SmartDOT™ Facial

The Aging Face

Natural aging begins in about the mid-20s (although the signs don't become visible for many years). Dead skin cells shed a little more slowly. Production of collagen slows and the skin loses some of its elasticity. Eventually, fine lines and wrinkles appear. The skin thins and becomes more transparent. Underlying fat pockets shrink, causing a loss of skin “plumpness.”

Natural aging is influenced by our genes. Some people seem to look older at a young age, while others maintain their youthful looks for decades. However, external factors can hasten skin aging. One of the most important influences on skin aging is sun exposure. Other factors that may accelerate the appearance of facial aging are smoking, gravity, facial expressions and sleeping position.

Restoring Youthful Looks: Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing involves the use of laser light to promote the development of new, healthy skin cells. The first type of laser to be used for skin resurfacing was the CO2 laser. It’s considered an ablative technique because the laser light removes (ablates) a layer of skin. CO2 resurfacing is a very intense treatment. Patients may experience pain during and after treatment, oozing and crusting of the skin and itching. Healing can take up to 14 days.

More recently, non-ablative lasers have been developed, These lasers target the cells under the skin, but leave the surface of the skin intact. Healing time is more rapid, but several treatments are needed to achieve good results.

Last year, more than 570,000 laser resurfacing procedures were performed in the U.S. Nearly 18 percent were done with ablative lasers and 82 percent were done with nonablative lasers.

SmartDOT™

One of the newest laser rejuvenation systems is the SmartXide DOT™. DOT stands for “Dermal Optical Thermolysis.” It uses a CO2 laser and ablative techniques. But instead of targeting a wide area, SmartDOT creates tiny, microscopic “holes” that penetrate deep into the skin, similar to a polka dot grid. That leaves a margin of surrounding skin untouched and only pinpoint areas to heal.

Prior to getting a SmartDOT procedure, a topical numbing cream is placed on the face. As the SmartDOT laser is applied, cold air is blown across the face to maintain patient comfort. Doctors can vary the intensity of the laser so some areas can be treated more aggressively than others. Afterward, cold compresses are used to reduce the stinging. Deborah Sarnoff, M.D., Dermatologic Surgeon in Greenvale, NY, says most patients say it feels like a mild sunburn.

Sarnoff explains the treatment stimulates the production of new collagen and leads to healing and tightening even in the areas of healthy skin between the “dots.” The small areas of damage heal very rapidly and there is little down time. The first day or two patients may have a little crusting or bronzing of the skin. Patients are advised not to use face make-up for a few days, until the new skin comes in. Further improvement can be seen as much as nine months later.

Sarnoff says another fractional laser resurfacing system is available. However, that system requires several treatments to cover large areas. SmartDOT typically takes only one treatment. In addition, SmartDOT can also be used on other areas of the body, like the neck and hands.

For information about SmartDOT™, or to find local provider, go to http://www.eclipsemed.com.

For general information on aging skin and cosmetic procedures: American Academy of DermatologyAmerican Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryThe American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery