Would a fractionated CO2 laser like the DEKA Dot be helpful for crepey arms?

Dr. Irwin
June 30, 2012
I noticed that back in 2010 you thought the DEKA dot held promise for crepey arm skin. I am 51, fair skinned, and have slightly crepey skin on my upper arms, forearms, the crook of my arms and my elbow. I am assuming wrinkly elbows are a lost cause but hoped the other parts of my arms might be salvaged with DEKA. Have you had much success with these areas in the last 2 years?

You’re right that there’s not much data on this so I can only tell you our office’s experience in the last two years.  Our office has tried this selectively on myself and certain patients who understood that there’s a risk of seeing no improvement.    A fractionated DEKA treatment, depending on the settings, removes about 10-20% of sun damaged skin with each treatment.  On the face, neck and chest, there is usually a visible improvement with one treatment. 

On the body, a single treatment offers improvement that is barely perceptible.   If a series of 3-4 treatments are done, allowing time for full healing in between (1-2 months depending on the site), then you are approaching a 50-60% change in the skin which is almost always quite visible.   There’s no exact answer to this but I hope this helps you.   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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