KISS GOODBYE TO YOUR WRINKLES, LARGE PORES, ACNE SCARS, SUN SPOTS, and SAGGING SKINS!

The fractional CO2 laser offers a superior solution for rejuvenating and resurfacing the skin. This fractional laser can be used effectively to treat fine lines and wrinkles, acne and other scars, skin pigmentation and discoloration, sun damage, pre-cancerous as well as benign lesions and uneven skin texture. The CO2 laser treatment has been the premier skin resurfacing tool for the past decade. Its primary advantage over chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or other photofacial lasers is that it tightens the skin naturally, while stimulating increased collagen production. The results approximate that of a surgical face lift without going under the knife. Surgery leaves a scar no matter how carefully a surgeon tries to hide them under the hairline or behind your ears.

CO2 laser resurfacing has been the “Gold Standard” for Non-surgical facial rejuvenation and removal of facial skin wrinkles and photoaging. With recently developed fractional CO2 laser technology, recovery time dramatically shortened, and complication minimized. Skin is treated with thousands of micron diameter laser beams which remove (ablate) the dots of areas they hit. Small areas of untreated skin next to the treated columns pull the skin tighter, stimulate new collagen growth, fill wrinkles, remove scars, and when the beams hit your pores, they are gone!

The 2000s saw the development of lasers like Fraxel, which is a NON-ablative fractional resurfacing laser.  Although it offers less downtime, the results are subtle at best.  IPLs and photofacials don't even work in my opinion. The Equinox Fractional CO2 laser is an ABLATIVE laser. Unlike Fraxel, the Equinox DOT actually removes the heated column of skin tissue and provides more substantial wrinkle removal and deep skin tightening. Also known as DOT Therapy (Dermal Optical Thermolysis), it is the ideal micro-ablative approach to skin rejuvenation. More importantly, further improvements in skin tightness and collagen density occur as a result of collagen remodeling, and your skin keeps getting tighter for up to 12 months!! 

Where else can Fractional CO2 laser be used?  Because the recovery is quick, the fractional CO2 laser may be performed on almost any body areas: Stretch Marks on buttocks, abdomen, love-handles, thighs, scars from previous surgeries or injuries, birth marks, etc.   

What is a usual treatment like? Treatment begins with 

understanding the patient’s desires and needs. The laser settings are determined by the problem the patient wishes to emphasize. While most treatments will improve skin color, wrinkles, scars, and sagging skin, you have the ability to emphasize one area over another. Superficial problems like pigment disorders or mild wrinkles are treated with closely placed DOTs. 

Deeper problems such as scars or deep skin creases are treated with fewer overall DOTs but with greater depth. Patients whose primary concern is overall skin laxity and general wrinkling are treated between the two extremes. Treatments off the face generally use similar distance between the DOTs and depth settings as the face, but dwell times approximately one half the settings of facial treatments. Upper eyelids can be done with laser eye shields in place. The area is first covered with a topical anesthetic, and Zimmer cooler is used to cool the skin during the procedure. Altogether, you should plan on about 1.5 hours for your Equinox DOT treatment.

For post-treatment care, we recommend Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment for your soap, then apply sunscreen lotion >30 SPF, followed by triple antibiotic ointment on top. You should apply triple antibiotic ointment throughout the day to keep your skin as thickly moisturized and protected as possible.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

Reverse the appearance of aged and sun damaged skin

Improve texture and firmness

Smooth wrinkles and fine lines

Reduce the appearance of acne or surgical scars

Firms up stretch marks

Decrease the visible freckles or sunspots

Reduce the number of visible pores

Renew your skin, improving texture

Proper patient skin care regime and sun protection preserves results for many years.

Approximately 3-4 days after the procedure, you will peel the upper layers of skin, revealing a fresh, new surface. After this phase, there may be some residual redness but most patients can resume their normal activities. The new collagen production doesn’t begin for 3-4 weeks after the procedure and we would like you to followup at this point.  Who is a candidate for Equinox DOT CO2 Laser Treatment? DOT therapy can be used to treat the skin of all ages, young or old, and most skin types. It is ideal to treat the signs of sun-damage including pigment irregularities, wrinkles, skin laxity/sagging, and rough texture. It also can be used to treat all types of acne scarring and stretch marks. We have several other treatments that we combine with DOT therapy to maximize results. Please call 480-788-5621 for a free consultation  to discuss this exciting, new treatment!