Patients who opt for rejuvenating treatments often focus primarily on the face. Yet one of the parts of the body on which the passage of time is clearly marked is the hands. With age, the skin there loses its elasticity and hydration and also becomes thinner. As a result, wrinkles appear on it and the blood vessels become increasingly visible. An effective way to rejuvenate the hands is a treatment using a fractional laser. How does it work?
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What is a fractional laser and how does it work?
The fractional CO2 laser is a device that emits focused beams of light which penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. As a result of its action, many micro-injuries are created simultaneously over a precisely defined area of skin, each surrounded by healthy tissue. It is these micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production, which leads to skin regeneration. Importantly, owing to its specific mode of action, this method is less painful. It also does not leave extensive burns on the skin, which means a relatively short healing time.
The fractional laser is most often used to treat scars (including acne scars) and wrinkles on the face. It also works very well for improving the appearance of the skin on the hands.
Effects of laser radiation on tissues (compiled by researchers from the University of Rzeszów):
| Photochemical effects | Biostimulatory effects |
| increased rate of electrolyte exchange between the cell and its surroundings, antimutagenic action, acceleration of mitosis, changes in the structure of biological membranes, increased enzyme activity, increased ATP and DNA synthesis. | improved blood microcirculation, stimulation of angiogenesis, immunomodulatory action, increased amplitude of nerve fibre action potentials, increased concentration of hormones, kinins and autacoids, hypocoagulant action |
Source: Burdzy D. et al., Zastosowanie laserów w terapii wybranych problemów skórnych (The use of lasers in the treatment of selected skin problems) [1].
Using a fractional laser to rejuvenate the hands
Over time, collagen fibres weaken and the human body's ability to synthesise and rebuild them declines. The first signs of this process are visible as early as between the ages of 20 and 30, and it accelerates particularly quickly after fifty. Apart from the natural ageing process, other factors also contribute to the weakening of collagen fibres, e.g. excessive exposure to sunlight, illness or hormonal changes. The effects are visible primarily as wrinkles and less firm, dry skin.
The fractional CO2 laser stimulates the skin to produce new collagen. As the main structural protein of our body and a basic component of connective tissue, collagen influences the elasticity, firmness, tension and structure of the skin. It is not without reason that it is called the protein of youth - it is collagen that is responsible for a youthful appearance.
A fractional laser treatment also helps to even out skin tone. This is particularly important in the case of pigmentation that develops with age (including so-called age spots). Lightening them is another factor that rejuvenates the hands.
Studies on the effect of fractional resurfacing on photoageing of the hands, conducted on 10 patients, showed high effectiveness of this method [2]. Both the patients' subjective assessment and the doctor's clinical assessment confirmed an improvement in pigmentation as well as in skin roughness and wrinkles. In addition, a skin biopsy showed increased dermal collagen density.
Fractional laser treatment - is there anything to fear?
Fractional laser treatment is completely safe, but there are several contraindications to it. Above all, it should not be chosen by people taking photosensitising medication, those with skin cancer or those with active skin infections. Fractional hand rejuvenation is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in people prone to scarring.
Whether a candidate can undergo the treatment is decided by the doctor after a consultation and assessment of the skin. It is important for the patient to avoid sunbathing and not to use self-tanners for 4 to 6 weeks before the planned date of the treatment. In addition, it is recommended to stop using products containing retinoids and acids (e.g. salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid).
The treatment itself takes from a dozen or so to several dozen minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia. The best results are achieved with a course of several treatments at monthly intervals.
When are the effects of fractional hand rejuvenation visible?
As studies show [3], the effectiveness of fractional CO2 laser treatment becomes visible in two stages:
- in the first, skin tension improves and skin texture evens out (visible approx. 7 days after healing),
- in the second, skin density and collagen fibre activity increase (this happens 3–6 months after the treatment).
Complete remodelling of the skin after the use of a fractional CO2 laser can take up to a year.
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Sources:
[1] Burdzy D., Ozga D., Kosydar-Bochenek J., Burdzy K., Lewandowski B., Burdzy D., 2017, Zastosowanie laserów w terapii wybranych problemów skórnych, Przegląd metod. Kosmetol Estet.
[2] Jih M.H., Goldberg L.H., Kimyai-Asadi A., 2008, Fractional photothermolysis for photoaging of hands, Dermatol Surg.
[3] Osika G., Wesołowska A., 2020, Niechirurgiczne metody opóźniające procesy starzenia się skóry, Farmacja Polska