Facial Resurfacing (CO2 SmartXide DOT)
CO2 is a fractional laser that is made up of numerous tiny micro channels that lightly vaporize tissue, stimulating new collagen. The tiny micro channels leave normal, untouched tissue in between each beam, promoting a quicker healing time and minimizing overall damage. CO2 laser in effect, resurfaces the skin removing fine lines, wrinkles, and with more aggressive parameters, deeper lines and furrows. It also helps with sun damage, texture, acne scars, and more. This procedure leaves the skin smooth, soft, clearer of pigment, and generally younger looking. Although the SmartXide DOT CO2 Laser is generally used to rejuvenate the face, it can also be used on the hands, neck, and décolleté (chest).The entire face is treated in as little as 30 minutes. However, set up, photos, numbing, and post treatment cooling can take up to 3 hours.
Topical and local anesthetic are used to make the treatment as painless as possible. Oral medication for pain and anxiety may be offered to allow the anesthetic to work more efficiently and for your comfort. If the oral medication is taken as recommended, you will require a driver to bring you home after your treatment.
Post treatment you may feel burning similar to that of a sunburn, dryness and itchiness as the treatment area sloughs off the old tissue, revealing a fresh and dewy looking complexion.
The SmartXide DOT CO2 Laser is very versatile. Milder treatment settings may require more than one treatment, while more aggressive treatment settings may result in a more outstanding result, but the healing time would be longer. The treatments can be repeated at the discretion of the patient to receive outstanding results. A thorough consultation with the technician will ensure optimal results for each patient.
Most patients experience some swelling, redness, and painless peeling. Generally, most patients do not complain of discomfort, but most patients stay home due to the appearance of the peeling process. Lighter and more aggressive treatment parameters almost universally heal and slough off the treated tissue within 5-7 days. However, pinkness of the treated area lasts longer if more aggressive parameters are chosen.
Makeup may be worn over the treated area as soon as it is healed and most patients return to their normal lifestyle within 7 days. These are general estimates only and experiences and results will vary from patient to patient.