Sponsored by Lasering USA
In 2013, I learned that the MiXto laser from Lasering USA (San Ramon, Calif.) had won in the best nonsurgical skin rejuvenation category so many times at one national aesthetic meeting that they eventually were barred from entering in order to allow someone else an opportunity to win. This is what drew me to the MiXto fractional laser system, but what sold me were the dramatic results, minimally invasive technology and the ability to perform treatments in office with little to no downtime.
Originally created to treat basal cell cancers, CO2 lasers quickly became the gold standard for facial rejuvenation. The first CO2 lasers took a scorched earth approach with associated risks, pain and side effects like hyper- and hypopigmentation. Early treatments were so painful that they required general anesthesia in an operating room setting. However, once fractional technology was introduced, marrying it to the gold standard facial resurfacing CO2 laser was a no-brainer and allowed procedures to be moved into the office with significantly less downtime, pain and side effects for patients.
There are many fractional CO lasers to choose from, but the key to successful out- comes lies in the laser’s ability to generate the maximum amount of heat in the target tissue while reducing the residual thermal damage. The MiXto’s continuous wave (CW) laser with the proprietary Chopped CW pulsing mode and patented Z scanner algorithm allows for maximal heat generation with minimal residual thermal injury, thus maximizing results while minimizing side effects.
Another advantage of the MiXto laser treatment is the longevity and permanency of skin benefits. According to one study, results after MiXto can be maintained for five years or longer.1
MiXto has been a versatile tool in my practice with the majority of patients signing up for facial or neck rejuvenation and adding on treatments for hands, scars, stretch marks and to improve the look of cellulite. MiXto has what I describe as a gas pedal.
While the majority of my patients opt for a light treatment, producing noticeable results with minimal or no downtime, we have the ability to augment treatment and target problem areas by adding additional passes, deeper heat delivery with the 180 μm spot head or increasing dwell time to allow contouring of facial planes.
Because the periorbital tissues are the thinnest skin on the face, they are particularly responsive to laser resurfacing and patients appreciate a non-invasive option for blepharoplasty. I have also recently begun augmenting facial resurfacing with intense pulsed light therapy via the M22 from Lumenis (San Jose, Calif.), to reduce any post resurfacing erythema and speed healing.
MiXto machines are durable workhorses that have never broken down in my clinic. We have added sterile water to the machine a few times, but my original machine purchased in 2013 is still going strong while other technologies have fallen by the way- side over time. With no disposable costs, the MiXto was such a good investment for our clinic, we invested in two additional machines for satellite offices to expand our reach into the market.
Reference:
1. Jun, Tan et al. “The Use of the Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing in the Treatment of Photoaging in Asians: Five Years Long-Term Results,” Lasers Surg Med. 2014 Dec 46(10):750-6. Epub 2014 Nov 16.
About the Author
Melissa Toyos, MD
Dr. Toyos is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery and cosmetic procedures
of the face. She has extensive experience in the use of lasers, injectables and lid surgery to achieve facial rejuvenation. Dr. Toyos is a national researcher and lecturer. She trains other doctors on surgical techniques as well as the use of ocular and cosmetic medications. Her clinical research has been used by the FDA to approve various currently approved medical products. She was voted one of Kansas City's Most Influential Women, Top Cosmetic Surgeons of Memphis and one of Nashville's 25 Most Beautiful People.
