Renew Your Skin From the Inside Out
Pixel is the name given to a family of fractional laser handpieces used for skin resurfacing, most often delivered as carbon dioxide (CO2) laser energy. Fractional laser platforms marketed under the Pixel name, including systems manufactured by Alma Lasers, have received FDA 510(k) clearance for laser skin resurfacing. That clearance process is different from FDA drug approval, so we describe the technology accurately as FDA-cleared rather than FDA-approved.
The specific handpiece, wavelength, and settings used for your treatment are chosen by our team based on your skin type, the concern being addressed, and how much downtime fits your schedule.
Instead of treating the entire surface of the skin in one continuous pass, a fractional laser delivers energy in a grid of microscopic treatment columns, leaving untouched bridges of healthy tissue between them. That surrounding healthy tissue helps the treated columns heal, which is part of why fractional technology generally involves less downtime than resurfacing an entire area at once.
As the treated columns heal, the skin responds by producing new collagen, and some of the damaged surface tissue in that area is gradually replaced. Dermatologists describe this collagen and tissue turnover as part of what helps diminish the appearance of scarring and irregular texture after laser resurfacing. Results build over days and weeks rather than appearing all at once, and how much change you see depends on your skin, the settings used, and how many sessions you complete.
| Pixel (Fractional) Approach | Traditional (Full-Field) CO2 Resurfacing | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment pattern | Delivers energy in a grid of microscopic columns, leaving healthy tissue between them | Treats the entire surface of the treated area in one continuous pass |
| Typical downtime | Often several days, depending on the settings used | Historically associated with a longer recovery period |
| Sessions typically needed | May range from a single session to a short series, depending on the concern | Often performed as one more intensive session |
| Intensity control | Adjustable density and depth settings allow a provider to match treatment to the concern | Typically delivered at a more uniform, aggressive depth across the area |
Immediately after treatment, the skin typically looks and feels similar to a sunburn, with redness, warmth, and mild swelling. Depending on the intensity selected, visible healing, including redness, peeling, or light crusting, often lasts several days, and some patients plan for closer to a week before they feel comfortable in social settings without makeup.
Less commonly, patients may experience prolonged redness, changes in pigmentation, or, rarely, scarring, particularly if aftercare instructions are not followed closely.
Our team reviews your health history during consultation to help determine whether Pixel treatment is an appropriate option for you, and skin tone is part of that conversation, since deeper skin tones can carry a higher risk of post-treatment pigment changes with certain laser settings.
Because some patients benefit from a short series of lighter sessions rather than one more intensive treatment, package pricing that reduces the average per-session cost may be available. The right package depends on the area treated and the number of sessions your provider recommends.
Ask our team about current package options during your consultation.
Ask our team about current financing and payment plan options during your consultation. Details can change, so the most accurate information comes directly from us.
Exact pricing depends on the treatment area, the intensity selected, the number of sessions recommended, and your individual treatment plan. Pricing ranges shared here reflect a mix of local Northridge and Southern California provider data and general market pricing, and are not a quote. The most accurate price for your goals comes from an in-person consultation with our team.
N2U Aesthetics is based in Northridge, CA, making Pixel laser treatment a convenient option for patients throughout the San Fernando Valley, including Reseda, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Encino, as well as patients from greater Los Angeles and Ventura County.
Ready to talk through whether Pixel treatment fits your skin and your goals?
Book your consultation today. Our physician-led team will review your skin history, concerns, and goals to help you decide on next steps.
Medical Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Aesthetic outcomes vary by individual. For personalized guidance, please book a consultation with Dr. Azizad at N2U Aesthetics.