Pixel Laser

Some people wear their skin like a badge of honor. Their scars, freckles, and wrinkles are a sign of the life they’ve lived, the suffering they’ve endured, and all of the years they’ve struggled. Other people see their skin as a source of shame, reminding them of times they’d rather forget, or awkward moments that they’d prefer not to talk about. For many, the skin is a dirty slate that needs to be wiped clean, allowing them to walk through life unencumbered. They’d rather have a fresh, rejuvenated outer shell, free of scabs, poor complexion, wrinkles, and lines. Pixel was built for them. It takes all that away, building a fresh, rejuvenated surface.

What is a Pixel Laser?
Types of Pixel Laser
Why Pixel Laser Resurfacing?
What are Concerns for Pixel Laser Treatment?
Steps to getting your procedure
Cost of Pixel Laser
Why Yes Doctor for Pixel Laser
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes Doctor’s Plastic Surgery Procedure Pixel Laser

What is a Pixel Laser?

The Pixel laser is a laser machine manufactured by Alma, designed to perform laser skin resurfacing. It can clear the complexion, help remove minor scabs, smooth out basic wrinkles and lines, and treat mild to moderate skin laxity. It is also used for different types of pigmentation, including melasma, freckles, sun spots, and age spots. It can be considered an anti-aging treatment, used to reduce the signs of photo-aging and sun damage. Patients who undergo Pixel laser therapy walk away feeling younger and rejuvenated. Their skin is clearer, tighter, and smoother. The machine is mostly commonly used on the neck, chest, face, and hands, but it can be used on other parts of the body as well. When it comes to laser skin resurfacing, providers tend to focus on the pros and downplay the cons. This article is meant to provide an unbiased look at Pixel, how it can benefit patients, and the risks they may face after undergoing the procedure. Pixel is a fractional laser machine, which makes use of Erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG), delivered usually through a micro-optic lens. It’s one of many different types of fractional lasers, including Fraxel and Profractional. But there are several key factors that set it apart. 

Fraxel uses a 1550nm wavelength laser, which doesn’t allow for deep penetration beneath the skin. Profractional and Pixel use a wavelength of 2940nm, which does penetrate deep. But Profractional is ablative. It’s stronger, and it removes the upper epidermis, forcing patients to undergo longer recovery times. Pixel is a fractional non-ablative laser, which means it keeps the upper layer of the skin intact. It uses a lens that breaks the light up into small, microscopic fragments, which only allow the beam to touch about a third of the skin. This creates a pixelated pattern of micro punctures, hence the name. The controlled trauma tells the body to flood the area with a special healing serum, causing old cells to be pushed out while new ones grow. The laser also generates heat in the middle layer, known as the dermis. This constricts collagen and elastin fibers, causing an immediate tightening effect while promoting the growth of new ones. It’s great for those who are facing sagging as a result of aging and sun damage. Patients do tend to walk away from treatment satisfied. Pixel is quite effective, and people seem to prefer it over the competitors. It’s weaker, so it’s not as painful. It doesn’t result in blisters or burns, and it works with the body’s natural processes. 

Types of Pixel Laser

  • Which Pixel Laser is Right for You?

    Laser skin resurfacing has a limited range of capabilities, and sometimes it’s not very good at delivering results. Some conditions such as sagging, wrinkling, and certain types of pigmentation are best left to the alternatives. Pixel may be able to treat these issues, but severe wrinkles don’t respond well to treatment. Sometimes pigmentations become diminished but still visible, and people with sagging skin often require a bit of a boost to achieve the desired results. For that reason, many manufacturers combine other types of technology with their lasers. They’ll tout it as a miracle cure, ready to pack an extra punch, and it does help, but it also increases the complication rate. Patients should speak to their provider about these options. Find out what they entail, and whether they’re really necessary. Also spend some time online researching, and know that not every website is honest about the risks. Anything designed to lure in patients should be taken with a grain of salt. This includes studies, even those published by public or governmental organizations. Companies are constantly funding research in an effort to skew the results, and scientists are usually more than happy to oblige. The list of alternatives below is not complete, but it does provide a jumping off point patients can use to find out more about the different types of Pixel lasers. 

  • Pixel RF

    Pixel, and laser resurfacing in general, isn’t very effective at tightening skin. It does encourage collagen growth, but it doesn’t do enough damage for it to be used solely for the purposes of skin tightening. That’s why Alma created Pixel RF. Instead of using a basic laser that shines on the epidermis, they packed the laser into a handpiece with a roller that essentially injects radiofrequency waves. This adds to the thermal energy applied to the dermis, causing the destruction and constriction of even more collagen fibers, which eventually grow back stronger. This form of treatment is sometimes referred to as microneedling, because like the metal needles used in traditional microneedling, the laser creates tiny perforations in the epidermis. 

  • Pixel C02

    Non-ablative lasers are weaker. Sometimes it takes longer for them to achieve the desired effect, and they have trouble erasing scarring and moderate to severe wrinkles. Adding a bit of extra power changes all of that. That’s why Alma created Pixel C02. It’s an ablative C02 laser that’s supposed to be much stronger than its non-ablative cousin. This means that it causes more damage to the skin. It removes more of the epidermis, and it is better at damaging collagen fibers and heating the dermis. Like any ablative laser it does come with a higher risk of complications, which could include burns, oozing, and blisters. But it’s more capable than traditional Pixel machines.

Why Pixel Laser Resurfacing?

Skin conditions are one of the worst aesthetic concerns to deal with. They stand out. Regardless of what it is–it could be wrinkles, lines, spots, or a giant darkened blotch covering a person’s cheek–there’s no running from it. It’s impossible not to notice, and it’s the one thing that gets people talking more than anything else. They can’t help it. They stare. They laugh, and they whisper. They’ll call someone out, ask about it, and direct everyone’s attention towards it. Wrinkles seem to pull the body down, and remind us with every movement that they exist. We feel it when our complexion is poor, pushing into us, making us feel dirty. All of these things build up over time, making daily life difficult. When combined with the added scrutiny, it’s easy to see why people would seek out treatment for their concerns. They feel like they have to do something, and when they do find relief, it solves real life issues, physically, mentally, and externally in daily life. But patients have to be careful, especially when it comes to laser skin resurfacing. Choosing the right treatment could mean the difference between agony and the perfect aesthetic. That’s why Pixel is so popular. It’s nowhere near as painful. It doesn’t burn off the skin. It works with heat and small beams of light, which means there’s less to worry about. Here’s a list of reasons why patients choose Pixel:

  • Remove Blemishes
  • Achieve Clearer Skin
  • Melt Away Melasma
  • Remove Acne Scars
  • Feel Rejuvenated

What are Concerns for Pixel Laser Treatment?

Laser skin resurfacing is not a day at the spa. It is a major procedure that involves damaging the largest organ in the human body. There are risks and potential consequences, even with a weaker laser like Pixel. Patients need to do their own homework, take the time to understand what the procedure entails and what could go wrong. This research should come in conjunction with advice from a well-meaning, experienced provider with the necessary qualifications. That means that patients will have to vet each clinic, look up their background, and read reviews. Improper use of Pixel could be devastating to a patient’s health. Every decision a patient makes should be informed, and that begins with deciding whether or not to undergo treatment. Pixel isn’t for everyone. Most providers will sit down with the patient and go over candidacy, but some might smooth the process over, so patients should also take the time to try and understand who should and who should not be undergoing the procedure. Also be aware that there is a way to prepare for laser skin resurfacing. This could make or break the results. Providers will give patients a list of steps to follow before the session takes place. They will also talk to patients about how to care for themselves after they have undergone treatment. Follow their instructions carefully.

  • Candidacy

    Candidacy is the main concern with Pixel. Nearly every article says that it is suitable for every skin tone, and that is not the case. Patients with skin tone VI, which includes most patients of African or Caribbean descent might not benefit from treatment, and they could develop pigmentations. Patients who tan easily may also encounter this issue. Patients with poor wound healing, keloids, active infections, and active acne breakouts should not undergo treatment. Pacemakers may clash with Pixel. Patients with connective tissue disease, autoimmune disorders, or patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot receive treatment. Certain medications, supplements, and illicit substances may also be contraindicated.

  • Preparing for Pixel Laser Therapy

    Preparing for Pixel laser therapy is an essential part of the treatment process. During the initial consultation be sure to tell the provider if you are taking any prescription or OTC medications, using any topical creams, or taking any vitamins or supplements. Certain medications may have to be abstained from, even basic non-prescription pain pills. Try to avoid sunlight as much as possible. When the treatment area is exposed, be sure to wear SPF protection. Err on the side of caution and add it on frequently. Also avoid tanning booths or any type of UV light treatment. This will make it impossible to undergo the procedure. It’s important to hydrate, and try to avoid wearing any metal accessories or jewelry on the day of your appointment. This may interact poorly with the machine.

  • Recovering from Pixel Laser

    Recovering from Pixel laser resurfacing takes about 7 days. The doctor will prescribe medications. These must be taken according to the label. The first few days will be characterized by swelling, redness, a rough, sandpaper texture, and sometimes oozing. Proper wound care is essential. The provider will go over the details. They may require a specific type of moisturizer or ointment, and patients will be required to perform a vinegar bath several times daily. Avoid sunlight, even if it’s coming from a car window or house window. If leaving the house cannot be avoided, wear something that stops the UV rays from coming into contact with the skin. This is extremely important, because it will determine how well the wound heals.

Steps to getting your procedure

Research-icon

Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Cost of Pixel Laser

The cost of Pixel laser treatment is attainable for members of the middle and lower classes. It ranges somewhere between $250 to $2,500 with an average of approximately $787. The price range is diverse for a number of reasons. It is dependent partially on the amount of time and energy used in the office. The treatment time could be as short as 30 minutes or as long as 2 hours, depending on the size of the target region. Patients receiving treatment on their face will pay less than patients who are having their thigh or their calf treated. Not every clinic charges the same price. Most clinics partially base their price on their geographic location and the competitiveness of the local market. If they have to pay higher operating costs due to the cost of living in that area, they will charge more. If they are trying to compete with a giant set of competitors, they may run sales or offer their services for a discount. Areas with a reputation for cosmetic procedures, such as Beverly Hills or other parts of California, usually charge more. There are other factors that providers may use to determine the cost of treatment, including their qualifications, their level of experience, and their reputation in the community.

Why Yes Doctor for Pixel Laser

There’s nothing more important than finding the right provider. There are many people who offer laser therapy services who are underqualified, inexperienced, or incapable of performing the procedure properly. Patients have to filter them out. They also have to find reliable sources of information so they can understand what it is they are getting into. That’s why Yes Doctor was created. We bring patients every piece of information they need, from doctor profiles to in-depth articles detailing procedures, and we also offer easy financing options that can help patients receive the care they deserve. Apply today and book a consultation now. It won’t impact your credit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients typically see results from their treatment within 1-2 weeks of undergoing Pixel laser therapy. But while those results will be noticeable, they’re not the drastic change most patients are looking for. Wrinkles, lines, and scars in particular take more than one session to fade. Even skin tone and complexion could require more sessions. Every provider is different in this respect, but on average they will suggest 3-5 sessions spaced out by 3-4 weeks to achieve optimal results. There is no set number. Patients will simply have to undergo the treatment, schedule a follow-up and go from there. This can increase the cost, so it’s important to take the entire process into account.
Pixel laser does have a drastic effect on the skin, but the results are not permanent. Their longevity will depend on the patient’s lifestyle. Since photo-aging is the main concern when it comes to laser therapy, the patient will have to stay out of the sun as much as they can, wear sun hats, and sun protection. Prolonged sunlight, even with sun protection can cause damage. It’s also important to stay away from refined wheat, starches, and other simple carbohydrates. They break down into sugar, which is known to destroy collagen. Conditions like wrinkles and lines can also be avoided this way as they are related to collagen depletion.
Certain lasers are more painful than others. Ablative lasers are the strongest, along with lasers that work at a higher frequency, and they can be quite difficult to withstand. But basic Pixel lasers–with the exception of Pixel C02–are known to be easy to manage. Providers usually give patients a benzodiazepine or an opioid along with a numbing cream to help them withstand treatment, and they will wait for them to kick in before exposing the skin to the laser. There will still be a small amount of discomfort. Many people describe it as similar to having a rubber band snap against the skin.
Patients tend to walk away satisfied once they have finished all of their Pixel laser therapy sessions. They do see results quickly. There’s no long wait, no huge disappointment. Pixel works. That being said, there are certain conditions that don’t respond well to any type of laser resurfacing, and while Pixel may be indicated for treating them, it might be better to find an alternative. This largely depends on the severity of the issue. Wrinkles and lines tend to require more force than a laser can offer, and it’s especially difficult when they are moderate to severe. Some forms of pigmentation are better treated with oral medication or ointment, and many don’t respond to lasers at all. Sagging skin cannot be remedied with Pixel to any serious extent.