Fractional thermolysis - a method for laser skin rejuvenation

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

For those who wish to activate the natural processes of skin renewal and rejuvenation, such an effective procedure as fractional thermolysis can be offered, during which the upper layer of the epidermis is removed with a laser mill.

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

The method has its own specific characteristics and technologies, indications and contraindications. Before doing so, 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 undergone many clinical trials and has become a powerful tool in modern cosmetology. The essence of fractional thermolysis (photothermolysis, nanoperforation, fraxel) is that a special device is used to separate the laser beam into many ultrafine fractions.

The procedure involves the use of very small, directed laser beams, which results in microscopic damage to the treated area of skin.

Laser irradiation increases the local temperature of individual areas of the skin, which inevitably leads to heating of the intracellular contents and destruction of cellular structures. In turn, this activates the recovery process, leading to increased production of fibrillar protein (collagen) and the formation of new epithelial cells. And the more collagen in the epidermal layer, the less wrinkles and other skin defects.

With regard to molecular changes, it is necessary to note here the appearance of heat shock proteins, hyaluronic acid and the appearance of transforming growth factor (special polypeptide). All these substances accelerate the use of damaged collagen by cells and form its new molecules.

The surface layer of the skin, as a rule, is restored on the second day after cosmetic manipulations. Exfoliation of dead cells is completed in about 10 to 12 days.

Intensive recovery begins in each damaged area, as nature provides a high degree of regeneration of skin tissue. Due to the point effect, a fairly solid supply of healthy cells is formed in the skin, which serve as a source of new epithelial cells.

Ablative and non-ablative technology

When a laser pulse is used to aid in the evaporation of the active substance, it is most likely laser ablation. In ablative photothermolysis, laser radiation is used, the energy of which is accumulated mainly by water molecules. By acting briefly on a local area, the laser flux immediately raises the temperature of the water contained in the tissues to 300 degrees. An open wound of small size appears at the site of evaporation, to which the thermally coagulated epithelial cells are concentrated.

Such thermolysis requires a longer recovery time than non-ablative technology, but the result will look much more spectacular. The disadvantages of this method, perhaps, can only be attributed to the fact that there is a certain risk of infection of the tissues of the deep dermal layer.

Non-ablative thermolysis is considered a less traumatic procedure. Here a laser beam is used, which practically reduces the risk of damage to the epidermis to zero - under it a burn is formed. The destroyed epithelial cells do not evaporate, but settle in the dermis, so 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 do not disappear anywhere, which means that the tightening effect is minimal.

Unlike the ablation technique, the patient is insured against skin tissue infection because the integrity of the surface layer of the skin is not compromised during the procedure.

Pros and cons

Like plastic correction, fractional thermolysis makes the skin less rough and rough. But if surgery is considered a radical way to improve the appearance of the skin, then thermolysis is called gentle. However, its effectiveness is no less. In addition, the range of tasks solved by fractional thermolysis is even wider than that of contour plastics.

The main advantages of the technique are the following:

• recovery is possible as soon as possible;
• during the procedure the patient does not experience painful sensations;
• the result is preserved for a long period;
• laser exposure is equally harmless to all skin types;
• even the most sensitive areas of the skin respond well to the laser;
• lack of strict restrictions during the rehabilitation period;
• 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 nevertheless has its side effects, in particular:

• penetration of microbial agents through the skin - staphylococci and streptococci;
• unusual redness of the skin;
• inflammation and accumulation of fluid in the treated area of the skin;
• the appearance of hyperpigmentation, mild burns and cracks, acne.

Indications and contraindications

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

• removal of pigmentation, age spots and traces formed due to the influence of sunlight;
• smoothing out the age signs of skin aging;
• smoothing deep wrinkles;
• narrowing of the pores;
• removal of small wrinkles on the eyelids;
• the return of the lost elasticity to the epidermis;
• eliminate the effects of acne;
• removal of stretch marks and scars.

In some circumstances, patients are forced to look for an alternative to fractional thermolysis, as laser rejuvenation can lead to completely opposite results. So the procedure is contraindicated in the following cases:

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

Procedure technology

Preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist is a mandatory stage of any cosmetic procedure, in which the doctor's goal is to clarify the client's wishes and inform about different nuances.

First, the cosmetologist treats the patient's skin with a cotton swab with anesthetic cream applied to it. An ointment is then applied to the surface of the skin to make it easier for the device to slide.

Then, armed with a device with a special attachment, the specialist proceeds to the treatment of problem areas. The applied anesthetic and the flow of cooled air minimize the sensation of pain, creating additional comfort for the patient. Patients, with rare exceptions, may complain of mild tingling.

The Fraxel device, developed by American scientists, has made a splash in the field of non-invasive cosmetology. Specialists were given the unique opportunity to perform laser thermolysis using a specific nozzle for each specific purpose. In some preparations only thulium rod is involved, while in others, the erbium stick, there are also combined models. Depending on which area of the skin needs to be treated, one or another core is chosen.

An entire session rarely lasts more than thirty minutes. If you need to remove stretch marks on the thighs 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 areas of the body.
2. Repair. The thulium rod provides deep penetration of the laser beam into the skin, which allows you to get rid of deep wrinkles and marks and regulate the oiliness of the skin. If there is vascular dyschromia, gaping pores, then such recovery is the best choice.
3. Restore. The most popular technique today that allows you to forget about shallow wrinkles and small scars after acne.
4. Dual Recovery. The procedure is performed with the simultaneous use of two rods at once - erbium and thulium. It will help those who have pronounced scars and scars.

How many sessions are needed to achieve a tangible effect largely depends on the severity of the lesions and the specifics of the treated areas, but usually at least 5-7 procedures are performed.

Features of the rehabilitation period

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

To maintain the achieved effect, it is extremely important to follow the simple advice of doctors:

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

After the procedure, some patients notice swelling and redness of their skin. This should not be scary, after a few days, as soon as the redness disappears, you should visit a cosmetologist so that he can assess the outcome of therapy.

Issue price

Laser correction, of course, is not a cheap procedure. The cost of fractional thermolysis varies depending on the prestige of the clinic, the volume of work performed, the cost of consumables, etc. The thermolysis of the face and neck will cost less than the same manipulations performed on the abdomen, buttocks and other parts of the body.

Modern cosmetology does not stand still, but the controversy over the appropriateness of using a laser in this area has not subsided so far. Whoever says something - fractional laser thermolysis is rightly recognized as one of the safest and most effective procedures.