From the time of Cleopatra to the present day, there is not a single representative of the fair sex who would not want to prolong the youth and beauty of her skin. Modern medical science does not cease to amaze with innovations in cosmetology, offering a variety of anti-aging surgeries and procedures.
Particularly popular techniques for getting rid of the external signs of aging without the use of scalpel or Botox injections. Partial laser rejuvenation is currently practically the fastest and safest way to combat skin aging.
What is a partial laser and how does it "rejuvenate"
When the laser enters the skin, a burn occurs, which spreads deep. Active healing (regeneration) processes begin, which provide the desired cosmetic effect. This procedure is also known in cosmetology as laser skin rejuvenation.
If the same laser is divided into a number of microfibers, a so-called partial laser beam is obtained. Such a fiber will no longer act on the entire skin, but as a discontinuous microgrid. Burns after partial laser thermolysis are in the form of numerous microdems between intact skin. This significantly reduces the trauma (and pain as well) of the procedure and allows the skin to recover faster.
After laser exposure, intact healthy skin cells begin to actively divide, forming collagen and elastin, which provide elasticity and a youthful appearance to the skin.
Varieties of partial photothermolysis
Ablative
Under the influence of laser radiation, water evaporates from the tissues and an "open" microscopic wound is formed, around which the damaged (burned) cells are damaged.
There is a marked lifting effect during treatment, but there is a risk of infection penetrating the deep layers of the skin.
Undoubted
Radiation is used, which keeps the epidermis intact, so there is no evaporation from the tissues and the formation of an "open" wound. Burns form and heal under the epidermis, so there is no risk of infection, but the rejuvenating effect of this procedure is less pronounced.
The beautician chooses the method of fractional rejuvenation individually, taking into account the condition and type of skin.
Effects and benefits of fractional laser thermolysis
The main difference between the technique and all other procedures is the optimal balance of safety and efficiency.
Key pros:
- ability to affect any part of the body (including décolleté, neck, eyelids);
- wide range of indications;
- physiology (damage area is only 20% of the total laser treated area);
- short healing period (2-7 days);
- anesthesia method - application;
- possibility to use it in persons with dark skin (because it does not cause hyperpigmentation);
- duration of the result (from one to several years).
The disadvantage is a lack of knowledge of all aspects of partial laser exposure, as the technology itself has emerged recently.
Indications for partial rejuvenation:
- wrinkles (of any depth and location);
- decrease in the elastic properties of the skin;
- enlarged pores;
- pigmentation;
- acne;
- spider veins;
- scars (postoperative, left over from acne);
- stretch marks (stretch marks), including on the skin of the mammary glands.
Properties of partial laser thermolysis
A few days before the photothermolysis procedure, the beautician may prescribe (if indicated) antibacterial or antiviral drugs in prophylactic doses.
On the day of partial rejuvenation, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption must be completely excluded.
Before the procedure, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and treated with a special anesthetic cream. In some cases, anesthesia is not needed at all.
The effect of the laser is felt as "tingling" or "tingling". The duration of the procedure (from a few minutes to an hour) and their number are selected separately. After laser treatment, a soothing nourishing cream is applied to the skin.
Further skin care:
- Moisturize the skin with a special cream 2-3 times a day (for 2 weeks);
- Protect the skin from UV rays for 2 months (do not visit the solarium, use sunscreens with a protection factor of at least 30);
- do not use peels or scouring agents (within 2 weeks);
- do not use cosmetics containing salicylic acid and retinol (within 2 weeks);
- do not wear compression underwear for several days (if fractional photothermolysis has been performed on the body);
- limit (exclude) smoking and alcohol consumption throughout the course of treatment (reduce skin regenerative functions).
The rehabilitation period lasts on average up to 3 days after non-ablative fractional laser thermolysis and up to 7 days after ablation thermolysis.
Skin changes after the procedure
Redness, discomfort, and slight swelling of the skin may persist for 1-3 days after intense laser exposure. If this condition is subjectively poorly tolerated, the use of analgesics and skin cooling is permitted.
After a few days, a bronze skin tone (tanning effect) may appear, which lasts up to 2 weeks and disappears on its own. Within 5-7 days after fractional rejuvenation, dryness and peeling of the skin is observed.
Undesirable effects and contraindications of photothermolysis
Improper skin care after the procedure, non-compliance with recommendations or technical errors in laser treatment can lead to the following complications:
- reddening of the skin lasting more than 3 days;
- edema at the site of exposure lasting more than 2 days;
- exacerbation of herpes infection (if previously in the treatment area);
- infection (occurrence of streptoderm);
- erosion, burns in the affected area;
- accurately detect bleeding;
- hyperpigmentation.
To avoid undesirable consequences, the procedure of partial laser rejuvenation is performed after examining and eliminating possible contraindications.
Absolute contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- tendency to form keloid scars;
- acute infectious process (including herpes);
- oncological pathology;
- condition after radiation, chemotherapy;
- epilepsy;
- significant disorders of the immune system;
- taking medicines containing retinoids;
- psoriasis (atopic dermatitis) during exacerbation.
Relative:
- renal pathology;
- diabetes;
- inflammation at the site of exposure;
- the patient's reluctance to follow the cosmetologist's recommendations;
- mental illness;
- anesthetic allergy;
- autoimmune diseases;
- a fresh tan (visit to the solarium in the last month);
- recent rejuvenation procedures (affecting the deep layers of the skin - in the last three months, superficial - in 10 days).
Reviews of fractional laser rejuvenation and patient photos from the "before" and "after" series typically undermine the effectiveness and low trauma of this method of preserving youth.
Remember!The procedure should only be performed by trained professionals (surgeon or dermatovenerologist) who are licensed to work with laser devices. Physician competence is the key to your beauty!