The MiXto SX is a fractional CO2 resurfacing laser that can produce dramatic results on wrinkles, brown spots, pores, scars, stretch marks, and sagging skin, without the risk of significant side effects.
Like a traditional CO2 laser, the MiXto works by ablating (vaporizing) the top layer of skin. However, because it’s a fractional laser, it delivers thousands of tiny beams to just a fraction of the skin at a time. The upshot: whereas traditional CO2 treatments could require weeks of healing or months of social downtime, depending on the depth and intensity of the treatment—mild, moderate, or aggressive, depending on the desired outcome—healing and social downtime can be reduced with a MiXto laser treatment.
Dr. Babak Farzaneh, a physician in Chino Hills, California, says “The settings can be adjusted for a mild ‘buff and shine’ treatment or deeper, for significant wrinkle reduction, so downtime and healing can range [anywhere] from three to five days to three to four weeks.” To avoid surprises, discuss your desired level of treatment and acceptable length of downtime with your provider prior to your treatment.
Be aware too, that while you may notice some immediate improvement in skin tightening from the heat of the laser, “the real action—the stimulation of fibroblasts to produce new collagen [to improve skin elasticity]—takes 6–12 weeks,” says Nashville ophthalmologist Dr. Melissa Toyos.
