Fractional laser in cosmetology: essence, advantages, and disadvantages of the method
CONTENT:
In 2004, a sensation occurred in the field of hardware cosmetology: the American company Palomar Medical Technologies presented a fundamentally new method of skin rejuvenation and correction of aesthetic defects – fractional photothermolysis performed with a laser.
This new type of equipment demonstrated incredible effectiveness – its application literally "erased" wrinkles, sagging, stretch marks, post-acne scars, and other skin imperfections from the face and body. Soon, the fractional laser was adopted by specialists in leading clinics around the world, and the rich and famous lined up for photothermolysis procedures.
Today, this ultra-effective equipment is available in Europe – cosmetologists are eager to buy fractional lasers, and clients are happy to book procedures. However, both groups approach it with some caution. The reason for this is the lack of reliable information about the principles of the equipment and its capabilities. Let's try to fill this gap as objectively and comprehensively as possible.
What is fractional laser photothermolysis?
Fractional laser rejuvenation, fractional remodeling, laser nanoperforation – these are just a few names for the method. To understand its essence, let's decode the concept of "fractional photothermolysis."
- Thermolysis: the destruction of biological tissues under the influence of high temperatures.
- Photothermolysis: thermolysis that occurs under the influence of light energy.
- Fractional photothermolysis: only certain fragments (fractions) of tissues are subjected to destruction.
Fractional photothermolysis is performed with a laser that emits light energy at a specific wavelength. Unlike laser resurfacing, this method involves the partial destruction of tissues. It helps eliminate specific fractions of collagen fibers, forcing the tissues to replace them with new, denser structures.
Essentially, a fractional laser removes skin, but it does so in micro-areas rather than over the entire surface. This allows the skin to regenerate much faster, as the untouched cells actively participate in the regeneration process. The recovery period is minimized, and complications are rare. Additionally, uneven skin color (alternating dark and light areas) is almost entirely prevented after using a fractional laser.
Non-ablative cosmetic laser
This group includes fractional lasers with a wavelength of about 1470 nm. They are considered the safest, and the photothermolysis performed with them shows a minimal recovery period.
Using fractional lasers of this type does not involve ablation – the epidermis is not damaged. The laser beam passes through it, reaching the deep layers of the skin and causing coagulation of collagen fibers, which are gradually replaced by new structures. The following visible effects are achieved:
- Slight skin rejuvenation;
- Smoothing of the skin's texture and color;
- Reduction of fine wrinkles;
- Pore tightening.
Non-ablative treatment has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it does not damage the skin's surface; on the other, the effect of eliminating aesthetic defects is minimal, and the skin lifting effect is barely noticeable.
Types and capabilities of fractional lasers
Modern fractional lasers are conventionally divided into three major groups:
- Non-ablative cosmetic lasers;
- Ablative surgical lasers based on erbium;
- CO2 surgical lasers.
Their effectiveness will be discussed further.
Lifting effect
Despite the overall rejuvenating effect, using a non-ablative fractional laser causes minimal skin tightening. Micro-areas of the epidermis are not removed, so there is no tightening of the skin's surface. The effect of the procedures is similar to the results of phototherapy and is achieved solely through the stimulation of neocollagenesis. The initial impression that the skin has significantly tightened is provided by intercellular edema, which occurs immediately after the procedure and lasts for about 2 days.
Who is it suitable for?
Non-ablative fractional lasers are suitable for young women and men up to the age of 35-40.
Recovery period
It usually does not exceed 1-2 days, during which there is redness and swelling of the skin.
Number of procedures
6-8 treatments with a fractional laser are recommended.
Ablative surgical laser based on erbium
Fractional lasers based on erbium generate light energy with a wavelength of about 2940 nm. This effect causes skin ablation. The chromophore for the laser radiation is water, which absorbs the light energy, heats up, and creates micro-areas of destruction in the epidermis and deeper layers of the dermis.
The ablative fractional laser acts on the epidermis and dermis, causing several positive effects:
- External and internal skin rejuvenation;
- Skin tightening, smoothing, and increased elasticity;
- Wrinkle reduction;
- Pore reduction.
The smooth pulse technology and simultaneous cooling of the treated area allow rejuvenation procedures to be performed without anesthesia. By choosing a fractional laser with a minimum trauma window diameter (less than 250 microns), the recovery period can be significantly shortened.
Lifting effect
The lifting effect is achieved through the combined action of the fractional laser. On one hand, its energy activates the process of neocollagenesis; on the other, micro-areas of the epidermis are removed, leading to noticeable skin tightening. Essentially, the laser beam perforates the epidermis, reducing the overall skin area. Treating along the skin tension lines can achieve controlled fibrosis and significant lifting. The risk of demarcation lines is practically absent.
Who is it suitable for?
The erbium-based fractional laser is suitable for clients aged 30 to 45.
Recovery period
It typically lasts 2 days or more. Ablative photothermolysis may cause slight redness, swelling, and skin peeling.
Number of procedures
To achieve maximum effect, 2-4 treatments are recommended.
CO2 surgical lasers
The carbon dioxide fractional laser generates light energy with a wavelength of 10600 nm. It is considered the most effective for clients with significant age-related skin changes. The photothermolysis performed with this laser works in two directions simultaneously – collagen coagulation and skin ablation. This results in a noticeable cosmetic effect – the skin surface visibly tightens, and its functions are stimulated.
The only drawback of the CO2 laser is its aggressive impact, which can cause burns and complications. Therefore, along with the decision to buy a CO2 fractional laser, it is essential to undergo training on its principles of operation and photothermolysis techniques.
Lifting effect
Visible rejuvenation and significant skin tightening are observed even with pronounced signs of aging. The CO2 fractional laser is effective even in the presence of serious problems:
- Brow ptosis;
- Excess skin of the upper and lower eyelids;
- Sagging areas;
- General gravitational ptosis;
- Significant changes in the facial contour.
The first procedure with the CO2 surgical laser is done in a single pass without affecting the skin tension lines. During the second procedure, it is recommended first to treat the tension lines (at maximum laser energy settings) and then treat the surrounding skin (at lower energy settings).
Who is it suitable for?
Clients aged 45 and older.
Recovery period
The average recovery period is 5-7 days, during which there is skin peeling and temporary color changes.
Number of procedures
To achieve maximum effect, 2 treatments with the CO2 fractional laser are sufficient.
To buy or not to buy, and what to choose: conclusions
In modern cosmetology, there is a stable trend – the use of high-tech equipment whose capabilities allow solving any aesthetic skin problem with a minimal number of procedures and with guaranteed positive results. First and foremost, this includes fractional lasers. The photothermolysis performed with these lasers is effective for age-related problems and the elimination of various aesthetic defects – scars, stretch marks, pigmentation spots, vascular pathologies, benign neoplasms, etc. Therefore, there is no reason to refuse the purchase of this equipment. The main thing is to choose and buy the right fractional laser.
Regarding the choice, it is ideally better to opt for the most powerful equipment – that is, a CO2 fractional laser. It is also preferable to choose a model with a wide range of settings. In this case, the parameters of the procedures can be easily adjusted to the individual characteristics of the skin and the problems of each client, significantly improving the effectiveness of photothermolysis and reducing the risk of complications.
