Fractional lasers changed the landscape of skincare when they were first introduced in 2004. A number of these tools are now available, but at the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, in Redlands, CA, we are especially excited by the DEKA DOT Fractional CO2 laser. It safely vaporizes damaged skin to promote a fresher and more youthful appearance – without damaging surrounding tissues.
What Is the DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser?
To understand this laser, it is first necessary to understand fractional laser resurfacing. Patients hoping to correct common concerns like fine lines, scars, and sun damage choose laser resurfacing because it is highly effective. Treatment targets only a portion (or fraction) of skin at one time. Each targeted area receives tiny zones of laser energy that penetrate below the surface and into the skin’s second layer, known as the dermis.
The DEKA DOT elevates fractional laser technology by injuring the skin in patterns known as micro ablative columns (MACs). Surrounding tissue, or that which isn’t treated is preserved to enhance your treatment comfort. This unique approach also promotes more rapid healing and collagen remodeling.
How Skin Changes Over Time
Every part of the body changes with age, but the most visible effects happen to the skin. Hormone fluctuations can reduce facial volume, while the body’s natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid dramatically drops. Collagen and elastin give skin its firm shape and youthful bounce. Hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, delivers a radiant glow by keeping skin smooth and hydrated.
While all three components are crucial to skin health, collagen is often considered the most important. Production starts slowing around age 25, but the DEKA DOT Fractional CO2 laser ignites new collagen formation by “injuring” the skin. This is a deliberate component of treatment that leverages the body’s natural healing abilities to create softer, younger-looking skin.
What Is Collagen Remodeling?
Collagen remodeling is the process of promoting new collagen production while also tightening and rearranging existing collagen fibers. These two acts work synergistically to produce supple skin free of damage. Skin’s underlying supportive network is also made stronger and firmer as collagen fibers reorient and rearrange themselves.
Collagen remodeling takes place when the body believes it has been hurt, such as when you nick your finger. Fractional lasers harness this tendency and trigger collagen production by placing stress on existing fibers. The controlled injuries inflicted by these lasers disrupt the skin’s deep tissues without harming surface layers.
The DEKA DOT: A Fine-Tuned Machine
The DEKA DOT is a versatile laser with multiple settings – including density and duration – that allow us to tailor the energy delivered. We can therefore customize this therapy to meet the individual needs of each patient. And treatment sessions are quick, usually taking around 30 minutes to complete so you can get on with your day.
Thanks to the DOT emission, the laser alternates micro areas of thermal damage with untreated tissue (as mentioned earlier). Your skin will heal in a matter of days as opposed to the weeks often required with more invasive treatment. As for safety, the advanced technology behind the DEKA DOT allows it to gently but effectively ablate numerous dermatological concerns. This laser is even suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.
Expect Rapid Results
We have great news if you’re worried results will take a lengthy amount of time to develop. You’ll see visible improvements to your skin immediately after your first session. Different patients have different needs, so we can’t determine the number of sessions you’ll need until we assess your skin health. But rest assured a treatment plan will be developed to address your individual concerns.
While your face will show new vitality immediately after treatment, your skin will continue to grow thicker, stronger, and brighter in the coming months as well. These changes are in response to increased levels of collagen and elastin in the treatment area.
Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
It’s important you wear sunscreen after treatment to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays. You should already be wearing this protectant as part of your daily skincare routine, but if you haven’t yet developed the habit, now is the time to do so. Sun exposure can accelerate the body’s natural aging process and quickly deteriorate your skin’s structure. In fact, UV rays are the leading cause of skin damage and often responsible for concerns like:
- Laxity
- Skin thinning
- Brown spots
- Wrinkles and lines
The best thing you can do after treatment with the DEKA DOT Fractional CO2 laser is practice diligence. Apply sunscreen every day, even when the sky is cloudy, and avoid the outdoors during peak UV hours. Also, wear wide-brimmed hats and use umbrellas and UV-proof apparel when you will be outside. These extra steps can significantly extend your treatment results.
Treatments Are Easy
We’ll likely start your treatment by taking photographs of the areas to be treated. This allows us to compare your results over time and see the ways in which your skin has improved. We’ll also apply a topical anesthetic to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible.
During the session, our team will decide the appropriate pulse pattern and depth needed to achieve your desired results. DEKA DOT can treat more sensitive areas like those around the mouth and near the eyes, allowing us to completely rejuvenate your appearance without compromising your skin’s integrity. The FDA has approved this laser to treat:
- Uneven skin texture
- Uneven pigmentation
- Large pores
- Sunspots
- Acne scars
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
A New Gold Standard in Skincare
The DEKA DOT promotes patient comfort and safeguards surrounding skin while rejuvenating your appearance. Whether you want to tighten loose tissues or smooth away fine lines, this treatment is versatile enough to achieve a variety of results. See what this laser can do for you. Schedule your consultation today by contacting the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, in Redlands, CA.
