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In the past 10–12 years, we have seen the emergenceof many laser technologies promising much but deliveringfair to sometimes good results. The emergence ofFDA–approved fractional Co2 resurfacing is a breath offresh air in an already crowded market.
Fractional Co2 resurfacing is a major advance in thefight against aging skin (wrinkles), pigmentation problems,acne and loose skin — giving the recipienta “refreshed” look without the downtime of traditional Co2 resurfacing.
Co2 laser light heats and removes thetopmost layers of skin. With the “fractional”technology, some skin is spared (small dots)to allow for faster healing without the originaldown time of conventional Co2 lasers(the gold standard for wrinkle reduction).The trade–off is that multiple treatments maybe needed based on the fraction of healedskin left behind. This procedure is based onpatient preference.
The skin is left baby–soft with decreasedlines above the lips, crows’ feet, cheeks,neck, and chest. With experience, the lowerlids and upper lids may also be tightenedwithout surgery. Large pores, melasma, andpoor skin tone can all be tightened with nowminimal down time (three to four days, alsoknown as a “weekend lift”). Patients have had the procedureon Friday and been back to work Monday withmakeup and no problems.
Candidates include people with aged and wrinkledskin, acne, sun damage or those wanting to be a little“tighter” with improved texture.
The procedure is performed under oral sedation withtopical anesthesia placed on the face for one hour. Thepatient is brought in by a family member, significantother or by our in–house driving service. The topicalnumbing medicine is applied, and laser glasses are applied.Depending on the fraction used, the Smart XideDot Therapy is then performed. Most patients reportfeeling almost nothing to a slight stinging sensation. Aftercompletion, the patient’s skin is cooled and withinhalf an hour the patient is allowed to go home. A regimentedpost–op recovery skin care program is initiatedand the patient is back at work within three orfour days.
The side effects are minimized with DotTherapy — much like moderate sunburn withfacial dryness and tightness. Special ointmentsare prescribed to offset the dry feeling, andmakeup can generally be worn three or fourdays later. Within several weeks the patient willnotice a smoother skin and, according to most,a decrease in the overall need for foundation/cover–up.
Results are seen within a week afterpeeling has commenced and include a glowing,natural appearing face, decreased pigmentation,tightness and sometimes the relief of activeacne. Long–term results include wrinklereduction of sun damaged skin, decreasedmelasma and in general, a refreshed shiny lookto an otherwise ruddy face.
If you are ready for a procedure to refresh,rejuvenate and revitalize without all the burdens ofdown time, the Fractional Co2 resurfacing is here now—Smart XIDE Dot Therapy is only available at The Plasticand Cosmetic Center. Please feel free to call and scheduleyour appointment today to get readyfor that healthy, wrinkle free glow togo with that summer outfit.
