What is fractional laser rejuvenation

Fraxel laser rejuvenation can solve many skin problems. The technology has already become widespread, almost replacing other laser equipment for anti-aging procedures in the market. The secret to such popularity is that the fractional laser is safer than the conventional laser.

What is Fraxel Laser Rejuvenation

Fractional laser operation diagram

Fraxel technology was developed in the United States in 2004. At that time, the possibility of rejuvenation 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 tightly directed beam of light, several hundred micro-beams of different lengths were applied to the skin at a time.A conventional laser heats the entire illuminated area, the fractional laser acts punctually, burning rod channels in the skin no more than 0. 1mm wide and 0. 4-1. 9mm deep.For every 1 cm2of skin, there may be up to several thousand of these fractions - damaged areas alternate with intact ones. In the parlance of cosmetologists, areas that have been exposed to radiation are called microthermal treatment areas.

Unlike other lasers with Stump technology, Fraxel shines evenly through all micro-areas of the skin from a distance of hundredths of a millimeter.

There are several techniques for fractional rejuvenation, as manufacturers have taken into account that people age differently - each type of aging has its own specific age-related changes. As a source, the technology developers used two types of lasers: erbium and thulium.

The Erbium laser acts on the upper layers of the epidermis, more precisely on its lipid layer, in which water molecules accumulate and are retained - they are the ones that absorb light energy. Under the influence of the high temperature, the water evaporates, and the dead cells that make up the top layer of the skin are burned by a laser. Such an aggressive effect immediately causes a protective reaction of the body - an increased metabolism, so that the damaged areas of the skin are restored as quickly as possible. On average, it takes 1 to 2 weeks to heal a microtrauma and up to 3 to 4 months to heal completely. The procedure is called ablation or ablative resurfacing. The skin becomes cleaner and clearer, pigment spots and keratomas disappear, fine wrinkles are erased. The first generation device with a wavelength of 1550 nm (shallow penetration, down to 20-50 microns or 0. 02-0. 05 mm) operated on an erbium laser. Then it became clear that even gentler technology was needed - for the treatment of thin and sensitive skin in the eye / lip area. The wavelength has been reduced to 1420 nm.

The 1927nm wavelength thulium laser is designed to heat the upper layers of the dermis, in which the collagen-elastin mesh is located. Protein fibers, of which they are composed, change their structure by thermal action - they bend and condense. If you visualize them: they look like springs - but with age active facial expressions and under the influence of gravity, they lose their elasticity and straighten up. With the weakening of the collagen framework, the dermis first loses its tone, then sags and collects in the folds and the top layer of the skin and wrinkles appear. So, because of the high temperature, they fold up, so to speak, into springs, and over time pull the sagging fabric behind them. Certain wrinkles, including deep ones, are thus smoothed out. The Thulium laser is not used separately for fractional rejuvenation. But its energy is effectively combined with that of an erbium laser.

By combining two types of exposure, manufacturers of laser equipment received the device - the gold standard of anti-aging cosmetology.

Fraxel laser irradiation works on all layers of the skin and therefore helps to solve a variety of age-related problems.

With the advent of high power CO2 lasers, rejuvenating treatments have become even more effective. The pulses of light they contain are amplified as they pass through carbon dioxide molecules. This technology is used by a laser, on which, as well as on erbium, ablative resurfacing is performed. But the energy of the CO2laser penetrates much deeper - down to 300 microns or 0. 3 mm. The technology allows you to achieve a visible improvement in the quality and texture of the skin: improve skin tone, reduce pores, remove scars and stretch marks, smooth wrinkles. An optical skin thermolysis procedure is also performed using a carbon dioxide laser, when the radiation affects even deeper layers of the skin.

For fractional laser rejuvenation

Fractional laser rejuvenation is more often requested in women, although sometimes men use it as well. The average age of patients is 30 to 50 years, plus or minus five years at the lower and upper limits. In fact, there are no strict age restrictions, whether it is worth doing rejuvenation with the help of a fractional laser, a dermatologist-cosmetologist determines during a preliminary examination. It's just that at a younger age the metabolism is already quite active, there are still no visible age-related changes and you can work with problem skin with other gentler methods. . After 50 years, fractional rejuvenation, on the contrary, may no longer give a noticeable result, since the tissues are quite strongly deformed, a superficial correction will give a short-term result and, perhaps, will not give at all.

When applying laser resurfacing:

Facial skin rejuvenation process with fractional laser
  • with dilated pores and post-acne traces;
  • with unhealthy pallor, poor complexion;
  • for fine superficial wrinkles;
  • for hyperpigmentation and freckles;
  • for scars 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, skin looks younger than its age for 3-5 years, although not everyone does.

Contraindications to the procedure

Any procedure using a fractional laser is contraindicated:

  • patients under the age of 18;
  • pregnant and lactating women;
  • cancer patients;
  • people with heart and vascular diseases;
  • diabetics
  • ;
  • allergy sufferers (a doctor should be warned about allergies to the laser itself or to anesthetic drugs).

Exposure to the action of laser is not recommended if the skin in the area of ​​the procedure is injured, inflamed or covered with a rash, with herpes, dermatitis, psoriasis. The procedure can only worsen the existing problems, so the skin should be healthy.Contraindications relating to resurfacing / laser thermolysis - chemical peel or facelift performed in the previous month. The possibility of fractional rejuvenation in such cases should be checked with a doctor.

Differences between fractional laser procedure and other types

The possibility of rejuvenation on a fractional laser was discovered when similar procedures were performed on other lasers - thermolysis was performed on diode and neodymium, the deep layers of the skin were heated, on l'erbium and carbon dioxide with a long wavelength, total laser resurfacing was performed. The result came from both procedures, but it had to wait too long. After grinding, surface treatment, the skin recovered for a month and a half - not all patients were satisfied with this period. In addition, the risk of side effects remained high. When the possibility of a metered supply of light energy arose, salons began to switch to new technologies en masse - the fractional laser began to be used everywhere.

Even after a procedure, there are significant changes in the tissues, but in order to consolidate the result, you need to visit the beautician 3-4 times.

There are also new procedures:

  • carbon peel. The upper layer of the skin is treated with a carbon gel (carbon), then laser irradiation is applied to it - to warm the deep layers of the dermis. The mechanism of action, in general, is standard - regeneration occurs more intensely from an elevated temperature. But thanks to the laser, the gel also penetrates quite deeply: so that even after a session the pores are cleared, the work of the sebaceous glands is normalized, the face becomes cleaner and smoother. 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 a 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 the molecules of hyaluronic acid - 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 skin. epidermis, where all the moisture necessary for the skin accumulates.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the laser procedure - table

Benefits Disadvantages
  • Suitable for all skin types;
  • treats multidirectional skin problems;
  • can be performed on the face and body;
  • short period of rehabilitation;
  • gives long term results, up to 5-8 years
  • Pain;
  • high cost;
  • the likelihood of complications and side effects

How to prepare for the procedure

Preparation for fractional rejuvenation begins with a consultation with a dermatologist. After the examination, he must give the green light for the procedure and personal recommendations. The restrictions generally relate to:

  • lifestyle. 3-4 weeks before the procedure, you should refuse to visit the solarium and before going out, use a cream with an SPF filter;
  • take certain medications - antibiotics, blood thinners that almost one in two women over the age of 30 take. But drinking herpes drugs, on the contrary, is worth it;
  • Herpes on the cheek
  • cosmetic procedures. 2 weeks before the procedure, it is recommended not to perform other facial cleansing and rejuvenation procedures, it is better to abandon even the peel at home, so as not to injure the skin again and passwith gentle care.

You must come to the salon without makeup.

The day before and the day of the session, it is advisable not to drink a lot - so that there is no tissue edema.

If there is a tendency to herpes, it is recommended to drink antiviral drugs while preparing for the procedure.

How the procedure works in the living room

Procedure for procedure:

  1. The first thing a doctor does is disinfect the skin and apply an anesthetic. Application anesthesia is usually sufficient.
  2. Next, a contact gel is applied, which is necessary to facilitate the sliding of the laser handle on the skin.
  3. The nozzles are of different diameters: 7x7 mm or 15x15 mm. When activated, 1–2 cm2of the skin is illuminated, so the session takes relatively little time. It takes about half an hour to treat the face and neck and about 10 minutes for the hands.
  4. Unpleasant sensations usually arise not during the procedure, but after it, when the anesthesia begins to recede. When the skin is illuminated with a laser, it is hot, burning and tingling, but tolerable; because the burning of the micro-zones is easier to perceive than if a directed beam burned the upper layer of the skin centimeter by centimeter.

What will be the effect after the procedure and when will it appear

On the second or third day after the procedure, when the edema disappears, a light matte tan will appear on the skin, the tone will become smoother, the complexion will be refreshed. It takes time for the skin to recover, about a month. After this period, a lifting effect will be noticeable, an improvement in the quality of the skin - that is, an increase in its density, elasticity, a decrease in pores, lightening of age spots.To consolidate the result, you need to perform 3-4 procedures at monthly intervals.After another 3-4 months, when the collagen-elastin framework is restored, the face will become even tighter, wrinkles will disappear, the face will appear 5 years younger or even more. If all doctor's recommendations are followed, this condition can be maintained for several years. In salons, they avoid making precise predictions because no anti-aging procedure overrides the laws of aging.

Before and after fractional facial rejuvenation

Judging by reviews, the result can last up to 3-5 years. Longer is unlikely: Irreversible age-related changes can only be slowed down, but then they will reappear and treatment will have to be repeated.

Patient before and after fractional rejuvenation - 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 state of health and the individual reaction to the procedure. The responsibility for carrying out fractional rejuvenation in the presence of contraindications lies with the patient - if he knew about them, but did not warn the doctor or withhold important information from him about the diseases suffered, the procedures carried out anddrug allergy.

Almost 15 years of practice have shown that after fractional rejuvenation there can be side effects such as:

  • acne;
  • herpes
  • ;
  • age spots;
  • persistent redness of the skin (erythema);
  • persistent tissue edema.

No cases of keloid scars and tumors have been recorded.

Rehabilitation period

Immediately after the procedure, patients experience pain and severe tissue edema. It will be easier if you apply a compress with ice (ice cubes wrapped in a towel or towel or bottle of frozen water) on a regular basis every 3-4 hours 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, doing compresses and lubricating the skin with a tissue regeneration stimulator. No physical activity, no sunbathing or even a hot shower. Rest, hot shower, cream and compresses - for at least 2 days.

Then the skin will heal - first dry scabs will form, then they will start to peel off and fall off.You don't need to touch them, let alone tear them off.Alcohol-based cosmetics (lotions, tonics) for the recovery period should be discarded. Decorative cosmetics are allowed 2-3 days after the procedure.

Fractional Laser Facial Skin Rejuvenation Review

"Before the procedure itself an anesthetic ointment is applied. The ointments are also different. I had the effect of relieving the pain in 15 minutes. The procedure itself follows. The doctorshowed me the effect of the laser first on a sheet of paper. The holes are burned at a distance of 1 mm from each other. Then they burned me. . . The procedure took 15 minutes: faceand neck It is unpleasant, but quite tolerable The problems start when the effect of the anesthetic ointment wears off This is a basic burn, and the consequences are the same as a burn. The whole face became red, swollen, burnt. Therefore, it is recommended to do the procedure on Friday evening. The doctor gave the following instructions: smear abundantly and often with ointment for burns. First of all, it is better to use an ointment with a cooling component. In addition, humiDress your face more often with cool water. Severe redness disappeared somewhere on Saturday evening (in a dayA lot of brown scabs formed at the burn places, but the procedure is good because on the second day you can use cosmetics decorativesoh and cover everything. On the third dayin the evening you need to take a bath or go to the baths. Massage the steamed face with your fingers so that the scabs fall off. Do not use a scrub! The effect develops gradually. After the first procedure, lThe oval of the face was tightened, the vessels around the nose had disappeared. For an optimal effect, the doctor prescribed me 4 procedures with a break per month. Keep in mind that Fraxel is easier on brunettes because itlooks like a sunburn. "

"I did DOT laser rejuvenation. Day 1. The procedure is painful. I was anesthetized for an hour. But it still hurts. It smells of burnt meat. Immediately after the procedure, theappearance is normal, only puffy eyes. The face hurts for 2-3 hours. the evening begins, how to put it mildly, swelling. . . The look of a homeless woman from three stations. Day 2. Themorning there is horror! No pain. But the gaze of a Tajik and a man. The skin darkens. The eyes narrow. The face is very puffy. In the evening, the eyes darken. gradually open Herpes 2 crawled on the lower lip. The doctor warned me that if herpes lives in the body, it will definitely come out. Then it came out. Beauty is impossible. Day 3. No pain. Swelling slowly subsides Scab on face Day 4 Scab begins to gradually disappear There is no pain The face is foreign, but not terrible. 5th day. The crust comes off. The face is pink, as after a strong sunburn. The skin, like a baby. Eat anything that can't be offered on a large scale All creams, all masks under the broom, scarred lips, day 9 - feast for the eyes! try on myself in the mirror, I can not see enough. Turgor is completely different. Under the eyes (my most painful point) everything is smooth. Not a single wrinkle. I don't know what will happen next. But for today, the 10th day, I am VERY happy. "

"I have been fortunate enough to become the owner of the most difficult to treat scars on the face. Namely, flakes and boxes. If anyone does not know, these scars are characterized by sharp edgesand shredded. 4 years ago I started this epic with their treatment. I knew the variety of different methods and succumbed to the doctor's persuasion to do fractional laser resurfacing on the Dot device. By the way, the doctor promised to make me a perfectly smooth face in 3 procedures. Intellectually, I realized that it was impossible. After all, I have complex scars. But hope is burned in me. On the day ofthe first intervention happened. Oh my God! It was terribly painful! The smell of burning skin always ended. At home, I had to sit without going out for about a week, endlessly smearing my face with astimulator of tissue regeneration and be afraid of my reflext in the mirror, because they showed Krugger as a woman. After 6-7 days, I was already in danger of dating people. The redness was gone, but the scars were in place. To my surprise, my whole face has become a little dot. They were laser marks. This is what I did not expect! They promised perfect sweetness. And in the end, they added irregularities. “Well, okay, ” I thought, and went to the second procedure. And then the third. Personally, my eyes shine with such sweetness. In my opinion, nothing has changed! Traces in the form of a grid from the laser, by the way, are always with me. They are not striking, but if you look closely you can see them. I take them out in secret with an ultrasonic massage, a mesoscooter and peels. And on Dot, I'm no longer a foot! This is absolutely silly for my type of scars! "

Split rejuvenation certainly has many benefits. But there are negative reviews from patients, there are cases when even a procedure caused health problems in people. This happened for various reasons, often due to contraindications to laser rejuvenation in principle. To protect yourself from possible negativity after the procedure, play it safe before - go to the doctor, get tested, listen to not one, but several cosmetologists. However, safety and health are two inseparable things.