Dr. Jess Prischmann and her advanced practice esthetician, Amy Nelson, offer the latest advancement in skin rejuvenation, called BBL HERO™. This state-of-the-art technology is the first of its kind, and is able to improve global signs of skin aging. BBL HERO™ is minimally-invasive, non-ablative, and does not have downtime.
What is MOXI™?
MOXI™ is a laser made in the United States. It is a 1927-nanometer thulium laser that targets water in the skin, making it effective for improving skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. In order to understand this laser treatment’s versatility, here are some key features:
MOXI™ is:
Fractional:
MOXI™ treats only a portion of the skin during each session, leaving surrounding areas untouched for faster healing. Treatments are categorized into levels:
- Level 1: Treats 5% of the area.
- Level 2: Treats 10% of the area.
- Level 3: Treats 15% of the area.
Beyond these levels, MOXI™ can be further customized to meet individual needs.
Non-Ablative:
MOXI™ creates controlled zones of injury in the skin without removing any skin layers, allowing for a gentler treatment with minimal downtime.
Precise:
The laser reaches a depth of 200 microns—about the thickness of two sheets of paper—making it ideal for targeting specific concerns effectively.
Customizable:
Each treatment is tailored to your skin’s unique needs, ensuring you get the best possible results.
Because this skin treatment is fractional and a non-ablative laser, MOXI ™ is considered to be more gentle than other lasers. MOXI™ treatments are customizable to allow for less heat transfer to the skin. This is important for those with darker skin or melasma. MOXI™ treatments are able to reach depths in the skin without significant discomfort or downtime.
(We recognize that many lasers claim to be “low downtime” or “low pain.” Please continue to read below for more specific descriptions of discomfort and downtime.)
MOXI™ Candidates
During your consultation, we’ll carefully assess whether MOXI™ is safe for your skin and suitable for your specific concerns.
Generally, the best candidates for MOXI™ are individuals who have responded well to other laser treatments. However, because MOXI™ generates less heat in the skin, it is considered safe for a wider range of skin types, including many that are traditionally not suited for laser treatments.
When MOXI™ May Not Be Recommended
The following conditions or circumstances may prevent us from recommending MOXI™:
- Allergies to Topical Anesthetics: If you are allergic to numbing creams containing lidocaine or tetracaine, MOXI™ may not be suitable for you.
- Active Infections: This includes skin infections, infectious diseases, or a history of shingles (a viral infection) affecting the face.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, scleroderma, certain forms of lupus, and Marfan syndrome may pose risks.
- Keloids or Scarring Tendencies: This treatment may not be advisable if you are prone to keloid scars or dermatofibromas.
- Compromised Healing: Patients with weakened immune systems, compromised healing ability, or those on long-term systemic steroids (e.g., Prednisone, Dexamethasone).
- Pregnancy or Nursing: MOXI™ is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Recent Isotretinoin (Accutane) Use: This treatment may not be appropriate if you have used isotretinoin within the past year.
- Medical Conditions Affecting Wound Healing: Any condition that may impair the body’s ability to heal wounds should be disclosed during your consultation.
Preparing for MOXI™
To ensure the best results, we prepare all patients 1 to 2 weeks before their MOXI™ treatment with the following steps:
- Customized Treatment Plan: We’ll discuss how many treatments you may need based on your skin concerns and goals.
- Treatment Overview: We’ll explain what to expect during your MOXI™ session so you feel informed and comfortable.
- Preventive Antiviral Medication: If you have a history of cold sores, we’ll prescribe Valtrex (a preventive antiviral) to help reduce the risk of a flare-up.
- Post-Treatment Skincare Instructions: We’ll provide detailed guidelines to help you care for your skin after treatment and promote optimal healing.
If you have any questions about preparing for MOXI™, feel free to ask during your consultation.
The MOXI™ Treatment
When you arrive at our office, we’ll prepare your skin for the procedure. If you choose, a topical numbing cream can be applied for about 20 minutes to minimize discomfort. However, for those who prefer to skip numbing, MOXI™ can safely be performed at lower intensity levels.
While the numbing cream is working, our advanced practice estheticians will review your aftercare instructions to ensure you feel confident about how to care for your skin following the treatment.
Once the numbing cream is removed, the MOXI™ procedure begins. The laser’s advanced settings are carefully adjusted, and the treatment is performed using a computerized handpiece. The handpiece is gently passed over your skin in a cross-hatch pattern, creating tiny channels that stimulate the skin’s natural healing process. The laser continuously monitors the output, ensuring precision and safety. When the treatment target is reached, the session is complete.
What to Expect in Terms of Comfort
MOXI™ treatments can feel uncomfortable due to the gradual heat buildup during the procedure. Many patients describe a prickly sensation during the treatment, followed by a mild sunburn-like feeling afterward. On average, patients rate the discomfort as 3/10 in intensity.
Post-Treatment Care
After the procedure, we’ll guide you through the initial steps of your aftercare. This typically includes using sterile spring water to soothe the skin and applying a cooling mask to alleviate any residual burning or discomfort. These steps help ensure a comfortable recovery and optimize your results.
MOXI™ Recovery & Results
The recovery process for MOXI™ varies based on the level of treatment, but it is typically quick and manageable. Here’s what to expect and how to care for your skin:
Post-Treatment Care
- Avoid using skincare products other than those recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment for optimal results.
- Avoid direct and intentional sun exposure for at least 14 days to protect your healing skin.
- Regularly spritz your skin with sterile spring water to soothe discomfort and keep it hydrated. Moisturizer can be applied once the heat from the treatment has subsided (usually within a few hours).
What to Expect by Treatment Level
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- Level 1 (Extremely Mild Treatment):
Minimal downtime with no significant visible effects. However, most patients opt for stronger treatments for more noticeable results.
- Level 1 (Extremely Mild Treatment):
- Stronger MOXI™ Treatments:
-
- Day 1 (Day of Treatment):
- Skin will appear red and swollen immediately after the procedure.
- Patients are advised to recover at home, frequently spritzing their skin with spring water.
- Makeup is not recommended, and moisturizer can be used after the heat subsides.
- Day 2:
- Swelling, especially around the eyes and upper cheeks, may persist.
- Skin will be pink, and makeup should still be avoided.
- Patients can return to work if able to keep their skin clean.
- Days 3-7:
- Swelling typically subsides, and skin may feel rough, similar to sandpaper.
- Light makeup is permitted, and most patients feel comfortable being in public.
- Day 1 (Day of Treatment):
Healing and Final Results
- The microchannels created during treatment can take 7 to 14 days to fully heal, with facial areas healing faster than body areas.
- Keeping the skin hydrated with moisturizers and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can accelerate healing and improve results. Avoid heavy, drying makeup during this period.
- As your skin heals, you’ll notice gradual improvements in tone, texture, and pigmentation, with full results typically visible within a few weeks.
Schedule A Consultation for MOXI™
Safe and effective treatments are our primary goal. If you are interested in a MOXI™ consultation, please Contact our office and our staff will schedule an in-office appointment for you.
Schedule Appointment
FAQs About MOXI™
What are the most common reasons why someone would choose a MOXI™ over other lasers?
MOXI™ is an excellent option if you have mild to moderate concerns regarding texture or skin tone. It is also a great option if you have never had a laser and are apprehensive about the downtime associated with more aggressive treatments.
Dr. Prischmann often advises MOXI™ as a first step in your laser journey.
How many MOXI™ treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on the patient and their concerns. Most of the time, we advise starting with one to ensure that it is the correct treatment for you. We often find that patients want to do more treatments when they see great improvement in their skin.
Can MOXI™ be effective for acne scarring?
For almost all acne scarring patients, we advise that multiple treatments (of any type) are required. Because MOXI™ does not penetrate as deeply as our HALO laser, we would recommend MOXI™ for shallow acne scarring. For deeper scars, HALO is the better option.
Can I combine any other treatments with MOXI?
Absolutely! MOXI™ is often combined with BroadBand Light (BBL) treatments for better skin tone/sun damage improvement. MOXI™ can also be combined with HALO laser skin resurfacing. We will recommend combination treatments if they are truly the best option for you.
What are the factors to consider when selecting a provider or facility?
We feel that providers need to be certified in the safe operation of the laser. We also feel that the laser itself has to be in excellent condition.
Our providers are Sciton certified. Our lasers carry the highest level of warranty and are checked regularly by Sciton engineers.
Where can I find MOXI near me?
Prischmann Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to offer MOXI laser treatments for patients in Minneapolis, MN, and the surrounding Twin Cities areas. This advanced treatment is perfect for addressing fine lines, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and improving overall skin texture. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your appearance, achieve skin rejuvenation, or explore the benefits of prejuvenation, MOXI™ can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how MOXI™ can transform your skin with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.