Smart Xide Dot CO2 Laser Treatment - Pigmentation

The treatment of photo-ageing has been a challenge for some time.  Laser treatments with the CO₂ laser have been the gold-standard since the early 1990s.  The efficacy of this did not come without problems, resulting in significant morbidity and downtime in the post-operative period, often lasting between three to six weeks.  Ablative CO₂ laser treatment results in persistent redness in the majority of patients lasting longer than the immediate recovery period.  Other side-effects include delayed onset post treatment hyperpigmentation and scarring.  Faced with the significant side-effects of ablative lasers, and the disappointing response with non-ablative lasers, new ground was found where clinical effects could be achieved with a reasonable side-effect profile.  With the development of fractionated lasers, whereby a pattern of epidermal damage is created, the Smart Xide laser is one of the lasers that represents the latest in tissue rejuvenation laser technology.

Benefits

• Reduces aged and sun-damaged skin
• Reduces acne scars
• Reduces wrinkles
• Tightens skin 
• Dramatic results compared to other procedures
• Reduces brown spots and discoloration
• Improves skin tone

Alternatives

Chemical peels, Gemini laser  and Fraxel® Restore Dual.

How Does it Work?

The Smart Xide Dot is a fractionated CO₂ laser.  The light from this laser is able to stimulate skin rejuvenation through collagen production, only hitting small areas and depth due to the dot technology.  This is due to microbeams only targeting a proportion of the skin surface at one time, which promotes faster healing and a resultant skin tightening and stimulation of collagen production, creating a younger and softer-looking skin.  One to two treatments are required depending on the clinical presentation of the patient.

Who is a Candidate?

Most patients, except those with very dark skin types.

What Can I Expect?

The majority of patients observe that their skin tone is increased and there is also a dramatic reduction of wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.  Fine lines are improved and heavy lines.  Skin tone is tighter.

Safety and Side-Effects

Limitations and risks associated with the procedure may include, but are not limited to:

• Pain
• Mild sunburn sensation
• Flaking
• Scarring - minimal risk here due to the fractionated component of the laser.
• Bleeding - laser treatment may cause some pinpoint bleeding which will not leave any lasting effects.
• Scabbing - a scab may be present
• Redness and swelling - will vary depending upon your skin and the treatment.

Recovery Time

Clinical downtime is up to three days, and social downtime around five to ten days.

Does it Hurt?

Patients require topical anaesthesia and for deep wrinkles, nerve blocks to the involved sites.  The procedure can also be performed under local sedation.

Before Treatment Instructions

 Stop all prescription creams, lotions, skin care products containing Retin-A derivatives and hydroxy acids for five days before your treatment.  If there is any history of facial cold sores (herpes), you must be commenced on antiviral medication two days prior to the treatment, and for a further seven days after that.  You will also be commenced on a course of systemic antibiotics as well.

Post Treatment Instructions

• You may experience a mild sunburn feeling that can last the remainder of the day
• Redness and swelling after your procedure are common and may last for 24 - 48 hours.  The swelling may vary anywhere from mild to severe, depending on the size of the area treated and the location.  Swelling will rarely continue longer than ten days.  Redness should improve significantly in 2 - 3 weeks.
• Applying ice packs intermittently for the first 24 hours after treatment will help reduce these side-effects.  Ice packs should be placed on the hour, every hour for 15 minutes at a time following your procedure.
• The following day, wash your skin with very mild cleanser in tepid water.  Gently pat skin dry with a towel.  Do not rub, scratch or pick at the treated area.  Please use the cream and cleanser as supplied by our laser nurse. 
• Make-up can be worn if there are no visible scabs or blisters.
• Do not use any products containing Retinoic acid, Alpha hydroxy acids or glycolics for up to six weeks after your treatment.
• If you have been using Hydroquinone, re-commence this three weeks after treatment as instructed.
• Itching, flaking and dryness are also common.  Your skin will naturally exfoliate as the rejuvenised skin replaces dead tissue.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for up to four weeks.
• Healing time will normally last one to two weeks depending on the area treated.

Who Performs the Treatment?

Dr McKerrow.