SmartXide DOT Fractioned CO2 Laser

What is SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser?

Carbon Dioxide or CO2 laser is considered the gold standard to treat wrinkles, acne scars, scars, skin laxity, and sun damage by fully ablating or injuring the skin. Instead of fully ablating the skin, the SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser punctures small dots into the skin, which generates new collagen and tightens the skin. The normal skin between the dots enables the skin to heal faster. Results can be seen four to six months later. Furthermore, the SmartXide DOT fractionated CO2 laser can be customized by adjusting the treatment depth and energy applied. Patients can opt to treat the full face, neck, eyelids, and perioral area.

How does SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser work?

The SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser works by placing heated, micro dots into the skin. This mechanism tightens collagen while generating new collagen. The normal skin between the dots enables the skin to heal faster. The SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser is one of the best treatments for wrinkles, especially on the lower eyelids and around the mouth, and scars.

How do you prepare for SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser?

Patients are advised to arrive 45 minutes before the procedure for photos and topical numbing. Side effects of the laser include redness, swelling, and discomfort, which subsides after 4 days. After the procedure, patients are encouraged to constantly apply a heavy moisturizer to heal the skin, wear sunscreen, and avoid sun exposure for at least four weeks. Patients with a prior history of cold sores should inform the providers at New Bloom Dermatology of their history, as anti-viral medication can be prescribed to prevent cold sore breakouts as a result of the procedure. Furthermore, patients who have completed an Accutane^® course should wait 6 months after their last dose before starting this procedure. Patients with a prior history of keloids or hypertrophic scars are not candidates for this procedure.

Who is a candidate for SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser? Who is not a candidate?

Patients who are seeking treatment of wrinkles, especially on lower eyelids and around the mouth, and scars, including acne scars, are candidates for SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 laser.

SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser should not be used in patients who are pregnant, have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scars, or who have taken accutane/isotretinoin within the past six months. Furthermore, darker skin types are not candidates for SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser, as there is an increased risk of hyperpigmentation.

What can you expect during SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser?

Patients are advised to arrive in the office 45 minutes before the procedure for topical numbing. They are also recommended to avoid alcohol, advil, alleve, aspirin, and fish oil 48 hours before the procedure to limit any possible bruising. Patients with a prior history of cold sores should inform the providers at New Bloom Dermatology, as anti-viral medication can be prescribed to prevent cold sore breakouts as a result of the procedure. Sun exposure should be avoided before and after the procedure is performed for at least four weeks.

What are the side effects of SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser?

Side effects of SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser include redness, swelling, bruising, discomfort, mild skin peeling, and pinpoint bleeding, which takes four to five days to resolve. Pink discoloration can last on the skin for up to four to six weeks, but can be covered with makeup. Patients also may experience acne breakouts and are prescribed oral antibiotics for one week to prevent these breakouts. Rare side effects include scarring as a result of aggressive treatment settings.

What are the aftercare instructions for SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser?

Patients can ice the areas to help decrease the redness and swelling. They are also recommended to constantly moisturize the treatment areas to help the skin recover. Finally, patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for four weeks after treatment to avoid hyperpigmentation.

In the past, these lasers required two weeks of downtime for the patient to recover. The SmartXide DOT fractionated CO2 laser utilizes CO2 technology, but reduces the downtime to 4-5 days.

Immediately after this laser is performed, patients can opt to have exosomes applied on top of the skin to help decrease downtime and enhance the skin’s recovery. Additional information regarding exosomes can be found here.

When will I notice results from SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser? How many treatments are needed?

Patients are recommended to complete a minimum of two treatments, spaced out at least four weeks later. Full results are visible three to six months after the last treatment as a result of the wound healing response and collagen formation. Patients can opt to do maintenance treatment for wrinkles once a year. Patients with deeper acne scars may require additional sessions.

What are the potential costs for SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser?

Please contact the office at (212) 207-0078 or info@newbloomderm.com for single treatment and package pricing.

How is SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser different from the other treatments offered?

SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser uses heat and mechanical energy to initiate the wound healing response. It is the strongest laser available that is used to treat scars and wrinkles, especially on the lower eyelids and around the mouth. Patients, especially those with darker skin types, can consider Microneedling + Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for the same indications with less downtime and risk of hyperpigmentation. Patients with acne scars who prefer shorter downtime may consider Sylfirm X RF microneedling or Excel V Laser, specifically Genesis^™ V. Patients with fine wrinkles who prefer shorter downtime can consider LaseMD^™ or Clear and Brilliant^® Touch Laser. Furthermore, patients with dynamic facial wrinkles as a result of muscle movement can consider neuromodulators such as Botox^®, Daxxify^®, Dysport^®, Jeuveau^®, and Xeomin^®.
Before any treatments are scheduled, a cosmetic consultation is required to ensure that SmartXide DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser is an appropriate treatment.