MOXI® Laser Resurfacing — without the two-week recovery

Laser resurfacing uses focused light energy to remove or heat the outer layers of skin so the body replaces them with newer, more even tissue. Ablative lasers vaporize the surface entirely, which produces dramatic results and weeks of recovery. Non-ablative lasers like MOXI leave the surface intact and heat tissue beneath it instead, producing gradual improvement with only days of visible healing.

Non-ablative, and fractional. It operates at a 1927 nm wavelength and treats microscopic columns of tissue rather than the whole surface, leaving healthy skin between each treated column. That untreated tissue is what allows healing in days rather than weeks, and it's why MOXI can be used safely across a wider range of skin tones than most ablative devices.

Fractional means the laser treats a fraction of the skin's surface at a time — a grid of microscopic treatment zones rather than the entire area continuously. The intact skin surrounding each zone acts as a reservoir of healthy tissue that speeds recovery. Fully ablative resurfacing treats the whole surface at once: more powerful, far more disruptive.

A CO2 laser is ablative and considerably more aggressive: it can address deep wrinkles and significant scarring in a single treatment, but typically requires one to two weeks of social downtime and carries higher pigment-complication risk, particularly in deeper skin tones. MOXI is non-ablative, works over a series rather than in one session, and trades raw power for a recovery most people can plan around a normal week.

Redness and warmth like a sunburn for the first day or two. Around day three a fine sandpaper texture develops and light flaking begins as treated pigment sheds — usually a few days. Most patients are comfortable in public throughout and can wear mineral makeup after the first 24 to 48 hours. Daily sunscreen is essential the whole time. See the full day-by-day breakdown →

MOXI was designed to be appropriate across a wide range of skin tones, including deeper skin types many aggressive resurfacing lasers can't safely treat. That said, any laser targeting pigment carries some risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and risk varies by individual. Your provider assesses your skin type, pigment history and medications before recommending settings or treatment.

Because MOXI works gradually rather than all at once, a series of three to four treatments spaced several weeks apart is commonly recommended, followed by periodic maintenance. The number depends on how much sun damage or textural change you're treating and the result you're aiming for. That plan is set at your consultation.

MOXI resurfacing is priced per treatment and by the area treated — face alone, or face with neck, décolletage or hands. Because a series is usually recommended, package pricing typically lowers the per-treatment cost. Call 469-466-2727 for current pricing, plus membership savings and CareCredit & Cherry financing.

MOXI is often described as a year-round laser because it's non-ablative and gentler than ablative resurfacing. Even so, any laser targeting pigment requires diligent sun protection before and after, and a recent tan is a reason to postpone. Your provider gives you specific pre- and post-care instructions based on the season and your sun exposure.

Chic Derm & Aesthetics performs MOXI laser resurfacing at 1312 W Exchange Pkwy, Suite 2130, Allen, TX 75013 — just off Highway 75, a short drive from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Wylie, Parker and Fairview. See our main MOXI page for treatment details and booking.