SmartXIDE DOT is a fractional CO2 laser system. CO2 lasers are powerful laser systems capable of significant skin resurfacing. They target specific areas in depth to resurface and rejuvenate the skin without the unwanted side effects of ablative resurfacing such as pain, extensive swelling and scabbing of the skin. By targeting a specific area to a calculated depth this treatment can be individualised to suit all patients.

By coagulating and removing columns of skin, healthy skin will heal across to avoid the risk of scarring. The new skin will be healthy, and the stimulated collagen will provide progressive improvement and tightening for at least 6 months.

A detailed consultation with your doctor will outline which areas of skin are appropriate for treatment. Treatment is suitable for all skin types and special care is only required for those patients who like tanning often. It can reduce wrinkles and improve the tone and texture of skin, reduce acne scarring, even skin tone, by treating brown patches and tighten skin particularly under the eyes and eye lids.

The number of treatments greatly depends on the severity of the problem but results will be visible even after the first treatment session. A treatment programme will be devised taking into consideration your individual needs.

CO2 Laser treatment is carried out in a minor theatre under strict sterile conditions. Full medical cover is provided at all times and your safety is assured by extensive follow up care. It is a powerful laser and treatment must be carried out by a trained and experienced practitioner to ensure that the correct area is treated at the correct levels.

A topical anaesthetic is applied for an hour before treatment. During the treatment you will experience a mild burning sensation across the skin as the laser is passed over the area. Cold air can be blown against the skin to reduce this sensation and cold compresses are applied following treatment for patient comfort.

When you arrive at the clinic you will have photographs taken and be taken through the consent form. Anaesthetic cream will be applied for up to an hour. You will be taken through to the minor theatre where your treatment will be carried out. Following this you will be sat quietly with cold packs on and be offered a drink whilst the skin cools. You will be taken through your post treatment care and any medications will be explained. Before you leave you will be given Dr Curran’s contact details should you need any advice following treatment.

You will experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour after treatment, which will gradually diminish. You will have swelling or redness, which wills last 3-5 days, depending on how extensive the treatment, has been. You will notice small dots on the skin where re-surfacing has taken place. These are all normal reactions to the treatment. The dead skin will turn dark in colour and become coarse and flaky.
Other possible side effects include: skin infections scarring Swelling, redness, burns, scabbing, blanching, blisters, pigment changes, Itching and a possible onset of herpes simplex virus.

Immediately after treatment, cooling of the skin will be carried out with cold packs. You can continue to use these at home to minimise swelling and discomfort. Hydrocortisone cream will be provided to soothe the skin and reduce redness. Acyclovir tablets will be given to prevent cold sores and antibiotic cover may be provided to reduce the risk of infection. It is essential to avoid sun exposure whilst skin is inflamed and after treatment good sun protection is essential. Creams and makeup should be avoided for the first 72 hours after treatment.

Even after one treatment you will observe improved skin tone and a reduction in lines, discolouration and scarring, but subsequent treatments are often necessary. Skin changes are permanent but the benefit will diminish with natural ageing and further skin damage.