I am in my mid 50's and signed up for pixel laser to improve the condition of my skin - pretty much what it's supposed to be for. I bought a package for face neck and upper chest. I started with the upper chest because I was unsure about the downtime (which was described as "a few days") and wanted to have something I could cover.
The procedure went fine. There was pain but it was tolerable. However, the aftermath was grim. I was unprepared for the level of damage of the skin. At the end of two weeks, the pealing had gone but I was left with an inflammation that is extremely unsightlly (red bumpy skin) and far worse than the smooth skn I started with . It has now been four full weeks and I am left with a result that is very ugly and depressing.
I have been to the dermatologist who prescribed some antibiotic cream and a brief course of over the counter cortisone cream. She indicates that it may never resolve and could possibly end up being worse. At best, this will resolve very slowly -over a period of a year if it resolves at all. During this time-zero sun exposure -not even with sunscreen. So I'll need to wear high necked shirts -- not that I'd want to show this mess.
In sum --absolutely no benefit, long term unsightly damage and possibly permanent damage. This may or may not be a rare side effect but I suspect it is not rare since the clinic where I had it done recognized it immediately.
I would say to anyone who wants to try this- do not do it. it is definitely not worth the risk and if I had known in advance, I would not have done this. I regret it deeply.
