Understanding The Pix:E Treatment
Pix:E treatment combines two of our favorite procedures into one power-packed combo treatment that tightens and brightens the skin. The PiX:E combines 4 MHz RF Microneedling with Erbium YAG resurfacing laser to effectively address fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, uneven skin tones, skin texture and more – all without the need for surgery. While prioritizing your comfort and safety, Pix:E delivers exceptional results. Pix:E treatments are designed to help us target a wide variety of skin concerns including:
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Facial acne scars
- Stretch marks
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Crepey skin
- Skin texture
Pix:E is an advanced, FDA-cleared procedure that merges the rejuvenating power of RF (radiofrequency) microneedling with the precision of Erbium YAG laser skin resurfacing. This innovative combination offers a dual-action solution for skin rejuvenation:
- RF microneedling penetrates the skin to deliver energy deep into the dermis, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which enhances skin texture, firmness, and tone.
- Erbium laser skin resurfacing gently removes the outer layer of skin, initiating cellular renewal to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage.
Pix:E is designed to be fully customizable, allowing for adjustments in needle depth and laser settings, ensuring each treatment is tailored specifically to meet individual skin types and aesthetic goals. Consultation is required prior to treatment.
Who's A Candidate for The Pix:E Treatment
- The most common candidates are those with fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and other types of scarring, sun damage and age spots, uneven skin tone and texture, and enlarged pores.
- Fitzpatrick Skin types I-V are candidates for Pix-E treatments.
- You are NOT a candidate if...
- You are a Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI (6) or the darkest skintones
- You have an impaired immune system
- You have an active infection (including but not limited to active cold sores)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have electronic implants (pacemaker, insulin pump, LVAD, etc.)
- You have metal implants in the treatment area
- You have been on Accutane within the past 6 months
- You use anticoagulants daily or if you have a bleeding disorder
- You have skin cancer
- You have active skin conditions or open wounds
- You have had Botox or Fillers within the past 2 weeks
- You had other lasers or chemical peels within the past 4 weeks
- The practitioner deems if not an appropriate treatment option for you given your medical history
What You Need to Do Before Your The Pix:E Treatment:
- Avoid the sun for 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
- Avoid sunless tanning lotions on the treatment area for 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
- Avoid injectables such as Botox, Filler or Sculptra for 2 weeks prior to procedure.
- Avoid treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling or other ablative procedures for 4 weeks prior to the procedure.
- Let your provider know if you have a history of cold-sores as an anti-viral prophylactic is recommended for patients with a history of herpes simplex.
- If you have darker skin tones, discuss the risks of hyper and hypopigmentation with your provider. It may be recommended for you to use a topical tyrosinase inhibitor such as Hydroquinon 4% for 4 weeks prior to ablative treatment (minimum of 2 weeks is necessary to avoid pigmentary changes)
- Discontinue active products such as retinol or hydroquinone three days prior to treatment.
- Discontinue anti-inflammatories/fish oil 3 days prior to treatment.
What to Expect During Your The Pix:E Treatment:
- Consultation: Your provider will go over your medical history, expectations and post-care in detail prior to the procedure and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Photos may be taken for documentation purposes.
- Comfort: We will numb you prior to your procedure but you could experience some stinging or burning sensation, or a moderate amount of discomfort.
- Time: The procedure itself takes 45-60 minutes.
- Eyewear: You will wear protective eyewear during the erbium laser portion of the treatment.
- Post Treatment: After the procedure we may apply topicals specifically designed to go on the skin following a Pix:E Treatment. We may also apply a recovery mask or sterile water-soaked gauze for approximately 10 minutes to help the skin cool.
- Protection: Prior to leaving your appointment, once the heat has dissipated, your provide will apply a semi-occlusive ointment
Pix:E Treatment Aftercare:
- First 24 hours post treatment: A certain degree of discomfort, redness, and/or irritation during and after treatment is expected. You may feel like you have a sunburn or wind burn. If any discomfort or irritation persists more than 24-hours, please notify your treating provider.
- Cooling: You may apply a cool compresses may be used if necessary.
- Swelling is normal; sleep with your head elevated for 2 days post-treatment.
- Avoid Irritation: Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated site: avoid hot baths, massage, irritating skin care products or exfoliants, etc. The skin should be kept clean to avoid contamination or infection; any mechanical or thermal damage to the area must be avoided.
- Sleep: Sleep on your back on a clean pillowcase.
- Twice a day: Cleanse skin with a mild, gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil. Gently pat dry with a clean, soft cloth.
- Protection: Reapply semi-occlusive ointment or other moisturizers provided by your treatment provider. Always keep skin moist until re-epithelialization has taken place. This generally occurs between day 3 and 5. At that time, begin applying a gentle moisturizer 2-3 times a day to prevent skin from becoming dry.
- Skincare: Do not resume your normal skincare routine until you are completely healed - up to 5-10 days. After 2-3 days, you may use non-acidic cleansers, moisturizers and growth factor serums but avoid any retinols, vitamin C serums or acidic products. After 4 days you may start wearing a mineral based sunscreen (Zinc/Titanium Dioxide based)
- Do not scratch or pick at the healing skin.
- Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day.
- Continue to avoid direct sun exposure for the next 4 weeks, for best results up to 6 months. Skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
- Wear a 4-inch brimmed hat and sunglasses whenever possible. • You may resume makeup once skin has completely healed, typically between 5-7 days.
- It is important to use any prescribed skincare products or medications as directed by your treatment provider.
- Dark skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation. Notify your provider as soon as possible if you notice any areas on your skin are beginning to darken.
- Contact your provider if there is any indication of blistering or infection.
The Pix:E Treatment Results & Following Treatments
- 1 day after the treatment there could be redness and transient edema (swelling).
- 3 days - 1 week after treatment your skin tone would be brighter and more even. If you have oily skin, you will notice significant reduction in sebum production.
- 1 month after your PiX:E Treatment you would notice improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Improvement in pores size, scars, and over all complexion is also significantly noticeable.
- 1–3 months after treatment you will notice continuous improvement in wrinkles reduction and skin laxity. Collagen production has improved and you can notice the fullness and plumpness of your skin.
- If you're planning additional resurfacing treatments, or more targeted treatments like IPL for sun-spots, you would do these 30-60 days following your PiX:E Treatment.
More Questions on The Pix:E Treatment?
Please call our office or schedule a Pix:E (Laser & Radiofrequency Microneedling) Free Consultation with us.
