Pixel Erbium Fractional Laser

Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.

Anaesthetic: Topical (optional)

Return to work: 5 days

Procedure time: 60 mins

Duration of results: 18-24 Months

Treatment: 2 to 3

Recovery Time: 7 to 10 days

iPixel Erbium fractional laser skin resurfacing and rejuvenation is the latest approach to lift years away from your face and stimulate new collagen to grow.

Treatment for skin problems such as wrinkles, weathering, pigmentation irregularities, acne scarring and lax skin were limited to traditional resurfacing procedures such as deep peels, dermabrasion and CO2 lasers.

More recently the fractional iPixel Erbium has become very popular as an alternative because it can achieve similar results to CO2 lasers with fewer side effects and limited or no downtime.

This FDA-approved treatment represents the best of both worlds for skin resurfacing: it combines the proven effectiveness of an ablative approach (aggressive lasers that remove the outer layer of skin) with the comfort and convenience of a non-ablative approach (lasers that keep the outer layer of the skin untouched).

Fractional resurfacing can be used on all areas of the body.

It is a safe, non-invasive way to restore the healthy, unblemished and glowing skin of your youth with minimal inconvenience.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

There was a time when it was common procedure to use an ablative laser to restore a youthful appearance to wrinkled, prematurely aged, acne or scarred and sun damaged skin.  The results were excellent, but it was a painful procedure with extended time from work, leaving you housebound and unable to return to normal life for long periods of time. Fortunately, things have now changed dramatically with the recent introduction of fractional ablative lasers, such as the iPixel Erbium .

What is the iPixel Erbium laser?

The iPixel Erbium laser is a FDA approved procedure and the latest approach to improving your skin concerns using fractional resurfacing. This safe treatment represents the best of both worlds for skin resurfacing: it combines the proven effectiveness of an ablative approach (aggressive lasers that remove the outer layer of skin) with the comfort and convenience of a non-ablative approach (lasers that leave the outer layers of the skin untouched).

How does it work?

iPixel Erbium skin resurfacing is based on the principle of inducing micro-thermal treatment zones:

The iPixel Erbium laser fires a laser beam which is then split into many micro beams, producing tiny dots or pixel–like treatment zones, referred to as micro-thermal treatment zones (MTZ).

These MTZ penetrate deep into the skin (depending on how aggressively the treatment is performed), removing the epidermis and upper dermis but leaving the surrounding tissues untouched and intact.

The treated pixels trigger the body’s natural healing process stimulating the growth of new healthy skin tissue and increased collagen formation. The small bridges of untreated areas act as a reservoir for more effective and rapid tissue healing and collagen production as well as minimising the risk of any side- effects.

The result is new, healthy and smoother tissue replacing skin imperfections.

What conditions can be treated?

Any area of the skin can be treated that has surface irregularities including:

  • Fines lines and wrinkles (including lines around the eyes)
  • Enlarged pores
  • Acne and Acne scarring
  • Melasma and deep pigmentation (including age spots)
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Poor skin tone, and texture
  • Skin discolourations
  • Surgical scars
  • Stretch marks

What areas can be treated?

The iPixelER laser can be used on all skin types and the treatment can be performed on the face including the upper and lower eyelids, the chest, back arms and hands/feet, legs –  in fact any area of the skin that has surface irregularities. This provides for a much wider scope than traditional ablative lasers. Another benefit of a fractional ablative laser is that it can be used to treat thin and sensitive skinned areas such as the neck and décolleté.

What is the treatment like?

A small hand piece is used to touch your skin. You will notice flashes of light in the area to be treated. It feels like a rubber band that gently snaps against your skin.  Depending on the size of the treatment area, each session can take a few minutes to half an hour or longer.

How many treatments are required?

Skin resurfacing with the iPixel Erbium laser is a gradual process.  The process runs over several treatment sessions. Depending upon the severity and extent of the condition being treated, a course of 1 to 5 treatments about every 4 weeks is normally recommended. Very occasionally some clients may require more than 5 treatments and/or the occasional ‘top-up’ treatment once the initial course has been completed. For improved results the treatment may also be used in conjunction with other laser treatments and/or PRP.

How quickly will I see a result?

Most people report that the treated skin looks better 10-14 days after the initial treatment. You will notice that the results will gradually improve over time and with repeated treatments, with the full effect occurring 3 months, and sometimes even up to 12 months following the last treatment.  Your treatment may be combined with other treatments such as red LED lights or PRP (platelet rich plasma).  This will improve your results as well as speed up your recovery time.

Who is not suitable for treatment?

Clients who are pregnant should not have this treatment because of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.

Pre-treatment care:

  • People who are tanned or recently had direct sun or sunbed exposure (within the last 2 weeks) should not be treated.
  • Make-up, perfume or deodorant should be removed from the treatment area.
  • Jewellery near the treatment area should be removed.
  • Inform us if there has been any change in your medical history or in the medication that you are taking since your last visit.  This includes retinol or vitamin A and all natural remedies such as St Johns Wort.

Post-treatment care:

  • Immediately after the treatment the area will feel hot and red with possibly mild swelling. This is as expected and normal. The swelling typically subsides within 12-48 hours and the redness resolves over the next few days depending on the intensity of your treatment and your skin type.
  • The application of clean cold compresses after the treatment is recommended and will give you some relief.
  • If required, analgesia e.g. paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen can be taken.
  • Do not apply any products containing “active ingredients” during the course of the treatment. This includes, but is not limited to, Retin A/Retinol, anti-ageing creams, exfoliants etc. These products can irritate the skin and induce discolouration such as temporary post inflammatory hyperpigmentation to your newly treated skin.
  • On the first evening following your treatment it is recommended that you do not wash your face.
  • For the next couple of days cleanse your face with cool water and a mild cleanser, until your skin isn’t sensitive anymore.
  • Keep make-up applications to a minimum. Mineral based face powders, clean tinted sunscreens or breathable camouflage are the most appropriate to use.
  • A broad spectrum sunscreen e.g. Heliocare SFP50 must be used at all times. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes prior to exposure to ensure protection and reapply every 2 hours whilst outside.
  • For a week after your treatment you are advised to use a moisturiser/medical grade cream recommended specifically for laser treated skin. These creams aid in the healing process of your skin by soothing and reducing redness and irritation, locking in moisture and reducing the chance of any bacterial infection. These products can be used as often as required.
  • A few days after your treatment your skin will feel dry and will look rough, patchy and darker. This is normal and as expected. It will resolve on its own over the next few days.
  • 5 Days after your treatment you may return to your previous skincare regime. We will be happy to suggest a skincare regime for you to maximise the benefits of your treatment.
  • Do not wax any treated area for ten days after your treatment as the skin will be sensitive.
  • Avoid touching your face or other treated areas unnecessarily and when you do make sure your hands are clean so you do not contaminate your recently treated skin and cause infection.
  • If you have any concerns at all regarding your treatment please do not hesitate to call us at the clinic.

Pre-treatment Consultation

  • On arrival, you will be asked to complete a confidential patient intake form.
  • A VISIA Skin Analysis may be conducted.
  • Your practitioner will then discuss your concerns and requirements with you in order to get a clear understanding of your expectations.
  • After a thorough examination, the most suitable treatment options and their alternatives will be proposed to you.  Treatment procedures will be clearly outlined and discussed, together with the benefits and possible risks of each.
  • To ensure a good result, it is of utmost importance to carefully select our patients for this treatment.
  • Should we find that surgery will be better, we will then refer you to a plastic surgeon.
  • Your practitioner may also provide you with a quotation.
  • Any questions you have about the process or treatment will be answered honestly.
  • Together, you and the practitioner will then decide on the treatment that is most appropriate and safe for you.
  • Any pre- and post-treatment care will be explained in detail. Written instructions may be handed to you.

You are under no obligation to book the treatment with us after your consultation, however, should you wish to book a treatment this can be done for you after your consultation or at a later date via phone or e-mail.

At Skinlogic we can assure you that we value your health and wellbeing. You will only be seen and treated by qualified and experienced professionals.

During the Treatment

Before your treatment you will be provided with a detailed consent form. You will be asked to read and sign this prior to having your treatment.

You will have plenty of opportunity to ask any questions you may still have regarding the treatment.

Your practitioner will cleanse the area to be treated.  If necessary, topical anaesthetic will be applied. At Skinlogic, we encourage our patients to omit the topical anaesthetic since it causes vasoconstriction and thus impair an optimal healing cascade.  However, your well-being and comfort is very important to us, so the option of topical anaesthetic is always available. Depending on the treatment intensity, most patients report feeling just mild discomfort and heat, as though a hot rubber band is flicked against the skin.

After the procedure, the skin is calmed with the application of specialized products to provide comfort, enhance your treatment and aid recovery.