Fractional ablative laser resurfacing is an excellent alternative to surgical methods. The procedure is ten times safer than surgery.
What is fractional laser resurfacing?
Before using the fruits of cosmetic innovations, you need to find out what the method is, what reviews about fractional laser resurfacing leave customers and specialists, get acquainted with photos and videos of the results of the procedures.
Fractional laser resurfacing of the facial skin is a relatively new but effective procedure in the field of cosmetology. It is sometimes called fraxel or photothermolysis.
Rejuvenation is achieved by a special laser. The operating principle of the device is based on the selective destructive effect of a concentrated light beam on the cells of the epidermis.
The method excludes the use of aggressive toxic components, as in peeling, and the effectiveness is higher than after a course of injections or other procedures.
Cells that remain intact are activated and begin dividing to repair areas destroyed by the laser. Increases the ability to produce collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the elasticity of the skin. Appearance changes for the better. Wrinkles are smoothed, age spots or scars gradually disappear, and the skin becomes firm.
Despite its high efficacy, the method has some contraindications. You should not use procedures to:
- psoriasis and allergic tendencies;
- skin infections;
- malignant formations;
- blood diseases;
- diabetes mellitus;
- epilepsy;
- exacerbation of chronic pathologies.
It is better for pregnant and lactating women to postpone the session.
Types of fractional rejuvenation
Ablative and non-ablative methods are distinguished according to the depth and the principle of exposure to laser beams. Sometimes a combined method is used, combining the effects of both types.
Ablative laser rejuvenation
Ablative means the mass effect of the fixture on the entire selected surface. A stream of concentrated light heats the skin area, the temperature instantly reaches a value of several hundred degrees. As a result, the thinner layer of the epidermis evaporates so quickly that heat does not have time to penetrate the deeper layers. At the cellular level, recovery processes begin, the skin tightens.
Scars or scars are also removed with a laser. For this, nozzles are used, with the help of which they act not on the entire surface, but selectively, only on the problem area.
Effect of the procedure:
- Fine wrinkles disappear, deep folds are smoothed out.
- The manifestations of pigmentation on the face, as well as in the décolleté or neck area are leveled.
- Loose skin becomes smoother.
- In the case of gravity I and II gravitational ptosis, a lifting effect is achieved.
- Scars and scars become less visible.
The method is used when the signs of aging are already pronounced. The procedure is prescribed for fair-skinned women between the ages of 40 and 65.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing
In non-ablative rejuvenation, the surface of the skin is not damaged. Under the influence of the laser, the tissues are slightly heated, up to 45 ° C. The rays of light, without destroying the upper layers, immediately penetrate into the depths of the integument. As a result, cell regeneration begins, blood supply and metabolism are activated.
Indications for prescription procedures:
- Slight expression lines or slight age-related changes.
- Slight loss of elasticity.
- Superficial staining.
The method is suitable for removing initial age-related changes. Patients younger than 35 years old, regardless of phenotype, resort to nonablative rejuvenation.
CO2-rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation with fractional CO laser2is an innovative method aimed at improving the condition of the dermis. The laser beam breaks down into microflows, which affect the skin not massively, but pointedly, in a checkerboard pattern. Some areas remain intact, others burn.
This method is safe, it allows you to process large volumes, maintaining quality and reducing the rehabilitation period. Suitable for all skin types and all ages.
Benefits of fractional laser resurfacing
Advantages of the fractional method of facial skin rejuvenation:
- Quick recovery. The time depends on the method of laser exposure.
- Minimal risks of complications.
- The effect of laser resurfacing lasts from one to two years.
- Not only the face is treated, but also the décolleté area with laser. It is even used for the especially sensitive area around the eyelids.
Positive changes are noticed immediately after the session. In the future, the effect of the fractional laser skin resurfacing procedure only intensifies.
Potential risks
Fractional rejuvenation has minor side effects. Disadvantages include redness, peeling of the skin, and itching after cosmetic sessions. These manifestations disappear completely in a few days.
An unsuccessfully chosen clinic or the actions of an unqualified specialist lead to more deplorable results:
- The laser-treated area begins to hurt and swell.
- Large age spots appear.
- Damage lasts over two weeks.
Seek medical attention for these symptoms.
What devices are used
The following types of lasers are used for fractional rejuvenation:
- Carbonic acid (CO2).Radiation generates heat that activates collagen repair. After treatment, wrinkles, scars are smoothed, skin tone increases, pigment spots lighten. With the help of a laser, warts or papillomas are removed, the apparatus is also used for skin rejuvenation.
- Erbium.The action of an erbium laser is more superficial than that of CO2. Evaporates moisture shallow. Therefore, the device is used to remove thin layers of the dermis to remove superficial wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin around the eyes.
- Fraxel laser.Heats the skin from the inside without damaging the surface. As a result, adhesions and scars dissolve, fat cells are destroyed, and significant skin rejuvenation is achieved.
- Diode.It generates an infrared pulse that heats all the layers of the skin, causing the production of collagen and elastin. The method removes wrinkles, acne effects, clears age spots.
Various manufacturers produce lasers for facial rejuvenation.
How to prepare for the procedure
Preparation usually takes 2 weeks. During this period, the use of decorative cosmetics and alcohol-based skin care products is not recommended for chemical peels. They also exclude the visit to the beach or solarium, and in the last three days of preparation - swimming pools, saunas or baths.
Antibiotics are also prohibited. If it is necessary to take such drugs, the procedure is postponed to another period. Cosmetologists often prescribe a course of antiviral and antibacterial agents.
On the eve of the procedure, stop drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking, and exercising.
Before the start of the session, the skin is cleansed of impurities. An anesthetic is applied to the prepared area. And only then do they begin laser treatment of the dermal cover. Usually a session lasts several minutes, in especially difficult cases, up to 1 hour.
How often do you need fractional rejuvenation sessions
To maintain aging skin, estheticians recommend a full course of recovery procedures. On average, it will take five to seven sessions. The frequency depends on the chosen method and the area of the treated area, the characteristics of a particular person.
The first positive effect is already observed on the fifth day. The skin is smoothed, the complexion improves, the superficial wrinkles disappear. A complete course of fractional laser skin resurfacing provides a more reliable and long-lasting result.
Recommendations for the rehabilitation period
To avoid complications and restore your skin faster, follow some simple rules during rehabilitation:
- Use anti-inflammatories. For the first few days, apply the gel or ointment every hour. The interval between treatments can be gradually reduced.
- Take antibiotics for a week, but only if prescribed by your doctor.
- For the first seven days when you go out, wear a medical mask and sunscreen.
- Try to keep your head as high as possible while sleeping. This is to prevent edema.
Also prohibited:
- Remove on your own the scabs that appear in the areas of skin treated with laser.
- Comb the damaged areas.
- Use abrasive products and cleansing masks for three weeks after rejuvenation.
- Use decorative cosmetics for a week.
The duration of the rehabilitation period, if the recommendations are followed, is approximately 1 month.
How long the result is saved
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is characterized by minimal trauma. The use of innovative technologies ensures rapid regeneration of the skin.
Since the method triggers natural regeneration processes, the result is preserved for a long time.
When the methods are combined, the positive effect reaches 3 years. Therefore, frequent sessions are not needed to maintain tone.
Cost of fractional laser facial rejuvenation
The price of fractional laser skin rejuvenation depends on the popularity of the clinic, the qualifications of the cosmetologist and other factors. The type of equipment, the surface area treated, the type of skin and the drugs used are important.
Reviews
Fractional laser resurfacing reviews are mostly positive.
Here is one of them:I did a laser ablative resurfacing procedure. The skin becomes slightly red and flakes in the first days. The esthetician explained that these are natural consequences. No antibiotics were needed, but of course he took care of his face at first. More than a year has passed, I look ten years younger, the magic effect does not go away. I am very satisfied, I will repeat the sessions.