Pixel Rejuvenation – Tightness, Tone and Texture

As we age our cells produce less collagen, glycosaminoglycans and elastic fibers .This results in large pores, sagging skin and lost volume.

Treatment with the Pixel laser gently heats the skin. The heat partially coagulates very tiny vessels creating mild inflammation. This inflammation stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen. This gentle process is subtle, best results are seen after a few months. You will notice smoother, tighter skin, smaller pores and a youthful healthy glow.

PIXEL SKIN RESURFACING PRE AND POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Pixel Laser Treatment is designed for patients with discoloration, sun damage, enlarged pores and rough/weathered texture skin. It is a semi-ablative laser that partially resurfaces the skin, thereby making it effective in reducing/softening acne scars. The treatment is ideally performed as a series of 2 to 6 treatments with 3 to 6 weeks of healing in between. The results of the treatments vary individually and can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months. At that point, maintenance treatments are recommended every 9 to 12 months. It is strongly recommended that patients adhere to a skin care regimen
suggested by the practitioner.

AFTER your laser Treatment, your skin will feel warm to touch and sting as though you have had a bad sunburn. You mayalso experience swelling. THIS IS NORMAL. The stinging sensation, as well as the pink/red coloration usually begins about 15 minutes after the treatment and last a few hours. Swelling usually subsides within 24-72 hours, while the redness decreases and resolves over 48-72 hours. You may experience some flaking and/or peeling for 2-7 days. Your skin will then feel somewhat dry and rough and may appear red and/or dark during this time.

Upon completion of your laser procedure, it is imperative that you follow the guidelines given below.

You may apply a cool, water soaked cloth or a water mister to your skin to calm any stinging, redness, or irritation. This can be done as often as necessary, throughout the day and evening hours for 5-10 minutes. Do not rub or scrub your skin.

If the post treatment swelling of your skin is more than you anticipated, you may take an Advil, or Tylenol type product to calm the skin or to help with the swelling. You may also use Benadryl oral tabs, but this can make you drowsy and you must not drive, drink alcohol or take other medications that are contraindicated with Benadryl or one of the other medications listed above. Do not take any of these products if you have an allergy to or a known hypersensitivity to any of the components. You may find it difficult to sleep due to the sensitivity of your lasered skin. Try to avoid sleeping on your treated side.

DO NOT apply any glycolic/ alpha hydroxyl/ beta hydroxyl/ tretinoin/ tazarotene/ adapalene/ azaleic acid/ benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating products or self-tanners to your skin. These products will irritate your skin and may induce hyperpigmentation or discoloration to your newly treated skin.

Cleanse your newly lasered skin with warm or cool water only during the first 12 hours. You may begin using a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil liquid cleanser 12 hours after your laser treatment. Be sure the product you use contains none of the above mentioned ingredients that can irritate your skin. Cetaphil is available over the counter at most pharmacy and grocery stores.

Any make up application should be kept to a minimum to avoid disrupting the newly lasered skin.

There are many mineral powder make ups available for purchase- all are fine for use after PIXEL, but be sure you check the SPF coverage- most do NOT contain a high enough protection factor for adequate care.

A ZINC based sunscreen MUST be used at all times during any UV exposure to your treated skin. This is an absolute must, or you may be even more damaged than before- due to the UV penetration to the freshly treated skin. Medical grade Sunscreens are available for purchase at our office.

A large brimmed hat is also highly recommended ANYTIME you are outside- this will insure full protection against any
UV exposure.

ALWAYS apply your sunscreen 20-30 minutes PRIOR to exposure to insure protection. Also, remember to apply it every two hours NO MATTER what SPF you are using. The ingredients in many sunscreens breakdown after the two hour mark and you are no longer protected, regardless of the SPF factor your sunscreen contains. Apply evenly to all areas of exposure.

During the next 7 days-after your laser treatment you may use a moisturizing medical grade cream if the dryness is unbearable. If so, use one that is designed specifically for laser treated skin. We carry post- procedure products for fast skin repair that stimulates cell renewal. Aquaphor, Dermatix or Cetaphil lotion are also approved moisturizers and can be purchased over the counter. These creams will aid in the healing process of your skin by locking in moisture, reducing the chance of any bacterial infection, soothe and reduce redness and irritation. These products can be used 2-3
times a day as needed.

DO NOT pick, rub, exfoliate or schedule a facial, waxing or other aesthetician service for at least 7 days after your laser treatment.