SmartxideDOT™ DEKA

This is a laser treatment to treat the surface of the skin using cutting-edge technology referred to as fractionated Co2 laser.  The laser can be used to treat: wrinkles, lines, crépy skin, pigmentation marks, remove non-cancerous moles, acne scarring, oily and open pores.

The areas commonly requested for treatment are the face, around the eyes, around the lips, the neck, hands and other localised body areas.

The laser light at a very specific wavelength treats a larger surface area eg 1.5cm² with tiny areas that are bored out (ablated) within the treatment area, thus normal ie your own untreated tissue is left in between. Tiny “perforations” created by the laser light produces an intense and rapid healing response causing skin contraction/retraction and laying down of new collagen and elastin in the dermis.  The dermis i.e. the living layer of skin goes into rapid healing and then behaves in a normal, more youthful way.

Because a reasonable sized surface area can be treated in a second, larger surface areas can be treated quite rapidly. For example, treatment around the upper and lower eyelids can take as little as 10 minutes and a full facial treatment in under 30 minutes.

No laser treatment should be undertaken lightly. Your suitability, skin type and any anticipated problems specific to you will be identified at the consultation.  In general, lighter pigmented skins tend to be a little easier to treat, with oriental, Asian and black skins on occasion proving more challenging.  However, the SmartxideDOT™ has been used on a spectrum of all skin types and has been shown to have a high safety profile.  All laser treatments run the risk of depigmentation, hyperpigmentation, breakout of shingles or cold sores, possibly infection, prolonged redness or inflammation.  It is essential to not sunbathe in the weeks prior to your treatment and to resist direct strong sunlight for 6-8 weeks after, whilst ensuring wearing an SPF50 for the first six weeks.  Due to the nature of the technology, fractionated lasers have been proved less of a hazard for pigmentation problems, however all the basic principles should always be adhered to.

Some laser procedures can be very uncomfortable and require a general anaesthetic.  However with the SmartxideDOT™, the vast majority of patients can be treated reasonably comfortably with a special topical anaesthetic that is applied for 30 minutes prior to the treatment; some painkillers taken by mouth on a few occasions, a little oral sedation can also be administered if you require.  You do not need to stay in hospital and can travel home immediately thereafter.

Immediately after the treatment you will look a bright salmon pink. The treatment area will feel extremely warm.  Ice packs will be applied until you get home and we would advise that you have ice packs in your freezer at home ready for your return.

Swelling and redness all vary from individual to individual, however certain areas such as around the eyes swell quite significantly. Most eye treatments you would expect to be swollen for 3-5 days.  Thereafter you should expect some redness for a further 5-10 days depending on intensity of the treatment. This can be disguised with makeup.  You will be required to apply an antibiotic cream and a special oily ointment for 2-3 days. Most essentially an SPF50 during the day for the Next 6-8 Weeks.

The beauty of the SmartxideDOT™ fractionated Co2 system is its great versatility.  Many patients will not be keen to have a one-off treatment with more downtime, however the preference is yours.  If you wish to have less downtime, we suggest you have a “softer” treatment on each occasion with successive treatments anywhere from 8-18 weeks apart depending on your diary.

The goal of the treatment is to IMPROVE the surface of the skin from its pre-existing state. Please note, the more sun damaged, aged, thin your skin is, albeit due to lifestyle, sun exposure, premature ageing, poor diet etc. the more challenging the treatment will be and the more realistic your expectations must be. Acne scarring can only be improved and not eradicated. You will be guided through your treatment option plans on the day of consultation and given a plan as to whether you will need one, two or three treatments and a price accordingly.

The cost of the treatment will depend on which area you are having treated,  the intensity of the treatment and how many treatments overall you will need. Eg treatment directly around the eyes for a one-off moderate treatment will be £500.00 and a subsequent second treatment approximately £400.  A moderate full facial treatment will be between £1000-£1250 and a second similar treatment approximately £900-£1000.  This information is meant to act as a guideline only and a more comprehensive price list will shortly be available.

SmartxideDOT™ can complement any other treatments you may be undergoing.  However, we will advise you on the time interval between injectable treatments and laser resurfacing.