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Pixel CO2 fractional laser – Swiss army knife of aesthetic lasers
Expert dermatologists and aesthetic clinics know that a good CO2 fractional laser can be a pillar for their practice. Being one of the most reliable, tested and proven technologies in the market certainly helps. Here at Alma, we are proud to be the innovators of one of the most popular fractional CO2 lasers – the Pixel CO2. Being complacent was never part of our identity, and we recently added some new features and treatment protocols to this diverse dermatology tool.
Besides our renowned R&D team, one of the driving forces in this ongoing process are Mr. Alon Efrat, senior director BU manager and Mr. Tal Sarid, director of EMEA sales both from Alma’s surgical division. We’ve sat down with the two of them after their recent trips spanning 3 continents. Both were participating in dozens of workshops demonstrating the diversity of the Pixel CO2.
Q & A about the Pixel CO2 laser
The Alma Pixel CO2 laser, being an ablative one, was always considered the most aggressive type of laser skin resurfacing treatment. How has that changed with Alma’s latest developments? Can you please give us some of the latest highlights?
Alon – “The fractional laser pixel technology allows us to employ long pulses and low power in order to avoid ablation. This means we can keep thermal deposition for skin contraction with almost no downtime for the patient . In addition, by using the short pulses of the scanner we are able to perform gentle peeling treatments with significantly less downtime compared to standard fractional CO2 laser peeling or chemical peeling.”
You’ve been doing quite a lot of traveling lately, participating in workshops and showcasing the capabilities of the Pixel CO2 laser around the world. What were the most sought after applications doctors were interested in?
Tal – “Not so surprising, but these are still skin resurfacing treatments, bleaching (vaginal, perianal etc) and scar revisions that are most popular.”
The endless possibilities of CO2 fractional lasers
Do you still consider the Pixel CO2 a traditional standalone laser platform for dermatologists? Or is it more than that considering its wide array of capabilities?
Alon – “Technically speaking, using a specific laser wavelength of 10,600 nm it is a standalone laser platform. However, thanks to the pixel and scanner technologies aesthetic clinics can use it to treat a wide range of indications. Treatments can be performed in both powerful (single session, long downtime) and mild (several sessions ,short/no downtime) approaches. The Pixel is used for mild or powerful contraction treatments and striae improvement.
The scanner technology is best for soft or deep peeling treatments, bleaching and solar pigments removal. Moreover, all types of scar revision treatments are done with it. The increased control of patient downtime is what truly gives this system its versatility. That’s because you can treat all kinds of patient types as well as many indications. All of this versatility exists even without mentioning our FemiLift laser applicators, which use the same laser technology to treat vaginal dryness, stress urinary incontinence and more gynecology indications.”
Tal – “That’s exactly why I like to call it the Swiss army knife of aesthetic lasers on my presentations”.
Pixel CO2 laser by Alma
The added value of expertise
Being an aggressive laser, are there certain procedures with the Pixel CO2 that require a higher level of skill from the practitioner?
Tal – “I would say most of the scanner applicator treatments require that. Of course focus hand piece requires precision when removing small skin lesions, blepharoplasty (eye lid lifting), labiaplasty which are done on sensitive tissue.”
Our CO2 laser is owned by some of the world’s most innovative aesthetic dermatologists. Have you witnessed some interesting and creative uses of it?
Tal – “Certainly, I have. In one case, I witnessed a dermatologist using diagonal focused shots on skin. What happens is that after the skin tissue heals and repairs, the tightening effect worked upwards creating a substantial lift! On another occasion, I saw a “Skin Tight” applicator, originally designed for gentle vaginal laser treatments being used to treat decollete and face. The treatment yielded remarkable results and zero downtime. Lately, I also see our fractional CO2 laser being used in ingrown toenail repair. That is an easy choice as its benefits overshadow the use of surgical knives in such cases.”
