Pixel Resurfacing is an aesthetic laser treatment that lifts away years from your face! 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. If you’ve considered CO2 (ablative) laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasions or deep chemical peels but were put off by the extended recovery time or anesthesia required, Pixel Resurfacing offers a great balance.
Anyone whose skin shows signs of aging is an excellent candidate for Pixel Laser Resurfacing! Specifically, it can treat:
Pixel Resurfacing works by creating thousands of microscopic perforations, but the skin around each of these perforations remains intact. This allows your skin’s top layer to heal from the edge of these tiny holes very rapidly. Not only is healing time shortened considerably, but it also comes with a lower risk of complications, as compared to traditional laser skin resurfacing. Pixel Resurfacing treatments are safe and effective, without injections or surgery. Pixel resurfacing stimulates your own collagen, so while results can be seen immediately after the healing process, results continue to get better for 8-12 weeks after treatment.
Pixel Laser Skin Resurfacing appointments are usually 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the area being treated. Topical numbing cream is applied to help with any discomfort. You can expect your skin to be flushed and red after the treatment-something similar to a sunburn. These symptoms are a normal part of the healing process and should improve quickly. Total healing time is usually 3 to 7 days, but you always want to be prepared for the full 7 days. 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. The number of treatments required depends on your goals and the starting point and condition of your skin. Scheduling a consultation is the best way to get a more accurate treatment plan for you!
Pixel Laser treatment is tolerated well by most compared to other resurfacing lasers. However, we offer a pre-treatment topical numbing. The laser is reported to have a prickling sensation or a sensation of heat. In general, the procedure can feel similar to a sunburn. The perception of an intense sunburn is likely to continue immediately after the treatment but will calm down within a few hours.
Before Your Appointment:
· It is imperative that you avoid sun exposure andtanning beds for at least 4 weeks prior to your appointment. You will be rescheduled if you come to your appointment with an active sunburn or tan.
· Avoid any irritants to your skin, such as any products containing Tretinion, Retin-A, Benzoyl Peroxide, Gycolic/SalicylicAcids, or Astringents for one week before your treatment.
· Avoid use of Antibiotics such as Tetracycline or Minocycline for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
· Patients must be off Accutane for at least 6 months prior to the treatment.
· Do not wax or use depilatory creams on treatment area for one week prior to your treatment to avoid irritation.
· Wear SPF of 30 or higher every day
· If you have a history of cold sores, notify your technician as soon as possible. We will write you a prescription for an antiviral to start on the day of your treatment to prevent a flare up.
· It is recommended to pretreat your skin with the Alastin Nectar for two weeks prior to your treatment.
The Day of Your Appointment:
· If possible, please arrive with a clean face free of makeup and/or lotions.
· Please complete all paperwork prior to your appointment so that you may enjoy the entire allotted appointment time.
· Allow for about 60 minutes for your appointment depending on the areas being treated.
· Pre treatment photos will be taken.
· You will be given protective eye shields to wear during your treatment and topical numbing cream will be applied to help alleviate discomfort.
After Care Instructions:
· You can expect tightness, itching, or flaking after the treatment. The post care kit will help with this.
· We will send you home with the appropriate skincare products for your healing time. This includes a cleanser, post treatment balms, and SPF. Use these products as directed by your technician.
· Cleanse treated areas with the gentle cleanser morning and evening.
· Apply and reapply post treatment balm as needed.
· When you are no longer red, apply the SPF.
· Avoid cleansing the skin for 24 hours post treatment. If you need to cleanse, use only water.
· Vinegar soaks are recommended to help alleviate the discomfort and cool down the tissue. Mix 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar in 1 cup of tepid water. Soak the gauze in the solution and apply over treated areas. Vinegar soaks are recommended 4 times per day for 15 minutes.
· Benadryl may be taken for swelling and itching.Use as instructed on manufacturer packaging.
· Redness, swelling, and “oozing” are normal responses to the treatment and should be expected. These side effects can lastup to two weeks post treatment depending on the depth of the laser.
· Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat, including hot showers or saunas, for 2 weeks post treatment.
· Avoid any activities that could raise your internal temperature for two weeks post treatment. This includes exercise.
· Do NOT scrub or pick at dead skin.
· You may resume your regular skincare routine and apply makeup after two weeks.
