Fractional thermolysis - a method of laser skin rejuvenation

There are so many innovative techniques for sustaining youth that patients sometimes get lost in their choice.

If you want to activate the natural processes of skin renewal and rejuvenation, a method as effective as fractional thermolysis, in which the upper layer of the epidermis is removed with a laser grinder, is ideal.

Fractional laser skin rejuvenation is one of the most effective types of cosmetic procedures that can counteract age-related changes in the skin.

The method has its own specific features and technologies, indications and contraindications. Before performing it, you should definitely consult a specialist.

The principle of technology

Fractional thermolysis technology was first tested by American scientists in 2004. Since then, it has gone through many clinical studies and has become a powerful tool in modern cosmetics. The essence of fractional thermolysis (photothermolysis, nanoperforation, Fraxel) is that a special device is used to break the laser beam into many ultra-fine fractions.

The procedure uses very small, targeted laser beams that cause microscopic damage to the treated skin area.

The laser irradiation increases the local temperature of individual skin areas, which inevitably leads to heating of the intracellular contents and destruction of cellular structures. This in turn activates recovery processes, leads to an increased production of fibrillary protein (collagen) and the formation of new epithelial cells. And the more collagen there is in the epidermal layer, the fewer wrinkles and other defects on the skin.

In terms of molecular changes, note the appearance of heat shock proteins, hyaluronic acid, and the appearance of a transforming growth factor (a special polypeptide). All of these substances accelerate the utilization of damaged collagen from the cells and form its new molecules.

The surface layer of the skin is usually restored on the second day after cosmetic manipulations. The exfoliation of dead cells ends in about 10 to 12 days.

Intensive recovery begins at every damaged area, as nature ensures a high rate of regeneration of the skin tissue. Thanks to the point effect, a relatively solid supply of healthy cells is formed in the skin, which serve as a source for new epithelial cells.

Ablative and non-ablative technology

If a laser pulse is used to vaporize the drug, it is most likely a laser ablation. In ablative photothermolysis, laser radiation is used, the energy of which is usually accumulated by water molecules. By briefly acting on a local area, the laser current immediately increases the temperature of the water contained in the tissues to up to 300 degrees. At the point of evaporation, an open wound of small size appears, next to which thermally coagulated epithelial cells are concentrated.

Such thermolysis requires a longer recovery time than the non-ablative technology, but the result looks much more spectacular. The disadvantages of the method may only be due to the fact that there is some risk of infection of the tissues of the deep layer of the skin.

Non-ablative thermolysis is considered a less traumatic procedure. A laser beam is used here, which reduces the risk of damage to the epidermis to practically zero - a burn forms underneath. The destroyed epithelial cells do not evaporate, but settle in the dermis, so that the patient does not have to deal with open wounds. Tightening and rejuvenation are not as obvious as with the other method, as dead skin cells don't go anywhere, making the tightening effect minimal.

In contrast to the ablation technique, the patient is insured against infection of the skin tissue because the integrity of the surface layer of the skin is not disturbed during the procedure.

Positive and negative sides

Like plastic correction, fractional thermolysis makes the skin less rough and rough. However, if surgery is seen as a radical way to improve the complexion, then thermolysis is said to be gentle. Nevertheless, its effectiveness is no less. In addition, the range of tasks that fractional thermolysis solves is even broader than that of contour plastics.

The main advantages of the technique are as follows:

• the restoration will be done as soon as possible;
• during the procedure the patient does not feel any painful sensations;
• the result remains for a long time;
• Laser exposure is equally harmless for all skin types;
• even the most sensitive areas of skin respond well to the laser;
• lack of strict restrictions during the rehabilitation phase;
• the minimum number of possible side effects;
• the risk of blood poisoning with any virus (HIV, hepatitis) is zero.

Although thermolysis is considered a high-tech and safe method, it still has its own side effects, in particular:

• Penetration of microbial agents through the skin - staphylococci and streptococci;
• abnormal reddening of the skin;
• inflammation and fluid retention in the treated area of the skin;
• the appearance of hyperpigmentation, minor burns and cracks, acne.

Indications and contraindications

The majority of customers are older generation women who want to smooth wrinkles and remove moderate wrinkles on the face and neck. Of course, the effect will meet all expectations, but in addition to this, the procedure allows you to solve other cosmetic problems, including:

• Eliminate pigmentation, age spots and spots caused by the influence of sunlight;
• Compensation of the signs of aging of the skin;
• Smoothing deep wrinkles;
• Narrowing of the pores;
• Elimination of small wrinkles on the eyelids;
• the return of lost elasticity to the epidermis;
• Eliminating the Consequences of Acne;
• Get rid of stretch marks and scars.

Patients may be forced to look for an alternative to fractional thermolysis, as laser rejuvenation can lead to completely opposite results. Therefore, the procedure is contraindicated in the following cases:

• when carrying a child;
• during breastfeeding;
• with exacerbation of existing diseases;
• with acute respiratory infection, including influenza;
• with malignant neoplasms;
• if the patient has poor blood clotting;
• when the face is covered with a lot of birthmarks;
• if there are foci of inflammation on the skin;
• in the presence of autoimmune diseases;
• when the patient is being treated with certain drugs.

process technology

A preliminary talk with a beautician is an obligatory step of any cosmetic procedure, during which the goal of the doctor is to clarify the wishes of the client and inform them about various nuances.

First, the beautician treats the patient's skin with a cotton pad to which an anesthetic cream is applied. An ointment is then applied to the surface of the skin to make the device easier to slide.

Then the specialist, armed with a device with a special attachment, goes to the treatment of problem areas. The applied anesthetic and the cooled air flow minimize the sensation of pain and create additional comfort for the patient. With rare exceptions, patients complain of a slight tingling sensation.

The Fraxel device developed by American scientists has caused a sensation in the field of non-invasive cosmetics. Specialists were given the unique opportunity to perform laser thermolysis with a specific nozzle for each specific purpose. With some preparations only the thulium stick is involved, with others, the erbium stick, there are also combined models. Depending on which area of the skin is to be worked on, one or the other core is selected.

A full session rarely lasts more than thirty minutes. If you need to remove stretch marks on your hips and abdomen, it may take a little longer.

The original Fraxel device has 4 main modes, each of which allows the laser beam to penetrate to a certain depth:

1. Fine. Gentle surface treatment. Ideal for working with eyelids, breasts and other sensitive parts of the body.
2. Repair. The thulium wand allows the laser beam to penetrate deeply into the skin, eliminating deep wrinkles and spots and regulating the oiliness of the skin. If you have vascular dyschromia and gaping pores, such restoration is your best bet.
3. Restore. The most popular technique today that will help you forget about flat wrinkles and small scars after acne.
4. Restore dual. The procedure is carried out using two rods at the same time - erbium and thulium. It will help those who have pronounced scars and scars.

The number of sessions required to achieve a noticeable effect largely depends on the severity of the lesions and the specifics of the areas being treated, but at least 5-7 procedures are usually performed.

Features of the rehabilitation period

After fractional thermolysis, the skin needs special care, especially in the early stages. The restoration of masks will not be superfluous. The face should be constantly lubricated with a nourishing and moisturizing cream.

To get the effect achieved, it is extremely important to follow the simple advice given by doctors:

• exclude any physical activity for the first three days;
• Do not visit the bathhouse, sauna or take a hot bath for a month.
• refuse cosmetic procedures, including peeling, for a month;
• limit time in the sun, as excessive ultraviolet radiation is doubly dangerous for the newly restored skin;
• Refrain from alcohol and cigarettes during recovery.

After the procedure, some patients notice swelling and redness on their skin. This should not be scary, after a couple of days, as soon as the redness disappears, you need to see a beautician so that he can assess the result of therapy.

Issue price

Admittedly, laser correction is not a cheap process. The cost of fractional thermolysis depends on the prestige of the clinic, the volume of work, the prices of consumables, etc. Thermolysis of the face and neck costs less than the same manipulations on the abdomen, buttocks and other parts of the body.

Modern cosmetics do not stand still, but the disputes about the usefulness of the use of lasers in this area have not yet subsided. Who said what - fractional laser thermolysis is rightly considered to be one of the safest and most effective methods.