DOT Therapy™ CO2 FAQ’s
What is DOT Therapy with CO2 laser?
DOT therapy is laser skin resurfacing treatment with the smartxide CO2 fractional laser. DOT therapy is a GREAT way to smooth out your skin and eliminate a number of skin problems such as photoaging, stretch marks, acne and other scars. Below are frequently asked questions and answers.
How does the DOT CO2 laser work?
CO2 fractional laser resurfacing effectively removes several layers of surface skin cells and reveals a new, fresh layer of skin when Dr. Wade applies pulses of CO2 fractional laser energy to the skin in the area being treated. The treatment uses tiny dot-like pulses and causes your skin to redden and peel for five to seven days.
What is recovery from CO2 like?
For majority of patients treated with the DOT CO2 laser, recovery can take from five to seven days. For the first fthree to four days, you will be very red and your skin will be bronzed, after three to four days your surface skin starts to peel. For this time perios, we recommend application of a skin protecting ointment like Aquaphor or Eucerin to your skin multiple times per day and ance of direct sun light. You will also want to avoid putting anything on your skin with fragrance or potentially irritating active ingredients.
By day seven, most of the peeling is finished however, you may experience mild redness for up to several weeks. We like to see all DOT CO2 patients one week and six weeks after the treatment. We encourage you to call us for any concerns before your scheduled appointment. Dr. Wade and his staff will be available to see you Monday through Thursday if you feel you need to be seen earlier than your scheduled appointment. You can also reach us via email if you have any questions or concerns. We frequently check emails all week.
What risks are involved with CO2?
The procedure is safe and well tolerated with topical anesthetic crème. Some patients experience pain and discomfort during the procedure and for 3-4 days after the treatment. There is a small risk of infection which can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Rarely, and especially in darker skin, there is a risk of brown pigmentation and scarring. Dr. Wade will discuss these risks based on your skin type and your history. Dr. Wade evaluates YOUR individual risks and may prescribe medications to reduce your risk of pigmentation or infection before the procedure. If you have very sensitive skin, you may experience mild to severe irritation- this can be managed with oral Anti allergy medication. Most of these side effects are rare.
Why would I choose DOT therapy over chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or IPL Foto-Facial?
DOT Therapy CO2 laser is able to treat much deeper than both chemical peels, microdermabrasion and IPL fotofacial which makes is the preferred treatment for moderate photoaging and mild to moderate scarring and wrinkles.DOT CO2 Therapy has a superior ability to stimulate collagen production for firmer, more supple skin with better texture and fewer sun spots, scars and wrinkles. All in just one treatment for most patients! The CO2 fractional laser resurfacing transformation is truly amazing and tightens skin in a way that the other treatments cannot.
When can I resume my normal skin care and makeup regimen?
Typically you can wear makeup five days after the treatment and resume your normal skin care regimen ten to forteen days after the procedure. Once your skin has peeled over, you may resume your gentle, non irritating makeup. To be safe, always put a dab of whatever skin care or makeup product you wish to use on your jaw line and see if you have any type of reaction to it before using it all over.
How many CO2 treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you need varies depending on the type of skin, your genetics and severity of your skin condition. Most patients with mild to moderate photoaging only need one session, patients with acne or other scars, or with moderate to severe photoaging may need two to three treatments three to six months apart.
