Fraxel laser rejuvenation can solve many skin problems. The technology has already spread, almost shifting other laser devices for anti-aging procedures from the market. The secret of such popularity is that the fractional laser is safer than the conventional one.
What is Fraxel laser renewal
Fraxel technology was developed in the US in 2004. At that time, the possibility of renewal using laser light was already known. But the developers of the new method went further: they changed the structure of the laser beam. Instead of a narrowly directed beam of light, several hundred micro beams of various lengths were applied to the skin immediately.A conventional laser heats the entire illuminated area, the fractional one acts pointlessly, burning the current channels in the skin no more than 0, 1 mm wide and 0, 4 to 1, 9 mm deep.For 1 cm2of the skin, there may be up to several thousand such fractions - the damaged areas alternate with the intact ones. In the language of cosmetologists, areas that have been exposed to radiation are called microthermal treatment areas.
Unlike other lasers with trunk technology, Fraxel glows evenly across all micro-areas of the skin at a distance of hundreds of one millimeter.
There are several fractional rejuvenation techniques because manufacturers have taken into account that people age differently - each type of aging has its own age-specific differences. As a source, technology developers received two types of lasers - erbium and thulium.
The Erbium laser acts on the upper layers of the epidermis, more precisely, on its lipid layer, where water molecules accumulate and are stored - they are the ones that absorb the energy of light. Under the influence of high temperature, water evaporates, and the dead cells that make up the top layer of skin are burned by a laser. Such an aggressive effect immediately triggers a protective reaction of the body - increase metabolism, so that the damaged areas of the skin are restored as soon as possible. On average, it takes 1-2 weeks to heal microtraumas, and up to 3-4 months to fully recover. The procedure is called ablative removal or reappearance. The skin after becoming cleaner and lighter, pigmentation spots and keratomas disappear, fine wrinkles are erased. The first-generation device with a wavelength of 1550 nm (penetrated in the shallows, up to 20-50 microns or 0, 02-0, 05 mm) operated on an erbium laser. Then it became clear that even softer technology was needed - for the treatment of thin and sensitive skin in the eye / lip area. The wavelength was reduced to 1420 nm.The 1927 nm wavelength thulium laser is designed to heat the upper layers of the dermis, into which the collagen-elastin network lies. The fibers of the proteins, of which it is composed, change their structure by thermal action - they fold and thicken. If you visualize them: they look like fountains - but with age from active facial expressions and under the influence of gravity, they lose their elasticity and run. With the weakening of the collagen framework, the dermis first loses its tone, and then sits and gathers in folds and the upper layer of skin and wrinkles appear. So from the high temperature, they again, as it were, fold into springs and over time pull the hanging tissues behind them. Some wrinkles, including deep ones, soften this way. The thulium laser is not used separately for fractional renewal. But its energy is effectively combined with that of an erbium laser.
Combining two types of exposure, laser device manufacturers have taken the device - the gold standard of anti-aging cosmetology.
Fraxel laser radiation works on all layers of the skin, thus helping to solve a number of age-related problems.
With the advent of high power CO2 lasers, refreshing treatments have become even more effective. The pulses of light in them are amplified due to the fact that they pass through carbon dioxide molecules. This technology is used by a laser, in which, as in erbium, ablative reappearance is performed. But the energy of the CO2laser penetrates much deeper - up to 300 microns or 0. 3 mm. The technology allows you to achieve a significant improvement in the quality and structure of the skin: improving the face, reducing pores, removing marks and stretch marks, smoothing wrinkles. A dermal optical thermolysis procedure is also performed using a carbon dioxide laser, when the radiation also touches deep layers of the skin.
For fractional laser rejuvenation
Fractional laser refurbishment is most often sought after among women, although sometimes men also use it. The average age of patients is 30-50 years, plus or minus five years at the lower and upper limits. In fact, there are no strict age restrictions, if it is worth doing rejuvenation using a fractional laser, determines the dermatologist-cosmetologist during a preliminary examination. Only that at a younger age, the metabolism is already quite active, there are still no noticeable age-related changes, and you can work on problem skin with other, softer methods. After 50 years, fractional regeneration, on the contrary, may no longer give a noticeable result, because the tissues are deformed quite strongly, superficial correction will give a short-term result and, perhaps, will not give at all.
When laser reset is applied:
- with enlarged pores and acne scars;
- with unhealthy pallor, poor complexion;
- for fine surface wrinkles;
- for hyperpigmentation and spots;
- for marks and stretch marks.
Fractional thermolysis is indicated for wrinkles, folds and creases on the face, neck, décolleté, loss of tone and sagging skin.
Women say that after Fraxel the skin looks younger than its age for 3-5 years, although this is not the case for everyone.
Contraindications to the procedure
Any procedure that uses a partial laser is contraindicated:
- patients under 18 years of age;
- pregnant and lactating women;
- cancer patients;
- people with heart and vascular disease;
- diabetics;
- allergy sufferers (a doctor should be warned about allergies to the laser itself or to anesthetic medications).
It is not recommended to be exposed to the laser if the skin in the procedure area is damaged, inflamed or covered with redness, herpes, dermatitis, psoriasis. The procedure can only aggravate existing problems, so the skin needs to be healthy.Relative contraindications to laser resurfacing / thermolysis - chemical peels or facelift procedures performed in the past month. The possibility of fractional rejuvenation in such cases should be checked with a physician.
Differences of fractional laser procedure from other types
The possibility of rejuvenation in a fractional laser was discovered when similar procedures were performed on other lasers - thermolysis was performed on diode and neodium, the deeper layers of the skin were heated, on erbium and carbon dioxide with a long wavelength, became the total surface area of the laser. The result was from both procedures, but had to wait a long time. After grinding, surface treatment, the skin recovered for a month and a half - not all patients were satisfied with this period. Moreover, the risk of side effects remained high. When the possibility of a dosed supply of light energy arose, salons began to massively switch to new technologies - fractional lasers began to be used everywhere.
Even after a procedure, significant tissue changes occur, but to consolidate the result, you need to go to the beautician 3-4 times.
There are also new procedures:
- carbon peeling. The top layer of skin is treated with a carbon gel (carbon) and then laser radiation is applied over it to heat the deep layers of the dermis. The mechanism of action, in general, is standard - regeneration occurs more intensively from high temperature. But thanks to the laser, the gel penetrates quite deeply: so even after a session the pores are cleansed, the work of sebaceous glands is normalized, the face becomes cleaner and softer. The procedure is recommended for patients with oily skin;
- laser biorevitalization is a procedure that has replaced the injection technique. Hyaluronic acid gel is applied to the problem area, then the skin is treated with laser - usually a diode. With the discovery of the laser, it became clear that even external agents can penetrate deeper, which means that they can work more efficiently if, after their application, the desired area is treated with laser light. This also happens with hyaluronic acid molecules - if in an ordinary cream or gel they are absorbed only superficially and washed off after the first cleansing of the face, then after the laser they fall into the deep layers of the epidermis, where all the moisture accumulates. necessary for the skin.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of laser procedure - table
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How to prepare for the procedure
Preparation for fractional rejuvenation begins with a consultation with a dermatologist. After the examination, he should make a request for the procedure and personal recommendations. Restrictions usually apply to:
- lifestyle. 3-4 weeks before the procedure, you should refuse to visit the sunroom and before going out, use a cream with an SPF filter;
- taking some medicines - antibiotics, blood thinners that almost every second woman over 30 takes. But to take medicine for herpes, on the contrary, it is worth it;
- cosmetic procedures. 2 weeks before the procedure, it is recommended not to perform any other procedure for cleansing and rejuvenating the face, it is better to leave the skin at home as well, so as not to damage the skin once again, and switch to gentle care.
You need to come to the salon without makeup.
On the eve and on the day of the session, it is advisable not to drink too much - so that there is no tissue edema.
If there is a tendency for herpes, it is recommended that you take antiviral medication while preparing for the procedure.
How the procedure is performed in the salon
Procedure for the procedure:
- The first thing a doctor does is disinfect the skin and apply an anesthetic. Application anesthesia is usually sufficient.
- Then, a contact gel is applied, which is needed to make it easier for the laser glove to slide over the skin. Grooves are of different diameters: 7x7 mm or 15x15 mm. During an activation, 1-2 cm2of the skin is lightened, so the session lasts very little time. It takes about half an hour to treat the face and neck, and about 10 minutes on the hands.
- Unpleasant sensations usually arise not during the procedure, but after it, when the anesthesia begins to recede. When the skin is laser lightened, it feels warm, burning and tingling, but tolerable; because the burning of micro-areas is easier to perceive than if a directed beam were to burn the top layer of skin centimeter by centimeter.
What effect will it have after the procedure and when will it appear
On the second or third day after the procedure, when the edema decreases, a light matte skin will appear on the skin, the tone will become softer, the face will be refreshed. It takes time for the skin to recover, about a month. After this time, a lifting effect will be noticed, an improvement in the quality of the skin - namely an increase in its density, its elasticity, the reduction of pores, the lightening of age spots.To consolidate the result, you need to perform 3-4 procedures at one month intervals.After another 3-4 months, when the collagen-elastin frame is restored, the face will become even tighter, wrinkles will disappear, the face will look 5 years younger, or even more. If all the doctor's recommendations are followed, this condition can be maintained for several years. In salons, they avoid accurate predictions because no anti-aging procedure cancels out the laws of aging.
Judging by the estimates, the result can last up to 3-5 years. Longer is unlikely: irreversible age-related changes may slow down, but then they will reappear and the course of treatment will have to be repeated.
Patient before and after fractional resuscitation - photo
What can be the complications and how to avoid them
Complications are possible even if the doctor fully observes the procedure. Whether they are or not depends on the patient's health condition and the individual response to the procedure. The responsibility for performing partial rejuvenation in the presence of contraindications lies with the patient - if he knew about them, but did not warn the doctor or hid important information from him about the diseases suffered, the procedures performed and the allergy to the medication.
Almost 15 years of practice show that after partial rejuvenation there can be side effects such as:
- puçrrat;
- herpes;
- age spots;
- persistent skin rash (erythema);
- persistent tissue edema.
No cases of keloid lesions and tumors were recorded.
Rehabilitation period
Immediately after the procedure, patients experience severe pain and tissue edema. It will be easier if regularly, every 3-4 hours, apply an ice pack (ice cubes wrapped in a napkin or towel or a bottle of frozen water) to the treated skin area. You can go out / work the next day, but it will be better to wait at home for 2-3 days, making compresses and lubricating the skin with a tissue regeneration stimulant. No physical activity, sunbathing or even a hot shower. Rest, warm bath, cream and compresses - for at least 2 days.
Then the skin will heal - first dry crusts form, then they will start to peel and fall off.You do not need to touch, let alone pull them out.Alcohol-based cosmetics (lotions, tonics) for the recovery period should be discarded. Decorative cosmetics are allowed 2-3 days after the procedure.
Reviews of fractional laser facial skin rejuvenation
"Before the procedure, an anesthetic oil is applied. The ointments are also different. I had the effect of relieving the pain in 15 minutes. The procedure itself follows. The doctor first showed me the effect of the laser on a piece of paper. The holes burn at a distance of 1 mm from each other. Then I was burned . . . . The procedure lasted 15 minutes: face and neck . . It is uncomfortable but quite tolerable. The problems start when the effect of the anesthetic oil ends. This is aelemental burns and the consequences are the same as from a burn. The whole face became red, swollen, burnt. Therefore, the procedure is recommended to be done on Friday evening. The doctor gave the following instructions: lubricate profusely and often with oilFirst, it is better to use an oil that contains a cooling ingredient. Also, more often, moisten your face with fresh water. The severe redness disappeared somewhere from Saturday evening (within a day) Too much brown crustwere formed in the countries of yesterdaygies, but the procedure is good because the second day you can use dekorativeoh makeup and cover it all. On the third day in the evening you should take a bath or go to the bathroom. Massage the face with steam with your fingertips so that the crust does not fall off. Do not use scrub! The effect gradually increases. After the first procedure, the oval of the face was tightened, the vessels around the nose were gone. For full effect, the doctor prescribed me 4 procedures with rest per month. "Keep in mind that Fraxel is easier for brunettes as it is similar to sunburn. "
"I did DOT laser rejuvenation. Day 1. The procedure is painful. I was anesthetized for an hour. But it still hurts. It smells like burnt flesh. Immediately after the procedure, the appearance is normal, only swollen eyes. Faceit hurts for 2-3 hours. in the evening begins, how to say it mildly, swelling . . . The appearance of a homeless woman from three stations Day 2. In the morning there is horror! No pain . . But the appearance of a Tajik and a manThe skin darkens. The eyes narrow. The face is very swollen. By evening, the eyes gradually open. Herpes 2 crawls on the lower lip. impossible . . . Day 3. No pain . . Swelling slowly subsides. Prust on face. It looks scary. Day 4th. The crust gradually starts to disappear. There is no pain. The face is weird but not terrible. Day5. The crust is coming out. The face is pink, as after a strong sunburn. The skin is like a baby. Heven all that can not be offered muchAll creams, all masks under the broom Lips healed. On the 9th day - feast for the eyes! try myself in the mirror, I do not see enough. Turgori is completely different. Under the eyes (my most painful place) everything is quiet. Not a single wrinkle. I do not know what will happen next. "But for today, the 10th day, I am very happy. "
"I was lucky to become the owner of the most difficult marks to treat on the face. Namely, shredded and boxed. If one does not know, these wounds are characterized by sharp shredded edges. 4 yearsI started this epic with their treatment. I knew about the variety of different methods, and submitted to the doctor's persuasion to do fractional laser reappearance on the Dot device. By the way, the doctor promised to make me a completely smooth face in 3procedure. I intellectually realized that this was impossible. After all, I have complex wounds. But hope burned in me. The day of the first procedure came. Oh God! It was very painful! The smell of burnt skin is still yesAt home, I was forced to stay out for about a week, endlessly painting my face with a tissue regeneration stimulant and fearing my reflection in the mirror, because there they showed Kruegger in feminine formAfter 6-7 days, I alreadyI risked going out against people. The rash subsided, but the scars were in place. To my surprise, my whole face became a small dotted hole. These were slow signs. This is what I did not expect! They promised a perfect softness. And in the end, they added irregularities. "Well, okay, " I thought and went to the second procedure. And then in the third. Personally, my eyes are blinded by such tenderness. In my opinion, nothing has changed! By the way, the traces in the form of a network from the laser, are still with me. They are not impressive, but if you look closely, you can see them. I trick them with ultrasonic massage, mesoscooter and peels. And in Dot, I'm no more standing! Absolutely stupid for my scar type! "
Fractional renewal certainly has many advantages. But there are negative evaluations from patients, there are cases when even a procedure caused health difficulties in people. This happened for a variety of reasons, often due to contraindications to laser renewal in principle. To protect yourself from possible negativity after the procedure, play first - go to the doctors, do tests, listen not to one, but several cosmetologists. Still, safety and health are two inseparable things.