CO2 is a Carbon Dioxide laser that has been used for more than 25 years in the aesthetic industry for treatment of conditions such as fine and deep wrinkles, scars of various origin, uneven pigmentation and dilated pores. When the CO2 beam of light comes in contact with the epidermis it heats and vaporizes the skin tissue, instantly removing the superficial layers of the skin, scars and wrinkles while smoothing out the surface of the skin. The skin remodeling occurs with new skin and collagen growth. MiXto stands for the mixture between CO2 energy and fractional resurfacing, and the SX stands for surgical, because the laser can also be used to make a very clean incision without bleeding.
The MiXto SX® gives the physician more control to regulate the depth of penetration and the amount of heat delivered by the beam. The high speed scanner, driven by a patent-pending algorithm divides the treatment area into four quadrants, or “fractions”, and skips the beam from quadrant to quadrant so that each strike is separated by the longest possible interval. This process is repeated until the entire area is treated. Dividing energy this way allows maximum time for thermal cooling of the tissue, less pain for the patient and faster recovery. Compared to traditional resurfacing of the past this is a big step in technology for both the patient and the physician!
The MiXto SX® is different than other laser treatments because it delivers more results in a 30-minute treatment than competitors can accomplish in 3 treatments, with less discomfort, downtime and cost.
For most patients we apply topical anesthetic and oral tylenol so they are able to drive themselves home. The discomfort is similar to bad sunburn.
The patient is red and can be swollen the next day. On the second, third and fourth day the patient is peeling and can experience a little itchiness typical to a sunburn.
Right away! When we are doing the procedure you can immediately see the skin contract and shrink. The patient will really see the benefits by the time the skin is completely peeled and will continue to see results for up to six months with new collagen regeneration that “plumps” up the skin.
There are three separate groups the MiXto SX® applies to; the younger patient with severe acne scars, the middle-aged patient with wrinkles and age spots and the older patient with wrinkles, age spots and pre-cancerous lesions.
In most cases only one, but for deeper wrinkles and acne scars two or more treatments.
It is most commonly used on the face but can be used on neck, chest, arms and hands.
