Dermal Optical Thermolysis (DOT) is an advanced fractional CO2 laser treatment that rejuvenates the skin with less downtime and fewer side effects than traditional CO2 laser resurfacing. Unlike full-surface treatments, DOT therapy creates a precise pattern of microscopic “dots,” stimulating collagen production and natural skin renewal while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This innovative approach promotes faster healing, smoother skin, and long-lasting results.

At Dr. Rieger’s clinic in Wichita, KS, we offer DOT fractional CO2 laser treatments to help you achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion. Whether you're looking to reduce wrinkles, sun damage, or acne scars, Dr. Rieger provides personalized care for optimal skin rejuvenation. Schedule a consultation today to learn how DOT therapy in Wichita can transform your skin!

Looking for a powerful way to refresh your skin and reduce signs of aging? DOT therapy treatment can help you achieve smoother, younger-looking skin with minimal downtime. Here’s why so many Wichita residents trust this advanced laser treatment:

1. Smooths Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Say goodbye to wrinkles! DOT CO₂ laser resurfaces the skin, reducing fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead for a naturally youthful appearance.

2. Fades Sun Damage & Evens Skin Tone

Years of sun exposure can leave your skin with dark spots and uneven pigmentation. This laser treatment helps lighten sunspots and hyperpigmentation for a more radiant complexion.

3. Stimulates Collagen for Firmer Skin

By boosting collagen production, DOT CO₂ laser improves skin elasticity, making your skin look and feel firmer over time.

4. Reduces Acne Scars & Refines Skin Texture

Whether you have acne scars, enlarged pores, or rough skin, this treatment helps smooth and refine your complexion for a flawless finish.

5. Long-Lasting Results with Minimal Downtime

Unlike traditional resurfacing treatments, DOT CO₂ laser offers faster recovery with long-lasting results—helping you maintain beautiful, youthful skin for years to come.

Get Radiant, Younger-Looking Skin in Wichita!

1. Is DOT Therapy Right for Your Skin?
   

   • DOT therapy is effective for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven skin texture.

   • It may not be suitable for darker skin tones due to the risk of hyperpigmentation. A consultation with Dr. Rieger can help determine if it’s the best option for you.

1. What is the Downtime & Recovery Like?
   

   • Expect redness, swelling, and peeling for about 5-7 days.

   • Avoid sun exposure and follow a post-treatment skincare routine for the best healing and results.

1. How Should You Prepare for Treatment?
   

   • Schedule a complimentary consultation before scheduling DOT Therapy.

   • Avoid tanning, chemical peels, and retinol-based products for at least two weeks before treatment.

1. What Are the Possible Side Effects?
   

   • Temporary redness, dryness, and mild discomfort are common.

   • Rare risks include hyperpigmentation, scarring, or infection, which can be minimized by following Dr. Rieger’s aftercare instructions.

1. What Results Can You Expect?
   

   • Results improve over time as collagen production increases.

   • Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal skin rejuvenation. Maintaining good skincare habits and sun protection can extend the benefits.

Schedule Your DOT Therapy Consultation in Wichita, KS

Ready for smoother, more youthful skin? Contact Dr. Rieger’s office today to see if DOT therapy is right for you!

DOT Therapy is generally safe when performed by an experienced provider like Dr. Rieger. However, some temporary side effects may occur, including redness, swelling, peeling, and mild discomfort, which typically subside within 5-7 days. In rare cases, patients may experience hyperpigmentation, scarring, or infection, especially if post-care instructions are not followed properly. To minimize risks, Dr. Rieger provides personalized skin assessments and a customized aftercare plan to ensure safe healing and optimal results. If you have sensitive skin or a history of hyperpigmentation, schedule a consultation at Dr. Rieger’s office in Wichita to determine if DOT Therapy is right for you.

The number of DOT Therapy treatments needed depends on your skin concerns, goals, and individual response to treatment. Many patients see significant improvement after just one session, but for deeper wrinkles, acne scars, or severe sun damage, 2-3 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart may be recommended. Since collagen production continues for months after treatment, full results develop gradually, with smoother, firmer skin appearing over time. During your consultation at Dr. Rieger’s office in Wichita, KS, he will assess your skin and create a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best possible results.

The results of DOT Therapy can last for several years, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and skincare routine. Since fractional CO2 laser treatment stimulates collagen production, improvements in skin texture, tone, and firmness continue to develop for several months after treatment. While one session can produce long-lasting results, factors like sun exposure, aging, and skincare habits can affect how long the benefits last. To maintain youthful, radiant skin, Dr. Rieger in Wichita, KS, may recommend a customized skincare plan, sun protection, and occasional maintenance treatments.

You have just had a delicate laser procedure. The following information is intended for

your well-being and will assist you during your recovery period. Each procedure receives special

and individual thought. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask or call the office.

If you need immediate attention, or for some reason you are unable to contact me, go to the

emergency room nearest your home.

Some reasons to call:

• Fever

• Pain not relieved by medication, severe pain

• Severe or asymmetric swelling

• Redness, warmth, drainage or odor from the treated areas

• Pustules ( red or white dots or blisters )

• Persistent nausea and vomiting, inability to urinate or constipation.

• Itching not relieved by Benadryl (short term use only) - Do not scratch. Call

• If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor

• If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees

• If you notice any hepatic lesions on the lasered surfaces.

• If you have any sign of abscesses, open sores

• The day of surgery your skin will appear to be deep pink to red, as with a sunburn. This will increase in severity on the second day.

• You will have a weeping discharge from the lasered areas. This discharge will be light pink/gold in color.

• Swelling is expected and may be more pronounced in the lips and around the eyes.

• You will experience a stinging sensation immediately after the procedure. This may

• advance to a burning discomfort later in the day and evening but will improve over the next few days.

• Your skin will heal over the next 2 weeks, leaving the lasered areas with a bright pink coloration.

• Your skin will feel tight and smooth. Continue to use the recommended moisturizing agent to the skin surface.

• You will experience increased sensitivity to makeup and acute sun sensitivity.

• Return of pigmentation and light sun exposure in 6-12 months.

• Pinkness or redness of skin may remain up to 6 months.

• Usually, your skin will be free of crusts in about 10 days postoperatively.

• Final results of surgery may take several months to appear

First 5–7 days avoid the following ingredients commonly found in skin care products

• Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, bakuchiol)

• Acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, azelaic, PHAs)

• Vitamin C / antioxidants

• Fragrance & essential oils

• Alcohol denat / SD alcohol

• Benzoyl peroxide / acne treatments

• Scrubs, brushes, exfoliating cleansers

• Low-molecular HA (usually listed as Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid)

• Botanical “soothers” (aloe, witch hazel, arnica)

If it stings = stop.

1. Minimize direct sunlight for several weeks. Light sun exposure for the first year. Protect the treated area from the sun until all color has returned to normal. Shade face with hat/visor whenever you go out into the sun. If resurfacing was done around the eyes, wear good quality sunglasses with UVA and UVB 100% filters.

2. Completely finish your medications Acyclovir according to the directions.

3. Keep the areas moist by apply the ointments and moisturizers as noted in the instructions.

4. Use ice packs/frozen peas over a towel to help with swelling and discomfort. To prevent frost bite the cool compress should only be on for a few minutes and off for 5-10 minutes each time.

5. Resume mineral make up products and mineral cosmetics after redness gone and when healed

6. Shower the next day. Avoid direct spray on the face; instead let the water steam down the face. Use hypoallergenic face wash such as Cetaphil- lather, gently clean and rinse with water.

7. Take Motrin or Tylenol for discomfort. Call if is severe discomfort.

8. Return to work the next day, depending on the type of work you perform (clean environment). Ask Doctor Rieger about returning to work if the work environment if not clean.

9. Have a responsible person stay with you for the first 24 hours following your procedure

1. Do Not go into the direct sunlight without sunscreen (SPF 45) and hat until all redness subsides.

2. Do Not bathe in a tub or swim for 3 - 4 weeks and when healed

3. Do Not use hot tubs for 6 – 8 weeks.

4. Do Not allow the treatment areas to become dry.

5. Do Not use regular skin products ie glycolic, retinol, retin A, vitamin C or A, or hydroxyl acids or any exfoliating products for at least several months and until redness gone and completely healed.

6. Do Not use any cosmetics or make up products until at least 5 days and when healed.

7. Do Not drive or operate machinery if you are taking narcotics or valium.

8. Do Not participate in contact sports for a few weeks.

9. Do Not scratch or touch the treatment areas. You may use Benadryl by mouth for itching.

10. DO Not smoke.

11. DO Not Tan for one month after laser procedure

Every procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit.

Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of cosmetic laser procedures.

Scarring

Although good wound healing after a procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. In rare cases, keloid scars may result. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than the surrounding skin tone. Scar appearance may also vary within the same scar. Scars may be asymmetrical (appear different on the right and left side of the body). In some cases scars may require surgical revision or treatment.

Burns

Laser energy can produce burns. Adjacent structures including the eyes may be injured or permanently damaged by the laser beam. Burns are rare, yet represent the effect of heat produced within the tissues by laser energy. Additional treatment may be necessary to treat laser burns.

Infection

Although infection following laser skin procedures is unusual, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can occur. Herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth can occur following a laser treatment. This applies to both individuals with a history of Herpes simplex virus infections and individuals with no known history of Herpes simplex virus infections in the mouth area.

Specific medications must be prescribed and taken both prior to and following the laser treatment procedure in order

to suppress an infection from this virus. Should an infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics, hospitalization, or additional surgery may be necessary.

Visible Skin Patterns

Laser procedures may produce visible patterns within the skin. The occurrence of this is not predictable.

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Accutane is a prescription medication used to treat certain skin diseases. This drug may impair the ability of skin to heal following treatments or surgery for a variable amount of time even after the patient has ceased taking it. Individuals who have taken this drug are advised to allow their skin adequate time to recover from Accutane before undergoing laser treatment procedures.

Fire

Inflammable agents, surgical drapes and tubing, hair, and clothing may be ignited by laser energy. Laser energy used in the presence of supplemental oxygen increases the potential hazard of fire. Laser Smoke (Plume)- Laser smoke is noxious to those who come in contact with it. This smoke may represent a possible biohazard.

Bleeding

Bleeding is rare following laser skin procedures. Hematoma can occur at any time following injury. Should bleeding occur, additional treatment may be necessary. Avoid aspirin and motrin 2weeks before and 2 weeks after your laser procedure.

Skin Tissue Pathology

Laser energy directed at skin lesions may potentially vaporize the lesion. Laboratory examination of the tissue specimen may not be possible. Therefore a diagnosis of cancer may be missed.

Distortion of Anatomic Features

Laser procedures can produce distortion of the appearance of the eyelids, mouth, and other visible anatomic landmarks. The occurrence of this is not predictable. Should this occur, additional treatment including surgery may be necessary.

Skin Discoloration / Swelling- Some swelling normally occurs following laser procedures. The skin in or near the surgical site can appear either lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Although uncommon, swelling and skin discoloration may persist for long periods and, in rare situations, may be permanent.

Damaged Skin

Skin that has been previously treated with chemical peels or dermabrasion, or damaged by burns, electrolysis (hair removal treatments), or radiation therapy may heal abnormally or slowly following treatment by lasers or other surgical techniques. The occurrence of this is not predictable. Additional treatment may be necessary.

Skin Contour Irregularities

Contour irregularities and depressions may occur after surgery. Visible and palpable wrinkling of skin can occur. Residual skin irregularities are always a possibility and may require additional surgery. This may improve with time, or it can be surgically corrected.

Pain

You will experience pain after your laser treatment. Pain of varying intensity and duration may occur and persist after surgery. Very infrequently, chronic pain may occur after laser procedures. Allergic Reactions- In rare cases, local allergies to tape, topical preparations have been reported.

Lack of Permanent Results

Laser treatments may not completely improve or prevent future skin disorders, lesions, or wrinkles. No technique can reverse the signs of skin aging. Additional surgical procedures may be necessary to further tighten loose skin.

Topical / Oral Anesthesia

Application of a topical anesthesia and oral narcotics and valium may involve risk. I understand that all forms of anesthesia involve risk and the possibility of complications, injury, and sometimes death.

Delayed Healing

Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the skin may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal. Skin healing may result in thin, easily injured skin. This is different from the normal redness in skin after a laser procedure. Some areas of skin may die, requiring frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue. Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.

Change in Skin Sensation

It is common to experience diminished (or loss) of skin sensation in areas that have had laser procedures. Diminished (or complete loss of skin sensation) may not totally resolve. Damage to Deeper Structures- There is the potential for injury to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels, muscles. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.

Unsatisfactory Result- Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained. There is the possibility of a poor result from laser resurfacing laser procedures . This would include risks such as unacceptable visible deformities, skin slough, loss of function, poor healing, wound disruption, permanent color changes in the skin and loss of sensation. It may be necessary to perform additional procedures to attempt to improve your results.

Long-Term Results

Subsequent alterations in appearance may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, sun exposure, pregnancy, menopause, or other circumstances not related to laser procedures. Laser procedures do not arrest the aging process or produce permanent tightening of the skin. Future surgery or other treatments may be necessary to maintain the results of laser procedures.

Skin Cancer / Skin Disorders

Laser skin resurfacing procedures does not offer protection or treatment against skin cancer or early skin cancers. This laser treatment does not treat skin lesions, and skin cancers or pre malignant skin cancers. This is a completely cosmetic procedure. You should routinely follow a dermatologist and your family doctor on a regular yearly or semiannual basis for routine skin surveillance. You should immediately make a dermatology appointment if any skin abnormality, growth or lesion arises at anytime in the future. If you currently have any suspicious skin lesions or growths this laser procedure may prevent or delay detection of a skin cancer like malignant melanoma or squamous cell for basal cell carcinoma. You need to tell Dr Rieger about any suspicious skin problems prior to this treatment.

Female Patient Information

It is important to inform your plastic surgeon if you use birth control pills, estrogen replacement, or if you believe you may be pregnant. Many medications including antibiotics may neutralize the preventive effect of birth control pills, allowing for conception and pregnancy.

Smoking, Second

Hand Smoke Exposure, Nicotine Products (Patch, Gum, Nasal Spray)- Patients who are currently smoking, use tobacco products, or nicotine products (patch, gum, or nasal spray) are at a greater risk for significant treatment complications of skin dying, delayed healing, and additional scarring. It is important to refrain from smoking at least 2 weeks before and after treatment and until your physician states it is safe to return, if desired.

Please indicate your status regarding these items below :

Medications

When taking the prescribed pain medications or valium after the treatment, realize that they can affect your thought process and coordination. Do not drive, do not operate complex equipment, do not make any important decisions, and do not drink any alcohol while taking these medications. Be sure to take your prescribed medication only as directed.

Skin Sensitivity

Itching, tenderness, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures may occur after laser procedures. Usually this resolves during healing, but in rare situations it may be chronic.

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT OR SURGERY NECESSARY

There are many variable conditions which influence the long term result of laser procedures. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are the ones that are particularly associated with these procedures. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied on the results that may be obtained.

Most health insurance companies exclude coverage for cosmetic surgical operations such as laser skin procedures or any complications that might occur from surgery. Please carefully review your health insurance subscriber-information pamphlet or contact your insurance company.

The cost of surgery involves several charges for the services provided. Additional costs may occur should complications develop from the procedure. Secondary surgery or hospital day-surgery charges involved with revision surgery will also be your responsibility. In signing the consent for this surgery/procedure, you acknowledge that your have been informed about its risk and consequences and accept responsibility for the clinical decisions that were made along with the financial costs of all future treatments