Pixel CO₂.Real reset.

What it is.

The Alma Pixel CO₂ is fractional ablative laser resurfacing — the gold-standard treatment for skin that needs more than what microneedling, PRP, or non-ablative lasers can deliver. The CO₂ wavelength (10,600 nm) is absorbed by water in the skin and vaporizes a precise pattern of microscopic columns through the surface and into the upper dermis. The intact skin between those columns drives rapid healing; the wound-healing cascade lays down reorganized collagen over the following 2–6 months.

It's the closest non-surgical analog to a peel-and-rebuild. Single session results that microneedling needs a year of monthly visits to approach. The trade-off is real: 5–7 days of redness, swelling, and peeling. We schedule it deliberately around social calendars and in fall/winter months when sun exposure is easier to control.

What we treat.

• Moderate-to-deep wrinkles — periorbital, perioral, forehead, lower face. Etched lines that don't soften with topicals.
• Sun damage & photoaging — diffuse hyperpigmentation, leathery texture, lentigines.
• Atrophic acne scars — particularly responsive when paired with subcision and PRP.
• Surgical and traumatic scars — improves color, texture, and contour.
• Actinic keratoses & pre-cancerous lesions — when medically appropriate.
• Décolleté & hands — addresses the same photodamage in zones beyond the face.
• Overall facial rejuvenation — the once-every-few-years reset for skin quality.

What to expect.

Plan for 2 hours total at the studio. Topical numbing for 60 minutes (with optional oral sedation if you prefer). Treatment itself is 30–45 minutes. You'll feel snapping and warmth — most patients describe it as tolerable with the numbing protocol. Cool-air assist runs throughout for comfort.

Day 1–2: significant redness and swelling, oozing in the deepest passes. Day 3–5: peeling, tightness, brown crusting that flakes off. Day 6–7: pink baby-skin underneath, makeup-ready. Week 2 onward: continued textural improvement. Strict sun avoidance for 4–6 weeks is non-negotiable — the new skin is photosensitive and prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if exposed.

Appointment

~2 hours

Downtime

5–7 days

Sessions

Often 1

Lasts

Years

Results & cadence.

Most clients see best results from a single session, with full collagen-driven improvement at 3–6 months. A second pass 6–12 months later may be appropriate for deep scars or significant photodamage. Light Pixel passes can be repeated yearly as part of a maintenance plan, but most patients return for full resurfacing every 3–5 years.

Considerations.

This is a real medical procedure. Pixel CO₂ is not appropriate for clients with darker Fitzpatrick skin types (V–VI) without specialist consultation, due to elevated post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk. We require: at least 6 months off Accutane, no active infection or open wound, no recent sun exposure or active tan, no history of keloid scarring, and consistent SPF use post-treatment. Pre-treatment antiviral medication is prescribed for clients with a history of cold sores. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are absolute contraindications.

Who performs it.

Pixel CO₂ at Privé is performed by Devin Rogers, our Licensed Laser Technician and Laser Safety Officer, with depth and density calibrated to your skin type, indication, and downtime tolerance. Pre- and post-treatment skincare protocols are personalized.