FAQ's
Your Questions - Answered!
Our SmartXide laser emits light in a pixelated fashion to you skin creating small columns of thermal injury to the epidermis (top layer of skin) and dermis (second layer of skin). This small amount of injury to your skin tissue stimulates the process of collagen remodelling and promotes elastic tissue formation.
The SmartXide is suitable for both men and women and can significantly improve the appearance of skin. The first step in treatment involved a thorough consultation to assess your concerns and ensure you are suitable.
Treatment sensation varies from individual to individual. You can expect a slight ‘stinging’ sensation but most people find it tolerable. Anaesthesia is not required.
This varies depending on the intensity of your treatment. You can experience nothing other than mild redness for a few hours, or in the case of a very deep peel, up to several days of downtime. This downtime may include redness and a feeling similar to sunburn. With a deep peel, it is also normal to experience swelling, particularly around the eyes. Swelling may be present for up to 4 days after treatment.
For a few days following treatment, your skin will form a ‘micro-crust’ and will have a bronzed appearance. The skin will also feel quite tight and it is important that your skin does not dry out (using Vaseline will help avoid this). The length of downtime will vary depending upon the density and depth of the treatment. We will carefully discuss you treatment goals and expected downtime during a consultation.
It takes about 30 mins to treat the full face. However some pre and post treatment care is required and you will need to be at the clinic for about 2 hours.
We will provide you with aftercare instructions. Please refer to this for guidance. In case of a deep peel, you may wish to arrange a few days off work. It is best not to apply makeup for a few days. It is also important to avoid prolonged sun exposure and you should apply sun protection (minimum SPF 50) everyday, whatever the weather.
The number of treatments required is dependant on the exact type of treatment chosen. The SmartXide offers a ‘Soft Laser Peel’ and a ‘Deep Laser Peel’. A Deep Laser Peel delivers the greatest improvements for lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity and requires the fewest treatments. However, the downtime post treatment is longer. Typically, only 1 session is needed though some people do opt to repeat treatment after 6 months for further improvement. Milder treatments will require follow up sessions after 4-6 weeks until desired results are achieved.
Prior to treatment, a consultation is conducted in which a medical history is taken to confirm suitability for treatment. This is also a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. Before treatment commences you must provide written consent and a small test patch will be carried out.