Fractional photothermolysis – a new face without surgery

In the struggle 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 with almost no pain. Before agreeing to the procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

Fractional Photothermolysis - What is it?

This procedure uses a laser. In the process of heating the skin, it causes focal destruction of cells. During its exposure, the skin receives a thermal burn. The diameter of these lesions can vary from 0. 1 to 0. 4 mm and the depth is 0. 5 mm. Burns are scored. 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 develop hypopigmented spots after photothermolysis. The laser, on the contrary, promotes the redistribution of melanin, which evens out the complexion. Fractional facial rejuvenation has the following benefits:

• can be used for both young skin (after 16 years) and aged skin;
• has a wide scope (eyelids, face, cleavage and so on);
• lasting effect;
• can be performed at any time of the year, including summer;
• Can be applied to any skin type.

Ablative Fractional Photothermolysis

For this procedure, erbium and CO2 lasers are used. When exposed to the skin, the fluid in the cells of the epidermis is heated up to 300°C. As a result, these areas evaporate and, in their place, small open-type wounds are formed, surrounded by thermally clotted cells. The process of restoring these "zones" requires a lot of time. This fractional laser resurfacing is performed in courses, each lasting 2 to 6 sessions. It gives an incredible lifting effect. However, when performed, the risk of dermal tissue infection is high.

Non-ablative fractional photothermolysis

Compared to the ablative procedure, this manipulation is considered gentler. 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, in part due to the fact that caries products are not removed to the outside, but remain in the thickness of the skin. It is recommended that fractional laser photothermolysis be performed in courses, the duration of which may 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;
• eliminates solar keratosis;
• removes wrinkles;
• reduces pores;
• helps to eliminate stretch marks on the body;
• remove 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 phase;
• skin diseases;
• the inflammatory process in the body;
• mental disease;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• cardiac insufficiency;
• blood diseases;
• diabetes;
• infectious diseases.

In addition, fractional photothermolysis is prohibited if mechanical dermabrasion has been performed recently (less than two weeks). After a solarium and sunbathing, such procedures cannot be done either. High temperatures 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 procedure

Fractional skin rejuvenation should be performed by an experienced cosmetologist with medical training. At the consultation, the specialist will objectively assess the condition of the skin and ensure that there are no contraindications to the procedure. Also, before fraxel laser therapy of the facial skin is performed, the cosmetologist will alert the patient to 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. These include exfoliants and peels. In addition, it is necessary to exclude salicylic and glycolic acids and retinol from the use. Such restrictions take 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 manipulation, you need to start taking antibiotics and antiviral drugs prescribed by a cosmetologist. These medications will minimize the risk of inflammation or infection of the epidermis.
4. The day before fractional laser skin resurfacing, you need to stop playing sports and other intense physical activities. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited at night.

fractional laser resurfacing

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

1. The cosmetologist cleans the patient's skin with a light peel.
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 the 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

As the skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive, a lower power laser is used to influence it. The most commonly used device with an erbium rod. Its maximum allowed wavelength is 1420 nm. Before starting to perform fractional photothermolysis of the eyes, the cosmetologist puts on the patient special protective lenses. The procedure itself is carried out in exactly the same way as for treating the skin on the face or body.

Fractional photothermolysis - side effects

This procedure is considered gentle. If the patient has already taken antibiotics and anti-inflammatories prescribed by a specialist and followed all recommendations, 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 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 remove);
• peeling (eliminated with moisturizer);
• tanning effect (stays for 1-2 weeks).

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

• streptoderma;
• erythema;
• blisters (such as after a burn);
• hyperpigmentation;
• skin irritation.

Fraxel - rehabilitation

After the procedure, the skin needs special care. The duration of the recovery period and the final effect depend on the observance of the cosmetologist's recommendations during this period. When Fraxel has been used, after the procedure you should follow the following skin care instructions:

1. Continue to take antibiotics and antivirals at the dosage recommended by the specialist for a certain period of 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 cannot play sports or expose the body to strong physical exertion.
4. It is necessary to give up 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 treated area of skin before going out, be sure to apply a cream with a high sun protection factor.
6. You can't tear off the crust that appeared on the skin! She must fall alone.
7. During the first weeks after the procedure, to care for the treated area of the skin, it is necessary to use topical preparations prescribed for thermal burns. Moisturizing sprays will also be suitable during this period.
8. For a month, chemical peels and exfoliants 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 takes approximately 3-4 days. After the ablation procedure, this period lasts for about a week. Although even one session improves the condition of the skin, it should not be limited to it. You need to go through the entire course: fractional photothermolysis before and after photos convince you of this.

The duration of this 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 undergo 3-4 sessions;
• fractional photothermolysis of scars is represented by 6-8 procedures;
• to deal with problem areas of the skin, 5-6 sessions of thermolysis are prescribed.