Dr. Ellis has been performing ophthalmic and facial plastic procedures for over thirty years, including eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) , laser skin resurfacing, Botox for wrinkles, and dermal fillers for scars and wrinkles.
The MiXto SX Micro Fractional CO2 Laser is a revolutionary new treatment for Skin Rejuvenation that makes it possible for you to have healthy, younger looking skin with minimal post treatment down time. A single treatment can show significant improvement in skin texture and color as well as softening wrinkles.
The effect is immediate, in contrast to non ablative methods where results improve slowly over time. The ablative resurfacing’s biggest advantage is its efficacy. With one procedure, a significant reduction in wrinkles, solar lentigines, keratoses, surface irregularities, and skin laxity is noted.
With the birth of the fractional CO2 lasers there is a new alternative that revolutionizes skin resurfacing. Fractional means a fraction of the surface is treated instead of 100% (traditional).
How Mixto Sx fractional CO2 laser works?
With aging, the epidermis thins. The number of melanocytes decreases, but those remaining melanocytes, increase in size. Aging skin thus appears thinner, more translucent. Age spots may appear in sun-exposed areas. Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's strength and elasticity. Aging of the skin is associated with progressive atrophy of the dermis, as well as changes in the architectural organization, leading to folds and wrinkles.
The CO2 laser beam heats and vaporizes the skin tissue, instantly removing the superficial layers of the skin. Each fractional micro spot creates a thermal zone. Intact cells around the treated area help during the healing process. This process induces cell regeneration. Immediate tightening and textural improvement is seeing after one week of the procedure.
When the upper dermis is heated, the natural wound healing process is stimulated. The fibroblasts respond naturally producing collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans generating dermal restructuring. Mixto SX combines the acknowledged gold-standard 10.600 nm wavelength with a high-speed scanner. Using a proprietary algorithm, Mixto SX delivers in fractional mode a precise matrix of Microspots of 0.3 mm . This Fractional methodology produces a calculated tissue thermal relaxation time resulting in a faster healing process and less pain.
The result is a smoother, clearer and more youthful appearance of the skin. There is an immediate tightening. Removes sun spots, reduces pore size, wrinkles, acne scars, and other textural irregularities. There is a progressive improvement of the skin appearance due to the continue collagen production for up to 6 months following treatment.
For most patients we apply topical anesthetic and oral tylenol then they can drive themselves home. The discomfort is similar to bad sunburn.
What are the risks?
Erythema (redness of skin); the laser-treated areas have a distinctive redness representing increased blood flow due to the growth of the superficial tissue and collagen. It will gradually fade during the first few days. Inflammation (swelling); Treatment with the MiXto System presents a minimal amount of swelling that can last up to 24 hours. Hyperpigmentation (tanning); This is presented after the third day of the procedure but then begins to shed and reveal younger healthy looking skin. A personal interview and clinical examination will be conducted to obtain relevant facts about your medical and dermatologic history, and any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past. If you are prone to cold sores, you need to ask your doctor for an antivirius prescription before the treatment. Fractional Treatment with the MiXto SX has been proven safe for the face, neck, chest and hands.
How long is recovery?
Most patients are ready to go back to work the next day, but it depends on the patient and their lifestyle. Typical downtime is 4-5 days.
What is the recovery like?
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.
When do you see the results?
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.
Who is the best candidate for this procedure?
There are three separate groups the MiXto 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.
How many treatments are needed?
In most cases only one, but for deeper wrinkles and acne scars two or more treatments.
Is it just for the face or can it be used on other areas of the body?
It is most commonly used on the face but can be used on neck, chest, arms and hands.
Is the treatment expensive?
The new technology has actually brought the price down without the compromising the results. This is a non surgical procedure that can give you surgical results.
