Fractional photothermolysis is an effective means of modern cosmetology, thanks to which you can fight aging, skin laxity and its defects: scars, wrinkles and pigmentation; without surgical intervention. In addition, in some cases, dermal optical thermolysis allows to avoid the rehabilitation period and to make the patient active again the very next day after the therapy.
Scope of fractional photothermolysis technology
The technique of point-to-point rejuvenation extends to all areas of the skin, including traditionally forbidden areas: eyelids, corners of the eyes, neck and cleavage. In fact, complete facial rejuvenation is achieved. That is, there are no zones that are inaccessible for processing for any reason.
In addition, the technology allows for such specific skin care as intimate rejuvenation, and also contributes to the following processes:
- complete disappearance of scars, stretch marks and fine wrinkles;
- narrowing of excessively enlarged pores;
- smooth deep wrinkles;
- Removal of pigmentation, general alignment of skin tone.
Other advantages of fractional thermolysis: rapid wound healing and a wide age range covering an audience from 25 to 70 years.
The essence of technology
The main concept of Fractional Laser Thermolysis technology is a point effect on skin tissues, when cell damage over the entire area is replaced by a point method. This can reduce the extent of skin damage: 4 to 48% of the cells are destroyed by light. The exact number depends on the type of therapy.
By the nature of the impact, laser ablation is distinguished - a process associated with the release of cellular matter from the skin and a non-ablative approach. In the second case, fractional photothermolysis is carried out at a depth that does not leave open wounds, which significantly reduces the time for their healing. The disadvantage of this procedure is less lifting than with ablation.
The main equipment used in dermal optical thermolysis are lasers, usually gas CO2 or fiber systems, where the generation of radiation is activated by erbium or thulium. The thulium laser is particularly effective because the wavelength of its radiation is close to the maximum absorption of water. An important feature of all laser systems using fractional photothermolysis is their operation in the infrared range. This allows the radiation to penetrate deep into the skin, down to the lower layers of the epidermis and dermis, without damaging the protective cornea.
Another important feature of point therapy is partial cell damage. In fact, coagulation microchannels form in the skin, isolated from each other by healthy areas. Their size does not exceed 0. 2 mm, and the depth varies from one tenth to one and a half millimeters. The appearance of damaged areas activates the body's production of the following substances:
- hyaluronic acid, which participates in the regeneration of skin tissue;
- fibrillar protein - collagen, which helps smooth the skin by forming a moisture-retaining layer on its surface;
- Elastin, which provides mechanical strength, firmness and elasticity to the skin.
So, the main advantages of point therapy with fractional thermolysis are:
- Mild inflammatory response.
- Quick recovery. Skin healing takes no more than three days, and in most cases a day.
- There is no risk of infection as there are no open wounds. The horny protective layer of the skin is preserved.
These factors led to the development of fractional photothermolysis technology, which led to the development of a specialized Fraxel apparatus in 2004.
Fraxel - innovative devices for laser rejuvenation
In fact, Fraxel is a point therapy device. The latest development from Reliant combines two fiber lasers:
erbium. With its help, a classic non-ablative laser resurfacing is performed. The laser forms deep microscopic treatment zones of up to 1. 4mm, resulting in subsequent remodeling of the reticular layer of the dermis. This helps to improve the skin's relief properties: smooth out wrinkles, eliminate scars.
thulium. The effect of this laser is limited to the epidermal layer, which corresponds to a small penetration depth of radiation: no more than 0. 2 mm. The result is the removal of unwanted pigments. For example, irradiation with a thulium laser enables a number of procedures to solve the problem of actinic keratosis - a roughening of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.
The second laser used by Fraxel allows solving two different types of problems in one session: elimination of skin defects and rejuvenation of the face and other parts of the body.
procedure and recovery time
Skin care by laser thermolysis - Fraxel, includes a preparatory phase, a direct session, as well as rehabilitation. The procedure itself is preceded by an examination of the skin and the choice of anesthesia. As a rule, a special cream is applied to the spot, then you have to wait about an hour. The next preparatory element is a soft pink peeling. It allows you to remove dead cells.
The fractional skin rejuvenation procedure itself can be performed using a CO2 laser such as DECA or fiber; depending on the goal of therapy. Each skin area corresponds to specific nozzles that differ in shape and size. The duration of the session lasts about as long as the waiting time after the treatment with anesthetic ointment, i. e. about an hour. The last stage is the care of the treated area. A soothing cream with an antiseptic effect is then applied.
The consequences of the therapy can be expressed in reddening of the skin, bronze discoloration, sometimes itching, burning and pain. As a rule, all symptoms disappear in the first three days after the procedure. With intensive exposure, it can take a week for the wound to heal completely.
To promote a speedy recovery, it is recommended to follow simple rules:
- Avoid direct sunlight;
- stop walking in windy weather, swim in open water;
- Do not use decorative cosmetics, abrasives, scrubs.
Skin care should include moisturizers in the morning and evening. It is also recommended to wash with exceptionally soft water. The consumption of vitamin-rich foods contributes to the fastest recovery: vegetables, herbs and fruit.
contraindications
Like any medical technique, fractional thermolysis has its limitations. The procedure is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with:
- Oncology;
- diabetes mellitus;
- acute manifestations of chronic ailments, herpes;
- cardiovascular insufficiency;
- bad blood clotting.
Tanning can be additional obstacles to the passage of the point of rejuvenation: naturally and in a solarium. Also among the contraindications are inflammatory processes or neoplasms on the skin and chemical peeling, which is carried out within six months.
The therapy costs
Without going into the exact prices of fractional skin rejuvenation, we can point out the most expensive procedures. This includes intimate rejuvenation, the thigh area and treatment of the entire face. The average price level is set for the neck, perioral, shoulders, knees and hands areas. Most of the household procedures are associated with areas of the upper lip, temporal region and scar correction.
Conclusions
According to patient reviews, the Fraxel device and its effect on the skin is not fiction or myth. Fractional laser thermolysis allows multiple sessions to rejuvenate the skin, remove pigment, scars or scars on it. This method is also needed for general skin color alignment. The absence of a rehabilitation period in many cases, as well as the safety of the Fraxel technique, constant improvement of both the device itself and the technology are the main criteria for its choice.