Pixel Laser Resurfacing

Pixel Laser Resurfacing

The Pixel laser can be used to resurface the skin and smooth down and tighten scars. The Pixel laser uses fractional laser skin resurfacing to rejuvenate the skin.

The Pixel laser is an Erbium YAG laser that works by directing an intense burst of laser energy onto the skin surface in a grid like pattern. The laser creates tiny “pixels” of skin damage or laser holes in the skin. Each of these “pixels” of skin damage are surrounded by normal skin. This allows the skin to heal much faster than if the whole area was treated.

The select damage helps to resurface the skin, promote collagen remodelling, skin tightening, and an improvement in skin texture. The Pixel laser can be used to improve and tighten fine lines and wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, reduce age spots and blemishes, and to treat acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

Where can it be used?

The Pixel can be used on any area of the body. The Pixel has to be used with caution in people with darker skin.

How long does it last?

Effects can last years. However, sun exposure, aging, and gravity will all play a role on your skin.

What are the side effects?

Treatment is generally well-tolerated and has minimal to no downtime.

During the treatment, your skin will gradual feel warm and sometimes you will feel a light snap on the skin, like an elastic band. Deeper scars and wrinkles that are treated can sometimes be more uncomfortable. We provide a cool air fan that you can direct on warm areas of the skin and that helps your treatment to remain comfortable.

After the treatment, your skin may feel tighter, firmer, or smoother. You will likely have redness like a sunburn. This can last for 2-3 days. We recommend that you do not put your usual cosmetics on your skin for the first 24 hours. After the first day, you may apply make-up (mineral make-up is best) or coverup as required. Aloe gel can be used as well but we recommend testing on a small area to ensure you have no reaction to it (e.g., burning or discomfort). Cool compresses can be used on the skin for the first couple days if you wish.

By day 2 or 3 after treatment, you will have some skin flaking and this usually resolves within 5-7 days. There should be no pain or discomfort after the first day. It is important to moisturize the skin during this week and avoid picking or using harsh scrubs on the skin.

Itching, hives, or significant swelling or burning should not occur and should be reported to the doctor if they do.

We advise that you use sunscreen for the week following treatment. Most people can return to work almost immediately, and in the case of women, any residual redness can easily be covered with makeup.

If you have a history of cold sores, we may prescribe an antiviral medication as a precaution and to help prevent a cold sore from occurring after your treatment.

How many treatments are needed?

Multiple treatments are required to get the best results. We usually suggest a treatment program of 3–5 treatments, normally spaced 4 weeks apart. The number of treatment sessions that you require will vary depending on what we problem we are addressing. Deep scarring and deep wrinkles generally take more sessions than simple resurfacing.