PIXEL RESURFACING

What is Pixel Laser Resurfacing?

Pixel Laser Resurfacing is a state-of-the art skin rejuvenation treatment that is commonly referred to as the next generation of fractional laser treatments. It helps to improve skin texture, lighten pigmentation, soften wrinkles, reduce pore size, and smooth out scars (including acne scars) and stretch marks without the recovery time and discomfort associated with other resurfacing lasers. Pixel laser treatment also tightens loose skin by stimulating new collagen formation, which results in skin continuing to improve for up to 6 months after the treatment series.

What does Pixel Laser Resurfacing Treat?

This treatment is ideal for softening fine lines and rough skin texture, minimizing large pores, reducing brown pigment and evening out skin tone, lessening the presence of melasma (mask of pregnancy), and improving the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. Anyone whose skin shows signs of aging is an excellent candidate for Pixel Laser Resurfacing.

How Does Pixel Laser Resurfacing Work?

Think of your skin as a portrait or digital photograph in need of restoration or touch up. Just as a damaged painting is restored one small area at a time, or a photographic image is altered, pixel by pixel, our PixelLaser Resurfacing improves the appearance of skin by affecting only a fraction of it at a time with thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots. In more detail, the Pixel laser light passes through an optic lens into the skin with tiny channels of heat. Healthy skin around each of these channels heats quickly and spreads over the tiny holes. The heat produced by the laser light tightens the skin by softening wrinkles, smoothing out scars and other texture problems, minimizing pores, in addition to stimulating the skin’s natural collagen resulting in skin improvement up to 6 months following the treatment. You will see healthier, firmer, smoother skin with minimal downtime.

What areas of the body can Pixel Laser Resurfacing treat?

The most popular areas include: face, neck, chest, arms, and hands, although other areas of the body can be treated.

How many treatments will I need and how often?

While one Pixel Laser Resurfacing treatment will show noticeable results, optimal results are achieved with a series of treatments. Generally we recommend 3 treatments at 3-4 week intervals although this amount is dependent on the condition of your skin. The number of treatments required for best results depends on the starting point and condition of your skin. Those with significant signs of aging, acne scarring, stretch marks or wrinkles will require more visits than others. While Pixel Laser Resurfacing reverses the appearance of aging, we can’t stop the aging process. Depending on your starting point and your lifestyle following the treatment series, your new look can last several months or longer. Most people find they benefit from a maintenance treatment every 6-12 months to help keep their healthy glow.

What can I expect during my treatment?

Pixel Laser Skin Resurfacing appointments are usually 45 minutes to 1 hour, the procedure itself takes about 30 minutes or more depending on the area being treated. When you arrive you will be directed to our face washing station where you can remove your make up, moisturizers and sun block. During the treatment the pixel laser hand-piece will gently glide across the treatment area (face, neck, chest, arms, hands or any other body area). You may feel a prickling sensation and hear the beeping sound of the Pixel Laser. After the treatment is completed, a topical anesthetic will be applied to alleviate any sensation remaining (be sure to alert us if you have any allergy or sensitivity to topical anesthetics).

Will it be uncomfortable?

Pixel Laser treatment is tolerated well by most compared to other resurfacing lasers. Topical anesthesia is usually not required and recovery times are minimal. For those who have an extreme sensitivity we offer a pre-treatment topical numbing for a small additional charge and ask you arrive 1 hour prior to your treatment. Please request topical numbing when booking your appointment so additional time can be allotted for. The magnitude of sensation by the procedure varies from person to person, usually reported as a prickling sensation or a sensation of heat. In general, the procedure can feel similar to a sunburn. The perception of a sunburn is likely to continue after the treatment. These symptoms are a normal part of the healing process and should improve quickly.

What can I expect after my treatment?

After the procedure there will be some redness and sunburn sensation for a few days with possibly some mild swelling. The pixel pattern diminishes but will be slightly visible until flaking begins, during this time the treated area is kept moist as directed in the post care instructions. By the third day, the redness will be mostly gone and by the fourth day the skin will begin to flake as new skin replaces the dead tissue. By the 5th or 6th day, the skin will be smooth and look much healthier. The collagen remodeling occurs over several months so there will be progressive improvement in wrinkling and scars. Although it is preferable to avoid sun exposure for a couple of weeks before and after any laser procedure, you can still have treatments in the summer by following a few simple precautions: avoid direct sunlight especially during midday, wear a hat, and conscientiously apply a good zinc or titanium-based sunblock of at least SPF 30 several times throughout the day.

Who should NOT get Pixel Laser Resurfacing?

The treatment is not performed on women who are pregnant or breast feeding and is not advisable for those with connective tissue disease, autoimmune disorders, pacemakers, those prone to keloids, or taking blood thinning medication. It should not be performed on those taking Accutane or for six months after stopping Accutane. Pixel is not usually performed on skin with active acne cysts, large pustules, or active/open skin lesions. Most photosensitive medications such as antibiotics, anti anxiety, sulfa drugs, birth control pills and anti-hypertensive medications are not a concern. For individuals who get fever blister attacks (herpes simplex) on the face, an anti-herpes medication should be taken prior to treatment.