Question 1

What is the Lux 1540?

Accepted Answer

The Palomar Lux 1540 is an FDA-cleared fractional laser treatment. It's primarily used to reduce the appearance of acne scars and surgical scars, smooth wrinkles, and treat hyperpigmentation. Unlike other laser treatments, it’s also approved to combat stretch marks.

A competitor of the more widely known Fraxel laser, the Lux 1540 combines the potency of ablative lasers (which totally remove the top layer of the skin) with the safety of fractional nonablative lasers (which deliver heat to a smaller fraction of the skin, leaving behind healthy tissue and reducing healing time).

The Lux 1540 works by emitting thousands of tiny columns of energy (often referred to as microbeams) that deeply penetrate into the dermis, causing microinjuries that stimulate the body’s natural healing process and trigger new collagen growth. This effective treatment can be used on the face, neck, chest, arms, and the backs of the hands.

While you may need multiple treatments of this laser skin resurfacing treatment to see optimal results, the upside is that it comes with minimal downtime, compared to more intense laser treatments.

RealSelf Tip: You may see advertisements for the Palomar StarLux laser. StarLux is actually the primary device platform, while the Lux 1540 is the fractional laser handpiece used for this treatment.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Lux 1540?

Accepted Answer

Pros

The Lux 1540 laser is an effective rejuvenation treatment that can treat various skin conditions, including fine lines and brown spots.
The laser handpiece cools as it goes, keeping skin comfortable and protected.
Compared to ablative lasers (which remove the top layer of skin), it has reduced recovery time, fewer reactions, and fewer risks.
There’s little downtime, just a few days of inflammation and swelling.

Cons

While many say there isn’t any downtime, some RealSelf members recommend taking a couple of days off to recover.
One treatment isn’t as effective as ablative lasers, so you’ll need multiple sessions for optimal results.
It’s not recommended for people olive or brown skin tones, due to the heightened risk of hyperpigmentation.
Even if you have fair skin, you’ll need to stop all tanning four weeks before your appointment, to avoid the risk of pigment changes or burns. You’ll also need to avoid direct sunlight for a week post-treatment.
Individual pain thresholds vary, so you may experience discomfort that ranges from a pinprick to painful burning post-treatment.
Lux 1540 has an unusually low Worth It Rating on RealSelf, with only half of reviewers saying that their treatment was Worth It. Those who rated it Not Worth It cite unfavorable results like hyperpigmentation or fat loss, especially after being treated by an inexperienced technician.

RealSelf Tip: If you're concerned that your skin might be at risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), talk with your provider about the possibility of pretreating your skin with hydroquinone. “When we perform procedures such as skin resurfacing on someone at risk for PIH, we have them use a hydroquinone product topically, for six weeks, prior to the treatment,” says Dr. Lisa Vuich, a physician in Windham, New Hampshire. “If PIH does occur, it can take 6 to 12 weeks to lighten—and, in some cases, may require further treatments to remove it entirely.”

Question 3

What happens during a Lux 1540 treatment?

Accepted Answer

First, topical anesthesia will be applied to numb your skin, and you’ll be given goggles to protect your eyes.

The head of the device delivers pulses of heat energy as your provider moves it over your skin. It may feel hot, or like a rubber band snapping.

The full treatment usually lasts about 30 minutes. Afterward, your skin is iced for 20 to 30 minutes to reduce redness and swelling, and your provider will apply sunscreen before you leave.

Question 4

What is recovery like?

Accepted Answer

Immediately following your treatment, your skin may feel mildly sunburned. It’s not unusual to experience redness and swelling that can last from two to five days. You may also have peeling, flaking, and itching for a few days. Talk with your provider about

Applying ice to the treatment area and taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), like ibuprofen, can reduce side effects. Avoiding exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least a day will also help reduce the swelling.

People with tan or olive skin tones can develop dark spots or blotches after a treatment. The best way to avoid hyperpigmentation is to limit UV exposure for at least two weeks afterward by avoiding direct sunlight and wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, as well as a hat or visor.

Regardless of your skin tone, you’ll need to continue wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for several months following the procedure, to help protect your new skin from sun damage.

Question 5

How soon will you see results?

Accepted Answer

You’ll see some initial results within a week of your first visit, once the swelling has gone down, but you can expect to need three to five sessions, spaced about a month apart, for optimal results.

After your final treatment, you’ll see continued improvement as your skin regenerates and new collagen is built, a process that takes two to three months.

In order to ensure your results last as along as possible, commit to a dedicated skin care routine that incorporates ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. Also, be sure to use a moisturizer with SPF every day in order to prevent sun-related signs of aging from developing.

LUX 1540

Colleen Williams

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Colleen Williams

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