A problem “grid” pattern with Smartxide DOT laser treatment.

Dr. Irwin
December 19, 2014
Hello. I had the Smartxide DOT laser done 21 days ago. I am 29 years old and was concerned about crows feet, crepey skin under eyes, some freckles and dull complexion. This laser was recommended to me over fillers and mild facial peel. After the laser I had brown dots all over my face and looked like sandpaper. I was told this was normal. As the days went on I never peeled or even had flaky looking skin. The sandpaper dots just sloughed off I guess. Is this right? Everything I've read online said I was supposed to peel. Now at 21 days, my skin doesn't look that much different. Maybe slightly tighter but the grid marks have not gone away. They look like perfect lines of large pores all over my face. My Doctor told me that it takes 3 months for the collagen to fill in these holes an my face will be tighter. In my mind it would make sense for the grids to gradually get better, not gradually become more noticeable. My freckles also didn't diminish at all. My main concern is the grids. I am so worried that I paid $1500 to have my skin ruined. Is there any truth to this 3 month thing? And if not then what can be done to try to fix these grid marks?

First of all, this sounds very frustrating!    I think it’s very confusing for consumers of these services in the U.S. and worldwide right now.     A lot of marketing and hype and not a lot of solid information.  The names of lasers and procedures are often very similar which doesn’t help.

In my opinion, while the DEKA DOT  CO2 laser is an excellent laser system (used by an experienced dermatologist), the Smartxide DOT is not at all the same.   The pixelated spot size on this laser is too large, thus the “grid” pattern.    Why make a laser where the “grid” pattern remains for months?   Difficult to know.   Having said that, it’s very likely that the grid pattern will be gone at 3 months.   If it isn’t, generally a Fraxel 1550 nm treatment could help correct that, but please stay in close touch with your dermatologist for the next 3 months until the “grid” resolves.

Also, this type of laser (the Smartxide)  is NOT good for brown spots particularly.   At age 29, generally  1-3 IPL treatments, done well should clear them up but wait until the first problem is resolved.

Hope this helps,   Dr. i

 

 

 

 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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