All lasers are not the same when it comes to skin resurfacing. When San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. D. Glynn Bolitho decided to bring in Smart Xide Dot Laser therapy to his practice, he performed his due diligence in terms of researching the science behind it before employing it in his practice.
Since its arrival, Dr. Bolitho’s aesthetic nurse specialist, Elizabeth Reed, has also performed this nonsurgical laser treatment on patients for skin resurfacing goals.
“This technology has actually been around for a few years now and the results are tried and true. Dr. Bolitho and I are both super excited about offering this to our patients,” Reed said.
Reed wants people to know that Smart Xide Dot Laser therapy, also referred to as advanced fractional CO2 technology, can help address the challenges of sun damage, acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulate new collagen. According to Reed, she’s receiving very good patient feedback.
For those who choose to have a more comprehensive treatment, Reed is noticing that patients will require about a week of downtime with side effects ranging from redness to some swelling.
Conversely, a lighter treatment may require two to three days of downtime. And patients are thrilled about the treatment options.
“I’ve had patients call and tell me they don’t want to do a super comprehensive treatment, but they want to get the benefits of the laser. So my suggestions are to split it up into two lighter sessions so they can get some nice results. We then manage the second session based on the results of the first,” she said. “It’s really great that we are able to tailor treatment to each person.”
Following laser therapy, Reed has her patients adhere to a skincare regimen in terms of an ointment and post-procedure moisturizer.
While Reed performs this procedure in her aesthetic treatment room, she also wants patients to know how the laser is also being brought into surgery. Dr. Bolitho is utilizing this advanced technology for facial rejuvenation procedures, such as facelifts.
“Dr. Bolitho is an amazing plastic surgeon and this laser is just another tool for him to employ,” she said.
While surgical facial rejuvenation can lift, tighten, and add youthful volume, laser technology can indeed resurface the skin.
“We are able to combine this so the recovery is all at once,” Reed said.
For those who are not undergoing facial surgery, Reed still does recommend a consultation so she can listen to a patient’s aesthetic goals and expectations prior to the treatment while assessing their candidacy.
Reed said an in-office treatment generally takes about two hours. First a topical numbing agent is applied to the skin, and when the skin is ready, the treatment length is 20 to 30 minutes. Following this, icing takes place for a short period of time.
“While the numbing cream prepares the skin for treatment, patients describe the therapy like a rubber band snap with heat behind it,” she said. “Your face feels a little bit warm which is why we do some cold compresses afterwards.
As far as the best times for laser treatment, Reed recommends the fall, winter, and early spring months. It’s suggested to avoid the summer months when people are retreating outdoors.
A laser treatment unleashes new fresh skin so it’s important to avoid any risk of sunburn. Reed also ensures that her patients have good solar protection instructions.
For Reed, facial rejuvenation ranges from restoring volume, minimizing wrinkles, skin texture, to skin care products, and maintenance. The Smart Xide Dot Laser therapy is another wonderful tool added to this aesthetic roster.
