
Aftercare
In the first days, the skin should be treated with a special panthenol-based ointment. As a result, microdamages will heal faster. In the future, you can switch to a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid.
Good to know!It is better to use warm water to wash your face for 14 days. In order not to expose the skin to strong heat effects, you should refuse to visit the sauna and bathhouse during the same period.
You should also go outside only after applying sunscreen with an SPF level of at least 50 to your skin. This will prevent the appearance of pigmentation.
Possible consequences and complications.
Fractional laser resurfacing can be accompanied by side effects. As a general rule, in most cases, such conditions are the norm and disappear on their own within a few days.
The most common consequences include the appearance of a pronounced pain syndrome in the places of exposure to a laser beam. In addition, the appearance of redness, swelling, peeling, scars and age spots is not excluded.
Good to know!Often after the procedure, an allergic reaction occurs, accompanied by itching and burning. This suggests that the patient has an intolerance to certain components present in the composition of the drugs used.
As a result of the release of lymph, a crust begins to form on the surface. In no case should you try to remove it yourself, which can lead to an increase in the recovery period.
When the final result is visible
It takes about 6 months to completely renew the skin, after which the desired effect can be seen. The result obtained has an average duration of 5 years.
Advantages and disadvantages
If we talk about the positive aspects of the procedure, first of all it is worth noting the time when fractional laser resurfacing is suitable for any skin type. Also, among the advantages, cosmetologists highlight a short recovery period, long-term preservation of the effect obtained, the ability to solve most of the problems associated with age-related changes.
Important!The disadvantages include the high cost, the presence of pain, a number of contraindications, as well as the risks of side effects and complications.
Fractional laser resurfacing is a highly effective cosmetic procedure that has many advantages over other similar anti-aging procedures. However, do not forget that this method is not suitable for everyone and has certain limitations. Therefore, before deciding on its use, you should consult with a specialist. Also, to reduce the likelihood of consequences, you need to contact only proven clinics.