Pixel 2940nm Erbium Laser

Pixel 2940nm Erbium Laser

U Cosmetic uses the Pixel 2940nm Erbium laser on the Harmony platform for laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing is a great way to improve the skin’s texture. Sun exposure, trauma, poor diet and alcohol can result in the loss of collagen and elastin during the skin’s aging process. Imperfections such as scars from acne, trauma or surgery, stretch marks, enlarged pores, rough skin, hyperpigmentation (increased colour), fine lines and wrinkles can be significantly and safely improved with Pixel laser resurfacing! Although good results are expected, with the focus on improvement rather than perfection, every person is unique and it is impossible to guarantee.

Pixel creates thousands of tiny perforations in the skin, similar to the size of a pore. This process is called “fractional laser resurfacing.” The skin around each of these perforations remains intact and the epidermis rapidly heals from the edge of these tiny holes. Only a “fraction” of the skin is resurfaced each time. The client who undergoes a Pixel treatment may be red for 2 to 3 days, (could be longer for deeper treatments) and does not require any general anaesthetic for the procedure. Mineral makeup can be applied immediately, so downtime is minimal. Furthermore, hypopigmentation (loss of colour) has not yet been described with this laser. It must be repeated several times for optimal results because only a portion of the total skin surface is treated during each pass. Most patients prefer multiple visits with no downtime or risk of hypopigmentation rather than a single treatment that involves remaining home for an extended period of time. Fractional laser resurfacing can be done on thin-skinned areas such as the neck and chest. The body requires a minimum of 3 to 4 months to make the collagen in response to the laser treatments.

An alternative to Pixel is the CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser. A CO2 laser procedure burns the epidermis (top layers of skin) off completely, and heats up the underlying dermis during the ablative procedure. Patients who undergo CO2 laser resurfacing require general anesthesia and also face a long period of recovery (weeks). It is not uncommon to have hypopigmentation with CO2 laser resurfacing. Other alternatives that may give different effects include strong skin care products such as Obagi Nu Derm line, chemical peels, dermabrasion, surgery or not having the procedure.

Expected side effects of Pixel include redness, burning sensation, tightness and flaking of skin. These should resolve over 1-5 days. Infrequent, blistering, infection, bruising or discolouration may occur and are usually temporary. Rarely, burns, scarring and permanent discolouration can occur.

Smoking or being exposed to second hand smoke can cause poor tissue healing and may be associated with an increased risk of infection and other complications.

Pixel treatments are not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active infection or a tattoo at the site, have a light sensitive disorder such as porphyria or light-triggered seizures. Certain medications such as thiazides (for high blood pressure), certain antibiotics (such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin or sulphonamides), sulfonylureas (used to treat diabetes), phenothiazines (used to treat certain emotional problems or induce sleep), Accutane, Gold therapy, St John’s Wort and Ginkgo Biloba may increase your risk of side effects because of increased sensitivity to light.

All of our treatments are enhanced by a proper skincare regimen, a qood quality SPF product and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. U Cosmetic has chosen a range of specific medical grade skincare products (RevaléSkin, Pro-Derm, Déjà Vu, Obagi) that complement all of our procedures and can prolong results of many treatments.

Prior to treatment you should:

· avoid sun exposure, tanning bed or products for 4 weeks.

· expect test patch treatment prior to a full treatment if you have darker or sensitive skin.

· start antiviral medication before your treatment if you have a history of cold sores.

· be off Accutane or Gold therapy for at least 6 monthsprior to starting laser treatments.

· avoid skin care containing strong ingredients (Retin-A, glycolics….) for 3 to 7 days.



After treatment you will/may/should:

· avoid sun exposure or tanning beds during the healing process. The skin is more sensitive after laser treatments. Use sunscreen/protection between treatments when the skin is healed.

· notice immediately some redness and swelling at the treatment site which can last for 48 hours or more. The treated area will feel like you have a sunburn. You should apply cold packs, Maxilene cream, Pro-Derm Hydrogel, Fucidin H, or Pro-Derm Regenerating cream for post laser skin care.

· notice by day 2, red areas will begin to look bronzed. If your skin is not irritated you may use moisturizer with sunscreen when going out doors.

· use only mineral makeup immediately after treatment and during the next few days. Do not apply makeup if there is blistering. Wash with Pro-derm or Revaléskin gentle cleanser with finger tips using only tepid water and pat dry.

· notice by day 3, your skin will start to flake and peel. Apply moisturizer and mineral make up as needed. DO NOT pick at your skin as this may cause infection or scarring.

· avoid AHAs, glycolic acids, Vitamin C, retinoids, etc. until the skin is healed.

· contact the clinic if you have questions about your treatment. We are here to help you and want your experience to be a pleasant one.


You will start to enjoy your new complexion within a few weeks of your treatment and improvement will be ongoing as your body makes collagen over the next 3 to 4 months!

For best results, at least 3 to 6 treatments with Pixel scheduled 4 weeks apart are recommended.