Fractionated CO2 (DOT) Laser

The Dermal Optical Thermolysis (DOT) Fractionated CO2 Laser is an extremely effective treatment for improving skin anywhere on the face or body. DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser treatments are performed at our office in Santa Rosa, CA.   Additionally Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery offers the LitePeel, a no-downtime treatment using the DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser.

DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser therapy is recommended by Dr. Greg Chernoff to address deep wrinkles and other skin imperfections, such as scars, blotchiness, and sun damage.

DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser is an excellent skin improvement therapy for a variety of skin conditions. Dr. Greg Chernoff and his skincare professionals can advise you if this advanced laser therapy is right for you.

What is DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser & What Skin Conditions Does It Treat?

Fractionated CO2 laser treatment utilizes a “dot” pattern to create thousands of microscopic perforations in the skin while leaving the areas around each “dot” intact. It will create many microscopic holes, tightening the skin and generating new collagen growth for visible improvement in your skin.

DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser Therapy can be safer than most cosmetic surgeries and can be more efficient than injectables such as dermal fillers or BOTOX® Cosmetic. Patient sedation is not necessary unless desired as a topical anesthetic is used during treatment. DOT Therapy can also be safe for patients with most skin types including delicate skin.

DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser and the LitePeel have numerous skin improvement benefits, including improvements in:

  • Acne
  • Age spots
  • Blood vessels
  • Pore size
  • Scars
  • Sun damage
  • Skin pigmentation
  • Skin quality and texture
  • Stretch marks

Dr. Chernoff advises his patients that not everyone is a good candidate for DOT Fractionated CO2 Laser. Patients with more pigment in their skin may require a skin test to ensure the treatment will be safe for their skin. In some cases, patients with darker skin are better candidates for other treatments with less risk of hypo-pigmentation such as Microneedle Radiofrequency, Aerolase, SaltFacial™ or a combination of multiple treatments.

At your consultation, Dr. Chernoff will provide options and explain the benefits of each treatment.

How Does DOT Fractionated CO2 Work?

Once the procedure begins, the laser will place a pattern of tiny scanned energy pulses on the skin. It will create many microscopic holes, tightening the skin and generating new collagen growth right away.

Most people do not experience pain, as topical numbing is usually used. The treatment feels more like a warm sensation.* For those patients who are more sensitive or feel nervous to have the treatment, our office has an option called PRO-NOX™ that is administered during the treatment. PRO-NOX is similar to what is offered at dentist offices.

Patients may feel as if they have a sunburn following treatment. The recovery time will depend on the setting used for treatment. There may be no downtime required following a LitePeel treatment for individuals with minimal sun damage and only a small decline in skin elasticity. Other patients may benefit from a deeper treatment that will have a day or two of redness. Patients can resume activities directly following the treatment.*

Dr. Chernoff shows how PRO-NOX helps with pain during procedures at the office. Take a look at Dr. Chernoff as he uses PRO-NOX on a patient during the DOT Laser.

For patients with severe sun damage, wrinkles, stretch marks or age spots, more aggressive treatments may require one to three days of recovery time. Aggressive treatments may cause a moderate sunburn-like appearance and swelling.* Based on how patients feel regarding their appearance will determine how soon they return to their routines.

Aftercare instructions will be provided to help you care for your treated skin. DOT therapy is a highly effective, in-office procedure that involves minimal recovery time with minimal risk for complications.*

Prior to any treatment or procedure, Dr. Chernoff or one of our trained and certified Health Care Providers determine if you are a candidate, review the risk and benefits, and provide all possible treatment alternatives.

What Results Can You Expect?

Dr. Chernoff has administered DOT Therapy and the LitePeel on many of his patients, which has accumulated exceptional results including:

  • Brighter and healthier skin
  • Decrease in pore size
  • Decrease in scars, including acne or stretch marks
  • Decrease in wrinkles
  • Decrease in eyelid laxity (drooping)
  • Improvement in skin texture and elasticity

During your consultation, Dr. Chernoff and our clinical staff will explain the treatment, recommend a plan, and discuss what results you can expect.