Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment | Deka Smartxide Therapy

Are you looking to achieve visible results for your stubborn acne scars? Or are you looking at a laser to reset some of that photodamage on your skin? Or perhaps you are looking for something effective and longer-lasting for your pores, uneven skin texture, pigmentation and fine lines but don’t mind a minimal downtime. The Deka Smartxide laser may be a treatment option for you.

What is Deka Smartxide CO2 Laser?

The Deka Smartxide CO2 Laser is an advanced fractional CO2 laser produced by Deka (Italy). The treatment has two modes: fractional and fully ablative. The fully ablative mode can precisely target laser energy to unwanted skin growths such as syringomas, sebaceous hyperplasias, seborrhoeic keratoses, and viral warts.

Fractional CO2 laser technology, on the other hand, creates small channels of microscopic treatment zones (MTZs) in the skin surface, stimulating collagen production & skin renewal, tightening and collagen remodelling. In this fractionated mode, we typically treat between 4-10% of the overall skin texture treatment area, leaving the surrounding skin intact to speed up recovery and minimise complications in Asian skin types. This allows us to effectively treat acne scars and post-surgical scars, minimise the appearance of pores, improve uneven skin tone, fine lines and deep wrinkles on the face, especially periorbitally or periorally.

How does the Deka Smartxide fractional CO2 Laser Treatment work?

The Deka Smartxide fractional CO2 Laser is unique in its ability to customise treatment settings to each individual’s specific type of skin concerns. Its versatility allows us to successfully treat darker skin phototypes while minimising the side effects of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and prolonged downtimes. Within the fractionated mode, there are three other types of pulses—HP, DP, and SP—allowing us to further customise the settings to the outcomes that you desire.

In addition, the SmartXide platform is designed with safety features to minimise the risk of adverse effects while maximising treatment efficacy. These include built-in cooling mechanisms to protect the skin from laser energy and ensure comfort during treatment.

Benefits of Dexa Smartxide fractional CO2 Laser treatment

• Precision in scar treatment: the Dexa Smartxide CO2 Laser excels in treating various types of scars, including stubborn, depressed acne scars and chickenpox scars. Fractional CO2 lasers are often considered the benchmark for treating acne scars. This treatment must also be performed by an experienced doctor.
• Overall skin rejuvenation: beyond scar treatment, the Dexa Smartxide CO2 laser treatment offers comprehensive photorejuvenation, addressing issues like sun damage, dull complexion, fine lines, sagging skin and prominent pores.
• Non-invasive eyelid and perioral rejuvenation: the Dexa Smartxide fractional CO2 laser treatment provides a non-surgical solution to eyelid laxity, fine lines, and perioral lines, offering a non-surgical alternative to perioral and periorbital rejuvenation.
• Rapid recovery: the fractional approach ensures quicker body's natural healing process than traditional laser treatments, allowing you to return to daily activities in 7 to 10 days. Adjusting treatment parameters accordingly can further shorten this recovery period.
• CO2 laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD): fractional CO2 lasers create slightly wider microchannels and remain patent for a longer time, allowing for effective LADD compared to other devices such as microneedling radiofrequency or non-ablative fractional resurfacing.
• Sustained improvement of skin concerns: the treatment's effects are long-lasting, and proper skin post treatment care extends the rejuvenating results for years.

What conditions can Dexa Smartxide fractional CO2 Laser treat?

Fractional mode:

• Acne scars
• Surgical and traumatic scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Prominent pores
• Photodamage
• Laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD)

Fully ablative mode:

• Sebaceous hyperplasia
• Syringoma
• Seborrhoeic Keratosis
• Viral warts

Dexa Smartxide CO2 Laser Pricing

What is the recovery like after Deka Smartxide CO2 Laser treatment?

Immediately after treatment, the skin will feel hot, and there will be associated redness and swelling. A calming mask is applied after the procedure to relieve these symptoms.

The skin will be slightly red for the first few days, with minor swelling and discomfort. During this period, it is important to minimise direct sun exposure and moisturise/perform cold compresses frequently. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and protective clothing while outdoors.

After three days, the microscabbing on the face will become more apparent, but the redness and swelling will subside. Depending on the treatment settings, these scabs will take between 3 and 10 days to fall off and growth new, healthy skin cells.

What results can I expect from the Dexa Smartxide fractional CO2 Laser?

One week after the CO2 laser, the skin often feels smoother and looks brighter. Subsequently, you can expect a further gradual improvement in the skin's texture and appearance, mainly in the form of improvement in fine lines, pores, and wrinkles. The specific results will depend on several factors, including the condition being treated, the treatment parameters, your skin type, and your body's natural skin healing response.

Treatment various skin concerns with the Dexa Smartxide CO2 Laser can result in the following results:

• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles: collagen production and tissue regeneration to smooth out the skin, improving its texture and quality.
• Improved surgical/traumatic scar texture: scar texture and appearance are often improved after fractional CO2 laser.
• Improved acne scars: often regarded as the benchmark for atrophic acne scars, especially boxcar acne scars, the fractional CO2 laser can improve acne scars after one session, even in Asian skin.
• Reduced pore size and tightened skin: by stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin, the skin feels firmer and more taut. Enlarged pores will also improve in appearance.

While some improvement of skin concerns may be visible immediately after treatment, the full results typically develop gradually over several weeks to months as the skin continues to heal and regenerate.

How many Dexa Smartxide fractional CO2 Laser sessions are needed?

The number of Deka Smartxide CO2 Laser sessions required varies depending on your skin condition, goals, and how your skin responds to treatment. On average, two to six sessions are recommended to achieve the best results. These sessions can be spaced out to suit your schedule, as sun avoidance after CO2 laser is imperative. During the initial consultation, a tailored treatment plan will be developed to meet each patient's unique needs.

Frequently asked questions

Does CO2 Laser Remove Scars Permanently?

While it significantly reduces the visibility of any scars like acne scars, the fractional CO2 laser cannot remove scars entirely. However, improvements are long-lasting, and results are better when combined with other treatment modalities, such as radiofrequency microneedling, polynucleotide injections, TCA cross, and picosecond lasers.

Is one session of CO2 Laser enough?

For some, a single session can provide significant improvement of skin concerns, but multiple sessions are often recommended for optimal results. It also depends on the severity of the skin condition and your expectations.

How painful is the CO2 Laser treatment?

Patients may experience mild discomfort. Topical anaesthetics (numbing cream) are commonly used to minimise pain during the procedure. We also utilise Zimmer cooling to maximise comfort levels during treatment.

Can I apply moisturiser and makeup after the CO2 Laser treatment?

Yes, moisturising is essential post-treatment to moisten the scabs. Light makeup can be applied the next day. One should avoid applying retinol, retinoids, vitamin C, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid to the face until all the scabs drop off and the skin is fully healed.