Laser Skin Resurfacing
with Pixel
Laser Skin Resurfacing
York Laser and MedSpa offers laser skin resurfacing to Aurora, Newmarket, and York Region using fractionated CO2 laser.
As we age, the loss of collagen and elastin causes fine lines and crepey skin. A very effective way to improve this is with fractionated laser skin resurfacing.
Pixel can also improve acne scars, pore size, and pigmentation.
Read the FAQs to learn more.
To book a consultation, call (905) 726-1126
Frequently Asked Questions
Skin resurfacing involves the removal of a paper-thin layer of skin that is replaced with new skin that is healthier. This improves texture, pore size, fine lines, pigmentation, and scars.*
Traditional lasers remove every square millimeter of skin, necessitating a lengthy recovery. With the fractional laser, the laser beam is split (fractionated) into numerous tiny beams. Each of these tiny beams creates a tiny hole that is surrounded by healthy skin. This surrounding uninjured skin heals the tiny holes very quickly. About three days of redness follows each treatment. Compare that to one month of recovery for traditional resurfacing.
Only a small percentage of skin is hit by the beams with each treatment. Over the course of several treatments (usually six sessions), the entire surface will have been removed and replaced, giving you the results of traditional resurfacing without the downtime and risks.*
Laser resurfacing will bring about improvement in fine lines, skin texture, pigmentation, and shallow scars.*
Smooth rounded acne scars can be treated. Sharp “ice pick” acne scars are much more difficult to treat.
Melasma, the so-called “pregnancy mask”, is resistant to most forms of treatment, but it responds quite well to fractional laser.* For sun-type pigment spots (age spots) fractional laser is overkill. Photorejuvenation is a better treatment, since it involves no downtime.
Melasma, the so-called “pregnancy mask”, is resistant to most forms of treatment, but it responds quite well to fractional laser.* For sun-type pigment spots (age spots) fractional laser is overkill. Photorejuvenation is a better treatment, since it involves no downtime.
Anyone who wants to improve skin texture, acne scars, or melasma is a candidate.
Most commomly, we are treating people in their 50s and 60s for texture issues and younger people for acne scars and melasma (20s to 40s).
However, age is only one factor. The severity of the problem is what matters most. People with severely damaged skin are poor candidates as are people with deep "ice pick" acne scars.
Skin types I - IV can be treated saafely. Darker skin has a high risk of pigmentation changes (increased or decreased pigment). A test patch in an inconspicuous area is recommended.
There is no easy answer to this question, since pain perception and tolerance varies greatly from person to person.
Generally, the treatment itself is tolerated well. Topical anesthetic creams are applied prior to 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.
Bronzing of the skin can occur a few days after treatment and last for a few days.
Cold sores can be triggered if you are prone to them.
You will be provided with goggles during treatment.
Absolutely not. The wavelength of light that produces skin cancer is in the ultraviolet range of the spectrum.
The CO2 laser produces light at the opposite end of the spectrum in the infrared range. It will not cause skin cancer.
Laser resurfacing is trying to reverse some of the signs of aging, but it doesn’t stop the aging process. Poor skin texture and fine lines will eventually return. Maintenance treatments are needed, perhaps one treatment annually. You can slow down aging by avoiding the sun, using a full spectrum sunscreen, using topical anti-oxidants like vitamin C serum, and using other anti-aging products.*
Pigmentation will also return, although you can also slow this down by avoiding the sun and by using a full spectrum sunscreen and a topical antioxidant such as vitamin C serum.*
Improvement in acne scarring is permanent since there is on ongoing process to undo the benefits of treatment. Of course, you can still get new scars from new pimples. For this reason, it is important to get your acne under control before doing laser resurfacing.
This varies according to the depth of the problem. Minor texture problems will improve with 3 treatments. Deeper lines typically need 6 sessions. If the problem is difficult, you may need more. There is no limit to the number of treatments done. As long as you continue to see improvements with each session, you can keep treating.
No one should be tanning. It damages your skin. Specifically in relation to laser resurfacing, you should avoid the sun for two weeks before and after your treatments. If you have had enough sun recently to add color to your skin, that’s too much sun. You run the risk of pigment changes.
Fractional laser treatments of the face usually take 45 minutes. Hands, neck, and decollete each take about 30 minutes.
Add to this the time it takes for the topical to be applied and become effective (another 30 minutes or so).
The same area should not be treated again until the skin has recovered. At least one week should be allowed between treatments. We usually book you every 2 to 4 weeks.
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. They will give you an overall appearance of a grid pattern on your skin, like a screen. It takes two to three days for this to subside.
There will be redness for 24-48 hours, and you will feel like you have a sunburn.
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.
Your 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 about two weeks as the skin does its normal sloughing.*
Pigment in the treated area will darken an hour or two after treatment, then gradually fade over about two weeks as the skin does its normal sloughing.*
You should avoid exposure to the sun for two weeks.
During the first two days you should only use the creams provided or purchased . We recommend the use of Alastin Skin Nectar which soothes post-treatment skin and supports recovery..
After the first two days you can apply makeup and use sunscreen and moisturizers. However, you should continue to avoid the sun and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for two weeks following resurfacing treatments. We have several excellent sunscreens with broad-spectrum coverage of UV-A and UV-B rays.
You will likely want to stay home for two or three days when the redness is peaking. Otherwise, there are no restrictions.
Beneficial effects for pigmentation are usually evident after about 2 treatments.
Fine lines should show improvemennt after 3 to 4 treatments.
Scarring takes the longest to improve, 6 sessions or more.
Peak effects are seen 4-6 months after the last treatment as new collagen slowly forms.
No. This treatment is considered to be cosmetic.
Generally speaking, the answer is no, but this depends on your policy. Check with your insurance agent.
In March, 2010 tax credits could no longer be claimed for cosmetic treatments.
Call (905) 726-1126 to book your consultation.
We require 3 business days notice for cancellation of your consultation or treatment, in order to fill the appointment time. If sufficient notice is not given, the full value of the treatment to be done may be charged. The minimum charge for a missed appointment or late cancellation is $100 (one hundred and dollars). If you have booked a package , the missed treatment will be deemed to have been given.
*Results may vary.
