From the time of Cleopatra to the present day, there is no representative of the fairer sex who does not want to prolong the youth and beauty of their skin. Modern medical science is not surprised by the innovations in the field of cosmetology, offering a variety of anti-aging surgeries and procedures.
Techniques to get rid of the external signs of aging without the use of a scalpel or Botox injections are especially popular. Partial laser rejuvenation is now practically the fastest and safest way to combat skin aging.
What is a fractional laser and how does it "restore"
When the laser enters the skin, a burn occurs that spreads to the depths. Active healing (regeneration) processes begin, which provide the desired cosmetic effect. This procedure is also known in cosmetology as laser skin rejuvenation.
If the same laser is divided into many microstars, a so-called fractionated laser beam is obtained. Such a beam will no longer act on the skin as the whole spot, but as an intermittent microgrid. Burns after fractional laser thermolysis are in the form of many microdots between intact skin. This significantly reduces the trauma (and also pain) of the procedure and allows the skin to recover faster.
After exposure to the laser, healthy skin cells begin to actively divide, forming collagen and elastin, which provides skin elasticity and a youthful appearance.
Varieties of fractional photothermolysis
Ablative
Under the influence of laser radiation, water evaporates from the tissues and an "open" microscopic wound is formed, around which there are damaged (burned) cells.
There is a pronounced lifting effect during healing, but there is a risk of infection penetrating the deep layers of the skin.
Not ablative
Radiation is used that leaves the epidermis intact, so evaporation from the tissues and the formation of an "open" wound do not occur. The burn develops and heals under the epidermis, so there is no risk of infection, but the restorative effect of this procedure is less pronounced.
The cosmetologist chooses the method of regeneration of fractions individually, depending on the condition and type of skin.
Effects and benefits of fractional laser thermolysis
The main difference between the technique and all other procedures is the optimal balance between safety and efficiency.
Key pros:
- ability to affect any part of the body (including décolleté, neck, eyelids);
- a wide range of indications;
- physiology (the area of the lesion is only 20% of the total area treated with laser);
- short healing period (2-7 days);
- anesthesia method - application;
- possibility to use it for persons with dark skin (because it does not cause hyperpigmentation);
- duration of the result (from one year to several years).
The downside is the lack of knowledge about all aspects of fractional laser exposure, as the technology itself has only recently emerged.
Indications for fractional renewal:
- wrinkles (of any depth and location);
- decrease in the elastic properties of the skin;
- enlarged pores;
- pigmentation;
- pimples;
- spider veins;
- scars (postoperative, remaining after pimples);
- stretch marks (striae), including mammary skin.
Peculiarities of partial laser thermolysis
A few days before the photothermolysis procedure, the cosmetologist may prescribe (if indicated) antibacterial or antiviral drugs in prophylactic doses.
On the day of partial recovery, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption should be completely eliminated.
Before the procedure, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and treated with a special anesthetic cream. In some cases, anesthesia is not required at all.
The effect of the laser is felt as "tingling" or "tingling". The duration of the procedure (from several minutes to an hour) and their number are selected separately. After laser treatment, a soothing nourishing cream is applied to the skin.
Follow-up for skin care:
- Moisturizes the skin with a special cream 2-3 times a day (for 2 weeks);
- Protect the skin from UV radiation for 2 months (do not visit the solarium, use a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30);
- do not use bark and scrubs (within 2 weeks);
- do not use cosmetics containing salicylic acid and retinol (within 2 weeks);
- do not wear compression underwear for several days (if the body has undergone fractional photothermolysis);
- limit (eliminate) smoking and alcohol throughout the course of treatment (reduce skin regenerative functions).
The rehabilitation period lasts on average up to 3 days after blocking fractional laser thermolysis and up to 7 days after ablative thermolysis.
The skin changes after the procedure
Redness, discomfort and slight swelling of the skin may persist for 1-3 days after intense laser exposure. If this condition is subjectively poorly tolerated, then the use of analgesics and skin cooling is permitted.
After a few days, a bronze skin tone (tanning effect) may appear, lasting up to 2 weeks and disappearing on its own. Dryness and peeling are observed within 5-7 days after fractional regeneration.
Undesirable effects and contraindications of photothermolysis
Improper skin care after the procedure, non-compliance with recommendations or technical errors during laser treatment can lead to the following complications:
- redness of the skin lasting more than 3 days;
- edema at the site of exposure lasting more than 2 days;
- exacerbation of herpes infection (if previously in the treatment area);
- infection (appearance of streptoderma);
- erosion, burns in the affected area;
- to accurately determine bleeding;
- hyperpigmentation.
To avoid undesirable consequences, the fractional laser reconstruction procedure is performed after checking and ruling out possible contraindications.
Absolute contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- tendency to form keloid scars;
- acute infectious process (including herpes);
- oncological pathology;
- condition after radiation, chemotherapy;
- epilepsy;
- significant immune system disorders;
- use of retinoid-containing medicines;
- psoriasis (atopic dermatitis) during exacerbation.
Relative:
- renal pathology;
- diabetes;
- inflammation at the site of exposure;
- the patient's reluctance to follow the cosmetologist's recommendations;
- mental illness;
- allergy to an anesthetic;
- autoimmune diseases;
- fresh tan (visit to the solarium during the last month);
- recent rejuvenation procedures (affects deep layers of the skin - in the last three months, superficially - in 10 days).
Feedback on fractional laser rejuvenation and patient photographs from the "before" and "after" series usually undermine the effectiveness of this method of preserving youth and low trauma.
Remember!The procedure can only be performed by trained specialists (surgeon or dermatovenerologist) who are licensed to work with laser devices. The competence of a doctor is the key to your beauty!