I had the SmartXide Deka Dot laser resurfacing at the new Vista complex today. Dr. Schneider met with me to discuss what the nurse would be doing and details of the procedure. He answered all my questions and concerns. After the nurse thoroughly applied a thick layer of numbing cream, Dr. Schneider later did numbing injections. I was taken to the lasering room a few minutes later where I laid down, the numbing cream was removed, had goggles applied and we began. I had the entire face and neck lasered. The laser head had just been replaced and it was a bit uncomfortable. I'd had the procedure a few years ago and could really tell the difference. Also, the air machine wasn't in service so I didn't have that added benefit either. Since it became so uncomfortable, Dr. Schneider suggested the addition of nitrous oxide which helped tremendously. He asked if I was doing ok throughout the procedure and made sure I was tolerating everything well. When he finished, the nurse removed the numbing cream and we went back upstairs where a thick layer of Aquafor was applied. I was provided aftercare instructions and will have a follow up appointment in a few days. My face feels a bit hot and tight immediately afterward. Updated on 9 Apr 2021: Upsdate to laser resurfacing 2 days ago:. It has been a bit rough. This is my 3rd time having this treatment and so far this is the roughest. I slept NONE the first night due to intense burning and none last night due to intense itching. I started vinegar baths late yesterday evening and had two today. They seem to help and burning/ heat has subsided. I am still itching and finally took a prescription pill for itching but it's still quite itchy. It's still pretty red and crusty as today's picture shows. Also, I determined all the "bleeding" I thought I had Wed. night was actually from getting up in the middle of the night and misting refrigerated Avene purified spring water on my face about 3 different times trying to stop the burning. It ran down my blood crusted face and got all over my clothes. I won't be doing that again! Still laying a pretty heavy coating of Aquafor on my face and neck and looking forward to the scabbing falling off. Updated on 10 Apr 2021: I continue with vinegar baths and heavy coating of Aquafor. Heat and burning have almost stopped, but still itching. I still haven't washed my hair and it's a mess. Looking forward to scabbing peeling off. Thankfully, most of the swelling has subsided and my eyes are open and I can completely open my mouth now and eat and drink now where before it was pulled tight and surrounded with "crust.". I've been sleeping upright in a recliner and will until I can discontinue Aquafor, which is tomorrow. This is my third time having this procedure and the worst. I feel it's from the laser having just been recharged and being at full total power. The surgeon said there's a piece of tubing that wears out that is sent off and redone and it was just like having a new SmartXide Deka Dot machine. I believe it. Previously, numbing cream and injection blocks were enough but I had to have nitrous oxide this time to complete the procedure. Updated on 11 Apr 2021: I had to get up at midnight and do a venegar bath due to itching. Thankfully peeling is progressing. I started with the aftercare kit that was provided by the surgeon's office which contained their brand of cleanser, peptide gel, balm and sunscreen. The peptide and balm were VERY small ( ,50 ounce)so I ordered SkinMedica TNS ceramide cream which I've used before post laser. Feels I've been stuck at home forever. Updated on 12 Apr 2021: Still peeling and itching, which is normal and expected. I have a few raw places where it has peeled that I apply hydrocortisone on. I'll be glad when I can go out in public again! Hubby is shocked and kerps asking why I do this even though he's been thru it with me twice before. Lol. Updated on 12 Apr 2021: Peeling and itching continue, which is normal and expected. Hubby keeps asking why I keep doing this ( my third SmartXide treatment). I have a few raw places where it has recently peeled and my neck and sides of face feel like sandpaper. I'll be glad when I can go out in public again. Will have recheck with surgeon the day after tomorrow. Updated on 13 Apr 2021: Peeling is progressing and pink, rawish skin peeking thru. Itching is finally subsiding and not keeping me awake at night. I'm including a picture of my neck today, it hasn't been bad at all. Recheck is tomorrow. Updated on 15 Apr 2021: Surgeon recheck went well yesterday and surgeon said I'm healing nicely. All scabbing came off yesterday but skin feels like sandpaper. It's VERY red (even redder than it looks in the pictures). No itching, just waiting for redness to subside now. Updated on 26 Apr 2021: Peeling has stopped and only minimal redness remains. My skin texture is smoother, cannot tell a big difference in neck yet. I'm using SPF 50 religiously on my face and neck and purchased SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream moisturizer. So far, I am pleased with the results. Updated on 8 May 2021: One month SmartXide Deka Dot lasering. Skin continues to be smoother and I'm pleased with the results. Dr. Andrew Schneider is very professional and I trust him completely. I am looks ng forward to continued improvement as collegen builds.
I had the Deka Dot laser resurfacing with Dr. Andy Schneider at Forsyth Plastic Surgery in Winston Salem, NC for general superficial signs of aging (dark spots, light lines and wrinkles, under-eye puffiness). The staff, including Dr. Shcnieder, was AWESOME and very quick to respond to emails/questions promptly---Dr. Schneider even responded while on vacation! The procedure was painless with numbing and just some general tightening, scabbing, peeling afterwards. It did improve the texture and luminosity of my skin and I am glad I did it. The only drawback is residual "laser tracks" below each eye even now were the undereye are was treated aggressively for the puffiness and bags there. The Deka Dot made very little difference in these areas. I am now scheduling under eye bleph. for this. But overall, the procedure was worth it and I would do it again. Updated on 23 Mar 2014: I wanted to stress that the procedure was WORTH IT and I'd do it again (the doctor and staff are great), I was not warned of the possibility of permanent laser marks. I have read of similar experiences on this board and seems more lasering is the only way to remove them. I am not happy about that.