Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing

As the body’s most exposed organ, the skin is especially vulnerable to the effects of aging, unhealthy lifestyle choices and environmental damage. The passage of time brings on wrinkles, blemishes, scarring, age spots, loose skin and other concerns that are often seen as an inevitable aspect of life. However, modern cosmetic technologies offer patients an ever-growing number of solutions that can help keep their appearance healthy and youthful.

DOT (dermal optical thermolysis) therapy is an exciting skin rejuvenation treatment performed at Physicians Laser with the SmartXide CO2 laser system. With this innovative technology, Dr. Harris can achieve beautiful results with far less discomfort or downtime than traditional laser resurfacing. DOT therapy is a safe and effective way to reverse the signs of aging or sun damage, smoothe wrinkles and fine lines, improve the appearance of scars, address textural changes and give your complexion a better glow. Contact our office in Rocklin to request a consultation.

What Is DOT Laser Resurfacing?

The SmartXide CO2 DOT is a fractional laser. This means that, rather than delivering laser energy to the entire surface of the skin at once, the laser beam is divided up into tiny but deep columns of treatment. During the procedure, Dr. Harris applies a pattern of scanned pulses of laser energy to the skin’s surface. The CO2 DOT laser precisely creates thousands of microscopic holes (DOTs) in the skin, treating both the epidermal (outer) and dermal (middle) layers of the skin to induce an immediate tightening effect and stimulate new collagen growth. Each DOT is smaller than a human hair.

How Is DOT Different From Other Types of Laser Resurfacing?

Unlike older laser technology, the SmartXide CO2 laser leaves islands of unaffected healthy tissue surrounding the microscopic DOTs. This enables your skin to heal more rapidly. DOT laser resurfacing recovery time is significantly shorter than the prolonged recovery period associated with traditional CO2 laser resurfacing, which exposes all tissue in the treatment area to the laser energy. DOT treatments are more comfortable both during the procedure and while healing, have a lower risk of complications, can be performed on more areas of the body and can be calibrated to treat multiple conditions simultaneously.

What Concerns Can I Address With DOT Laser Resurfacing?

DOT therapy is the leading micro-ablative approach to laser skin resurfacing. Using the SmartXide DOT CO2 laser system, we can address the following concerns:

• Skin laxity
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dermal lesions
• Acne scars
• Enlarged pores
• Pigmentation
• Poor skin texture
• Sun damage
• Dull complexion

Talk to your Physicians Laser doctor if you have any of these conditions. Dr. Harris has broad experience with laser skin rejuvenation treatments that range from nonablative to ablative. He can help you explore all your options to determine the treatment that will best meet your aesthetic goals.

What Can I Expect From a DOT Laser Resurfacing Treatment?

Treatment with the SmartXide CO2 DOT is performed in our office. A topical anesthetic agent is placed on the skin first to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once it has taken effect, the treatment can proceed. Dr. Harris will adjust the power, density, dwell time and DOT pattern to optimize the treatment for your needs. He will then use the handpiece to administer pulses of laser energy to the target areas. A cold compress will be applied at the conclusion of the procedure. You will be able to return home as soon as your treatment is done.

Is There Downtime After DOT Laser Resurfacing?

SmartXide CO2 DOT reduces laser skin resurfacing side effects and downtime to a minimum. After your laser treatment, your skin will be red and you may experience some peeling after about three to four days. Applying hydrating lotion after the treatment will keep your skin moist and aid in healing. It’s also important to avoid significant or prolonged sun exposure, as the laser makes your skin more sensitive to damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Makeup can be used after several days to camouflage any lingering redness. In most cases, the skin returns to its usual appearance and patients can resume normal activities in about five to seven days.

What Results Can I Expect From My DOT Laser Resurfacing Treatment?

The SmartXide CO2 DOT is the optimal laser to improve skin tone and texture, reduce brown spots and remove fine lines and wrinkles. In general, excellent results can be achieved in a single session. Most patients report noticing immediate skin tightening after their procedure. Results continue to develop in the months following treatment, as new collagen production revitalizes the skin on a deeper level. Individuals with severe wrinkling or deep acne scars may benefit from a series of DOT therapy treatments. The number of sessions required to attain optimal skin rejuvenation varies by each patient. Your personalized care plan will be discussed during your consultation at Physicians Laser.

How Long Will My Results From DOT Laser Resurfacing Last?

Results from a DOT CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can last a long time, provided you continue to take good care of your skin. However, no treatment — no matter how effective or technologically advanced it is — can stop the natural aging process and environmental factors from continuing to have an effect on the skin. Additional DOT therapy treatments may be recommended to ensure continued skin rejuvenation. A daily skincare routine, a healthy diet and regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate SPF are recommended to prolong your results.

What Are the Benefits of DOT Laser Resurfacing?

DOT CO2 laser resurfacing is growing increasingly popular with doctors and patients alike.

The numerous benefits of DOT therapy include:

• Convenient, minimally-invasive treatment
• Customizable for each patient’s specific needs
• No usage of general anesthesia
• Reduced downtime compared to other types of laser resurfacing
• Safe to use on many areas of the body
• Low risk of complications
• Results generally seen after one treatment
• Treats multiple skin concerns at once

Am I a Good Candidate for DOT Laser Resurfacing?

The SmartXide CO2 laser can safely be used on a wide range of ages and skin types. If you spent years in the sun and are now seeing the effects it can have on your skin, you may be an excellent candidate for DOT therapy. You may also be a good candidate for this procedure if you wish to address mild to moderate signs of aging or scars from acne. A consultation with Dr. Harris is required to determine whether this is the most appropriate procedure for your skin type, your concerns and your cosmetic goals.

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Schedule A Consultation With a Physicians Laser Doctor Today

Aging signs such as a dull complexion, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and sun damage can leave your skin looking older and tired in spite of your actual age. DOT CO2 laser resurfacing is a powerful way to refresh your skin and achieve a vibrant appearance that reflects how vivacious and youthful you feel inside. Dr. Harris has been a leading provider of laser skin treatments in the greater Sacramento area since 2001. If you are ready to learn more about your facial rejuvenation options and find out if this laser procedure is right for you, call our Rocklin office at 916-625-9131 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Harris.

Before and After