My MiXto Experience - Orlando, FL

I just had the MiXto Laser Treatment done 2/21 @ Dr. S's office in Orlando, FL, by M. B., ARNP.

I am a 46 y.o. female and was interested in this procedure for moderate acne scarring on cheeks/lower face as well as for the tightening effects around eyes. Prior to the procedure, I met first with Dr. S for a consultation to see if this was the correct procedure for my purposes. He told me he thought it would be a great procedure for my needs, but I will probably need at least two treatments to achieve the effect I am looking forward. The cost is very reasonable, so I thought this was completely doable.

For my next appointment I met with M.B., the NP who does the MiXto procedures for Dr. S. She went over my history and asked about my expectations and what I wanted to achieve. I was prescribed Acyclovir and Doxycycline to prevent infection and the possibility of a cold sore popping up due to this procedure (though I have no history of cold sores, the virus could be latent). This was to be taken starting the day before the procedure, the day of the procedure and the day after the procedure, all 2X/day. I was told not to use any products with retinol or hydroxyacids for two weeks prior to the procedure. I washed with Dove for sensitive skin and used a plain moisturizer. The day of the procedure I was told to arrive and hour and a half before the appointment to prep for the procedure. I was given the option of a Valium and Fentynal, which I opted for (highly recommended, but you must have a driver if you do this), and numbing cream was applied all over my face except for above my eyelids, because the product cannot be used there, in case of product accidently dripping into the eye.

The procedure IS quite uncomfortable, I am not going to lie, expecially around the eyes where the numbing cream cannot be used. It BURNS like fire...but...it is not unbearable. It was more tolerable on the rest of my face, though it still hurt. I had to wear steel eye contacts for the laser work around my eyes, but the eyeballs are numbed prior to insertion and they do that area first and quickly, so that is no big deal at all. As soon as one side of the face is done, they give you an ice cold roller to use on that side while they did the other and it felt awesome. I was able to stand two passes to my entire face. I am taking pictures day by day, and when I am finished peeling I will post the results. My only disappointment is that my skin tends to break out easily and I was hoping to purchase a cream at Dr. S's that I could use instead of Aquaphor, but they were out of stock, so I am stuck with the Aquaphor, which was purchased at Walmart. The NP was gracious and told me that if I had any issues with breaking out to call her back and she would prescribe antibiotics to clear me up if that happened. I will update periodically to see if this surgery had the effects I was hoping for. I plan on definitely having a second treatment in 6 months, and I highly recommend Dr. S's team and the MiXto laser for both the cost-effectiveness and the wonderful care I received. Beyond the procedure I cannot speak for the results quite yet, but I will.

Day 2

Swollen, red face and chest area, especially the eyelid/upper eye area. Skin feels very tight and hot, like a bad sunburn, I guess. When I woke up first thing I did was hop into the shower. Let the water run on my face/chest and gently cleansed skin by laying a washcloth with Cetaphil cleanser across face and chest. The water felt soothing. Immediately applied more Aquaphor on areas after shower and took a Naproxen.

Day 3

Skin is itching and starting to peel, except for the forehead, which was done on a lighter setting; will inquire about that. The redness is lightening up. Eyelid swelling is starting to resolve.