There are so many innovative techniques to preserve youthfulness that patients sometimes get lost in their choice.
Those who wish to activate the natural processes of skin renewal and rejuvenation may be offered a procedure as effective as fractional thermolysis, in which the top layer of the epidermis is removed with a laser grinder.
Fractional laser skin rejuvenation is one of the most effective types of cosmetic procedures for combating age-related skin changes.
The method has its own specificities and technologies, indications and contraindications. Before performing it, you should definitely consult 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 been the subject of numerous 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 area of skin being treated.
Laser irradiation increases the local temperature of individual areas of the skin, which inevitably leads to heating of intracellular contents and destruction of cellular structures. In turn, this activates the recovery processes, leads to increased production of fibrillar proteins (collagen) and the formation of new epithelial cells. And the more collagen there is in the epidermal layer, the less wrinkles and other blemishes there are on the skin.
As for molecular changes, here it is worth noting the emergence of heat shock proteins, hyaluronic acid and the appearance of a transforming growth factor (a special polypeptide). All of these substances speed up the use of damaged collagen in cells and form its new molecules.
As a rule, the surface layer of the skin is restored from the second day after cosmetic manipulations. The exfoliation of dead cells ends in about 10 to 12 days.
In each damaged area, an intensive recovery begins, as nature provides a high regeneration rate for the skin tissue. 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 vaporize the active substance, it is most likely laser ablation. In ablative photothermolysis, laser radiation is used, the energy of which is mainly accumulated by water molecules. By acting briefly on a local area, the laser flux instantly raises the temperature of the water in the tissues up to 300 degrees. At the site of evaporation, an open wound of a small size appears, next to which the thermally coagulated epithelial cells are concentrated.
Such thermolysis requires a longer recovery time than non-ablative technology, but the result will be much more dramatic. The disadvantages of the method can, perhaps, be attributed only 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 forms underneath. The destroyed epithelial cells do not evaporate, but settle in the dermis, therefore, the patient does not have to face open wounds. Firming and rejuvenation is not as obvious as with the other method, as dead skin cells do not disappear anywhere, which means that the tightening effect is minimal.
Unlike 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 called gentle. Despite this, its effectiveness is not less. In addition, 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 feel painful sensations;
- the result is kept for a long time;
- laser exposure is also harmless to any skin type;
- even the most sensitive areas of the skin respond well to the laser;
- absence of strict restrictions during the rehabilitation period;
- the minimum number of possible side effects;
- the risk of poisoning the blood with any virus (HIV, hepatitis) is zero.
Although thermolysis is considered a high-tech and safe method, it nevertheless has its own side effects, including:
- 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 majority of clients are women of the older generation who want to smooth out wrinkles and remove moderately pronounced folds in 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:
- removal of pigmentation, age spots and marks formed under the influence of sunlight;
- level the signs of aging of skin aging;
- smooth deep wrinkles;
- narrowing of the pores;
- elimination of small wrinkles on the eyelids;
- the return of lost elasticity to the epidermis;
- elimination of the consequences of acne;
- get rid of 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. Thus, 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 on treatment with certain drugs.
Procedural technology
A preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist is an obligatory stage of any cosmetic procedure, during which the goal of the doctor is to clarify the wishes of the client and to inform about various nuances.
First of all, the cosmetologist treats the patient's skin with a cotton ball, on which an anesthetic cream is applied. Then, an ointment is applied to the surface of the skin to facilitate the sliding of the device.
After that, armed with a device with a special accessory, the specialist proceeds to the treatment of problem areas. The anesthetic applied 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, caused a sensation in the field of non-invasive cosmetology. Specialists had a unique opportunity to perform laser thermolysis using a specific nozzle for each specific objective. In some preparations, only the thulium rod is involved, while in others, the erbium rod, there are also combined models. Depending on the area of the skin to be treated, one or the other core is selected.
An entire session rarely lasts more than thirty minutes. If you need to remove stretch marks from your hips and abdomen, it may take a little longer.
The original Fraxel device has 4 main modes, each allowing the laser beam to penetrate to a given depth:
- Well. Soft surface treatment. Ideal for working with the eyelids, breasts and other sensitive areas of the body.
- Repair. The thulium rod allows deep penetration of the laser beam into the skin, which helps get rid of deep lines and wrinkles and regulates skin fat. If there is vascular dyschromia, gaping pores, such restoration is the best choice.
- Restore. The most popular technique today, which allows you to forget about superficial 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 with pronounced scars and scars.
The number of sessions needed to achieve a tangible effect depends largely on the severity of the lesions and the specifics of the areas being treated, 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 days. The restoration of the masks will not be superfluous. The face should be constantly lubricated with some kind of nourishing and moisturizing cream.
In order to maintain the effect obtained, it is extremely important to follow the simple advice of doctors:
- for the first three days, exclude all physical activity;
- do not visit the public baths and the sauna, and do not take a hot bath for a month;
- refuse cosmetic procedures for a month, including peeling;
- limit the time spent in the sun, because 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 on their skin. It should not be scary, after a few days, as soon as the redness disappears, you need to consult a cosmetologist so that he can assess the result of treatment.
Issue 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 stop, but disputes about whether to use a laser in this area do not disappear until now. Anyone saying something - fractional laser thermolysis is rightly recognized as one of the safest and most effective procedures.