Laser and Aesthetic Gurus: Calling on your expertise.

My partner dermatologist and I are seeking to improve our Aesthetic Center with the addition of a laser resurfacing modality. As novices in laser physics, we find some of the existing data confusing and would love your thoughts from the real world of aesthetics and laser technology. We are looking into fractional resurfacing technologies, including Fraxel, Affirm, Active Fx, and the nonfractional Portrait.

For a practice just starting to incorporate laser aesthetics, we're wondering if it is unwise to choose a modality like Portrait or Active Fx that involves significant downtime. BUT, we also want results, such as improvement in skin tightening, fine wrinkling, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. Any thoughts on Affirm vs Fraxel? Any ability of these lasers to improve skin laxity? Are we missing a major market by not choosing a laser that tightens skin? Thanks so much for your thoughtful consideration of this.

DermDocs

Dr. Kotras Sutton,

There is a new Fractional CO2 laser now FDA approved called the MiXto SX, by Lasering USA. This is not your father's CO2 laser. It's the first true micro-spot system, with a .3mm spot size. You can give your patients the great results of Fractional CO2 without the pain and severe downtime often associated with CO2. The best part is it has a promotional price of under $70,000 with a two year factory warranty. They will be on display at the ASDS in Chicago.

Hope this helps.

LH- what do you think of Sciton's SkinTyte? Do you use it much?

I own the Sciton erbium and will wait for the profractional to have coag with it as well. This will help it "act" more like a CO2. Please do not write that an erbium can not coagulate as you would be wrong. I have seen nice results with the coag esp for under eyes. We have hashed this out in the past.

For the new Frac CO2 lasers what is the down time and side effects?
When available in canada?
Qualifications for running machine?
I am an RN that owns 2 cosmedic laser clinics in Calgary!

I have been an avid user of the Alma PIXEL fractional Erbium 2940 nm for almost two years and have perfomed over 400 procedures on all skin types. I would certainly suggest a demo. Another nice feature of a platform system if you're new to aesthetics is one base unit and 12-13 interchangeable hand pieces depending on your needs.

www.almalasers.com

good luck!

I'd be interested to know when Canada's getting in on fractionated C02 as well.