Fractional photothermolysis is an effective means of modern cosmetology that allows you to fight aging, skin laxity and its defects: scars, wrinkles and pigmentation; without surgery. In addition, dermal optical thermolysis allows, in some cases, to avoid the rehabilitation period, returning the patient to active activity the day following the therapy.
Field of fractional photothermolysis technology
The point dot rejuvenation technique extends to all areas of the skin, including even those traditionally prohibited areas: eyelids, corners of the eyes, neck and décolleté. Indeed, complete facial rejuvenation is achieved. That is, there are no areas that are inaccessible for processing for any reason.
In addition, the technology allows 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 dilated pores;
- smooth out deep folds;
- elimination of pigmentation, general alignment of the skin tone.
Additional benefits of fractional thermolysis: rapid wound healing and a wide age range, covering an audience aged 25 to 70.
The essence of the technique
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 procedure. This allows to reduce the amount of dermal damage: from 4 to 48% of the cells undergo a slight destruction. The exact figure depends on the type of therapy.
By the nature of the impact, laser ablation is distinguished, a process accompanied by the release of cellular substance from the skin and a non-ablative approach. In the second case, fractional photothermolysis is performed in depth, without leaving open wounds, which significantly reduces the time for their healing. The disadvantage of this approach is a lower level of lift than ablation.
The main devices operated by dermal optical thermolysis are lasers, usually CO2 gas or fiber systems, where the generation of radiation is activated by erbium or thulium. The thulium laser is particularly effective, since the wavelength of its radiation is close to the maximum absorption of water. An important feature of all laser systems that use fractional photothermolysis is their operation in the infrared range. This allows the radiation to penetrate deep into the skin to the lower layers of the epidermis and dermis, without damaging the protective cornea.
Another important feature of spot therapy is partial cell damage. In fact, coagulation microchannels are formed in the skin, which are isolated from each other from 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 production of the following substances by the body:
- hyaluronic acid involved in the regeneration of skin tissues;
- fibrillar protein - collagen, which helps smooth the skin, thanks to the creation of a layer that retains moisture on its surface;
- elastin, which provides the mechanical strength of the skin, its firmness and elasticity.
Therefore, the main benefits of fractional thermolysis point therapy are:
- Slight inflammatory response.
- Fast recovery. Skin healing does not exceed three days and in most cases one day.
- There is no risk of infection as there are no open wounds. The horny protective layer of the skin remains intact.
These factors led to the development of fractional photothermolysis technology, which in 2004 led to the creation of a specialized Fraxel apparatus.
Fraxel - innovative equipment for laser rejuvenation
Indeed, Fraxel is a point therapy device. Reliant's latest development combines two fiber lasers:
Erbium. With the help of him, classic non-ablative laser resurfacing is performed. The laser forms microscopic treatment zones up to 1. 4 mm deep, resulting in remodeling of the reticular layer of the dermis. This helps improve the skin's relief features: smooth wrinkles, eliminate scars.
Thulium. The impact of this laser is limited to the epidermis layer, which corresponds to a low level of radiation penetration depth: no more than 0, 2 mm. The result is the removal of unwanted pigment. For example, exposure to a thulium laser allows for a couple of procedures to address the problem of actinic keratosis - roughening of the skin caused by prolonged sun exposure.
The second laser used by Fraxel allows to solve two different types of problems in a single session: elimination of defects on the skin and rejuvenation of the face and other parts of the body.
Procedure and recovery period
Skin care through laser thermolysis - Fraxel, includes a preparatory phase, a direct session and a rehabilitation. The procedure itself precedes the examination of the skin and the choice of anesthesia. As a rule, a special cream is applied to the area, so you need to wait about an hour. The next preparatory element is a soft pink peel. It allows you to remove dead cells.
The same fractional skin rejuvenation procedure can be performed with a CO2 laser, such as DECA or fiber; depending on the goal of therapy. Each area of the skin corresponds to special nozzles that differ in shape and size. The duration of the session lasts approximately the same time as the waiting time after treatment with an anesthetic ointment, that is, about an hour. The final stage is the care of the treated area. A soothing cream with an antiseptic effect is applied to it.
The consequences of therapy can be expressed in redness of the skin, acquiring a bronze hue, sometimes itching, burning and pain. As a rule, all discomfort disappears in the first three days after the procedure. With intensive exposure to complete wound healing, it may take up to a week.
To promote a speedy recovery, it is recommended to follow simple rules:
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight;
- give up walking in windy weather, swimming in open water;
- do not use decorative cosmetics, abrasive detergents, scrubs.
Skin care should include morning and evening moisturizers. It is also recommended to wash with exceptionally soft water. To contribute to the fastest healing will be eating foods containing vitamins: vegetables, herbs and fruits.
Contraindications
Like any medical technique, fractional thermolysis has its limitations. The procedure is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for people suffering from:
- oncology;
- diabetes mellitus;
- acute manifestations of chronic ailments, herpes;
- cardiovascular insufficiency;
- poor blood clotting.
Tanning can be an additional obstacle to the passage of the rejuvenation point: natural and in a solarium. In addition, contraindications include inflammatory processes or neoplasms on the skin and chemical peeling carried out within six months.
The cost of therapy
Without going into the details of the exact prices for fractional skin rejuvenation, we can point out the most expensive procedures. These include intimate rejuvenation, thigh areas and full face treatment. The average price level is set for the neck, perioral region, shoulders, knees and hands areas. The cheapest procedures are associated with the upper lip areas, temporal region and scar correction.
conclusions
According to patient reviews, the Fraxel device and its effect on the skin is not a fiction or a myth. Fractional laser thermolysis will allow for several sessions to rejuvenate the skin, remove pigments, scars or scars on it. This method is also necessary for general skin color alignment. The absence in many cases of a rehabilitation period, as well as the safety of the Fraxel technique, the continuous improvement of both the device itself and the technology are the main criteria in favor of its choice.