Pixel Resurfacing

What is Pixel Perfect Resurfacing?

Pixel is effective for treating a variety of common skin concerns including acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin texture, sun damaged skin, melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and surgical scars. Pixel can be performed on the face, neck, chest and most other areas of the body.

Pixel laser treatment also tightens loose skin by stimulating new collagen formation, which results in skin continuing to improve for up to 6 months after the treatment series.

Am I a good candidate for Pixel Resurfacing?
Anyone whose skin shows signs of aging is a candidate for Pixel Perfect. The most dramatic results are seen on people who have tried non-invasive therapies and are looking for something more aggressive. The best candidates have moderate sun damage, are in good health, have good health habits and typically take good care of their skin.

How frequently do I need treatments?
Pixels are done as frequently as 1 month apart. For conditions such as acne scarring, patients typically need 3-5 treatments. For skin rejuvenation, Pixel may be combined with other treatments such as IPL Photofacial or skin-tightening – the number of Pixel treatments performed will vary depending on the needs of the patient.

How does Pixel Resurfacing work?
The Pixel laser creates many tiny laser holes in the skin, removing part of the top layer of skin. It leaves the surrounding skin cells intact to serve as a reservoir for rapid healing. The laser stimulates new collagen growth to smooth and tighten the skin. You will continue to make new collagen for 6 months after a Pixel treatment.

Does the treatment hurt?
There is some discomfort during the laser treatment. We use a Zimmer, which blows cold air over the skin to help numb the skin during the treatment. After the Pixel treatment is performed, there will be a sunburn-type sensation. We treat small sections of the skin and apply a topical numbing cream, which relieves the heat sensation very quickly. We provide you with a small amount of the topical numbing cream to reapply at home for the first 24 hours as needed for any discomfort.

Can I combine Pixel Resurfacing with other treatments?
Yes! Combining IPL and Pixel (Signature Glow) laser therapies in one treatment session is highly recommended as they offer a synergistic result. The dual action of the two laser arms causes your skin to gently peel away while clearing unwanted pigmentation leaves your skin unblemished and smooth with beautiful skin tones.

What can I expect after the treatment?
The treated area will be very red and swollen for the first 24-48 hours. The skin will begin to flake and peel on days 3-4. This is especially noticeable during cleansing the skin. The skin on the face is usually essentially healed after 5 days – though there may still be some redness. The skin on areas of the body (anywhere off the face) can take at least twice as long to heal because the skin turns over more slowly and does not have as many oil glands present. Most clients can begin to apply mineral makeup after 3-4 days. We recommend scheduling a DiamondGlow appointment 1-2 weeks after your treatment to complete the process of eliminating the dead skin cells and rehydrating your skin.

What do I need to do to maintain results?
The best way to maintain results is to protect the skin from the sun. One or two Pixel treatments per year are helpful in some patients to keep brown spots and fine lines at bay. A home skin care regimen will be recommended to you after a full assessment of your skin. Each person is different and Rejuvalase will have a customized treatment plan recommended for you by your therapist.

What if I need a touch up?
While Pixel Perfect reverses the appearance of aging, we can’t stop the aging process. Depending on your starting point and your lifestyle following treatment, your new look can last several months or longer. For most patients, a touch-up treatment after 6–12 months (usually using a different light-based skin rejuvenation technology) helps maintain a healthy glow.

Before Treatment

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks prior to treatment and use SPF 30 daily to ensure coverage against UVB and UBA rays.
• Do not use self-tanning products for 2 weeks prior to and/or post-treatment.
• Do not use exfoliants for 1 week prior to and 2 weeks post-treatment.
• Discontinue use of Tretinoin type products (Renova, Tretinoin, Retin A, Retin A Micro, Tri-Luma, Solage, etc.) at least 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
• In some cases, you may be asked to “pre-treat” with lightening agents. Your technician will tell you whether or not and how long to use lightening agents prior to treatment. If you are using or are asked to use lightening agents, discontinue usage 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
• If you have a history of cold sores, begin prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar no later than the day prior to Pixel.
• Notify Rejuvalase if you develop a cold sore, acne, open lesions in the area being treated, or experience any type of illness prior to your treatment.
• Avoid Ibuprofen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for 1 to 2 weeks prior to and/or post-treatment.

After Treatment

• You will experience a sunburned sensation and pinking of skin immediately following treatment. Most people experience some level of discomfort (mild to severe) post-treatment for up to 12 hours. Although more unusual, swelling is possible.
• Post laser products can be purchased from our office.
• If “stacking” technique is used, you will experience a severe sunburned sensation, the skin may be raw, swelling is expected and the area may ooze.
• DO NOT cleanse the skin for 24 hours post-treatment. You may use cool compresses and mild/gentle moisturizers to help with any discomfort in the first 24 hours. Pinking or redness of the skin and burning sensation within the first 24 hours is normal.
• Tiny scabs or marks may be seen one to several days after the treatment if face/neck was treated and up to several weeks if “stacking” is used or treatment is done on the body. If any are marks are raw or open, use an antibiotic ointment. Do not pick or scrub at the marks.
• For most face/neck treatments, cleanse the area and use gentle moisturizer beginning the day after the treatment and several times throughout the day while marks are present. If the “stacking” technique is used or if treatment is being done on the body, please see next bullet below.
• If “stacking” technique is done (please ask your technician if this will be done) or if treatment is being done on the body, gently cleanse the area, apply hydrocortisone cream followed by a thin layer of antibiotic ointment several times a day for the first week or until the area is healed.
• Otherwise, you generally may resume your normal facial skin care regimen after 3 days (or as otherwise advised by your technician).
• Use SPF 30 or higher daily on the treated area if exposed.
• Generally, make-up may be applied the day after your treatment unless “stacking” is used, in which case make-up should not be used until the skin is healed.

Follow Up Treatment

Depending on your starting point and your lifestyle following treatment, your new look can last several months or longer. For most patients, a touch-up treatment after 6–12 months (usually using a different light-based skin rejuvenation technology) helps maintain a healthy glow.

• Malignant or pre-malignant pigmented lesions
• Photosensitive medications (e.g. Alpha Hydroxyl or Glycolic Acid) within a week of treatment
• Pregnancy
• Known anticoagulative or thromboembolic condition or use of anticoagulation medication
• Uncontrolled Diabetes
• Active infection at the site of treatment
• Pacemaker or internal defibrillator
• History of seizures triggered by light
• Use of Isotrentinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months
• Presence of a deep suntan, sunburn, or artificially toned skin. Avoid sun exposure and tanning, including self-tanning products for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment. Remove skin bronzers completely prior to treatment. A sunscreen with SPF 35 or more should be used on any treatment areas exposed to the sun. If you have recently tanned you will be instructed to stay out of the sun and return for treatment when the tan has faded