Pixel Laser: Stories

The Alma Pixel Perfect procedure went well. I only paid $239 thanks to a Groupon. It was definitely worth it for that price- not sure I would have paid the $800/treatment. I did not realize I would have to do this 3x for optimal results and won't be doing more right now. My face was numbed so the laser only felt like a rubber band snapping at my face. It was very bearable. I wish everything was better explained, from what to expect to the aftercare instructions (which I had to read and sign but weren't provided to take home- I had to actually ask for a photocopy- was I supposed to memorize it?) After the procedure I had to stand at the checkout counter for 10 minutes while the person who did my laser treatment chatted on the phone with another client. This was the last thing I wanted to do with my face burning and looking the way it did. I felt she should have put it on hold and got me out of there first. Don't get me wrong- the place was a nice spa and the treatment was performed well, but everything after the treatment was poor. If they wanted to sell me more products and services that would have been the time to step it up instead of going downhill. The customer service aspect needs improvement. That being said, they certainly did not hook me as a future customer.

My face looked the same as most of the photos on here, but the "screen door" effect only showed up on my forehead. The day of the procedure I had some swelling, a very bearable sunburn feeling and red/purple spots for a few hours. Advil controlled the swelling and headache. I went out the next night with no makeup and you could barely notice the marks on my face. By day 3 I felt it was safe to use a wet washcloth to gently rub off loose skin- no problems. I have sensitive skin and break out a lot, so I did end up with many whiteheads from suffocating my face with Aquaphor.

A week later I noticed my sun spots are much lighter (though still visible) and my pores are small. My skin looks tighter and pale. I love my fresh new skin! I do have a few odd scabs and some pimples, probably from Aquaphor. Both will heal. I also had peeling for 7-10 days on the outer edges of my face but moisturizer hid it just fine. The tightening has not helped with the thin skin under my eyes (dark circles) or the fine lines on my forehead, but they say it takes a month for full results so we’ll see. Overall I am very satisfied with the results thus far. I will let you know 1 month post-treatment.

Tips:
-Beware: They recommend 3 treatments for best results, one every 2 weeks. Get package discount if possible.
-I would NOT recommend doing this in the summer. You have to stay out of the sun for 4-6 weeks before & after (make sure you head this warning, as hyperpigmentation will occur).
-Don't buy any expensive aftercare products from spa- waste of $. Go to CVS before the procedure as you won’t want to be seen in public after! I lubed up with Aquaphor for the first 2 days, used Cetaphil sensitive wash (which I use anyway) and moisturizer for the next 5 days. After that, I returned to my regular moisturizer, Eucerin, which has zinc, titanium dioxide & SPF 30- all very important to prevent future damage. I also bought a SPF50 Magic Hat sun hat from Mandee for only $14- great investment.