Pixel Laser
How does Pixel Fractional Skin Resurfacing work?
The Pixel laser creates many tiny laser holes in the skin, removing part of the top layer of skin. It leaves the surrounding skin cells intact to serve as a reservoir for rapid healing. The laser stimulates new collagen growth to smooth and tighten the skin. You will continue to make new collagen for 6 months after a Pixel treatment.
Does the treatment hurt?
there is some discomfort during the laser treatment. We use a Zimmer, which blows cold air over the skin to help numb the skin during the treatment. After the Pixel treatment is performed, there will be a sunburn-type sensation. We treat small sections of the skin and apply a topical numbing cream, which relieves the head sensation very quickly. We provide you with a jar of the topical numbing cream to reapply at home for the first 24 hours as needed for any discomfort.
What can I expect after the treatment?
The treated area will be very red and swollen for the first 24 to 48 hours. The skin will begin to flake and peel on days 3 to 4. This is especially noticeable while cleansing the skin. The skin on the face is usually essentially healed after 5 days — though there may still be some redness. Skin on areas of the body (anywhere off the face) can take at least twice as long to heal because the skin turns over more slowly and does not have as many oil glands present. Most patients can begin to apply mineral makeup after 3 to 4 days. We will schedule you back for a microdermabrasion in 1 to 2 weeks to complete the process of eliminating the dead skin cells and rehydrating your skin.
Are there any special instructions to follow after a Pixel treatment?
You will be provided with a topical numbing cream, a gentle cleanser, and all of the skin care products you will need to use on your skin while you are healing. It is important that you keep the skin moisturized while you are healing. You should avoid any products other than those provided for you until your skin is completely healed. If you have a history of cold sores, you will be given a prescription for an antiviral medication to begin taking prior to your Pixel to prevent a cold sore outbreak while you are healing from your procedure. You should use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 on the treated area after your treatment to prevent pigment change with sun exposure.
How frequently do I need treatments?
Pixels are done as frequently as 1 month apart. For conditions such as acne scarring, patients typically need 3 to 5 treatments. For skin rejuvenation, Pixel may be combined with other treatments such as Photofacial or Accent XL skin-tightening — the number of Pixel treatments performed will vary depending on the needs of the patient.