Fractional laser skin rejuvenation

Fractional laser rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure in which the facial skin is exposed to microbeams of laser, this is called fractional laser rejuvenation. The purpose of the operation is to activate the processes of regeneration and collagen production at the cellular level. The second name for this process is photothermal action. The treatment time is short and the effect lasts for 5 years! The procedure has minimal contraindications and the potential for complications and side effects is low. In the clinic, photothermal therapy is performed only after consulting a specialist!

What is laser fractional photothermal effect?

The essence of the photothermolysis process is that the laser beam penetrates the fractional lattice and "breaks up" into many micro-beams: producing a targeted effect on the skin. Damaged lesions form in all layers of the dermis, stimulating regenerative processes in the surrounding tissue. Cells begin to divide rapidly and fill the "scorched" area.The surface layer of the dermis, under the influence of laser microbeams, eliminates or essentially lightens age spots, smoothes wrinkles and reduces the severity of scars.Based on the results of clinical studies, the procedure produces the same results as classic laser resurfacing. But photothermal therapy does not require the use of general anesthesia and subsequent long-term recovery.

Types of lattice photothermolysis

In aesthetic clinics, the photothermal process is carried out using different methods. They each have advantages, but the choice is made by the doctor based on the patient's individual characteristics. It is important to consider the initial condition of the skin, the type of dermis, the age of the person, the sensitivity level of the epidermis, existing dermatological problems, and the severity of signs of aging.

Non-ablative fractional laser skin rejuvenation

This method is particularly effective for removing breakouts, acne, stretch marks, and rejuvenating the face, neck, and eyelids. During non-ablative fractional laser rejuvenation, the skin is not intensely affected and suffers moderate damage, which allows for a procedure that lifts and improves the appearance of the epidermis.A distinctive feature of non-ablative fractional laser skin rejuvenation is its long action time:

• Acne treatment works in just 4 sessions, with improvement over the next 24 months;
• When it comes to getting rid of stretch marks, it’s not just the actual stretch marksStretch marks become less noticeable or disappear completely, but the surrounding skin becomes firm and elastic after 1-2 months;
• Wrinkles disappear after 5 treatments, and the smoothing effect of deep wrinkles will appear within 3 months after the course.

The likelihood of side effects after performing the procedure using non-ablative methods is low—it occurs in only 5% of patients.

Ablative lattice photothermal effect

It involves the penetration of a laser microbeam to a certain depth into the dermis, under whose influence the protein folding process begins and is subsequently destroyed. Collagen formation occurs in the damaged area within 3 months of ablative fractional photothermal therapy. This method is particularly effective when it is necessary to eliminate deep age wrinkles, smooth scars and blemishes, increase skin elasticity, and hyperpigmentation.Ablative fractional photothermal treatment uses a long laser beam that penetrates the deepest layers of the dermis.A distinguishing feature of the method under consideration is the pain the patient will experience during and after the procedure is completed. But if we compare the ablation method with other methods, it is considered the most effective and safe.

CO2 laser method

This means using a CO2 laser of a certain length and power - the beam can only eliminate those epidermal cells that were initially damaged. In tissues, under the influence of rays, biological fluids begin to heat up - they evaporate, causing certain structures to disintegrate, but healthy cells remain intact.Damaged areas are actively repaired due to the division of surrounding cells.

point method

Special equipment is used to cause minimal thermal trauma to the dermis, ensuring activation of the process by which skin cells produce collagen and elastin. Surrounding tissue is not damaged, so the recovery period is shortened.DOT laser fractional rejuvenation is characterized by first results 5-7 days after surgery. They improve over another 2-3 months and last for a long time.The choice of method depends largely on the age of the patient - for example, non-ablative fractional rejuvenation is recommended between the ages of 35-40 years, when age-related changes in the face are still mild. But as we age, this surgery becomes impractical, so doctors recommend other methods.

Indications for fractional laser skin rejuvenation

The photothermolysis process has clear indications:

• copper poisoning– Spider veins, spider veins, which begin to appear after the age of 35 and are related to age-related changes in the body rather than to vascular disease;
• sagging skin- Significant sagging, "slipping" of the face, formation of a chin;
• wrinkle– Small facial expressions, including "crow's feet" (outer corners of the eyes), deep folds and folds (nasolabial folds), muslin around the mouth;
• Excessive sebum secretion– May be related to oily skin type, hormonal imbalance;
• enlarged pores– Visually recognized, regularly clogged with sebum and causing the appearance of massive acne;
• Presence of hyperpigmentation– regardless of its origin (genetic predisposition, impaired melanin production, skin aging);
• Whether there are scars, scars, stretch marks, acne marks– It doesn’t matter how long ago they were established;
• skin color changes– There is no natural blush, the tone becomes dull, grey, yellow.

Fractional laser rejuvenation can also be used to prevent age-related facial changes if the patient has a genetic predisposition to premature aging.

Contraindications of rejuvenation surgery

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

• NeuropathologyWith convulsive syndromes (epilepsy of any origin and of any severity);
• autoimmune diseaseOccurs at any stage;
• diabetes, regardless of its type, severity and existing complications;
• tumor pathology– Malignant tumors can be located in any organ;
• chronic medical diseasePeople in the decompensation stage;
• Tendency to form keloids;
• HIV and hepatitis B and C;
• psoriasis;
• Warts, multiple papillomas, large warts in areas exposed to laser beams.

It is worth postponing the procedure if:

• Long-term use of antibiotics and hormonal drugs;
• Increased body temperature;
• menstruation;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• The infectious process is limited to the facial area;
• Focal inflammation of the skin in the area where surgery is planned.

The conditions listed are conditional contraindications - the patient must undergo a complete course of treatment, restore immunity levels, and fractional laser rejuvenation can only be started with the permission of the attending physician.

Program preparation

It all starts with a consultation with your esthetician. At the clinic, a specialist will examine the patient to identify existing problems and take a medical history to rule out contraindications. During the consultation, the doctor immediately determines the workload, number of sessions, depth and duration of micro-ray exposure. Laboratory blood tests may be needed. The patient will be given advice regarding behavior during preparation:

• Stop taking fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines(Always consult your doctor! );
• Do not go to a solarium, sunbathe in the sun, or have chemical peels within 10 days before your appointment.;
• Do not take baths, saunas or hot baths 3 days before treatment, Refuse to use cosmetics containing alcohol;
• Avoid smoking, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea, and physical activity 24 hours before surgery.and.

If necessary, the esthetician can prescribe a short course of antibacterial and/or antiviral medications – this will help prevent complications during recovery.

Facial photothermal therapy

In the clinic, fractional laser facial rejuvenation is performed on an outpatient basis—patients do not need to be hospitalized. The duration of the procedure is 30-60 minutes, depending on the volume of the area requiring radiation therapy. Operations are conducted according to strict protocols:

1. skin cleansingResidues, dust, dirt and sebum secretions from decorative and skin care cosmetics. For this purpose, doctors use ethanol-free professional cosmetics.
2. Apply numbing gel to skin– Absorbed within 3-5 minutes. Anesthesia is performed at the patient's request and depends on the epidermal sensitivity level and pain threshold.
3. Treat the skin with special ointments, which is conducive to the sliding of the nozzle. It does not contain dyes, fragrances, fragrances or any other substances that may cause allergic reactions.
4. Use selected attachments– The patient will not feel significant pain and may experience mild discomfort. During the procedure, the face is exposed to a stream of cool air, significantly reducing the severity of discomfort.

After completing the skin treatment, the doctor will remove the remaining ointment to allow better contact of the hardware attachment with the epidermis and apply a product with soothing, anti-edema and anti-inflammatory properties to the face - this will speed up the recovery process.

Program results

The effect cannot be assessed immediately after the treatment - the face will be red and swollen. The first results will appear in 5-7 days:

• Uniform skin color;
• Pigmented spots become less noticeable or disappear completely;
• Increase skin firmness and elasticity– Sensation when touched;
• Facial contours become even– "Nodules", "pits" and "grooves" disappear.

After several sessions, regeneration, active production of collagen and elastin continues for 2-3 months - the tone and structure of the skin are improved, the epidermis is tightened, all fine lines disappear, deep wrinkles are minimized and appear. At the end of 3 months after surgery, scars, scars, stretch marks and acne marks will disappear.

How many courses of treatment are needed to achieve the effect of rejuvenation?

standardA course of 5-8 procedures is recommendedFractional laser skin rejuvenation. Each session was performed 4 weeks after the previous session. In this case, it is possible to achieve sustainable results lasting 1-1. 5 years.The clinic prefers to dictate the duration of treatment on an individual basis. Only a doctor who examines the patient and assesses the initial condition of the skin can determine the recommendation for a full course of treatment or a reduction to 3 courses. The reaction of the body (human dermis) to the laser beam also plays an important role.

Postoperative care and recovery

How quickly the skin recovers after a fractional laser rejuvenation treatment depends on how closely the patient follows their doctor's recommendations:

• Do not heat your face for the first week.. You need to give up hot baths, bathhouses and saunas and go to hot baths instead. Nowadays you can only wash your face with room temperature water, but it is better to abandon this method of cleaning the dermis and use gentle supplements.
• Do not go to a solarium for a month and a half and do not expose your facial skin to ultraviolet rays (sunlight). When going out, be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF value to your face. This rule even applies to outdoor activities in cloudy weather—UV rays can penetrate dense clouds.
• Apply moisturizer 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 can lead to increased peeling and severe irritation.
• Use a mask containing panthenol every day for 7 days.. This will help restore the epidermis quickly and avoid complications. If a patient is allergic to a given substance, the doctor will choose another product with the same properties.
• It is strictly prohibited to forcibly remove crusts! They have to exfoliate on their own, so you can't use a scrub (even the softest, gentlest scrub) to cleanse them for the first 2 weeks.

You need to be prepared that you may experience facial pain, burning, and itching for the first 3-5 days after fractional laser skin rejuvenation surgery. This is a normal reaction; to relieve the condition, you can take NSAIDs, classic pain relievers, antihistamines - only as prescribed by your beautician!

Side effects and complications

Unpleasant consequences are typical of fractional laser rejuvenation. But in some cases, side effects and complications may occur:

• redness and swelling of the skin– Considered to be the body’s normal response to heating of dermal cells, it disappears on its own on days 3-5 of the recovery period;
• Flaking and excessive dryness– This is how epidermal cells renew, so this process can be considered natural, and by performing skin care correctly (applying a generous amount of moisturizer every day) the condition can be alleviated and recovery accelerated;
• increased pigmentation– This is only possible if there is no UV protection during the recovery period (this also applies if the ban on visiting solariums is ignored);
• Inflammatory process in the superficial layers of the epidermis– Occurs when disinfection rules are violated or due to lack of proper cleaning during recovery.

Keloids may form only if no tendency to form a keloid is noted during the initial consultation or if the patient forcibly removes the scab.

FAQ

Patients have many questions about the surgery they are considering. Below are answers to frequently asked questions.

What does fractional laser do?

Shimmer rejuvenation, eliminate age spots, scars, stretch marks, acne marks. Fractional laser accelerates the regeneration of dermal cells and activates the production of collagen and elastin. Can be used as an add-on treatment for excessive sebaceous glands, excessive acne and enlarged pores.

How long does laser facial rejuvenation last?

Final results were seen 3 months after surgery and lasted 24 months. But this largely depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's body - a repeat course may be necessary after a year.

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

Beauticians recommend a series of procedures in the fall, winter and early spring. During this time, the intensity of UV rays is reduced, eliminating the risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation.

Which is better, Botox or laser skin rejuvenation?

This is a completely different program! Botox is very effective and can produce visual results quickly, but fractional laser rejuvenation is a much safer and absolutely harmless procedure.

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

Within 2-3 days, the skin will turn red, and after 3-4 days, the skin will start to fall off actively. Vision is fully restored 7-9 days after the treatment, and all layers of the dermis are healed 2-4 weeks later.

Thoughts on fractional laser skin rejuvenation

Most patients leave positive reviews about the surgery – and that’s a fact. But you can achieve ideal results and avoid complications only if fractional laser rejuvenation is performed at a professional level and if the patient strictly follows all the doctor’s recommendations/prescriptions.Professional clinics employ experts with sufficient experience and knowledge to perform fractional laser skin rejuvenation procedures using different methods. They provide a comprehensive service to each patient - from initial consultation and determining the feasibility of the procedure to support during recovery. This rejuvenation has a positive impact not only on a person's appearance, but also on his psycho-emotional state - seeing a beautiful, young, perfect face in the mirror is valuable and alwaysGives people a good mood and confidence.