Fractional photothermolysis - a new face without surgery

In the fight for beauty, various methods are used, for example, fractional photothermolysis. This technology is very popular. It allows you to get rid of many cosmetic problems in a short period of time and almost painlessly. Before agreeing to the procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

Fractional photothermolysis - what is it?

This procedure uses a laser. It in the process of heating the skin causes focal destruction of cells. During its exposure, the skin receives a thermal burn. The diameter of such lesions can vary from 0. 1 to 0. 4 mm, and the depth is 0. 5 mm. Burns are caused. Such damage to the epidermis stimulates tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis.

Fraxel laser resurfacing does not destroy melanocytes. For this reason, dark people do not experience hypopigmented spots after photothermolysis. Laser, on the other hand, promotes the redistribution of melanin, which flattens the skin. Fractional facial rejuvenation has the following benefits:

• can be used for both young (after 16 years) and aging skin;
• has a wide scope (eyelids, face, décolleté, etc. );
• lasting effects;
• can be held at any time of the year, including summer;
• can be applied to all skin types.

Ablative Fractional Photothermolysis

For this procedure, erbium and CO2 lasers are used. When exposed to the skin, the fluid in the epidermal cells is heated up to 300°C. As a result, the area evaporates, and in its place, a small open-type wound is formed, surrounded by thermally coagulated cells. The process of restoring this "zone" takes a lot of time. Such fractional laser resurfacing is carried out in courses, each of which lasts from 2 to 6 sessions. It gives an amazing lifting effect. However, when it is done, the risk of infection in the dermis tissue is high.

Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis

Compared to ablative procedures, this manipulation is considered gentler. Such laser skin resurfacing using a fractional CO2 laser does not violate the integrity of the epidermis: there are no open wounds. The effect of such procedures is less obvious than ablative procedures, partly due to the fact that the decay products are not removed to the outside, but remain in the thickness of the skin. Fractional laser photothermolysis is recommended to be carried out in courses, the duration of which can vary from 4 to 10 procedures. When it is done, the risk of skin infection is reduced to zero.

Fractional photothermolysis - indications

This cosmetic procedure has various applications. Fractional photothermolysis treats scars, but this is not its only purpose. This procedure helps solve the following problems:

• improves skin tone and elasticity;
• fight hyperpigmentation;
• eliminate solar keratosis;
• remove wrinkles;
• reduce pores;
• helps remove stretch marks on the body;
• remove acne scars.

Fractional photothermolysis - contraindications

Not everyone can enjoy the results of such a procedure. Dermal optical thermolysis has the following contraindications:

• oncological diseases;
• chronic disease in the acute stage;
• skin disease;
• inflammatory processes in the body;
• mental illness;
• hormonal imbalance;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• heart failure;
• blood diseases;
• diabetes;
• infectious diseases.

In addition, fractional photothermolysis is prohibited if mechanical dermabrasion has been performed recently (less than two weeks ago). After the solarium and sunbathing, such procedures should also not be performed. High temperature and fever are contraindications for photothermolysis. It should not be carried out even if the integrity of the skin in the treatment area is violated.

Absolute contraindications to fractional photothermolysis are the following drugs:

• vitamin A;
• cytostatic;
• glucocorticoids;
• immunosuppressants.

Fraxel procedure

Fractional skin rejuvenation should be performed by an experienced cosmetologist with medical education. At the appointment, the specialist will objectively assess the condition of the skin and make sure there are no contraindications to the procedure. In addition, before fraxel laser therapy on the face is performed, the cosmetologist will warn the patient about possible complications that may occur after photothermolysis. Also, the specialist will definitely tell you how to properly care for your face or body during the recovery period.

Fractional photothermolysis - preparation

It starts 2 weeks before the proposed manipulation. It can be divided into the following steps:

1. Refusal to use cosmetics that damage the skin. This includes scrubs and peels. In addition, it is necessary to exclude salicylic and glycolic acids and retinol from use. Such restrictions come into effect half a month before fractional photothermolysis.
2. It is forbidden to visit the solarium and the beach a week before the procedure.
3. 2-3 days before the manipulation, you need to start taking antibiotics and antiviral drugs prescribed by a cosmetologist. These drugs will minimize the risk of inflammation or infection of the epidermis.
4. The day before fractional laser skin resurfacing is performed, you need to stop playing sports and other intense physical activities. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited overnight.

Fractional laser coating

This procedure lasts about an hour. Its implementation is carried out in several stages. Fractional photothermolysis is performed as follows:

1. Cosmetologists clean the patient's skin by lightly exfoliating.
2. Specialists apply anesthetic to the surface to be treated.
3. After 40 minutes, the beautician starts treating the face with a special nozzle. At this point, the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation. During the procedure, the skin is cooled by air flow, which reduces discomfort. The most problematic part of the face is treated several times.
4. A soothing cream is applied to the skin.

Fractional photothermolysis of the eyelids

Since the skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive, lasers with the lowest power are used to affect them. The most commonly used device is an erbium rod. The maximum wavelength allowed is 1420 nm. Before starting to perform fractional photothermolysis of the eyes, the cosmetologist puts on special protective lenses for the patient. The procedure itself is done in the same way as when treating the skin of the face or body.

Fractional photothermolysis - side effects

This procedure is considered gentle. If the patient has previously taken antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by a specialist and followed all recommendations, then the risk of side effects is minimal. In addition, the skill of the cosmetologist depends on whether fraxel rejuvenation will be accompanied by complications. The more experienced he is, the more professional the procedure will be, and therefore the risk of negative consequences is low.

Fractional laser photothermolysis is more often accompanied by complications such as:

• swelling and redness in the treated area (ice compress will help to remove);
• exfoliation (removed with moisturizer);
• bronzing effect (lasts for 1-2 weeks).

If a skin infection occurs when fractional photothermolysis with an erbium laser is performed, the following side effects may occur:

• streptoderma;
• erythema;
• foam (as after burning);
• hyperpigmentation;
• rash

Fraxel - recovery

After the procedure, the skin needs special care. The duration of the recovery period and the final effect depends on the compliance with the recommendations of the cosmetologist during this period. When Fraxel is used, after the procedure, you must follow the following instructions for skin care:

1. Continue to take antibiotics and antiviral drugs at the dosage indicated by the specialist for a certain time.
2. If the procedure is performed by a man, you can shave only on the third day, and this should be done carefully.
3. Within 48-72 hours after the manipulation, you should not play sports or expose the body to strong physical exertion.
4. It is necessary to abandon the use of alcoholic beverages (this is a restriction for 2-3 days).
5. During that month, visiting the solarium and the beach is not allowed. On skin areas treated before going out, be sure to use a cream with a high sun protection factor.
6. You can not tear off the crust that has appeared on the skin! He must fall on his own.
7. During the first week after the procedure, to take care of the treated skin area, it is necessary to use topical preparations prescribed for thermal burns. Moisturizing sprays are also suitable during this period.
8. For a month, chemical peeling and scrubs should be abandoned.

Fractional photothermolysis - effect

The first day, the skin will look like it is burnt in the sun. Photos of fractional photothermolysis immediately after the procedure are not impressive. Recovery with non-ablative types of manipulation takes about 3-4 days. After the ablation procedure, this period lasts about a week. Although one session improves the condition of the skin, it should not be limited to it. You have to go through the whole course: fractional photothermolysis before and after photos convince you of this.

The duration of such therapy in each case is determined by a cosmetologist. The interval between individual manipulations is 4-5 weeks. The duration of therapy depends on the problem to be solved:

• for rejuvenation, it is recommended to undergo 3-4 sessions;
• fractional photothermolysis of scars is represented by 6-8 procedures;
• to overcome skin problem areas, 5-6 thermolysis sessions are prescribed.