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 must 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 exposure, the skin gets 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 punctate. Such damages to the epidermis stimulate 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 advantages:

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

Ablative fractional photothermolysis

Erbium and CO2 lasers are used for this procedure. When exposed to the skin, the liquid in the cells of the epidermis heats up to 300°C. As a result, such areas evaporate, and in their place small open sores appear, surrounded by thermally coagulated cells. The process of restoring these "zones" 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 incredible lifting effect. However, when it is done, the risk of infection of the dermal tissues is high.

Nonablative fractional photothermolysis

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

Fractional photothermolysis - indications

This cosmetic procedure has a wide range of applications. Fractional photothermolysis heals scars, but that's not its only purpose. This procedure helps to solve the following problems:

• increases skin tone and elasticity;
• fights against hyperpigmentation;
• eliminates solar keratosis;
• removes wrinkles;
• reduces pores;
• helps to get rid of stretch marks on the body;
• removes 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;
• inflammatory process 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 was performed recently (less than two weeks ago). After solarium and tanning, such procedures cannot be done either. 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 damaged.

Absolute contraindications for 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 education. During the examination, the specialist will objectively assess the condition of the skin and make sure that there are no contraindications for the procedure. In addition, before fraxel laser therapy of the facial skin is performed, the cosmetologist will warn 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 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 scrubs and scrubs. In addition, it is necessary to exclude from use salicylic and glycolic acid and retinol. Such restrictions come into effect half a month before fractional photothermolysis.
2. A week before the procedure, it is forbidden to visit the solarium and the beach.
3. 2-3 days before the manipulation, you must start taking antibiotics and antiviral drugs prescribed by your cosmetologist. Such drugs will reduce the risk of inflammation or infection of the epidermis.
4. The day before fractional laser skin resurfacing is performed, you must stop playing sports and other intense physical activities. The consumption of alcoholic beverages overnight is also prohibited.

Fractional laser resurfacing

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

1. The beautician cleans the patient's skin with a light exfoliation.
2. The specialist applies anesthetic to the area 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 burning sensation. During the procedure, the skin is cooled by air flow, 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, the lowest power laser is used for the effect. The most commonly used erbium rod device. Its maximum allowed wavelength is 1420 nm. Before starting to perform fractional photothermolysis of the eyes, the cosmetologist puts special protective lenses on the patient. The procedure itself is performed in exactly 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 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 such complications:

• swelling and redness in the treated area (ice packs will help to remove);
• peeling (eliminated with moisturizing cream);
• bronzing effect (lasts 1-2 weeks).

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

• streptoderma;
• erythema;
• blisters (as after burns);
• hyperpigmentation;
• rash

Fraxel - rehabilitation

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 that period. When using Fraxel, you must follow the following skin care instructions after the procedure:

1. Continue to take antibiotics and antiviral drugs in the doses prescribed by your specialist for a certain period of time.
2. If the procedure was performed by a man, you can shave only on the third day, and this should be done very carefully.
3. Within 48-72 hours after manipulation, you cannot play sports or expose your body to strong physical exertion.
4. It is necessary to abandon the consumption of alcoholic beverages (this is a limit for 2-3 days).
5. Visiting the solarium and the beach is not allowed during the month. Be sure to apply a cream with a high sun protection factor to the treated skin area before going out.
6. You cannot tear off the crust that has appeared on the skin! She must fall alone.
7. In the first weeks after the procedure, for the care of the treated area of the skin, it is necessary to use topical preparations prescribed for thermal burns. Moisturizing sprays will also work during this period.
8. Chemical peels and scrubs should be abandoned for a month.

Fractional photothermolysis - effect

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

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

• 3-4 sessions are recommended for rejuvenation;
• fractional photothermolysis of scars is presented with 6-8 procedures;
• 5-6 sessions of thermolysis are prescribed to solve problem areas of the skin.