Have you heard about DOTS?

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Have you heard about DOTS?

DOT therapy is all the rage in aesthetic journals thanks to some savvy public relation experts. DOT, short for Dermal Optical Thermolysis, is the brand-name for SmartXide, an FDA-cleared fractional laser resurfacing procedure.

It works much like the MIXTO fractional laser facial I offer at my Sterling Heights medical spa, ACCENTS. This technology precisely delivers CO2 laser energy to targeted areas on the face, neck, chest – and can even be used to rejuvenate aging hands.

Both DOT and MIXTO place a pattern of tiny, micro-sized dots to speed healing and reduce downtime by leaving some of the skin untreated. The dots stimulate new collagen growth to:

• Reduce sun damage
• Blend blemishes and dark spots
• Smooth rough, uneven skin texture
• Control signs of aging
• Fade acne scarring
• Soften laugh lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles

Unlike traditional CO2 laser resurfacing, MIXTO laser facials are quite tolerable and most patients do not need any type of anesthesia or topical numbing prior to treatment. After treatment, most people report feeling a sun-burned sensation and say there skin feels tight. Their skin also has a dot-covered appearance and may be darker or redder than normal for a few days following each session. MIXTO treatments can safely be repeated about 6 weeks apart. Each additional session should yield even nicer changes in skin texture and tone.

At ACCENTS, we have been watching this type of fractional laser technology for awhile. In late 2007, we introduced MIXTO to our patients. Shortly after this, WebMD declared fractional laser peels to likely be the most popular skin rejuvenation procedure for 2008. Our patients love these treatments and we are thrilled that more and more celebrities and beauty buzz-makers are learning about our secret beauty booster.