fractional laser therapy

Facts about fractional laser therapy

What exactly is fractional laser therapy?

Fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that employs a device to provide a laser beam divided into thousands of minuscule treatment zones that target a fraction of the skin at a time, similar to enhancing or altering a photographic image pixel by pixel. The ablative and non-ablative laser procedures used to treat sun-damaged and aging skin have been bridged by fractional laser treatment. Fractional laser treatments target both the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin, whereas ablative laser treatments target just the epidermis (surface skin cells) and non-ablative laser treatments target only the dermal collagen (mid-layer of skin). The Fraxel device [Reliant Technologies now Solta] was the first fractional laser to be commercialized, and it emits a non-ablative 1550-nm wavelength. Some machines that use fractional technology based on erbium are presently available: CO2 lasers for deeper ablative treatments and YAG lasers for superficial treatments.

What are the benefits of fractional laser therapy?

Treatments with fractional lasers include:

Wrinkles on the face (rhytides)

The effects of the Sun.

 Surgical and acne scars are linked to skin pigmentation. Although fractional laser treatment has been recommended for pigmentation problems like melasma, the procedure itself can cause postinflammatory pigmentation. When compared to standard ablative modalities, fractional laser treatment is especially beneficial for the neck, chest, and hands. Stretch marks and poikiloderma of Civatte may both benefit from fractional laser treatment. All skin types and patients can benefit from fractional laser treatment, however the techniques employed differ based on the patient\’s age, skin type, sun exposure, and body shape.

All skin types and patients can benefit from fractional laser treatment, however approaches differ depending on the patient\’s age, skin type, sun exposure, and body region. Fractional laser treatment can be used with other skin procedures such as surgery.

What is the procedure for fractional laser treatment?

A fundamental understanding of skin structure is essential to understanding how fractional laser treatment works. The epidermis (top layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutis (bottom layer) are the three layers of skin (lower fat layer). Melanocytes, pigment-producing cells found in the epidermis, are responsible for skin coloration. Collagen and elastin fibers make up the dermis, which gives skin its strength, toughness, elasticity, and pliability (click here for detailed information on skin structure). The appearance and properties of the skin change as the body matures. The epidermis thins, making blemishes more evident, while the dermis loses collagen over time, contributing to the production of facial lines, drooping skin, and wrinkles.

The epidermis and dermis are both targeted by fractional laser therapy. It accomplishes this by delivering a laser beam into the skin that is divided into hundreds of tiny but deep treatment columns. Microthermal therapy zones are what they\’re termed (MTZs). Old epidermal pigmented cells are ejected within each MTZ, and collagen penetration into the dermis produces a reaction that results in collagen remodeling and new collagen production. The laser uses MTZs to target and treats the zone aggressively while surrounding healthy tissue remains unharmed and helps the wound heal. This fractional therapy speeds up the healing process compared to exposing all tissue in the treatment region to the laser.

What exactly is fractional laser treatment?

1. Assessment/preparation for treatment

2. Application of fractional laser

3. Recovery and post-treatment

What are the risks and adverse effects of fractional laser therapy?

Most patients appear to tolerate fractional laser treatment well. Shaving or mineral make-up application can be done right after therapy. Patients can usually return to work the same day or the next day after treatments, depending on their skin condition and treatment. Following severe or ablative fractional laser treatments, particularly on neck skin, some of the side effects and difficulties that may arise include:

Desquamation (scaling, peeling) and crusting in excess

Swelling can last up to one week following treatment; during the first 24 hours, administer an ice pack at 10-minute intervals. Patients having a history of melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are more likely to develop post-inflammatory pigmentation (more common in patients of darker skin types) Acne, herpes simplex, bacterial, and candida infections are all common. Dermatitis from contact.

What exactly is skin aging?

Intrinsic and extrinsic aging are the two types of aging processes. The skin on the entire body, even sun-protected areas, is affected by intrinsic or chronological aging. Chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, smoking, and other pollutants cause extrinsic aging, which is overlaid on the intrinsic aging process.

What factors contribute to skin aging?

The clinical, histological, and physiological changes that occur in older people\’s sun-protected skin are known as intrinsic aging. Other environmental elements can exacerbate intrinsic aging.

Ultraviolet radiation

Menopause

Smoking

Nutrition

Immune disfunction

How can we keep our skin from becoming older?

Internal aging is unavoidable. Systemic hormone replacement may postpone skin thinning in perimenopausal women; the skin is less dry, has fewer wrinkles, and wound healing is faster than before treatment. Hormone replacement therapy is less successful in treating skin aging after menopause. Topical estrogens, phytoestrogens, and progestins are being studied for their effects. Avoid smoking and pollution exposure as much as possible. Exercise regularly; active people look to be younger than idle folks. Every day, consume fruits and vegetables.

Many oral supplements with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been recommended to reduce skin aging and boost skin health.