Fractional photothermolysis - a facelift without surgery

Various means are used in the struggle for beauty, for example, fractional photothermolysis. This technology is very popular. It allows you to get rid of many cosmetic problems in a short 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 causes focal destruction of cells when heating the skin. 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 localized. Such damage to the epidermis stimulates tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis.

Fraxel laser resurfacing does not destroy melanocytes. Because of this, dark people do not develop hypopigmented spots after photothermolysis. The laser, on the other hand, promotes the redistribution of melanin, making the complexion more even. Fractional facial rejuvenation has the following advantages:

• can be used for both young (from 16 years old) and aging skin;
• has a wide scope of application (eyelids, face, décolleté, etc. );
• lasting effect;
• can take place at any time of the year, even in summer;
• can be applied to any skin type.

Ablative fractional photothermolysis

Erbium and CO2 lasers are used for this procedure. When it comes into contact with the skin, the liquid in the cells of the epidermis is heated up to 300 °C. As a result, such areas evaporate, and in their place appear small open sores surrounded by thermally coagulated cells. Restoring these "zones" takes a lot of time. Such fractional laser resurfacing is performed in courses, each lasting from 2 to 6 sessions. There is an amazing lifting effect. However, if it is performed, the risk of skin tissue infection is high.

Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis

Compared to the ablative procedure, this manipulation is considered to be 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 a procedure is less obvious than that of an ablative procedure, which is partly due to the fact that the decomposition products are not removed to the outside, but remain in the thickness of the skin. Fractional laser photothermolysis is recommended to be performed in courses, the duration of which can vary from 4 to 10 procedures. If they are performed, the risk of skin infection is reduced to zero.

Fractional photothermolysis - indications

This cosmetic procedure has a wide range of applications. Fractional photothermolysis treats scars, but that's not its sole purpose. This procedure will help solve the following problems:

• increases skin tone and elasticity;
• fights hyperpigmentation;
• eliminates solar keratosis;
• removes wrinkles;
• reduces pores;
• helps get rid of stretch markson the body;
• removes post-acne.

Fractional photothermolysis - contraindications

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

• oncological diseases;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage;
• skin diseases;
• the inflammatory process in the body;
• insanity;
• hormonal imbalance;
• Pregnancy;
• lactation;
• heart defect;
• blood diseases;
• diabetes mellitus;
• diseases of a contagious nature.

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

Absolute contraindications to fractional photothermolysis are the following drugs:

• Vitamin A;
• cytostatics;
• glucocorticoids;
• immunosuppressants.

Fraxel method

Fractional skin rejuvenation should be performed by an experienced cosmetician with medical training. At the appointment, the specialist will objectively assess the condition of the skin and make sure that there are no contraindications to the procedure. In addition, before Fraxel laser therapy of the skin of the face, the cosmetologist warns the patient about possible complications that may arise 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 begins 2 weeks before the proposed manipulation. It can be broken down into the following steps:

1. No skin-damaging cosmetics. These include scrubs and scrubs. In addition, salicylic and glycolic acids and retinol must be excluded from use. These 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, which will be prescribed by a cosmetologist. Such drugs minimize the risk of inflammation or infection of the epidermis.
4. One day before fractional laser skin resurfacing, you must stop sports and other intense physical activities. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited overnight.

Fractional laser resurfacing

The operation takes about an hour. Its implementation takes place in several stages. Fractional photothermolysis of the face is carried out as follows:

1. The beautician cleans the patient's skin with a light scrub.
2. The specialist applies an anesthetic to the surface to be treated.
3. After 40 minutes, the beautician begins to treat 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 a flow of air, which reduces discomfort. The most problematic parts of the face are 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, the lowest power laser is used to affect it. The most commonly used device with an erbium rod. Its maximum permissible wavelength is 1420 nm. Before starting the fractional photothermolysis of the eyes, the cosmetologist puts special protective lenses on the patient. The procedure itself is carried out 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 previously took antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by a specialist and followed all the recommendations, the risk of side effects is minimal. In addition, the skill of the cosmetologist depends on whether the Fraxel rejuvenation will be accompanied by complications. The more experienced he is, the more professional the procedure will be performed and the lower the risk of negative consequences.

Fractional laser photothermolysis is more often accompanied by such complications:

• swelling and redness in the treated area (ice compresses will help remove it);
• peeling (eliminated with a moisturizer);
• Tanning effect (lasts 1-2 weeks).

If skin infection occurs during fractional photothermolysis with an erbium laser, the following side effects may occur:

• streptoderma;
• erythema;
• blisters (like after a burn);
• hyperpigmentation;
• rash

Fraxel - Rehabilitation

After the procedure, the skin requires special care. The duration of the recovery period and the final effect depend on compliance with the cosmetologist's recommendations during this period. If Fraxel has been used, you must follow the following skin care instructions after the procedure:

1. Continue to take antibiotics and antiviral drugs in the dosage indicated by the specialist for a certain time.
2. If the procedure was performed by a man, then you can shave only on the third day, and this should be done very carefully.
3. Within 48-72 hours after the manipulation, you can not play sports or subject the body to heavy physical exertion.
4. It is necessary to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages (this is a restriction for 2-3 days).
5. Visiting the solarium and the beach is not allowed during the month. Before going out, be sure to apply a cream with a high sun protection factor to the treated area of the skin.
6. You can not tear off the crust that has appeared on the skin! She must fall down by herself.
7. In the first few weeks after the procedure, it is necessary to use topical preparations prescribed for thermal burns to care for the treated skin area. Moisturizing sprays are also suitable during this time.
8. For a month, chemical peels and peelings should be abandoned.

Fractional photothermolysis - effect

On the first day, the skin looks like it has been burned in the sun. Photos of fractional photothermolysis immediately after the procedure are not impressive. Recovery with a non-ablative type of manipulation occurs approximately 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 this. You need to go through the entire course: fractional photothermolysis before and after photos will convince you of this.

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

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