Laser Skin Resurfacing (Pixel) now available at HighFields one Saturday a month.
This procedure treats acne scarring, pigmentation, fine lines and improves skin texture.
To book your first appointment, please call us at 1.905 473 6132.
Introductory Special is $600. per treatment. The usual cost is $1000. per session.
Generally 4 sessions, 4 weeks apart is required.
What is the Pixel?
The Pixel is a new state-of-the art skin resurfacing laser.
What is skin resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing is a process whereby a thin layer of old skin is removed and your body replaces it with new skin.
Prior to the early 1990s the only options available for resurfacing were deep chemical peels and dermabrasion.
What makes the Pixel different from traditional resurfacing lasers?
Traditional lasers burn off every square millimeter of skin, necessitating a lengthy recovery. With the Pixel, the laser beam is split into numerous tiny beams. Each of these tiny beams creates a tiny hold that is surrounded by healthy skin. This surrounding uninjured skin seals over the tiny holes very quickly. About 3 days of redness follows each treatment. Compare that to one month of recovery for traditional resurfacing
Over the course of several treatments (4 to 6), the entire surface will have been removed and replace.
What conditions can be treated using the Pixel?
Laser resurfacing with the Pixel will bring about improvement in fine lines, skin texture, pigmentation and shallow scars.
*Pregnancy mask is resistant to most forms of treatment, but it responds quite well to Pixel *
Who is a good candidate for Pixel treatments?
Most commonly this is 40 – 50 year olds with mild to severe pigmentation and mild to moderate lines. Older people generally are beyond the capabilities of the Pixel. However, age is only one factor. There are many people in their 60s who are excellent candidates, and many people in their 50s who are poor candidates. The severity of the problem is what matters most.
The Pixel is appropriate to treat smooth rounded acne scars at any age.
What skin colors can be treated?
All skin colors can be treated except for black skin, which has a high risk of hyperpigmentation.
How much does it hurt?
Generally, the treatment itself is quite easily tolerated. Cold air is usually all that is required to stay comfortable. Immediately following the treatment, a breathable foundation which calms the skin and reduces the redness can be applied.
What are the risks of Pixel treatment?
Risks are minimal because of the limited surface area that is damaged and the very shallow penetration of the laser.
Because the skin has been disrupted, it is at risk of infection.
Swelling can occur, especially in soft areas like under the eyes.
Discoloration of the skin can occur on rare occasions. This effect is almost always temporary, usually lasting a few months.
Cold sores can be triggered if you are prone to them.
Scarring is theoretically possible, but extremely unlikely because of the shallow penetration of the laser.
The Pixel can injure the surface of the eye. However this is uncommon and it will almost always heal uneventfully in 24 – 48 hours. You are provided goggles during treatment.
Does Pixel treatment increase my risk for skin cancer?
Absolutely not.
Are the results of Pixel treatment permanent?
The Pixel treatment is trying to reverse some of the signs of aging, but it doesn’t stop the aging process. Maintenance treatments are needed, perhaps one treatment annualy. You can slow down aging by avoiding the sun, using a full spectrum sunscreen, using topical anti-oxidants like vitamin C serum and other anti-aging products.
Pigmentation will also return, although you can also slow this down by avoid the sun and using a full spectrum sunscreen and a topical antioxidant.
As long as there is no further active acne, the improvements seen in acne scarring are permanent.
How many treatments will be required?
Typically, 4 to 6 sessions.
Should I avoid tanning prior to treatment?
You should avoid the sun for 2 weeks before and after your treatments.
How long do treatments take?
Pixel treatment of the face usually takes 45 minutes. Hands, chest and neck take about 30 minutes.
What can I expect following treatment?
- Before the treatment is finished your skin will start to feel hot like a sunburn.
- You will have thousands of tiny tan-colored spots on your skin immediately after treatment. This can be seen easily on the 1st day or 2.
- There will be redness for 24 – 48 hours, and you will feel like you have a sunburn.
- After about 3 days only patchy irritated looking skin will be visible.
- From about day 3 to day 5 you may see bronzing of the skin, like artificial tanning creams.
- Skin should be normal in 5 – 7 days.
- You skin will be very dry for a week or so.
- Pigment in the treated area will darken an hour or two after treatment, then gradually fade over 2 weeks as the skin does its normal sloughing.
- There should be no blistering or oozing.
How do I care for my skin and what are my restrictions after treatment?
Avoid exposure to the sun for 2 days.
After the first 2 days you can apply make up and use sunscreen and moisturizers. You should continue to avoid the sun and use sunscreen for 2 weeks following your treatment.
When can I expect to see benefits of Pixel treatments?
Beneficial effects for pigmentation are usually evident after 2 treatments.
Fine lines should improve after 4 treatments.
Scarring takes the longest to improve, 5 to 6 sessions.
Peak effects are seen 4 to 6 months after the last treatment as new collagen slowly forms.
