Pixel Laser Resurfacing
What is Pixel Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Pixel laser is an ablative or skin resurfacing treatment that uses a specific wavelength of 2940nm Er:YAG (Erbium Yag) to briefly direct an intense, fractionated burst of light energy onto the surface of the skin.
This energy by heating water only in certain zones in surface layers of the skin while leaving other zones within it perfectly intact causes both the water and the tissue of the skin to turn to vapour. Every time the laser passes over the skin, some of the outermost layers of the skin are removed in a precise and controlled way to the appropriate depth. The created micro-injuries aka microscopic dots or pixel-like areas then are repaired by producing new, healthy skin cells.
Can be done on the face and body.
Suits most skin types except very dark skin (Fitzpatrick skin type VI). Darker skin has a high risk of pigmentation changes (increased or decreased pigment).
We always suggest to consult with a professional prior having any advanced treatments. Book your complimentary consultation to address questions about your customized treatment plan, cost, dos and donts before + after treatment, but most of all to determine whether a certain treatment - in this case Pixel - is right for you.
How Pixel Laser Skin Resurfacing works?
Pixel is fractionated, which means that the emitted laser light only targets a fraction of the skin to trigger the body’s natural healing response while leaving other zones next to it intact. With other words the laser beam is split (fractionated) into numerous tiny beams. Each of these tiny beams create a tiny hole that is surrounded by healthy skin. This surrounding uninjured skin heals the tiny holes very quickly.
Considering only a small percentage of skin is hit by the beams with each treatment, sessions are required for optimal results.. Over the course of several treatments (usually 4-6 sessions) the entire surface will have been removed and replaced, giving you the results of traditional resurfacing without the downtime and risks.
Why it's done
The treatment can refresh sun-damaged skin, address texture + tone issues, smooth out skin irregularities + congestions, reduce the appearance of acne scars, large pore size, stretch marks and fine lines + wrinkles. Pixel laser resurfacing can produce significant aesthetic benefits by::
Mitigating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Repairing sun damaged skin, uneven skin colour and texture
Reducing enlarged pores
Revitalizing sagging skin
Treating acne and minor scars
Reducing stretch marks
Addressing other skin blemishes, skin irregularities
Laser skin resurfacing may even tighten and firm up the loose skin to some degree while improving the overall skin tone and texture. Clients with dull, lackluster skin and with irregular texture can benefit from this procedure.
REAL CLIENTS, REAL RESULTS
During treatment & how much does it hurt?
There is no easy answer to this question, since pain perception and tolerance varies greatly from person to person. Generally, the treatment itself is quite easily tolerated. The treatment is generally considered to be well tolerated and almost pain free, with a light flicking or ‘elastic band’ feeling on the skin as the laser is fired, and some cumulative sensation of warmth felt during and right after treatment. It can deliver results on par with traditional ablative lasers, but without the possible side effects associated with such traditional ablative methods like hypo- or hyper-pigmentation (dark or light patches forming on the skin), post-procedure infections, swelling, erythema (redness) or oedema (swelling caused by inflammation).
Why pre-treating or prepping skin matters?
As mentioned above laser resurfacing works on a principle of heating up water in the skin layers. This means the more your skin hydrated, the more optimal your results are and the better your healing supported. Reparative changes and cellular communication are also more ideal when your skin is moist.
How should you prepare for laser skin resurfacing?
Avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily for four weeks before to treatment.
Avoid other advanced procedures for four weeks before treatment (for example, strong chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion).
Don’t use medications that cause photosensitivity for at least 72 hours prior to treatment.
If you have a frequent history of herpes eruptions (cold sores or shingles) in the treatment area, let your doctor know and start your antiviral medication (valacyclovir, acyclovir) as directed (usually 3 days before treatment and continue for three days after treatment).
To prepare your skin for laser resurfacing, focus on the basics: cleansing, hydrating+moisturizing and sun protecting. In case of certain skin conditions or diseases you may be asked to use topical retinoid, on your skin.
Post-treatment, side effects & risks
Pixel laser technique is considered less invasive, more comfortable and involves less or minimal downtime compared to traditional resurfacing laser procedures where the whole top layer of the skin got removed resulting in longer healing time. The white dots or pixel-like treated areas tend to heal in couple days and usually easy to camouflage. Most people can return to work almost immediately, and any residual redness can easily be covered with medical-grade skincare makeup.
Immediately following treatment, the skin is pinkish-reddish, hot and has a sunburn sensation. It is important not to cleanse during this time! It may also feel tighter or firmer, and within 3-4 days some skin flaking (from the dots) can be expected without discomfort and with facial skin usually healing fully after five days. Skin anywhere else on the body will take longer to heal. Hydrating and calming products are recommended to be applied to the treated skin to boost the topical water level and to reduce redness, which usually resolves in 24 – 48 hours, depending on skin condition. It is also highly advisable to apply broad-band sunscreen (min. SPF 30) to the treated area.
Treatment regimen
Multiple treatment sessions are required with Pixel® 2940 to obtain optimal results. Individual results may vary.
A treatment program of 4-6 sessions, usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended to achieve the best results for indications such as sun damage, acne scars, enlarged pores and rough skin texture, fine lines and pigmentation.
The number of treatment sessions required depends upon the individual client and the condition undergoing treatment.