There are so many innovative techniques for preserving youth that patients sometimes get lost in their choice.
Those who want to activate the natural processes of skin renewal and rejuvenation can be offered a procedure as effective as fractional thermolysis, during which the upper layer of the epidermis is removed with a laser grinder.
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation is one of the most effective types of cosmetic procedures that can combat age-related skin changes.
The method has its own specific features and technologies, indications and contraindications. Before performing it, you should definitely consult with a specialist.
The principle of the technique
For the first time, fractional thermolysis technology was tested by American scientists in 2004. Since then, it has gone through many clinical trials and has become a powerful tool in modern cosmetology. The essence of fractional thermolysis (photothermolysis, nanoperforation, fraxel) is that a special device is used to separate the laser beam into many ultra-fine fractions.
The procedure involves the use of very small targeted laser beams, which cause microscopic damage to the treated skin area.
Laser irradiation increases the local temperature of individual skin areas, resulting in heating of the intracellular contents and destruction of cell structures. In turn, this activates recovery processes, leads to an increase in the production of fibrillar protein (collagen) and the formation of new epithelial cells. And more collagen in the epidermal layer, less wrinkles and other defects on the skin.
As for molecular changes, here it is necessary to note the emergence of heat shock proteins, hyaluronic acid and the appearance of a transforming growth factor (a special polypeptide). All these substances accelerate the use of damaged collagen by cells and form its new molecules.
The surface layer of the skin, as a rule, is restored already on the second day after cosmetic manipulations. Exfoliation of dead cells ends in about 10-12 days.
Intensive recovery begins in each damaged area, as nature predicts a high rate of skin tissue regeneration. Thanks to the point effect, a fairly solid supply of healthy cells is formed in the skin, which serve as a source of new epithelial cells.
Ablative and non-ablative technology
When a laser pulse is used to help vaporize the active ingredient, it is most likely laser ablation. In ablative photothermolysis, laser radiation is used, the energy of which is mainly accumulated by water molecules. The laser flow, acting briefly on a local area, instantly raises the temperature of the water contained in the tissues up to 300 degrees. At the site of evaporation, a small open wound appears, next to which thermally coagulated epithelial cells are concentrated.
Such thermolysis requires a longer recovery time than non-ablative technology, but the result will be much more spectacular. The disadvantages of the method, perhaps, can only be attributed to the fact that there is a certain risk of infection of the tissues of the deep dermal layer.
Non-ablative thermolysis is considered a less traumatic procedure. A laser beam is used here, which reduces the risk of damage to the epidermis to practically zero - a burn is formed under it. The destroyed epithelial cells do not evaporate, but are deposited inside the dermis, so the patient does not have to face open wounds. Tightening and rejuvenation are not as noticeable as with the other method, as dead skin cells do not disappear anywhere, which means that the tightening effect is minimal.
Contrary to the ablation technique, the patient is insured against infection of the skin tissues, since during the procedure the integrity of the surface layer of the skin is not disturbed.
Positive and negative sides
Like plastic correction, fractional thermolysis makes the skin less rough and rough. But if surgery is considered a radical way to improve the appearance of the skin, thermolysis is called gentle. Despite this, its effectiveness is not far behind. Furthermore, the range of tasks that fractional thermolysis solves is even wider than that of contour plastics.
The main advantages of the technique are the following:
- recovery occurs as soon as possible;
- during the procedure, the patient does not feel painful sensations;
- the result is stored for a long time;
- laser exposure is equally harmless to any skin type;
- even the most sensitive areas of the skin respond well to the laser;
- lack of strict restrictions during the rehabilitation period;
- the minimum number of possible side effects;
- the risk of blood poisoning with any virus (HIV, hepatitis) is zero.
Although thermolysis is considered a highly technological and safe method, it still has its side effects, in particular:
- penetration of microbial agents through the skin - staphylococci and streptococci;
- abnormal redness of the skin;
- inflammation and fluid accumulation in the treated area of the skin;
- the appearance of hyperpigmentation, minor burns and cracks, acne.
Indications and contraindications
Most of the clients are women of the older generation eager to smooth out wrinkles and eliminate moderately pronounced folds on the face and neck. Of course, the effect will meet all expectations, but, in addition, the procedure allows you to solve other cosmetic problems, including:
- elimination of pigmentation, age spots and marks formed due to the influence of sunlight;
- leveling of the signs of aging skin;
- smooth out deep wrinkles;
- narrowing of pores;
- elimination of small wrinkles on the eyelids;
- the return of lost elasticity to the epidermis;
- elimination of the consequences of acne;
- eliminate stretch marks and scars.
In some circumstances, patients are forced to seek an alternative to fractional thermolysis, as laser rejuvenation can lead to completely opposite results. Therefore, the procedure is contraindicated in the following cases:
- when carrying a child;
- during the lactation period;
- with exacerbation of existing diseases;
- with acute respiratory infection, including influenza;
- in the presence of malignant neoplasms;
- if the patient has poor blood clotting;
- when the face is covered with many moles;
- if there are foci of inflammation on the skin;
- in the presence of autoimmune diseases;
- if the patient is being treated with certain drugs.
Procedure technology
A preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist is an obligatory stage of any cosmetic procedure, in which the goal of the doctor is to clarify the wishes of the client and inform about various nuances.
First of all, the cosmetologist treats the patient's skin using a cotton swab with an anesthetic cream applied. Then an ointment is applied to the surface of the skin to facilitate the sliding of the device.
Next, armed with a device with a special attachment, the specialist proceeds to the treatment of problem areas. Applied anesthetic and cooled airflow minimize pain sensations, creating additional comfort for the patient. Patients, with rare exceptions, may complain of a slight tingling sensation.
The Fraxel device, developed by American scientists, has made a splash in the field of non-invasive cosmetology. The specialists had the unique opportunity to perform laser thermolysis using a specific nozzle for each specific purpose. In some preparations only the thulium rod is involved, while in others, that of erbium, there are also combined models. Depending on the area of the skin to be processed, one or another core is selected.
An entire session rarely lasts more than thirty minutes. If you need to remove stretch marks on your hips and abdomen, it may take a little longer.
The original Fraxel device has 4 main modes, each of which allows the laser beam to penetrate to a certain depth:
- Good. Delicate surface treatment. Ideal for working with the eyelids, breasts and other sensitive areas of the body.
- Repair. The thulium rod provides deep penetration of the laser beam into the skin, which allows you to eliminate deep wrinkles and marks and regulate the skin's oiliness. If there is vascular discoloration, open pores, such a restoration is the best choice.
- Restore. The most popular technique today, which allows you to forget about superficial wrinkles and small scars after acne.
- Double reset. The procedure is carried out with the simultaneous use of two rods at once - erbium and thulium. It will help those who have pronounced scars and scars.
How many sessions are required to achieve a tangible effect largely depends on the severity of the lesions and the specifics of the treated areas, but usually at least 5-7 procedures are performed.
Features of the rehabilitation period
After fractional thermolysis, the skin needs special care, especially in the first few days. The restoration of the masks will not be superfluous. The face should be constantly lubricated with some kind of nourishing and moisturizing cream.
To maintain the effect obtained, it is extremely important to follow the simple advice of doctors:
- for the first three days, exclude any physical activity;
- do not visit the bathhouse and sauna, as well as do not take a hot bath for a month;
- refuse cosmetic procedures for a month, including peeling;
- limit the time spent in the sun, since excess ultraviolet radiation is doubly dangerous for the newly restored skin;
- during recovery, give up alcohol and cigarettes.
After the procedure, some patients notice swelling and redness of the skin. This should not be scary, after a few days, as soon as the redness disappears, it is necessary to consult a cosmetologist so that he can evaluate the result of the therapy.
Issue price
Laser correction, it is true, is not a cheap procedure. The cost of fractional thermolysis varies depending on the prestige of the clinic, the volume of work done, the prices of consumables, and so on. Thermolysis of the face and neck will cost less than the same manipulations performed on the abdomen, buttocks and other parts of the body.
Modern cosmetology does not stand still, but the disputes about whether to use a laser in this area do not subside until now. Anyone who says anything, fractional laser thermolysis is rightfully recognized as one of the safest and most effective procedures.