Does the Pixel Laser Work on Sun Damage?

Question

I have a lot of brown spots and freckles from sun damage and I was wondering what laser would best to get rid of them.  Is the Pixel laser a good treatment for this problem?

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

The Pixel fractionated erbium laser is the most effective treatment for extensive sun damage on your face, neck and hands. It is an excellent tool for resurfacing your skin, and my patients who have it done heal very quickly.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

The Pixel laser is primarily for the improvement of the texture of the skin.  It helps with fine lines and wrinkles as will as pore size.  I would recommend a different laser such as AFT (advanced fluorescent technology) which is designed to treat pigment like brown spots and broken capillaries.  The treatment is often referred to as a "photofacial".

Jonathan Sonne, MD (retired) · Answer

The Pixel laser is a fractionated resurfacing laser that can rejuvenate the skin in a number of ways.  Pixel is best at improving fine lines and wrinkles. It does, also, help with dark spots caused by sun damage. That being said, there are more effective options for improving dark spots. Our preference is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for dark spots caused by sun damage and we find IPL to be substantially more effective then Pixel. For most patients, an improvement of 80% or better can be acheived when treating dark spots with IPL. 
Often patients with dark spots also have fine lines and wrinkles as both are caused by sun damage. For this reason, it is not uncommon for patients to have both IPL and Pixel performed at the same time.
Hope this helps.

Does the Pixel Laser Work on Sun Damage?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pixel is good for dark spots, but IPL is better

Answer: Pixel is good for dark spots, but IPL is better

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Does the Pixel Laser Work on Sun Damage?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pixel is good for dark spots, but IPL is better

Answer: Pixel is good for dark spots, but IPL is better

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.