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Cosmetic Services > Laser Skin Resurfacing
with the Pixel Jump to Q and AQuestions and AnswersThe Pixel is a new state-of-the art skin resurfacing laser.
Back to topLet me describe the old method first (not for the faint of heart), then look at the next question to see how recent innovations make this process much easier to tolerate.
Skin resurfacing is a process whereby a thin layer of old skin is removed and your body replaces it with new skin.
Prior to the early 1990s the only options available for resurfacing were deep chemical peels and dermabrasion. The entire skin surface was removed leaving a huge open wound that required about a month to heal. In the early ‘90s the first generation of resurfacing lasers came along. lasers allowed the technique to be much more precise and therefore safer. It quickly became the standard for resurfacing. Unfortunately, it still required a month of recovery. (But not anymore. Read on!)
Back to topTraditional lasers burn off every square millimeter of skin, necessitating a lengthy recovery. With the Pixel, the laser beam is split (“fractionated”) into numerous tiny beams. Each of these tiny beams creates a tiny hole that is surrounded by healthy skin. This surrounding uninjured skin seals over the tiny holes very quickly. About three days of redness follows each treatment. Compare that to one month of recovery for traditional resurfacing.
Only a small percentage of skin is hit by the beams with each treatment (“fractional resurfacing”). Over the course of several treatments (usually six sessions) with the Pixel, the entire surface will have been removed and replaced. The resultant improvement comes close, but is not equal to traditional resurfacing.
Back to topLaser resurfacing with the Pixel will bring about improvement in fine lines, skin texture, pigmentation, and shallow scars.
Smooth rounded acne scars can be treated. Sharp “ice pick” acne scars cannot be treated.
Melasma, the so-called “pregnancy mask”, is resistant to most forms of treatment, but it responds quite well to Pixel.
Back to topBecause of the lengthy downtime and aggressive nature of traditional laser resurfacing, this treatment was generally only used in severely damaged skin. The most common age group was 60-70 year olds. Younger people generally did not have problems severe enough to justify this aggressive treatment. And how many young people can take a month out of their lives for healing time? Acne scarring was the most common exception.
With the brief downtime and safety of the fractional resurfacing by the Pixel, much younger people are now being treated. Most commonly this is 40-50 year olds with mild to severe pigmentation and mild to moderate lines. Older people generally are beyond the capabilities of the Pixel. However, age is only one factor. There are many people in their 60s who are excellent candidates, and many people in their 50s who are poor candidates. The severity of the problem is what matters most.
The Pixel is appropriate to treat acne scarring at any age.
Back to topAll skin colors can be treated except for black skin, which has a high risk of hyperpigmentation.
Back to topThere 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. Every shot feels like a minor prick.
Ice or cold air is usually all that is required to stay comfortable. Topical anesthetic creams are available, but most people won’t need them during treatment.
However, immediately following treatment, topical anesthetics will be applied, because you will start to feel hot like a sunburn. When topical anesthetics are applied to intact skin, you don’t feel it as it goes on, and it takes an hour to work. It’s totally different after a Pixel treatment. Because of all the tiny holes that have been created, the topical anesthetic stings as it goes on. Fortunately, the holes also allow immediate penetration of the anesthetic and it starts to work in about fifteen seconds. The sunburn sensation and the sting from the anesthetic will both disappear in seconds.
Back to topRisks are minimal because of the limited surface area that is damaged and the very shallow penetration of the laser.
Because the skin has been disrupted, it is at risk of infection.
Swelling can occur, especially in soft areas like under the eyes.
Discoloration of the skin can occur on rare occasions. This can be increased pigmentation or decreased pigmentation. This effect is almost always temporary, usually lasting a few months.
Hair can be singed. It will grow back, because the Pixel does not penetrate deep enough to damage the follicle itself.
Cold sores can be triggered if you are prone to them.
Scarring is theoretically possible, but extremely unlikely because of the shallow penetration of the laser.
The Pixel can injure the surface of the eye (cornea). Although this is a painful injury, it will almost always heal uneventfully in 24-48 hours. Injury to the retina and subsequent blindness does not happen with this laser, because of its very shallow penetration. Despite being relatively safe for the eyes, you will be provided with goggles during treatment.
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Back to topAbsolutely not. The wavelength of light that produces skin cancer is in the ultraviolet range. The Pixel laser produces light at the opposite end of the spectrum in the infrared range. It will not cause skin cancer.
Back to topThe Pixel treatment is trying to reverse some of the signs of aging, but it doesn’t stop the aging process. Poor skin texture and fine lines will eventually return. Maintenance treatments are needed, perhaps one treatment annually. You can slow down aging by avoiding the sun, using a full spectrum sunscreen, using topical anti-oxidants like vitamin C serum, and using other anti-aging products.
Pigmentation will also return, although you can also slow this down by avoiding the sun and by using a full spectrum sunscreen and a topical antioxidant such as vitamin C serum.
As long as there is no further active acne, the improvements seen in acne scarring are permanent.
Back to topTypically you will need 6 sessions. If the problem is difficult, you may need more.
Back to topNo one should be tanning. It damages your skin. Specifically in relation to Pixel treatments, you should avoid the sun for two weeks before and after your treatments. If you have had enough sun recently to add color to your skin, that’s too much sun. You run the risk of pigment changes.
Back to topPixel treatment of the face usually takes 45 minutes. Hands, chest, and neck take about 30 minutes.
Back to topThe same area should not be treated again until the skin has recovered. One week or more should be allowed between treatments. We usually book you every two weeks.
Back to topBefore the treatment is finished your skin will start to feel hot like a sunburn.
You will have thousands of tiny tan-colored spots on your skin immediately after treatment. They will give you an overall appearance of a grid pattern on your skin, like a screen. This can be seen easily on the first day or two and, thereafter, only on close inspection.
There will be redness for 24-48 hours, and you will feel like you have a sunburn.
After about 3 days only patchy irritated looking skin will be visible.
From about day 3 to day 5 you may see bronzing of the skin, like artificial tanning creams.
Skin should be normal in 5-7 days.
Your skin will be very dry for a week or so.
Pigment in the treated area will darken an hour or two after treatment, then gradually fade over about two weeks as the skin does its normal sloughing.
There should be no blistering or oozing.
Back to topYou should avoid exposure to the sun for two days.
During the first two days you should only use the creams provided. One is a topical anesthetic that will eliminate the sting. The other is a cortisone/antibiotic to reduce swelling and reduce the risk of infection.
After the first two days you can apply makeup and use sunscreen and moisturizers. However, you should continue to avoid the sun and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for two weeks following Pixel treatments. We have several excellent sunscreens with broad-spectrum coverage of damaging UV-A and UV-B rays.
You will likely want to stay home for two or three days when the redness and swelling are peaking.
Otherwise, there are no restrictions.
Back to topBeneficial effects for pigmentation are usually evident after about 2 treatments.
Fine lines should improve after about 4 treatments.
Scarring takes the longest to improve, 5 or 6 sessions.
Peak effects are seen 4-6 months after the last treatment as new collagen slowly forms.
Back to topNo. This treatment is considered to be cosmetic.
Back to topGenerally speaking, the answer is no, but this depends on your policy. Check with your insurance agent.
Back to topProbably! Since we are a medical clinic, we can provide you with a receipt for medical expenses that can be used for tax purposes. Talk to your accountant.
Back to topWe require 48 hours notice for cancellation of your consultation or treatment, in order to fill the appointment time. If sufficient notice is not given, the full value of the treatment to be done may be charged. The minimum charge for a missed appointment or late cancellation is $80 (eighty dollars).
Back to topJust click here or call (905) 853-3200!
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