There are so many innovative techniques that allow you to preserve youth that patients sometimes get lost in their choice.
Those wishing to activate the natural processes of skin renewal and rejuvenation can be offered such an effective procedure 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 more effective types of cosmetic procedures that can combat age-related changes in the skin.
The method has its own specific features and technologies, indications and contraindications. Before carrying out 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 studies 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 ultrafine fractions.
The procedure involves the use of very small, targeted laser beams, resulting in microscopic damage to the treated skin area.
Laser irradiation increases the local temperature of individual areas of the skin, which inevitably results in heating of the intracellular contents and destruction of cellular structures. In turn, this activates recovery processes, leads to increased production of fibrillar protein (collagen) and the formation of new epithelial cells. And the more collagen in the epidermal layer, the less wrinkles and other defects on the skin.
As far as molecular changes are concerned, the appearance of heat shock proteins, hyaluronic acid and the appearance of a transforming growth factor (a special polypeptide) should be noted. All these substances accelerate the utilization of damaged collagen from 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. The exfoliation of dead cells ends in about 10 to 12 days.
In each damaged area, intensive recovery begins, since nature provides for a high regeneration rate for the skin tissue. Due 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 substance, it is most likely a laser ablation. In ablative photothermolysis, laser radiation is used, the energy of which is mostly accumulated by water molecules. By briefly acting on a local area, the laser stream instantly raises the temperature of the water contained in the tissues up to 300 degrees. At the site of evaporation, an open wound of a small size 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 look 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. Here, a laser beam is used, which practically reduces the risk of damage to the epidermis to zero - a burn is formed under it. The destroyed epithelial cells do not evaporate, but settle within the dermis, therefore, the patient does not have to deal with open wounds. Tightening and rejuvenation are not as obvious as with the other method, since dead skin cells do not disappear anywhere, which means that the tightening effect is minimal.
In contrast 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, then thermolysis is referred to as gentle. Despite this, its effectiveness is no less. Moreover, the range of tasks that fractional thermolysis solves is even wider than that of contour plastics.
The main advantages of the technique are as follows:
- recovery takes place as soon as possible;
- during the procedure, the patient does not experience painful sensations;
- the result is preserved for a long period;
- laser exposure is equally harmless to any type of skin;
- 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 high-tech and safe method, it nevertheless has its own side effects, in particular:
- penetration of microbial agents through the skin - staphylococci and streptococci;
- abnormal redness of the skin;
- inflammation and accumulation of fluid in the treated area of the skin;
- the appearance of hyperpigmentation, minor burns and cracks, acne.
Indications and contraindications
The bulk of the clients are women of the older generation who are 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 the age signs of skin aging;
- smoothing deep wrinkles;
- narrowing of pores;
- elimination of small wrinkles on the eyelids;
- the return of the lost elasticity to the epidermis;
- elimination of the consequences of acne;
- getting rid of stretch marks and scars.
In some circumstances, patients are forced to look for an alternative to fractional thermolysis, since laser rejuvenation can lead to completely opposite results. So, the procedure is contraindicated in the following cases:
- while 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 undergoing treatment with certain drugs.
Procedure technology
A preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist is an obligatory stage of any cosmetic procedure, at which the doctor's goal is to clarify the client's wishes and inform about various nuances.
First of all, the cosmetologist treats the patient's skin using a cotton pad with an anesthetic cream applied to it. Then an ointment is applied to the skin surface to facilitate the sliding of the device.
After that, armed with a device with a special attachment, the specialist proceeds to the treatment of problem areas. The applied anesthetic and the flow of cooled air 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, made a splash in the field of non-invasive cosmetology. Specialists got a unique opportunity to carry out laser thermolysis using a specific nozzle for each specific purpose. In some preparations, only the thulium rod is involved, while in others, the erbium rod, there are also combined models. Depending on which area of the skin is 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 given depth:
- Fine. Gentle surface treatment. Ideal for working with eyelids, breasts and other sensitive areas of the body.
- Repair. The thulium rod provides deep penetration of the laser beam into the skin, which makes it possible to get rid of deep wrinkles and marks and regulate the oiliness of the skin. If there is vascular dyschromia, gaping pores, then such restoration is the best choice.
- Restore. The most popular technique today, which allows you to forget about shallow wrinkles and small scars after acne.
- Restore Dual. 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 needed 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 early days. Restoring masks will not be superfluous. The face should be constantly lubricated with some kind of nourishing and moisturizing cream.
In order to maintain the achieved effect, 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 newly restored skin;
- during recovery, give up alcohol and cigarettes.
After the procedure, some patients notice swelling and redness on their skin. This should not be scary, after a few days, as soon as the redness disappears, you need to see a cosmetologist so that he can evaluate the result of therapy.
Issue price
Laser correction, admittedly, is not a cheap procedure. The cost of fractional thermolysis varies depending on the prestige of the clinic, the volume of work performed, 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 disputes about the advisability of using a laser in this area do not subside until now. Whoever says anything - fractional laser thermolysis is rightfully recognized as one of the safest and most effective procedures.