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 such an effective procedure as fractional thermolysis, during which the top layer of the epidermis is removed with a laser mill.
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation is one of the most 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 performing it, you should definitely consult a specialist.
The principle of technique
For the first time, fractional thermolysis technology was tested by American scientists in 2004. Since then, it has undergone many clinical studies and has become a powerful tool in modern cosmetology. The essence of fractional thermolysis (photothermolysis, nanoperforation, fractional) is that a special device is used to split 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 radiation raises the local temperature of individual areas of the skin, which inevitably results in heating of the intracellular contents and destruction of cellular structures. On the other hand, it activates the recovery processes, leads to increased production of fibrillar proteins (collagen) and the formation of new epithelial cells. And the more collagen in the epidermal layer, the less wrinkles and other defects in the skin.
In connection with molecular changes, here it is necessary to note the appearance of heat shock proteins, hyaluronic acid and the appearance of a transforming growth factor (a special polypeptide). All of these substances accelerate the use of damaged collagen by cells and form its new molecules.
The superficial layer of the skin, as a rule, returns already on the second day after cosmetic manipulations. Stratification of dead cells is completed in about 10 to 12 days.
In each damaged area, intensive healing begins, as nature predicts a high degree of regeneration for skin tissues. Thanks to the point effect, a fairly strong supply of healthy cells is formed in the skin, which serves as a source of new epithelial cells.
Ablative and non-ablative technology
When a laser pulse is used to help evaporate the active substance, it is most likely a laser removal. Laser radiation is used in ablative photothermolysis, the energy of which is mainly accumulated by water molecules. By acting briefly on a local area, the laser current immediately raises the temperature of the water contained in the tissues by up to 300 degrees. At the site of evaporation, an open wound of small size appears, near which the 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 be attributed only to the fact that there is a certain risk of infection of the deep layer of skin tissue.
Non-ablative thermolysis is considered a less traumatic procedure. Here, a laser beam is used, which practically reduces the risk of damaging the epidermis to zero - under it a burn is formed. Destroyed epithelial cells do not evaporate, but are placed inside the dermis, so the patient does not have to deal with open wounds. Tightening and rejuvenation are not as noticeable as with the other method, as the 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 skin tissue infection, as during the procedure the integrity of the surface layer of the skin is not compromised.
Positive and negative sides
Like plastic correction, fractional thermolysis makes the skin less rough and tough. 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 solved by fractional thermolysis is even wider than that of contour plastic.
The main advantages of the technique are as follows:
- healing is done as soon as possible;
- during the procedure, the patient does not experience painful sensations;
- the result is stored for a long period;
- laser exposure is just as 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 high-tech and safe method, it nevertheless has its side effects, in particular:
- penetration of microbial agents through the skin - staphylococci and streptococci;
- abnormal skin rash;
- inflammation and accumulation of fluid in the treated area of skin;
- the appearance of hyperpigmentation, burns and small cracks, acne.
Indications and contraindications
The majority of clients are older generation women who are eager to smooth out wrinkles and eliminate moderately pronounced wrinkles 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 signs of skin aging age;
- smoothing deep wrinkles;
- narrowing of the pores;
- elimination of small wrinkles on the eyelids;
- restoration of lost elasticity in the epidermis;
- elimination of the consequences of acne;
- getting rid of stretch marks and marks.
In some circumstances, patients are forced to seek an alternative to fractional thermolysis, as laser rejuvenation can lead to completely opposite results. So, the procedure is contraindicated in the following cases:
- while carrying a child;
- during lactation;
- 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 marks;
- if there are foci of inflammation in the skin;
- in the presence of autoimmune diseases;
- if the patient is undergoing treatment with certain medications.
Procedure technology
A preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist is a mandatory stage of any cosmetic procedure, in which the doctor's goal is to clarify the client's wishes and inform about the various nuances.
First of all, the cosmetologist treats the patient's skin using a cotton pad with an anesthetic cream applied to it. An oil is then applied to the surface of the skin to facilitate sliding of the device.
After that, armed with a device with a special attachment, the specialist proceeds with the treatment of problem areas. Applied anesthesia 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, made a splash in the field of non-invasive cosmetology. The specialists had a unique opportunity to perform laser thermolysis using a specific nozzle for each specific purpose. In some preparations, only the thulium rod is included, while in others, the erbium rod, there are also combined models. Depending on the area of skin to be treated, one or another nucleus 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:
- Fine Gentle surface treatment. Ideal for working with eyelids, breasts and other sensitive areas of the body.
- Repair The thulium rod ensures deep penetration of the laser beam into the skin, which makes it possible to remove wrinkles and deep marks and regulate skin oil. If there is vascular discord, pore opening, then such restoration is the best solution.
- RestoreThe most popular technique today, which allows you to forget about shallow wrinkles and small scars after acne.
- Dual resets. The procedure is performed with the simultaneous use of two rods at the same time - erbium and thulium. It will help those who have signs and pronounced marks.
How many sessions are needed to achieve a tangible effect depends mainly on the severity of the lesions and the specifics of the treated areas, but usually at least 5-7 procedures are usually performed.
Characteristics of the rehabilitation period
After fractional thermolysis, the skin needs special care, especially in the first days. Restoring the masks will not be superfluous. The face should be constantly lubricated with a kind of nourishing and moisturizing cream.
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 bath and sauna, as well as do not take a hot bath for a month;
- refuse cosmetic procedures for a month, including peeling;
- limit time spent in the sun, as excessive ultraviolet radiation is doubly dangerous for newly restored skin;
- during healing, 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 rash subsides, you should visit a cosmetologist so that he can evaluate the result of the therapy.
Emission price
Laser correction, of course, 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, etc. 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 disagreements about the advisability of using a laser in this area have not subsided so far. Anyone who says anything - fractional laser thermolysis is rightly recognized as one of the safest and most effective procedures.