Fractional laser resurfacing- a cosmetic procedure, during which the skin is exposed to a laser matrix made of microbeams. The purpose of this effect is to activate the regeneration and collagenogenesis processes. This is a relatively new, but already very popular hardware technique. Otherwise, it is called fraxel, fractional laser resurfacing, or photothermolysis.
The principle of operation and varieties of fractional laser resurfacing.
How does a fractional laser work? The micro-rays emitted by the device cause a thermal shock, in response to which the "lazy" skin cells begin to function more actively. To repair the damaged area, they divide faster. The old cells that have been inoperative die, giving way to the younger ones. Heating of the deep layers of the skin is accompanied by a partial denaturation of proteins, as well as the formation of new components of the extracellular matrix, such as elastin and collagen.
The depth of the impact is distinguishedablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing. . . The first is superficial and looks like polished. Laser treatment of the upper layers of the skin is accompanied by evaporation of moisture and damage to the epidermis. After healing, the skin becomes more toned, its relief and color are leveled. During non-ablative photothermolysis, the laser acts on the deep layers of the skin. In this case, no open wounds are formed.
Each type of rejuvenation has its advantages and its minutes. Therefore, the effect of ablative laser resurfacing is remarkable after the first procedure. With this method, you can get rid of deep wrinkles and age spots, post-acne, stretch marks, and scars. With a non-ablative procedure, there is no risk of infection and the anti-aging effect is noticeable for several years. This type of photothermolysis is recommended for people under 40 years of age, with the first signs of aging: fine wrinkles, reduced turgor.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure.
It is worth resorting to the photothermolysis procedure if you have:
- Sagging, sagging skin.
- Fine and deep wrinkles, crow's feet.
- Pigmentation of any origin.
- Increased sebum secretion.
- Enlarged pores, prone to acne.
- Scars, stretch marks, post-acne.
- Vascular "asterisks" (rosacea).
- Dull complexion
Contraindications for fractional laser resurfacing are:
- Allergies, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Blood diseases.
- Skin infections, inflammation in the area of intended treatment.
- Any chronic illness in the decompensation stage.
- Oncology.
- Increased body temperature
- Diabetes.
- Tendency to form keloid scars.
- Epilepsy.
Features of laser resurfacing.
Preparation for the fractional photothermolysis procedure consists of refusing to visit the solarium and the beach for two weeks. All this time, you can also not clean the skin, do chemical peels, take sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Three days before the procedure, they stop going to the pool, baths, sauna, treat the area of alleged exposure with cosmetics containing alcohol. To prevent complications, the cosmetologist can prescribe antiviral and antibacterial medications during this period. The day on the eve of the procedure should be done without alcohol and cigarettes, refrain from going to the gym.
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleansed of cosmetics and impurities. In general, the effect of the laser feels like an unpleasant tingling sensation, but pain relief may sometimes be necessary. In this case, the esthetician applies an anesthetic to the prepared skin area. Once the ointment works, proceed to treat the skin with a laser. The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treatment area and varies from several minutes to an hour. Finally, the skin is soothed with a nourishing cream.
The first days after the procedure, she can not use alcohol-based products, compress the parts of the body where the photothermolysis was performed, with compression clothing. It is recommended to exclude physical activity for a week, visit the pool, sauna or bath, limit the time you spend on the street. The skin is hydrated with a special cream three times a day. And so on for half a month. It is undesirable to do peels, use cosmetics with retinol, salicylic acid. For two months it is necessary to use a cream with a sun protection factor of 35 or more.
How many procedures do you need to achieve the result? What effect can you expect?
The rehabilitation period after fractional laser resurfacing lasts from 3 to 7 days. The speed of recovery depends a lot on the lifestyle. Alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive activity, unbalanced diet, insomnia and anxiety, all of these can slow down the regeneration processes.
The first three days after laser exposure, skin redness and slight swelling may be observed. Anesthetics and skin cooling can help reduce feelings of discomfort. It is normal if the skin feels tight within a week, there are scaly areas. A side effect of the procedure can be a tan that disappears on its own after half a month.
A long-lasting result after fractional photothermolysis occurs after 2-5 procedures. More specifically, the number of sessions can only be determined by a cosmetologist, based on the initial data. Intervals between procedures are 3 to 4 weeks. As a result of fractional laser resurfacing, aging processes are inhibited: wrinkles disappear or become less noticeable, turgor increases, pore severity decreases, and complexion improves. This method is an effective tool in the fight against scars, pigmentation, post-acne, stretch marks.
Fractional laser resurfacing is one of the three most popular hardware cosmetic procedures. Its advantages include efficiency, short healing period, physiology. The result is visible after the first procedure and lasts up to three years. The method has a wide range of indications. You can choose the depth of laser exposure.