Skin changes such as fine lines, uneven tone, acne scars and stretch marks can develop gradually, becoming more noticeable as collagen production slows and sun exposure accumulates. iPixel is a fractional laser treatment for patients who want strong rejuvenation of visible aging. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center in Torrance, CA, we use this technology to address a range of texture-related concerns for patients throughout the South Bay area.
The iPixel laser is a fractional resurfacing technology. It improves skin tone and texture by ablating tiny columns of skin, leaving the surrounding tissue alone. The treatment stimulates healing and renewal and allows us to address concerns on the surface and deeper within the skin. iPixel can treat:
Each microcolumn made by iPixel is a channel of thermal energy that extends into the epidermis and upper dermis. The body recognizes these channels as areas that need repair and activates a wound healing response. Blood flow increases to the area, and fibroblasts are stimulated to begin rebuilding the affected tissue.
Because the response is greater than the damage, extra collagen is produced in the area to help rebuild tissue damaged by acne or to better support areas that have started to wrinkle. This process happens over several months until the surface of the skin looks more youthful.
Results with iPixel look natural because all of the improvements come from your own body, with changes that work within the context of your unique facial features and skin type. Alterations also occur within the body’s timeline, so there are no abrupt changes. Once the full results of the treatment can be seen, the face will look fresh and rejuvenated, and the natural beauty of the features will be enhanced, not altered.
The more we know about your skin, the better we can customize your treatment. We will look at your skin under good lighting to assess its tone and texture, and to look at specifics like pore size and the presence of acne scars. We will talk about your current skincare routine and whether you have had any prior treatments to address the concerns that you have about texture and complexion. We also take a medical history to make sure there are no contraindications to the treatment.
Each piece of information we learn during the consultation comes together as a treatment plan. We may recommend the iPixel by itself, or alongside other treatments. We will also have all of the information we need to plan the depth and number of passes, decisions which are made based on your skin type and how severe the signs of aging are. We also consider your downtime preferences and make sure you understand the amount of time your skin will need to heal.
The first step is to apply a numbing cream to your skin and give it time to work, a process that takes around 20-30 minutes. Once the surface of your skin is numb, we will begin the treatment. We rest the device over the skin while it ablates the surface in a grid-like pattern. You may feel some warmth and prickling as we move the device across the treatment area. It is easy to ensure even coverage because the treatment leaves tiny, frosted dots on the skin, allowing us to see where we have already treated.
Right after your treatment, you will be able to see the tiny microcolumns created by the iPixel device. They are white in tone at first, but darken over the next few days and eventually flake off. The skin may look red and patchy, and it will have a rough texture similar to sandpaper.
Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin using a device equipped with needles. It is often appropriate for mild textural concerns like early acne scarring and subtle fine lines, with a relatively short recovery time. Because the stimulation is mechanical and does not involve heat or light, it may be recommended for certain patients.
Chemical peels apply controlled acidic solutions to exfoliate the surface of the skin. Lighter peels can improve brightness and minor unevenness, while deeper peels penetrate further and involve more downtime.
IPL photofacial treatments deliver pulses of broad-spectrum light that interact with pigment and superficial blood vessels. They provide some collagen stimulation, but are usually used to reduce sun spots, redness and blotchy tone.
Fully ablative lasers remove the entire top layer of skin across the treatment area in a single pass. This approach can produce more dramatic resurfacing for deep wrinkles or advanced scarring, but it comes with longer recovery and greater post-treatment redness.
iPixel may be good for patients with moderate signs of aging who do not mind a week of downtime. It is important that candidates for this treatment have relatively healthy skin without any infections or other conditions that could impact safety or results. The right patient should also be willing and able to follow aftercare instructions and maintain a good skincare routine post-treatment.
Treatments should be delayed or avoided for active inflammatory skin conditions or recent sun exposure. We may also recommend waiting if there are any uncontrolled medical conditions or if the patient is pregnant. Sometimes, we may need to address underlying concerns first before revisiting the iPixel treatment.
During the first two days, your focus should be on supporting the skin barrier while minimizing irritation. Gentle cleansing with a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser and lukewarm water is best, followed by a simple moisturizer to maintain hydration. Avoid any active ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C unless you have specific instructions from your provider. You should limit direct sun exposure while the skin is in its most reactive phase.
After a few days, your skin may still feel dry and rough as the treated areas begin to shed. Make sure to avoid picking or scrubbing the skin to remove flaking skin. It should be allowed to flake off naturally. You can continue applying a fragrance-free moisturizer every day to keep it from feeling too tight or dry. We recommend that you continue to avoid any makeup or heavy products during this time.
By the end of the first week, most visible surface healing has resolved, and the skin will start to look more even in tone and texture. After this, subtle improvements will continue as your body produces more collagen. At this stage of your fractional laser treatment, you can start to reintroduce your usual skincare routine, though you should always pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust as needed.
Planning ahead can help you fit iPixel into your schedule with minimal disruption. Redness and mild swelling are typically most noticeable during the first one to two days, so many patients schedule treatment later in the week to allow the initial healing phase to occur over a weekend. For important events, it is wise to allow at least seven to ten days between treatment and the occasion. Planning it even earlier, such as several months in advance, gives your body enough time to produce collagen to minimize wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Your consultation is a transparent time to discuss every detail about the treatment. We will talk about your skin and goals in detail, and you should feel comfortable asking direct questions so you know exactly what to expect.
You may consider asking:
Choosing a practice close to home makes planning and follow-up easier, especially when treatments involve preparation and short-term recovery. Being located in Torrance allows convenient access for patients throughout the South Bay area, including quick visits for skin assessments, pre-treatment instructions and check-ins after the treatment if needed. When your provider is nearby, it is simpler to address questions right away and monitor healing in person.
“My entire initial experience with Dr. Verbin surpassed my expectations. What an amazing medical professional.” –Anonymous
“I am extremely happy with my results. I get many compliments on my appearance. I want to thank you Dr. Verbin for being a perfectionist and I think one of the best in your field…you and your staff take all precautions, are professional, personable, and just plain awesome. Thank you so much for getting me back to feeling and looking like myself again! You really are the best.” –Anonymous
“I don’t think you could get a better staff!! Everyone here is so kind and pleasant. It doesn’t get any better than this. Thank you so much!” –Anonymous
iPixel improves texture, tone and early signs of aging through fractional resurfacing. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, we are proud to serve South Bay cities including El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Lomita, Carson, San Pedro and Long Beach. All laser treatments are performed under the direction of Dr. Christopher Verbin, a USC-trained plastic surgeon with decades of surgical and aesthetic experience.
To learn more about iPixel or determine if you are a candidate, call 310-539-6500 or use our online form to schedule a consultation.
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