I recently had a MOXI Laser treatment in Nashville, TN at Dr. Gilpin’s office. If you’re looking for a way to improve your skin’s tone and texture or smooth some fine lines, keep reading for my honest MOXI Laser review.
Kalee and I jumped at the opportunity to experience the MOXI Laser at Gilpin Facial Plastics in Nashville. The office is known for its expertise, kindness, and gorgeous results, and we are excited they invited us in for this treatment.
That said, this review is completely my own. The thoughts, opinions, and experiences below are not biased or designed to “sell you” on something — though I am very happy with the results!
What to Know Before You Go
While the MOXI Laser offers a gentle treatment, there are a few things you may want to know before going.
I also highly recommend going to a medical facility for any facial aesthetic treatments. Dr. Gilpin is a dual board certified Surgeon, and his team are some of the leaders in the facial aesthetics industry.
If you’re not sure about a laser treatment, Herbal Face Food may be a good topical option for melasma, wrinkles, and your overall anti-aging routine.
What is the MOXI Laser?
The MOXI laser a non-ablative laser that offers a gentle laser resurfacing. It can help with uneven pigmentation, skin tone and texture, sun damage, and overall aging.
The best part about this treatment is that the recovery and downtime is minimal.
How do I prepare for MOXI Laser?
It’s pretty easy to prepare for a MOXI Laser treatment:
- Avoid any self-tanners 2 weeks before your appointment
- Use SPF 30+ to avoid any chance of tan before your appointment
- Be gentle with your skin the week before — no strong retinoids or exfoliation
- Discontinue antibiotics 3 days before your appointment (of course, talk to your doctor before stopping any medication)
- You’ll also need to reschedule if you have an active cold sore.
VISIA® Skin Analysis
So I would be skipping a step if I didn’t tell you about the VISIA. It’s separate from the laser, but I wanted to include in my MOXI Laser review because, well, it was humbling.
The machine will analyze your face and give you a number for your spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, UV spots, brown spots, red areas, and porphyrins (bacterial excretions).
Based on the analysis, you also get your “True Age”. I was 6 years older than I really am.
Despite the small kick to ego, the VISIA was a nice add-on to my treatment because it gave me a baseline to improve upon.
So upward and onward!
During the Treatment
How long does MOXI Laser treatment take?
The MOXI Laser treatment offers powerful results, but it really didn’t take all that long. The technician applied topical numbing cream, and once it had set about 5 minutes, the treatment started. It took about 30-35 minutes total.
How painful is MOXI Laser?
With the numbing cream, I only felt a slight tingle around my temples. Otherwise, the whole thing was painless. I definitely recommend the numbing cream though — why feel it if you don’t have to?
There is also different levels of intensity that can be used. I was given a 2 on the scale.
After The Treatment
What should I do after MOXI treatment?
You want to be very gentle with the treated area after the treatment. You’ll want to avoid any harsh chemicals, heat, sunlight (without SPF), or exfoliation.
Luckily, I didn’t have to figure out what to use the next few days because Gilpin Facial Plastics gave me a goodie bag of post-care products.
It included a misting spray for when my skin felt hot or tight, as well as, a gentle cleanser, moisturizers, and SPF.
You want to stick to a gentle cleanser and keep patting on gentle moisturizers as you heal.
The key word is also – PAT. You don’t want to rub or pick at spots.
Also, it should go without saying, but use sunscreen and avoid the sun when possible since your skin is so fresh after.
How I Felt and Looked
I have a tendency to be red under any condition. So I was red right after the treatment and stayed red for about 48 hours.
It felt like a mild sunburn on my face. I did avoid getting hot and kept a bag of frozen peas on my face off-and-on the first 24 hours.
Some people call the MOXI laser treatment a “lunch time facial.” While it only takes a short 30 minute lunch break to do, I do think co-workers would have noticed my redness a few hours after.
a close up of my cheek a few hours after the laser
The day after and day 2, I was a little swollen and kept moisturizing because I was dry.
By day 3, I was feeling back to myself minus a couple spots here or there. The office warned me that on day 4 the top layer of my skin may have a fine sandpaper texture, but it hit me more on day 2 and 3.
By day 7, the dark spots that I noticed surfacing around day 2 started to flake off. Under the coffee-ground like flakes was brand new glowing skin. (Don’t pick at them though – let them come off on their own).
After the first week, I was back to my normal skincare routine.
Can you wear makeup after MOXI Laser?
You can wear makeup 24 hours after the treatment, but I found it more comfortable (and attractive) to go without makeup. It just kind of flaked when I tried it 2 days after, and the idea of removing it gently was just too much work for me.
When can I work out after MOXI Laser?
Getting hot or participating in vigorous activities like exercising can exacerbate redness and/or swelling. So you’ll want to wait 24-72 hours after the treatment to workout.
I gave myself a week which was probably overly conscious, but I tend to get red with even a moderate workout.
Is this a year-round solution to getting radiant skin?
Yes, you can do the MOXI anytime of the year, but you will need a good moisturizing physical sunscreen to help block any sun damage on tender skin. Even though anytime of year would work, I would suggest not doing it in the summer when the sun is strongest, and it’s the hottest out. If you do, take extra precautions to keep your face covered from the sun – possibly a wide brim hat & carry SPF with you, so you can reapply every hour.
Okay, I had to throw in a picture of the “real” us after the less-than-friendly progress shots. I’m very happy with my MOXI laser treatment results. I feel like my skin is glowing and more even.
My MOXI Results
I’m very happy with the results, and this is after just 1 treatment. People typically want 3-4 treatments to see the full results.
My VISIA age also went down! Yay!
I am going back to Gilpin Facial Plastics for a BBL (broadband light) laser treatment in December to help with my redness and texture as well. Kalee and I will share those results with you soon after, too!
Would I do the MOXI again?
In short – Yes! It’s effective, and it can also be part of my skin regimen to help with anti-aging.
I am specially excited to see how it works for Kalee, too, because she only has the early signs of aging in her 30s, and she has some unwanted pigment it should help. (These are all her goals. I think her skin looks pretty now!)
Other Questions I Have Been Asked
Does MOXI tighten skin?
The MOXI face treatment can help stimulate your collagen production which will help with tightening of the skin, along with helping with skin’s texture, fine lines and wrinkles!
How many laser sessions until you notice a difference?
You can see some results within just a week or so from a laser session. That said, most people need 3 to 4 MOXI treatments to see the maximum results.
How long does it take to see results from MOXI?
You can start seeing the collagen boost in as little as a few days, and you’ll see the full results in about 2-3 months.
I went for my follow up after a month, and I could see the results with the before and after photos.
How often should you get MOXI Laser?
Typically people will do 3 to 4 MOXI Laser treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. Then, you can discuss regular maintenance treatments to keep your skin’s appearance looking it’s best. This is still minimal to do for the amazing, desired results.
Can you do MOXI with Botox or Dysport?
You can do a MOXI laser treatment even if you have Botox, Dysport, or another neurotoxin. You just want to give it a week before or after the procedure.
Is laser resurfacing better than microneedling?
This is only my opinion, but I love that a MOXI Laser can offer dramatic results faster than a microneedling. Plus, the downtime is still pretty minimal.
What works better a chemical peel or laser resurfacing?
Both treatments can help with skin’s texture and tone, but given the choice, I’m picking a laser treatment. It had a similar downtime with a mid-to-strong chemical peel, but the Moxi didn’t hurt because of the numbing cream. The peel burns for a few minutes during the process.
I also think I saw a better result with the MOXI laser than I have with chemical peels in the past.
Does MOXI Laser reduce pore size?
The laser can help with pore size as well as signs of aging. I didn’t see a major decrease, but my pores were actually something I ranked quite well for.
What is the difference between MOXI and BBL?
When Kalee and I started looking into laser treatments, both of these popped up often. We liked that both offered a gentle approach and were safe for most skin types.
The MOXI helps maintain your skin and focuses mostly on skin’s texture. The BBL helps with improving your skin’s tone.
Since the two lasers have different areas of focus, they work really well together. We’re actually going in for our BBL treatment soon.
There is also the Halo laser treatment that may be a better option if you have a lot of sun damage as well.
Which is better — MOXI or BBL?
When it comes to picking a better laser, the MOXI and BBL depend on your goal. If you want to focus on texture, go for the MOXI. If you want to improve your skin’s tone, choose the BBL.
And if you’re like us and want both — that is a great option as well! You can do both types of treatments.
While younger patients may not want or be ready for aggressive lasers, both the MOXI and BBL can help diminish the visible signs of aging and improve their skin’s texture and tone.
Plus, since neither requires a lot of downtime, it can fit into an active lifestyle better than traditional treatments.
This is another reason we recommend talking to a professional with laser experience because they can look at your skin and talk about options for your skin concerns and treatment goals.
What happens after BBL and MOXI?
With either laser or both, you should expect to be a little red and swollen. It will probably look and feel like a mild sunburn. That’s normal, and you can feel it within a few hours of the treatment and up to a few days after. An ice pack during the first 24 hours, and avoiding heat and exercise, can help minimize the swelling and redness.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve done a laser treatment or any questions you have about my MOXI Laser review!
If you’re in the Nashville area, we highly recommend Dr. Gilpin’s office. The office is not only knowledgeable and skilled, but they also all have a great, friendly energy which makes going so enjoyable!
Looking for a gentle moisturizer? Check out our SkinBetter Trio Moisturizer Review!
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