From this article you will learn:
- types of fractional lasers and the principle of their operation,
- Fraxel laser: reviews, rehabilitation, before and after photos.
The Fraxel laser device can reduce the severity of wrinkles, reduce the depth of acne scars, eliminate age spots, and also treat many other skin problems. The Fraxel cosmetology laser is a fractional type laser and is available in three modifications: “Fraxel re'fine”, “Fraxel re'store” and “Fraxel re'pair”.
The peculiarity of fractional lasers is that they divide the laser beam into thousands of microscopic fractions (small rays, each of which is one tenth the diameter of a hair) and direct these fractions simultaneously to a specific area of the skin. As you will see below, this leather processing technology has global benefits.
Fractional laser can be ablative or non-ablative. Fraxel restore and Fraxel refine are non-ablative. Such lasers work deep in the skin without disturbing the integrity of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. But “Fraxel repair” is ablative, and its effect occurs with a violation of the integrity of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The latter seems less safe, however, the effectiveness of Fraxel repair is much higher than other Fraxel devices.
Fraxel: indications for the use of fractional laser
Fraxel, like many other fractional lasers (manufactured under other brand names), is commonly used to treat the following problems:
- to reduce wrinkles and deep lines on the face and neck (Fig. 4-5),
- for general skin rejuvenation and increasing its elasticity,
- stretch marks (striae) after pregnancy (Fig. 6),
- scars and scars after operations (Fig. 7),
- acne scars (Fig. 8),
- enlarged pores,
- age spots, melasma (Fig. 9),
- spider veins,
- treatment of skin keratosis.
Fraxel: before and after photos
What is the effect after the procedure and how long does it last?
In the area treated in this way, shallow wrinkles are eliminated, the skin is noticeably tightened, restores its vibrant color, and becomes smoother. Although the procedure is not able to eliminate old expression wrinkles, it significantly smoothes them out. And a fine network of wrinkles is quite amenable to correction, even in the most delicate places, for example, around the eyes. The rejuvenating effect after a series of procedures can last 5 years. If we talk about eliminating cosmetic defects (post-acne scars, scars, etc.), then they disappear without a trace. The spots either disappear or become less noticeable.
Three modifications of the Fraxel laser –
There are three main original Fraxel devices, which are used in different clinical situations, and depending on the severity of the problem.
Fraxel Re'fine –
This is a fractional non-ablative erbium laser, with a wavelength of 1410 nm and a single pulse energy of 5 to 20 mJ (Fig. 10). This laser works to a depth of 0.7 mm, and the stratum corneum of the epidermis remains intact. This is the softest type of Fraxel laser, after which healing occurs as quickly as possible, and the procedure itself is as painless as possible and lasts only 20 minutes.
Fraxel refine is used to smooth out fine wrinkles around the eyes, tighten the skin of the eyelids, remove age spots and other pigmentation on the skin, and treat melasma. Also, this type of laser generally improves the condition of the skin and can be used primarily to prevent aging.
Thus, the indications for using Fraxel refine are exactly the same as for photorejuvenation techniques using IPL devices. The latter, as a rule, are much cheaper than Fraxel laser treatment. However, Fraxel can be used on people of any skin color, and IPL devices are not recommended for people with dark skin.
Fraxel Restore –
This is a fractional non-ablative erbium laser, with a wavelength of 1550 nm and a single pulse energy of 4 to 70 mJ (Fig. 11). The depth of exposure, depending on the settings, ranges from 0.4 to 1.4 mm. This type of laser is used to treat similar problems that Fraxel refine can eliminate, but only more severe. For example, to smooth out more pronounced wrinkles.
Fraxel restore reviews also claim that it does an excellent job of removing small atrophic acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and is also used to treat stretch marks after pregnancy, pigmentation and skin keratosis.
Fraxel Re'pair –
This is a fractional laser of the ablative type, belongs to the group of CO2 (carbon dioxide) lasers with a wavelength of 10600 nm and a single pulse energy of up to 225 mJ (Fig. 12). Unlike classic ablative lasers, which work only deep into the epidermis, Fraxel Repair works in both the epidermis and dermis. The depth of exposure ranges from 0.4 to 1.6 mm, and it can be adjusted by the settings of the device, on which modes can be selected: “medium ablation” or “deep ablation”.
Medium ablation mode primarily targets the lower layers of the epidermis and upper layers of the dermis, which is suitable for smoothing shallow wrinkles (such as around the eyes), reducing pore size and improving skin texture.
Fraxel repair in the “deep ablation” mode acts primarily on the middle layers of the dermis, which is excellent for smoothing out deep wrinkles. When using this mode, there is also a pronounced skin lifting effect, which you will notice immediately after the procedure. The device is also successfully used to remove age spots and spider veins, as well as to remove hypertrophic scars and scars.
Analogues of the Fraxel Repair laser produced by other manufacturers -
- Active and Deep FX (Lumenis),
- Quadralase (Candela),
- Pearl Fractional (Cutera), etc...
Comparison of Fraxel refine and Fraxel restore – with Fraxel repair…
Fraxel repair fractional ablative CO2 laser is more aggressive than erbium non-ablative lasers Fraxel refine and Fraxel restore, which leads to greater synthesis in tissues of inflammatory mediators, proteins and factors that stimulate stem cells and fibroblast function. Accordingly, the effectiveness of the procedure with the Fraxel ablative CO2 laser will be 2 times higher, although healing will take 2-3 times longer. In addition, it is “Fraxel repair” that gives the best skin lifting effect.
Operation process of fractional CO2 laser: video
Contraindications
The laser rejuvenation procedure is safe and rarely leads to complications, but in some conditions you will have to abandon the use of this technique. Contraindications include:
- acute viral infections;
- oncology;
- dermatological diseases in the facial area;
- bronchial asthma;
- autoimmune processes;
- diabetes;
- epilepsy;
- tendency to form keloid scars;
- blood clotting disorder.
It is also not recommended to carry out the procedure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. At the time of the visit to the cosmetologist, the patient must be completely healthy.
How Fraxel Fractional Laser Works –
To understand how it all works, you need to know the structure of the skin (Fig. 13). The skin consists of 3 layers: → epidermis (surface layer), → dermis (middle layer), → subcutaneous fatty tissue.
The epidermis consists of numerous layers of keratinocytes of varying degrees of differentiation. The epidermis also contains melanocytes (so-called pigment cells), which are responsible for skin color. The dermis consists of collagen and elastin fibers, fibroblasts, which provide the skin with strength, firmness and elasticity (24stoma.ru).
As our body ages, the appearance and general characteristics of the skin change. The epidermis becomes thinner, various spots on the skin become more noticeable, and the collagen content in the dermis by the age of 45 decreases by almost half. Skin moisture is noticeably reduced due to a decrease in hyaluronic acid content. All this leads to the gradual appearance of wrinkles, the formation of deep lines on the face, and the skin becomes flabby.
Principle of operation -
Using special technology, the laser beam is split into thousands of microbeams, each of which is one-tenth the size of a human hair.
That is why such lasers are called fractional. The meaning of such fractionation is that areas of destroyed tissue are subsequently surrounded by areas of undamaged viable tissue, the cells of which will ensure rapid restoration of damaged areas. When using non-ablative Fraxel lasers (Fraxel refine and Fraxel restore), numerous micro-areas of tissue coagulation (MTZ microthermal zones) are formed - in the form of columns perpendicular to the skin surface (Fig. 14). And when using the Fraxel repair ablative laser, not only injury occurs, but also a certain percentage of tissue is removed, which leads to a pronounced skin lifting effect.
In response to such damage, the body begins to synthesize more proteins, mediators and signaling molecules, which cause the activation of skin stem cells and increase the rate of their division. A large number of new cells begin to gradually synthesize the structural elements of the skin, such as collagen and elastin. Moreover, after using the Fraxel repair ablative laser, these processes are more pronounced.
When using non-ablative Fraxel lasers (Fraxel refine and Fraxel restore), coagulation areas occur predominantly in the dermis without compromising the integrity of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. And when using the Fraxel repair ablative laser, coagulation occurs with a violation of the integrity of the stratum corneum, which leads to the formation of microholes in it up to 200 microns in size, which are completely restored in about 24-45 hours (Fig. 17). Damage to the dermis is restored in 4-7 days.
Fractional laser rejuvenation: the essence of the method
Using the light energy of a laser beam allows you to have a deep effect on the skin, stop the aging process, and restore the elasticity of the eyelids.
The main advantage of fractional photothermolysis is that it is less traumatic when exposed to the skin - the beam hits the skin as if it were passed through a mesh, with each procedure 15-25% of old tissue can be removed, healthy young skin is formed in its place, one part of the skin cells evaporates, and the other remains untouched.
When carrying out fractional laser rejuvenation of the skin around the eyes, the radiation parameters are selected individually, and the impact is carried out strictly on certain areas. As a result, damage to the epidermis is minimal, only problem areas are affected.
Stages of the procedure using Fraxel –
Preliminary preparation
The problem area is determined and adapted to the template to determine the target area of correction. Fraxel photos must be taken before the procedure. The patient should remove all jewelry and wash their face thoroughly with soap and water before the procedure.
For patients with skin pigmentation problems, treatment with a whitening cream (eg hydroquinone) or a pre-chemical peel may be required. In patients at high risk of developing herpes, Acyclovir can be used as a prophylaxis against herpes.
Next, an anesthetic is applied to the treated area. You must wait 45-60 minutes before the full anesthetic effect occurs. Then the anesthetic is removed and a special gel is applied to the treatment area, which ensures that the Fraxel laser handle glides easily over the surface of the skin.
Fractional laser treatment procedure
Treatment time depends on the area being treated. For example, a full face usually takes about 30 minutes, a neck about 20 minutes. The degree of pain during the procedure will depend on the energy power of the laser light pulses (from 4 to 70 mJ; set on the equipment). Sometimes a cooling device (such as a Zimmer) is used to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Typically 4-5 Fraxel treatments are required, depending on the level of energy used and the condition of the skin being treated. These procedures are performed within a month.
Fraxel: reviews and consequences
For about 1 hour after the procedure, patients may experience a sensation similar to that of sunbathing. During healing and for several months after the procedure, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing sunscreen with a protection level of at least 50 SPF. It is necessary to protect the skin from exposure to the sun with clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
Swelling may be present and usually resolves within 2-3 days. Expect your skin to have a pink tint for 3-5 days. In addition, the epidermis is restored within up to 40 hours, which at the beginning may have a tan color (this disappears in 3-14 days). As a rule, peeling of the skin is observed, but this problem is easily solved by using a moisturizer. According to the cosmetologist's indications, after ablative therapy with the Fraxel repair laser, skin peeling can be applied using water, Vaseline and gauze 1-2 times a day.
Fraxel: photo immediately after the procedure, and in dynamics
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure is easily tolerated. Thanks to the use of anesthesia, the patient does not feel anything. The eyes are protected from radiation with special caps, so the rejuvenating procedure does not have a negative effect on vision. The procedure lasts 20-40 minutes.
The laser treats both the inner and outer surfaces of the eyelids. All soft tissues of the paraorbital zone are also heated. The use of ultra-long pulses of an erbium laser is a unique technique that can trigger the synthesis of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity of soft tissues. This allows you to make the contours of the eyes clear, get rid of folds and bags.
If necessary, laser resurfacing is performed at the final stage, making the skin of the eyelids smooth and radiant.
Fractional laser: reviews
Results after Fraxel - reviews confirm that the onset of the effect is progressive. The most visible result appears within 3-4 months after the procedure. During this period, complete healing and replacement of tissue occurs with the formation of new cells with new collagen and elastin. However, after using Fraxel repair, the lifting effect can be noticed immediately after the procedure.
Studies show that a 20-40% overall improvement in fine lines and wrinkles was achieved after a mild rejuvenation procedure. More aggressive procedures (with high light beam energy) performed by fractional laser - reviews have shown from 30 to 70% of visible improvement.
Fractional laser can be combined with surgical rejuvenation methods, as well as non-surgical procedures, such as plasma lifting. In the latter case, the desired result can be achieved faster and with fewer procedures. Laser skin resurfacing is not a cheap pleasure, so the number of procedures can also matter.
Features of Erbium Laser
The Absolut Honey Clinic uses the German MCL-30 Dermablate erbium laser to rejuvenate the area around the eyes. The production apparatus is capable of generating pulses that penetrate soft tissue to a shallow depth. This ensures the most gentle effect.
Using the device allows you to get an excellent rejuvenating effect, while avoiding burns and extensive damage to soft tissue. The beam acts exclusively on problem areas without affecting surrounding tissue. This modern technology is safe for health, the recovery period after the procedure lasts only a few days.
Side effects and complications –
Laser Fraxel reviews confirm that the procedure is usually quite well tolerated by patients. In the near future after the procedure, you can shave and apply makeup. In most cases, patients can return to work immediately after treatment or the next day, which will depend on the power of the laser light pulses chosen by the cosmetologist.
Side effects and consequences after Fraxel –
- excessive peeling of the skin (sometimes the appearance of crusts),
- contact dermatitis,
- exacerbation of herpes, acne,
- infectious skin lesion,
- temporary post-inflammatory skin pigmentation,
- swelling for 1 week after treatment (in such cases, the use of ice and antihistamines helps).
Important: despite the fact that fractional laser is most often used to treat various pigmentation disorders, the treatment itself in some cases can lead to post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Recovery period
You may experience discomfort in the eyelid area for two days. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern. Unpleasant phenomena go away on their own. Swelling may also normally be present in the first 3 days after photothermolysis.
The rejuvenating effect can be fully appreciated a month after your visit to the Clinic. To consolidate the result, it is advisable to carry out 3-4 procedures with an interval of 1.5 months.
Modern rejuvenation technology is safe, but if the technique of the procedure is violated or if it is carried out in the presence of contraindications, complications may arise. These include: infection, scar changes, age spots, deep burns. By choosing our Clinic and following all the recommendations of a cosmetologist, you can be sure that the procedure will be painless and the result will be impressive.
Fractional laser: price
Fraxel prices in Moscow for procedures differ depending on the treatment area and the type of fractional laser itself. Below we have indicated the cost of the procedure using the Fraxel restore device. Depending on the severity of skin changes, 3-5 procedures may be needed to achieve the desired result.
Fractional laser: procedure price
- the entire face, including eyelids, will average 25,000 - 30,000 rubles,
- only crow's feet near the eyes - about 4500-6000 rubles,
- nasolabial triangle - about 6000 - 8000 rubles.
Laser thermolysis: what happens in the skin
The fractional thermolysis procedure is carried out for 25–30 minutes. Local anesthesia is used. Then, using a laser, problem areas of the skin are targeted. This means that the laser, divided into hundreds of tiny beams, evaporates moisture from the middle layers of the epidermis at a precisely specified depth. Since thermolysis is carried out with a beam of very thin lasers, only 20% of the skin in the treated area is subjected to coagulation. Old cells at the points of impact are destroyed, and healthy cells around them begin rapid growth and restoration. It turns out that a fifth of all cells regenerate successfully and quickly. At the same time, the laser beam affects the deep layer of the skin and stimulates the production of natural collagen.
Benefits of laser thermolysis
Thanks to the modern BISON More-Xel CO2 device, the procedure is safe, effective and comfortable! Fractional photothermolysis is the most modern and simple way to correct appearance.
Fractional rejuvenation >>>
Laser peeling >>>
Laser skin resurfacing >>>
Laser thermolysis is assessed by most patients as a fairly comfortable method of rejuvenation. This is one of the most gentle and at the same time effective hardware manipulations in cosmetology.
At the moment, the most popular procedures are the following:
- laser resurfacing of stretch marks on the skin >>>;
- laser resurfacing of scars on the body >>>;
- laser resurfacing of facial scars >>>;
- fractional laser skin resurfacing >>>;
- laser resurfacing of the lower eyelid >>>;
- laser resurfacing of skin and pores >>>.
Why laser
Fraxel is a new word in hardware cosmetology. Its effectiveness has already been confirmed by millions of patients. The laser is perfect for any skin type, including sensitive ones.
It is possible to use microflows not only on the face, but also on the neck, chest, and arms.
Participation in sessions will not affect your daily life in any way. You do not need to undergo surgery and there is a recovery period.
The Fraxel effect is literally new skin. Smooth relief, fresh complexion and elimination of minor defects in the form of wrinkles or acne marks. Improvement is observed within 2–3 months, and the result lasts up to 1 year.
