Fractional photothermolysis: a new face without surgery

In the fight for beauty, various means 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 should familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

Fractional photothermolysis: what is it?

This procedure uses a laser. In the process of heating the skin causes focal destruction of cells. During their 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 dotted. Such damage to the epidermis stimulates tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis.

Fraxel laser resurfacing does not destroy melanocytes. For this reason, dark-skinned people do not develop hypopigmented spots after photothermolysis. The laser, on the other hand, promotes the redistribution of melanin, which unifies the complexion. Fractional facial rejuvenation has the following benefits:

• it can be used both for young skin (after 16 years) and for aged skin;
• has a wide scope (eyelids, face, neckline, etc. );
• Long-lasting effect;
• it can be celebrated at any time of the year, including summer;
• can be applied to any type of skin.

Ablative fractional photothermolysis

Erbium and CO2 lasers are used for this procedure. When exposed to the skin, the fluid in the cells of the epidermis heats up to 300°C. As a result, such areas evaporate, and in their place small open wounds are formed, surrounded by thermally coagulated cells. The process of restoring these "zones" is time consuming. Said fractional laser rejuvenation is carried out in courses, each of which lasts from 2 to 6 sessions. Gives an incredible lifting effect. However, when it is performed, the risk of infection of the dermal tissues is high.

Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis

Compared to the ablative procedure, this manipulation is considered to be more gentle. This 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, partly due to the fact that the decomposition products are not washed out, but remain in the thickness of the skin. It is recommended to carry out fractional laser photothermolysis in courses, the duration of which can vary from 4 to 10 procedures. When 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 this is not its only purpose. This procedure helps resolve the following issues:

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

Fractional photothermolysis - contraindications

Not everyone can enjoy 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;
• Mental illness;
• hormonal imbalance;
• the pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• heart failure;
• blood diseases;
• diabetes;
• ailments of an infectious nature.

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

Absolute contraindications for fractional photothermolysis are the following drugs:

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

fraxel procedure

Fractional skin resurfacing should be performed by an experienced cosmetologist with a medical education. 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 performing fraxel laser therapy of the facial skin, the esthetician will advise the patient of possible complications that may occur after photothermolysis. Also, the specialist will definitely tell you how to properly care for her face or body during the recovery period.

Fractional photothermolysis - preparation

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

1. Refusal to use cosmetics that harm the skin. These include scrubs and peels. Also, it is necessary to exclude from use salicylic and glycolic acids and retinol. 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. Such drugs will minimize the risk of inflammation or infection of the epidermis.
4. One day before performing fractional laser skin resurfacing, you should stop playing sports and other strenuous physical activities. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited during the night.

Fractional laser resurfacing

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

1. The cosmetologist cleanses the patient's skin with a light peeling.
2. The specialist applies an anesthetic on 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 areas 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, a laser with the lowest power is used to influence it. The most commonly used device with an erbium rod. Its maximum permitted wavelength is 1420 nm. Before starting to perform fractional photothermolysis of the eyes, the cosmetologist puts special protective glasses on the patient. The procedure itself is performed in exactly the same way as when treating the skin on the face or body.

Fractional photothermolysis - side effects

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

Fractional laser photothermolysis is most often accompanied by such complications:

• swelling and redness in the treated area (ice packs will help eliminate);
• peeling (removed with a moisturizing cream);
• tanning effect (lasts for 1-2 weeks).

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

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

Fraxel - rehab

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

1. Continue taking antibiotics and antivirals at the dose 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 must be done very carefully.
3. Within 48-72 hours after manipulation, you can not play sports or expose the body to strong physical exertion.
4. It is necessary to abandon the consumption of alcoholic beverages (this is a restriction for 2-3 days).
5. During the month it is not allowed to visit the solarium and the beach. On the area of skin treated before going out, make sure to apply a cream with a high sun protection factor.
6. You can not tear off the scab that has appeared on the skin! It must fall on its own.
7. During the first weeks after the procedure, to care for the treated area of the skin, it is necessary to use prescribed topical preparations for thermal burns. Moisturizing sprays will also fit during this period.
8. For a month, chemical peels and peels should be abandoned.

Fractional photothermolysis - effect

On the first day, the skin will appear sunburned. Photos of fractional photothermolysis immediately after the procedure are not impressive. Recovery with a non-ablative type of manipulation occurs in approximately 3 to 4 days. After the ablation procedure, this period lasts about a week. Although even a single session improves the condition of the skin, it should not be limited to it. You have to go through the whole course - the before and after photos of fractional photothermolysis convince you of this.

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

• for rejuvenation, it is recommended to go through 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.