Fractionated Carbon Dioxide (CO2) (Known as Fraxel® or DOT Laser) for Wrinkles, Brown Spots and Acne Scars

Fractionated carbon dioxide lasers can improve aging skin, sagging, wrinkles, brown spots and scars.

One of the greatest breakthroughs in laser surgery in the last 15 years, fractionated carbon dioxide lasers treat these conditions with faster healing times. Dr. Shim has had a great deal of experience in traditional carbon dioxide full-face laser resurfacing and is very pleased to offer these treatments in the Santa Monica office.

Fractionated carbon dioxide laser is the latest generation of fractionated lasers, and is more effective than the previous generation, known as fractionated erbium, which does not address wrinkling and sagging as well.

This laser precisely creates small wounds in the skin, while leaving areas of untreated skin in between, hence the term "fractionated" or DOT laser. Upon creating these microscopic areas of injury, damaged skin is removed and the rest of the skin is tightened immediately. Because some skin is left untreated, healing times are faster than the traditional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, where all skin is removed. Over time, new collagen is formed to further improve skin tone and the appearance of wrinkles and scarring.

There are several ways to customize these laser treatments for your lifestyle. Most patients prefer minimal downtime treatments (generally 2 to 10 days of redness) repeated every 2 to 6 months, and undergo at least 2 to 3 treatments. Some patients, particularly older patients with more sagging, may prefer to undergo stronger treatments where there is a longer downtime, but more tightening. Patients undergoing treatments for brown spots or acne scars may repeat treatments every 4-6 weeks. We use the KTP laser for these conditions as well. Please visit our "Laser Treatments" page for more information.

We use the SmartXide Deka DOT laser which is a competitor of the Fraxel® laser. The DOT laser allows us to customize our treatments to the needs of our patients, and its lack of disposable tips makes it more environmentally friendly. For more information please visit the website dottherapy.com