Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing with SmartXide DOT. Initial Results

INTRODUCTION The natural ageing process together with exposure to the sun and pollution leads to a gradual deterioration of the skin’s structure and function. This is mainly evident at the level of the epidermis and the upper papillary dermis, with a tissue laxity and skin that appears more lined, often accompanied by telangiectasias, wrinkles, and dark spots. Resurfacing with ultra-pulsed CO2 has always been considered the first choice of treatment for rhytids and photo-damaged facial skin. However, due to the lengthy recovery times and frequent complications, very few patients agree to undergo this type of operation. Besides the usual recovery time required for oedema, burning, scabs and erythema which may often last for months, there is also a high incidence of complications connected with hyper-and hypo-pigmentation, scarring, HSV infection (fig. 1), outbreaks of acne (fig.2), milia formation, and dermatitis.