Fractional photothermolysis. What is this procedure, effects, how is it done, before and after photos, reviews, price

To support the youthfulness of the skin, to stop the natural aging process will help photothermolysis – a cosmetic procedure for fractional laser grinding.

Photothermolysis – what kind of procedure

Laser resurfacing technologies have been used for quite some time, but photothermolysis is a breakthrough in world cosmetology – a minimally invasive, safe, and rehabilitation-free way to solve aesthetic skin problems. The procedure starts the natural processes of rejuvenation or elimination of skin defects due to cell renewal and collagen synthesis in the deep layers of the epidermis.

The essence of fractional laser resurfacing is that the beam does not act as a solid spot, but, fractioning (dividing into thin microbeams), breaks up with a kind of grid matrix. Such an effect gives a pronounced effect and lasting result. At the same time, pain relief and a long recovery period are not required, as after conventional laser resurfacing.

Ablation and non-ablation methods

Fractional photothermolysis is of two types: ablative and non-ablative. Non-ablative technology is designed to solve aesthetic problems: removal of scars, scars, acne, pigmentation, as well as to smooth out shallow wrinkles. Such polishing has a thermal effect on the individual components of the dermis without destroying the epidermis.

The renewal of the skin occurs due to the synthesis of new collagen and the formation of an extracellular matrix. At the same time, intact skin areas contribute to the rapid restoration of microscopic lesions, which minimizes the risk of side effects.

Non-ablative photothermolysis is completely safe, it can be used without additional cooling. This is possible because the skin is exposed to microscopic damage, therefore, the risk of extensive heating of the treated area is minimized.

Ablation technology allows you to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, which contributes to the comprehensive rejuvenation of any part of the body. The skin tightens, becomes elastic, supple, small wrinkles are completely smoothed out, deep ones become less noticeable.

At the same time, the desired effect can be achieved in just 1 session, the course is not required here, as with other types of rejuvenation.

With ablative photothermolysis, anesthesia may be required, but in this case a special cream will be enough, there is no need for medical anesthesia, as with conventional laser resurfacing.

Both types of fractional laser are quite effective, safe, characterized by a short rehabilitation period. Often, cosmetologists use them together to solve various problems.

Benefits of Laser Rejuvenation

The fractional laser has the following advantages:

1. Minimal trauma to the skin, which eliminates the occurrence of pain and shortens the recovery period.
2. Guaranteed result – studies have shown that the synthesis process of new collagen increases up to 4 times, not only at the point where the microbeam has got, but also in the area near the treated place.
3. The process is controlled by a cosmetologist who regulates the intensity of exposure to laser beams and the depth of their penetration, which helps to achieve a lasting effect without the risk of complications.
4. The procedure is suitable for any part of the body (face, stomach, hips, buttocks) and for any type of skin. It has no age restrictions, is able to cope even with profound changes in the skin.

Indications for use of the laser

Indications for use:

• age-related changes in the skin (wrinkles, loss of firmness, elasticity, sagging);
• rejuvenation of the eyelids, neck, decollete;
• photoaging;
• dark spots;
• treatment of post-acne, scars left after acne;
• treatment of striae (stretch marks), scars and scars on the body.

Please note, fractional rejuvenation is not suitable for the treatment of keloid formations.

Contraindications to the procedure

The procedure is contraindicated in the presence of an inflammatory process on the skin: dermatitis, allergies, herpes, etc.

Also, thermal treatment is not recommended:

• with oncological diseases;
• during the expectation of a child;
• on tanned skin (if less than 2 weeks have passed since sunbathing);
• after cosmetic procedures that injure the epidermis (chemical peeling, etc.).

Devices for fractional thermolysis

Fractional photothermolysis is carried out by cosmetologists using special devices. The most modern and most effective devices are: Fraction CO2 (fractional grinding of CO2), SmartXide DOT (optical thermolysis), Dermablate MCL 30 (erbium laser rejuvenation). The choice of device depends on the individual characteristics of the skin and on the desired effect.

Fraction CO2

The device is based on carbon dioxide laser beams, the main advantage of which is penetration into the deep layers of the epidermis. This effect not only eliminates the aesthetic defects of the skin, but also has a pronounced lifting effect.

Fraction CO2 Laser Benefits:

• ultra-small size of the laser dot, which provides quick healing of the skin;
• pulse power has a fairly wide medical range, which allows you to adjust the depth of exposure to rays;
• adjusting the parameters of the beam density and pulse power allows the procedure to be carried out in a delicate or intensive form;
• the presence of various modes allows you to choose an individual rejuvenation program in each case.

After the procedure with the Fraction CO2 apparatus, minimal puffiness and hyperemia of the skin are observed. The barrier properties of the epidermis are not violated, so there is no risk of infection.

SmartXide DOT

The device is based on laser pulses, which, when in contact with the skin, are converted into thermal energy. This effect evaporates the cells, forming a matrix. With deep penetration into the epidermis layers, instantaneous contraction is ensured, which guarantees a pronounced lifting effect.

In the treated area, the update process starts: the synthesis of fibroblasts and collagen is carried out. Microbeam damages only 20% of the cells, the remaining 80% remain intact.

SmartXide DOT has 2 main modes:

• laser resurfacing – helps to remove aesthetic defects of the skin;
• deep impact – combats all the signs of skin aging, provides an instant lifting effect.

The device is suitable for any part of the body. Eliminates the risk of burn
s, infection of tissues, does not cause pain.

Dermablate MCL 30

The device is based on the use of a single crystal of erbium oxide, characterized by high energy power. The wavelength emitted by the apparatus is well absorbed by the water inside the cells, which is heated by the laser, which leads to the evaporation of the cell. This process is called ablation.

In this case, the upper layers of the epidermis are “peeled off”, and new cells appear in their place, more saturated with moisture and without a stratum corneum. The skin becomes soft and tender. Dermablate MCL 30 allows you to rejuvenate the skin in the deep layers of the epidermis.

Traumatizing the skin with microscopic wounds, the laser starts the renewal processes: wound healing and the synthesis of new collagen tighten the skin, which gives a pronounced lifting effect. The device is characterized by high accuracy of exposure to problem areas of the skin, the ability to adjust the depth of penetration, painlessness.

Laser Rejuvenation Preparation

2 weeks before the scheduled procedure, cosmetologists recommend that you adhere to the following rules:

• do not use products based on retinol, salicylic or glycolic acid;
• Do not clean the skin with damaging products – peels or scrubs;
• Do not visit the solarium, do not be in direct sunlight.

On the eve of the procedure, you should abandon sports and alcohol consumption.

Please note, during the ablation procedure, the cosmetologist can recommend taking antiviral drugs, as well as prophylactic antibiotics, if there are objective indications for this.

Fractional photothermolysis

Fractional photothermolysis is performed only by a cosmetologist who has undergone appropriate training on working with a particular device. The specialist assesses the condition of the skin, notes the aesthetic deficiencies. This information helps the beautician to select the desired program and the intensity of the exposure to the fractional laser.

Usually, photothermolysis does not require anesthesia, but on thin skin or at a low pain threshold, a special anesthetic cream can be used to reduce pain. A fractional grinding session lasts about 1 hour. During the procedure, a slight warmth and tingling is felt.

Microbeams create a network of point microdamages on the surface or in the deep layers of the epidermis, while the skin is not damaged outside. This effect does not create one extensive wound surface: damaged areas alternate with intact, which contributes to the rapid restoration and renewal of the skin.

One flash of a photolaser covers 1.5 square foot. inch area of the treated area. To avoid burns, a special nozzle is attached to the laser, which maintains the same distance from the thinnest laser beams to the skin throughout the procedure. The recommended number of procedures is from 2 to 4, with a frequency of once every 1.5–2 months.

Recovery after the procedure

At the end of the procedure, a feeling of heat in the skin and tingling will continue for 1 hour. To alleviate this condition, you can use a cold compress.

For 4-6 days, the skin will remain swollen and reddened, while the severity of these manifestations will depend on the depth of penetration of the laser and the existing aesthetic problem (the deeper the penetration, the stronger the swelling).

Also, after the procedure, the skin may darken, as after tanning. This is due to the fact that pigment decays from previously damaged cells. The named manifestations usually disappear on their own after 2 weeks, provided that the epidermis is properly taken care of.

Recommendations for skin care after fractional photothermolysis:

• the use of moisturizers (Bepanten);
• skin protection with special creams (SPF-50) from sunlight for 1 month;
• rejection of scrubs and other methods of cleaning the skin;
• quitting smoking and alcohol, as they inhibit the recovery and renewal of the epidermis.

Please note that the crust formed on the skin after the procedure should fall off naturally, it is forbidden to remove it by any means or other mechanical means.

Complications

Adverse manifestations after the procedure:

• bacterial infection;
• capillary expansion, lasting up to 3 days;
• swelling lasting up to 6 days;
• hyperpigmentation (“pseudo tan”);
• the occurrence of burns and erosion;
• exacerbation of acne;
• the appearance of hemorrhages under the skin.

The result of photothermolysis

Fractional laser resurfacing has a beneficial effect on the skin, the results of which become noticeable after the first session:

• the skin becomes taut, elastic, elastic;
• small wrinkles are smoothed out, deep ones become less noticeable;
• face turgor improves, the contour becomes clearer;
• aesthetic defects disappear (scars, scars, striae, acne, pigmentation);
• skin color evens out, a healthy glow appears.

With the full course of photothermolysis, the result will remain up to 3 years. If you periodically maintain the result after the course of treatment, then you can extend the youth of the skin up to 10 years.

Laser rejuvenation cost

Fractional photothermolysis is not a cheap procedure. Its cost depends on the selected device and location.

Cultivated area	price, usd.
Face (full)	15000
Eyelid area	5000
Upper lip	5000
Neck	10000
Collar zone	15000
Neckline	15000
Belly (striae)	15000
Hands	5000

Scar polishing:

• full face – $ 204 .;
• cheeks (post-acne) – $ 95 .;
• forehead (post-acne) – $ 136 .;
• hips, buttocks, abdomen ( 0’8 inch?) – $ 20.

The procedure for fractional photothermolysis, which starts the natural processes of collagen synthesis, will help rejuvenate the skin. In addition, laser resurfacing will help get rid of aesthetic defects: scars, scars, acne, stretch marks.

Useful videos about fractional photothermolysis and its rules

What is fractional photothermolysis:

How is the procedure of fractional photothermolysis: