What happens to our skin as we age?
As people age or go through periods of change, such as adolescence or menopause, the skin can show wear and tear characterized by blotchy pigmentation, broken capillaries, acne scarring, or a sallow, yellowish complexion. The skin texture takes the brunt of the aging process showing enlarged pores along with fine lines and wrinkles. This deterioration process of collagen and elastin loss is amplified by sun exposure, excessive alcohol intake, and even poor diet and lack of exercise. Researchers estimate we lose 1% of our dermal collagen each year after age 20 and that this loss rate can double in sun exposed skin.
What is Pixel™treatment?
The Pixel™ by Alma laser is an FDA approved laser device that is designed to improve the skin quality and texture while stimulating collagen regeneration. Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure commonly used to restore a youthful appearance to wrinkled, prematurely aged, or sun-damaged skin. The Pixel does this resurfacing via“fractional laser skin resurfacing” so that some healthy skin remains to promote recovery, limiting downtime.
What are the benefits of the Pixel™?
The Pixel™ Fractional Resurfacing FDA approved procedure offers results comparable to traditional laser resurfacing without the discomfort or need for lengthy recovery. It is the next generation of laser skin resurfacing that helps improve skin texture, tone and firmness, smoothes wrinkles, and reduces pore size and scars (including acne scars) without the downtime or discomfort associated with other resurfacing lasers.
How does the Pixel work?
Pixel skin resurfacing is based upon the principle of microthermal treatment zones. The laser pulses create tiny holes in the skin, removing the epidermis and upper dermis. The treatment then triggers the body’s natural healing process, stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin tissue. The Pixel treats small zones of the skin, leaving surrounding tissue untouched and intact. These large unaffected areas act as a reservoir for more effective and rapid tissue healing and collagen production. The end result is new, healthier, smoother tissue in place of skin imperfections.
What areas can be treated?
Any area of the skin can be treated that has surface irregularities, including: sun-damaged or aged skin, acne scars, wrinkles, and stretchmarks. Common areas treated include the face, neck, chest, thighs, hands and arms.
How many treatments are necessary?
In general, regardless of the area of skin being treated, optimal treatment involves 3 to 6 sessions that can be done at 3 to 6 week intervals. Some patients are happy after just 1 treatment. In our office, Pixel is often bundled with other therapies to achieve optimal results, such as Skin Tightening Laser, Photofacials, Dermapen Microneedling, and Botox® Cosmetic.
Can the Pixel™treatment be done instead of a facelift or other facial aesthetic procedures?
In our practice we find the Pixel™ laser treatment to be an exceptional adjunct therapy for patients prior to or following facial surgical procedures. By preparing the skin with laser resurfacing, facelift patients gain an added benefit of healthy appearing skin, reduced fine lines and overall better elasticity and texture of the skin.
Does the Pixel treatment hurt?
Most patients report little or no discomfort during the treatment. Most commonly, clients feel some slight warmth with the pulse of the laser and some slight reaction when the laser is passed over more sensitive areas like the upper lip. Clients experience a sunburn-like, tingling sensation for a few hours afterward. Any discomfort is typically neutralized with a gentle moisturizer or emollient, such as Aquaphor™.
What is the downtime?
Patients who undergo this Pixel treatment at the RoxSpa will not require anesthesia and will usually be red for only a day or two. Because of the redness, but not pain, patients typically experience five days of “social downtime” following each session when they prefer not to schedule big meetings or events. However, if desired, mineral makeup can be applied immediately or very soon following the procedure, making redness less noticeable should you be in a public place.
During the month of May, RoxSpa Beverly Hills is offering a Pixel/photofacial combination treatment for only $900. Call 310-777-0496 to book your appointment. Visit us and see how we keep you beautiful.