There are so many innovative techniques for preserving youth that patients sometimes get lost in their choices.
Those who wish to activate the skin's natural renewal and rejuvenation processes can receive an effective procedure such 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 aging-related skin changes.
The method has specific characteristics and technologies, indications and contraindications. Before doing this, you should consult an expert.
The principle of technique
<2_img_rightxx>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 ultra-fine 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 the heating of intracellular contents and the destruction of cellular structures. This, in turn, 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 skin defects.
With regard to molecular changes, here it is necessary to observe the emergence of heat shock proteins, hyaluronic acid and the appearance of a transforming growth factor (a special polypeptide). All of these substances accelerate the utilization of the cells' damaged collagen and form their new molecules.
The superficial layer of the skin, as a rule, is restored on the second day after cosmetic manipulations. Exfoliation of dead cells ends in about 10 to 12 days.
In each injured area, intensive recovery begins, as nature provides a high rate of skin tissue regeneration. Thanks to the dot 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 more likely to be a laser ablation. In ablative photothermolysis, laser radiation is used, the energy of which is mainly accumulated by water molecules. By acting briefly in a local area, the laser stream instantly increases the temperature of the water contained in the tissues by up to 300 degrees. At the evaporation site, an open wound of small size appears, beside which thermally coagulated epithelial cells are concentrated.
This 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. Here, a laser beam is used, which practically reduces the risk of damage to the epidermis to zero - a burn is formed under it. Destroyed epithelial cells do not evaporate, but settle in the dermis, so the patient does not have to deal with open wounds. Tightening and rejuvenation are not as obvious as with the other method, as dead skin cells don't disappear anywhere, which means the tightening effect is minimal.
Unlike the ablation technique, the patient is insured against skin tissue infections, since during the procedure the integrity of the superficial 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 skin's appearance, thermolysis is considered mild. Despite this, its effectiveness is no less. Furthermore, the range of tasks that fractional thermolysis solves is even broader than that of contoured plastics.
The main advantages of the technique are as follows:
- recovery takes place as quickly as possible;
- during the procedure, the patient does not feel painful sensations;
- the result is preserved for a long period;
- laser exposure is equally harmless to any skin type;
- even the most sensitive areas of 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 safe and high-tech method, it has its own 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 skin;
- the appearance of hyperpigmentation, small burns and cracks, acne.
Indications and contraindications
Most clients are older generation women who want to smooth out wrinkles and eliminate 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:
- elimination of pigmentation, age spots and marks formed by the influence of sunlight;
- even out the signs of skin aging;
- smoothing deep wrinkles;
- pore narrowing;
- 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 look for an alternative to fractional thermolysis, as laser rejuvenation can lead to completely opposite results. Therefore, 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 spots;
- if there are foci of inflammation in the skin;
- in the presence of autoimmune diseases;
- if the patient is being treated with certain medications.
procedure technology
The preliminary consultation with the cosmetologist is an obligatory step of any cosmetic procedure, in which the doctor's objective is to clarify the client's wishes and inform about different aspects.
First, the cosmetologist treats the patient's skin with a cotton swab and an applied anesthetic cream. Then, an ointment is applied to the skin surface to facilitate the device's sliding.
Then, equipped with a device with a special accessory, the specialist goes on to treat the problem areas. Applied anesthetic and cooled air flow 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, was a hit in the field of non-invasive cosmetology. Experts had the unique opportunity to perform laser thermolysis using a specific nozzle for each specific purpose. In some preparations, only the thulium stalk is involved, while in others, the erbium stalk, there are also matched models. Depending on which area of the skin is to be processed, one or the other core is selected.
An entire session rarely lasts longer 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:
How many sessions are needed to achieve a tangible effect depends largely on the severity of the injuries and the specifics of the treated areas, but usually at least 5-7 procedures are performed.
Characteristics of the rehabilitation period
After fractional thermolysis, the skin needs special care, especially in the first few days. Restoring masks will not be superfluous. The face must be constantly lubricated with some kind of nourishing and moisturizing cream.
To maintain the effect achieved, it is extremely important to follow the simple advice of doctors:
- for the first three days, exclude any physical activity;
- do not go to the spa and sauna, as well as do not take a hot bath for a month;
- refuse cosmetic procedures for one month, including peeling;
- limit sun exposure time, as 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 of the skin. This shouldn't be scary, after a few days, once the redness disappears, you need to see a cosmetologist so he can assess the outcome of the therapy.
Issue price
Laser correction is admittedly 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 stop, but disputes over the desirability of using lasers in this area have not diminished so far. Whoever says anything - fractional laser thermolysis is rightfully recognized as one of the safest and most effective procedures.