Pixel Skin Resurfacing . . .

What is Pixel?

Pixel is a laser treatment. It uses a laser called an Erbium:YAG at 2940 nm to heat water molecules in the skin so it is vaporized and tunnels out little holes in the damaged skin. New skin grows up from the little holes ( re-epithelializes) and eventually (with repeated treatments – series of 6 sessions) the skin returns to a healthy state and is renewed and smoothed. This process is similar to ‘aerating the lawn’.

 Each Pixel session treats about 20% of the skin, leaving undamaged skin around each tunnel, which acts like a reservoir of tissue for rapid healing to take place. The procedure is much less invasive than the traditional ablative skin resurfacing thus contributing to a significant reduction in the risk of infection and scarring.

Pixel causes immediate tightening of the skin and reduces fine lines and while improving the skin tone and texture.

Below are 3 sets of images showing before and after Pixel Treatments.

What is Pixel used for?

Pixel is used for several problems:

• Pigment disturbances – stubborn age spots or Melasma (the mask of pregnancy).
• Texture disturbances – depressed scarring from acne or chicken pox, or trauma - fine wrinkles.
• Active Acne – in active acne, the heating of the water boils/vaporizes the bacteria in the acne as well as dealing with the textural scarring.

What are the limitations of Pixel – i.e. who doesn’t it work for:

• Pigment problems – moles/birthmarks, or absence of pigment (i.e. Vitelego).
• Texture disturbances – severe wrinkles, loose skin, stretch marks, raised scars.
• Acne – for the colour problems left over – the red or brown.

Is it safe?

Pixel uses invisible light – there is no radiation in the light. Thus there is absolutely no increased risk of skin cancer. Like all laser treatments, we avoid tanning 3 weeks pre & post treatment.

Are the results permanent?

Pigment problems – laser can correct the trouble of today, but can not prevent new pigment from being formed. Thus, rare maintenance may be needed. Ongoing sun avoidance will reduce (but not eliminate) the frequency of maintenance.
Texture problems – scarring – permanent result if no further damage to skin.
 - Wrinkles – laser does not stop aging – new wrinkles will form and future treatments will be needed. Botox/fillers can slow the progression.
Acne (active) – acne is a condition – there is no ‘cure’. This is a treatment, but ongoing sessions will be required, the frequency will be determined by how active the person’s acne is.

What kind of improvement can be expected with a series of 6 treatments?

Pigment problems: 95% of the population will see a 70-90% improvement.
Texture problems: 95% of the population will see a 50-80% improvement in scars and wrinkles.
Acne: 95% of the population will see a 60-80% reduction in their active acne.

Who can be treated?

Any person with up to Fitz 5 skin (i.e. light brown – example, East Indian).
Non-tanning.
Not pregnant or with other very serious life threatening disease.

What is this like for the patient?

Treatment has a pinprick feel – slightly less than photofacial.
No freezing is needed before the treatment, but freezing cream can be applied every 2 hrs after treatment on the treatment day if necessary– by the next day, 95% of people feel normal.
The skin looks sunburned for 1-2 days, and then it may peel/flake for the week.
Make-up is 100% ok on the day after treatment.
Early results can be seen about a week after treatment.
Treatments are done every 2-4 weeks depending on scheduling.