Leslie: You may already know this, but so as not to confuse others I think it must be pointed out that the e-Matrix is not a LASER at all but rather a radiofrequency device. There is a fair amount of information about it on the Syneron web site-- but I don't think many units have been sold yet. I have never seen anyone provide a good argument why it would be preferable to be able to perform fractional treatments with RF energy as opposed to light energy. I am not sure what specific advantages Syneron is claiming for this device over the myriad of fractional CO2 devices already being sold and tested extensively all over the world....

Maybe I can help as we own 2 fractional lasers and the Emax. The Syneron Emax is an excellent system. I would put its results a notch below Fractional C02's but IMO, the equal of a 2940. The difference is that the Emax offers little to no downtime and we can treat skin types 4-6 with little fear of hypo/hyper pigmentation issues.

We are getting great results on fine lines, modest skin tightening, acne scars and improved tone & texture of the skin.

Brian: Do you have an opinion about which modality is your preference for more superficial conditions vs. deeper concerns? I am aware of some clinics using fractional CO2 for deep wrinkles, scars and tightening and Er:YAG for more superficial concerns such as dyschromias, etc.

Do you find either modality preferred for specific variations of (i.e., dermal, epidermal, etc.) pigmented lesions?

Also, do you have an opinion of the importance of the diameter of the microbeam (with CO2) as determinative of the depths you can safely treat to? And density vs. fluence relationships?

There are a few reasons why the e-Matrix is a unique machine. First it is a pure RF machine which is fractional, that means in theory at least, it will not produce any PIH even in darker skin type. Secondly it is a very intelligent machine because it will measure the impedence of the skin to be treated, it will tell you whether the shot is actually working or not by making a sound, if the head is not placed correctly, there will be a double beep, fired correctly, a single click sound. Please note , this is an improved feature of the table top e-Matrix. This is not available in the old system where it is mounted on the E-Max plateform which can fit different treatment heads. Thirdly, and I think most importantly is the heat profile, it is minimum on the skin surface but maximum at the lowest part of the micro zone, at a depth of around 300-400 um, depending on which program you use, there is a program A,B and C of which C is the strongest.

Now the negatives, there will be down time of erythema unless you use program A, which is rather useless. You should at least use progam B, about 35 J, and this will have erythema up to 2 days. For atrophic acne scar, you should use program C and will give you down time of 5-6 days. I have not tested program C extensively on acne scar but one of my colleague has, and he is not satisfied with the result for atrophic acne scar. I still prefer to treat acne scar with my fractional CO2 laser together with a traditional CO2 laser.

I have the co2, erbium fractional and the matrix sublative.( MS).
MS, I have quite a few of co2, and erbium, and MS.
All are good but it really depends what you are going for.

I use co2 for once a year treatment.
Excellent result. Downtime about 10 -14 days.
Erase at least 5 years.
Patients satisfaction 90%

Erbium, i offer my patients instant polish effects. My patients love the result but I dont think it will do much on acnes scars. I could be wrong, may be I have not mastered the skills yet.
Patients satisfaction 60%

MS. What I can say. It is one of my favorite toys.
I do go aggressive using M.S. because I know I will not result PIH on my patients.
I do go with program c. Never B or A.
I do go with c52 min.
I stack not pass.
Downtime 5-7 days.
But I like to share with those who are reading this.
Right after my full 200 mickey mouse zaps, I immediate apply growth factor SR serum + zimmer for about 20 minutes.
The downtime (most of the time )will cut down to 3 days.
So far I have noticed amazing skin tightening, reduction in fine wrinkles, and improve in skin texture.
But I have not seen much improvement on the acne scars.May be it may take some time to see improvement.
Patients satisfaction 80%

Yes I will continue using MS. But I will still go with my old faithful co2 for acne scars.

I was considering purchasing a co2 laser, but have seen the somewhat vague info available on the ematrix rf. Can anyone tell me the cost of the ematrix? And if you could only choose one machine for now for wrinkle reduction, etc., which would you purchase, co2 or ematrix?

Thanks for the help.

Mikayla Wilson
Beautiful Laser Center, Galveston, TX

I own the machine and also receive treatments, I am just in love with the simplicity of the machine and my results on my customers and myself have been great. I have the matrix rf, looking to get the table top soon.

The dMatrix is the most amazing machine I have ever used. Unlike traditional laser equipment, it is radio frequency which allows use for all skin types. When you have the procedure done, the patient will experience erathema for at least 2 hours. After the redness subsides you then have a "checker board" effect on the skin surface which is easily covered up by make-up powder if you choose. After a 4-7 days the skin is completely clear and looks amazing! After several treatments (3-4) for consecutive months, Skin is younger, plumper, and viod of any hyperpigmentation due to sun or acne scarring. IT IS by far the most advanced piece of equipment I have encountered thus far.

The eMatrix! not dmatrix (apologies)

Agree.

We have been dedicated to laser dermatology for 12 years, and have over 25 lasers.
The E-Matrix is truly an important departure from those that preceded it.
It produces excellent results and is almost impossible to hurt anyone.

If I was new to the aesthetic arena and wanted to offer easy and effective skin rejuvenation to an existing patient base, this is exactly the machine I would use.

Thanks
Dr.s Pien & Milgrom