Laser Services (PIXEL, CO2, IPL, ST, YAG) - back to services

The Pixel Laser Surfacing procedure uses an Erbium Yag laser in resurfacing the skin. This treatment is state of the art, and is an effective alternative to the CO2 laser with very little pain and downtime.  You may have heard of other forms of fractionated laser procedures such as Fraxel which is similar to Pixel.  

The Pixel laser technology works on overall skin quality by manipulating the less than tight collagen fibers in the skin while transitioning new cells to tighten up the skin. It indicates improvement in tone and texture of the skin by reducing and improving mild discoloration due to age, UV ray exposure, hyperpigmentation, and improving acne scars. Usually completed in little under 30 minutes the results have been equal to those of traditional laser resurfacing techniques. The procedure prides itself on being performed with minimal downtime and discomfort in the office setting. Treatment protocols call for a series of 3-4 treatments, 2-4 weeks apart.

The technology is known as ablative fractional technology. Skin is treated by removing tissue via a dot Pixel hand-piece. Pixel technology is performed as a localized or "scattered" ablation vs. total ablation as seen in other technology. The Pixel treats a small fraction of the skin, in a particular manner, where in which the tiny pixelations of skin are lasered within the assigned zone. The Pixel allows about 65% of the lasered skin to remain "as is" and untreated around the Pixel therapy treated areas. The untouched skin may then act as a reservoir for the promotion of rapid healing to the newly lasered skin, reducing the downtime significantly.
Skin resurfacing occurs as the laser passes over the affected skin to remove damaged outer layers and, through heat, stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cells in the underlying layers.

The Pixel technology allows for a smoother, tighter, and more improved skin texture after just several sessions, if not visible in the first session. The technology has demonstrated a triggering of biological responses that may lead to collagen remodeling; responsible for the smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, improvement of laxity and discoloration.
The Pixel technology has been shown to improve the appearance of difficult to treat acne and keloid scars with just several treatments. The improvement that has been seen with tissue laxity, whether around the mouth, eyelids, or the neck.
Indications:

• Lessens acne or surgical scars
• Treats pigment related conditions
• Evens out uneven skin tone and smoothes skin texture
• Rejuvenates skin
• Lessens wrinkles and fine lines

The Pixel laser resurfacing protocol has been shown to be so gentle that treatment can translate to those hard to treat areas once prohibitive by traditional resurfacing procedures, while being effective in such a short amount of time.

Using advanced laser technology, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for skin resurfacing precisely removes outer layers of damaged skin to reveal the underlying skin which is softer, smoother, and younger looking. The CO2 laser is used in the treatment of deeper facial lines and wrinkles.

A CO2 laser allows Dr. Waters to perform skin resurfacing procedures that reduce or eliminate more pronounced lines and wrinkles than similar treatments. This is done by removing deeper layers of damaged skin and stimulating the regeneration of healthy skin underneath.
The latest technological advancement in the field of laser resurfacing is the use of light beams that are either pulsed or scattered at a very high rate. This minimizes heat damage that the skin might otherwise be exposed to. It also allows a more powerful CO2 laser to be utilized for deeper tissue removal and for more effective removal of pronounced wrinkles and creases. This technology allows the treatment to provide some of the most dramatic, age-defying results possible.

The procedure can be performed on specific areas — such as around the mouth or eyes — or over the surface of the entire face. It is not used in other areas of the body.  During a CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment, a local anesthetic (injection at the treatment site) is used to relieve potential discomfort. If the entire face is being treated, intravenous or general anesthesia may be used.

By precisely removing damaged skin layer by layer, a CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is able to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, “turning back the clock” on your complexion and revealing the more youthful looking skin that lies underneath. The CO2 laser — when used for the skin resurfacing procedure — can also lessen the appearance of scars and many other skin imperfections. This is a procedure to be discussed with Dr. Waters.  Not all patients are candidates for CO2 laser and all patients must be fully informed of the benefits and healing process.