Fractional photothermolysis is an effective means of modern cosmetology that allows you to combat aging, laxity of the skin, as well as its defects: scars, wrinkles and pigmentation; without surgical intervention. In addition, dermal optical thermolysis allows, in some cases, to avoid the rehabilitation period, returning the patient to active activity the day after therapy.
Scope of fractional photothermolysis technology
The point dot rejuvenation technique extends to all areas of the skin, including the traditionally forbidden areas: eyelids, corners of the eyes, neck and décolleté. In fact, a complete facial rejuvenation is achieved. That is, there are no areas that are inaccessible for processing for any reason.
In addition, the technology allows skin care as specific as intimate rejuvenation, and also contributes to the following processes:
- complete disappearance of scars, stretch marks and fine wrinkles;
- narrowing of overly dilated pores;
- smooth deep folds;
- removal of pigmentation, overall skin tone alignment.
Additional advantages of fractional thermolysis: rapid wound healing and wide age range, covering a public from 25 to 70 years.
The essence of the technique.
The main concept of fractional laser thermolysis technology is a point effect on skin tissues, when cell damage in the entire area is replaced by a point procedure. This allows the amount of skin damage to be reduced: 4 to 48% of cells are slightly destroyed. 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 carried out in depth, without leaving open wounds, which significantly reduces their healing time. The disadvantage of this approach is a lower level of elevation than with ablation.
The main equipment operated by dermal optical thermolysis are lasers, generally CO2 gas or fiber systems, where the generation of radiation is activated by means of erbium or thulium. The thulium laser is especially effective, since 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 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 are formed in the skin, which are isolated from each other by healthy areas. Its 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 to smooth the skin, due to the creation of a layer that retains moisture on its surface;
- elastin, which provides the mechanical resistance of the skin, its firmness and elasticity.
Thus, the main advantages of fractional thermolysis point therapy are:
- Mild inflammatory response.
- Quick recovery. The healing of the skin 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 resurfacing
In fact, Fraxel is a point therapy device. Reliant's latest development combines two fiber lasers:
Erbium. With its help, the classic non-ablative laser resurfacing is performed. The laser forms microscopically deep treatment zones of up to 1. 4 mm, resulting in subsequent remodeling of the reticular layer of the dermis. This helps to improve the relief features of the skin: smooth wrinkles, remove scars.
Thulium. The impact of this laser is limited to the epidermis layer, which corresponds to a low level of depth of radiation penetration - no more than 0. 2 mm. The result is the removal of unwanted pigment. For example, exposure to a thulium laser allows a couple of procedures to solve the problem of actinic keratosis - roughness of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.
The second laser used by Fraxel allows to solve two different types of problems in a single session: removal of skin defects and rejuvenation of the face and other parts of the body.
Procedure and recovery period
Skin care using laser thermolysis - Fraxel, includes a preparatory stage, a direct session, as well as 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, 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 resurfacing procedure itself 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 wait after treatment with 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.
The consequences of therapy can be expressed in reddening of the skin, acquiring a tan shade, sometimes itching, burning and pain. As a general rule, all discomfort disappears in the first three days after the procedure. With intensive exposure to complete wound healing, it may take a week.
To promote a speedy recovery, it is recommended to follow simple rules:
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight;
- stop walking in windy weather, swimming in open water;
- do not use decorative cosmetics, abrasive cleansers, scrubs.
Skin care should include moisturizers in the morning and at night. Washing with exceptionally mild water is also recommended. Contribute to the fastest recovery will be eating foods that contain 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;
- Mellitus diabetes;
- acute manifestations of chronic ailments, herpes;
- cardiovascular insufficiency;
- poor blood clotting.
Tanning can be an additional obstacle to passing the point of rejuvenation: natural and in a solarium. Likewise, inflammatory or neoplastic processes in the skin and chemical peels performed before six months have contraindications.
The cost of therapy
Without going into detail about the exact prices of fractional skin rejuvenation, we can point out the most expensive procedures. These include intimate rejuvenation, thigh areas, as well as full face treatment. The average price level is established for the areas of the neck, perioral region, shoulders, knees and hands. The most budgetary procedures are associated with areas of the upper lip, temporal region and scar correction.
conclusions
According to patients' opinions, the Fraxel device and its effect on the skin is not a fiction or a myth. Fractional laser thermolysis will allow several sessions to rejuvenate the skin, remove pigment, scar or scar on it. This method is also necessary for general skin color alignment. The absence of a rehabilitation period in many cases, as well as the safety of the Fraxel technique, the constant improvement of both the device itself and the technology are the main criteria in favor of its choice.