Remodel Your Skin.
illumineX is our structured approach to laser and light-based skin renewal. Each protocol is selected based on tissue depth, pigment behavior, and downtime tolerance. Some treatments refresh. Others refine. illumineX Remodel is reserved for deeper correction—when the goal is meaningful structural change, not just surface polish.
Your CO2 (Accupulse) Option
illumineX Remodel is our fractional CO₂ resurfacing protocol designed for patients seeking improvement in etched lines, textural irregularities, and who need skin tightening that do not respond to lighter treatments. CO₂ energy creates microscopic columns of controlled ablation and thermal coagulation within the skin. This dual effect removes damaged tissue while stimulating collagen contraction and remodeling beneath the surface. The result is structural renewal with visible tightening and smoothing over time.
At a Glance
What CO2 Does
CO₂ laser energy is absorbed by water in the skin, creating controlled vaporization of tissue along with surrounding thermal coagulation. That thermal component is what drives collagen contraction and long-term tightening. Three variables guide your treatment plan:
Eyelids are not treated like cheeks. The perioral region may require different energy than the forehead. Settings are individualized to balance correction with recovery.
CO₂ vs. Erbium
While Erbium focuses on precise surface ablation with minimal thermal spread, CO₂ delivers greater thermal stimulation. That makes Remodel particularly useful when deeper tightening and collagen restructuring are required.
The device name matters less than how it is programmed. Depth, density, and energy stacking determine both downtime and outcome.
Why Use CO2
Why Patients Choose Remodel
illumineX Remodel is designed for patients beginning to notice early skin laxity—loss of firmness along the jawline, crepey texture around the mouth, or deeper lines that no longer smooth with lighter resurfacing.
Fractional CO₂ works beneath the surface, creating controlled thermal columns that contract existing collagen and stimulate new structural support. The result is firmer skin with improved density—not just smoother texture.
You’ll see early tightening as swelling settles, with progressive improvement over several months as collagen reorganizes.
Pick The Right Tool
We’re brand-agnostic and problem-first. The plan is built around tissue needs, pigment behavior, and your downtime window—not a single device. Erbium (illumineX Restore) can be calibrated from a light fractional polish to deep fractional ablation for etched lines and texture. CO₂ within llumineX is also tunable and can create powerful contraction where it’s warranted. Neither is “stronger” in every situation; the settings, density, and targets decide the impact.
In many cases, we combine technologies in one visit by area. Example: fractional Erbium for global texture and tone, a focused CO₂ pass to the eyelids, and pigment work to small spots—all in a single, planned session with careful energy budgeting. In other cases, we stage treatments over weeks to protect color balance, align with sun seasons, or match an event on your calendar.
Your consultation covers why we’re picking each modality, where it will be used, and how we’ll pace the care. The goal is simple: reach your desired result with precision and safety, without anchoring on a device name.
Start Smart
You’ll receive a one-page prep sheet in plain language so nothing gets missed.
Step Inside The Visit
Most treatments wrap in under an hour once numbing is complete. Patients describe prickly feelings followed by heat. Nerve blocks may be used as well depending on depth of treatment.
Shorten Recovery With Fractional
Days 0–2: Expect warmth, redness, swelling, and a tight sensation. The skin will appear raw and weepy initially. Keep the barrier layer intact and follow cleansing instructions carefully. Sleep with your head elevated.
Days 3–5: Peeling and crusting are expected as new skin forms. Redness remains pronounced. Avoid heat, strenuous exercise, steam, and sun exposure.
Days 6–10: Re-epithelialization is typically complete. Skin remains pink and sensitive but begins to look smoother. Mineral makeup may be used once the surface is fully intact.
Weeks 2–4: Pinkness gradually fades. Texture appears smoother and tone more even.
Months 1–3+: Continued dermal remodeling supports progressive improvement in fine lines and overall skin quality.
Your post care typically includes a gentle cleanser, a protective barrier or bland moisturizer, and SPF. Hold retinoids and acids until we clear you. Consistency here protects color balance and supports superior results.
What Changes And When
Many patients achieve noticeable tightening and structural improvement in a single CO₂ session. Because Remodel works by stimulating collagen contraction and long-term dermal remodeling, results continue to evolve for several months after treatment. Unlike Erbium resurfacing, which focuses on resetting the surface, CO₂ is selected when firmness and skin support are the priority. Additional sessions are considered only if greater contraction is desired—not simply for surface refinement. For ongoing tone maintenance, pigment-focused light treatments may be added separately, but Remodel itself is reserved for structural correction rather than routine refresh.
Who It’s For
Ideal candidates are healthy adults beginning to notice early skin laxity, dermal thinning, or deeper lines that no longer respond to lighter resurfacing. Remodel is best suited for patients seeking visible tightening and structural improvement—and who are comfortable with a defined recovery period. During consultation, we review:
Because CO₂ delivers meaningful thermal stimulation, we are especially careful in patients with a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For darker skin tones, pigment-aware settings and pretreatment protocols are used selectively. If primary concerns are diffuse pigmentation, mild texture changes, or active acne, we may recommend Erbium, Moxi, or light-based protocols instead. Remodel works best in patients who need structural correction.
How We Work
Your consultation is straightforward and tailored to your schedule. We clarify your goals, assess skin quality in detail, document baseline photography, and outline a treatment plan with a defined session strategy. Before you leave, you’ll receive clear preparation instructions, structured aftercare guidance, and transparent pricing in writing.
Laser Safety for Everyone
Temporary redness, swelling, and peeling are expected. Hyperpigmentation risk increases without proper sun protection. Infection and scarring are rare when aftercare is followed precisely. Clear instructions are provided so expectations match the healing process.
Great Skin Doesn’t Break the Bank
CO₂ pricing reflects the depth of dermal remodeling, treatment density, and overall coverage. Unlike lighter resurfacing protocols that may require multiple sessions, illumineX Remodel is often performed as a single, strategically planned treatment. A detailed written estimate is provided during consultation, including guidance on staging, seasonal timing, and how this fits into a broader long-term skin strategy. EvO options may support maintenance, but Remodel itself is not designed as routine upkeep—it is structural intervention.
Expert Hands, Human Pace
Fractional CO₂ is not a “turn it up and hope” procedure. It demands calibration. Energy, density, and zone mapping must be balanced to achieve tightening without unnecessary recovery. At PCPS, settings are selected deliberately—enough to stimulate real collagen contraction, never excessive for spectacle. We approach CO₂ as architectural correction, not cosmetic polishing. Your treatment plan is collaborative. Recovery is guided. Expectations are aligned before energy is ever delivered. illumineX Remodel is for patients seeking meaningful tightening and structural refinement— without chasing extremes.
Most patients pursue a single CO₂ session for meaningful tightening and structural improvement. Because Remodel stimulates deep collagen remodeling, results continue to evolve for several months.
Expect visible recovery for 7–10 days depending on depth and coverage. Redness and peeling are part of the process. Pinkness can persist for several weeks as collagen remodels beneath the surface. This is a structured recovery, not a “lunchtime” refresh.
During treatment, patients describe warmth and a prickling sensation. With oral medication, topical anesthetic, and nerve blocks when appropriate, discomfort is well managed. After treatment, the skin feels tight and warm for several days.
No, Because CO₂ delivers greater thermal stimulation than Erbium, we assess pigment history closely and may recommend pretreatment or alternative protocols for patients prone to hyperpigmentation.
Yes—particularly moderate to deeper atrophic scars. Because CO₂ creates both ablation and thermal remodeling, it can improve scar depth and overall skin density. Severe scarring may still require staged or combined approaches.
Yes—but intentionally. CO₂ is typically performed as a standalone structural session. Pigment-focused light therapies or maintenance resurfacing may be added in separate visits once healing is complete.
Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure your comfort and privacy during your visit. We are located in the heart of Pittsburgh and serve patients from all over the world. When you are ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Davila or Dr. Turer. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals of looking and feeling your best.
Pittsburgh (Main) Office
3109 Forbes Ave, Ste 500,
Pittsburgh PA 15213
Mon: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday: 9am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 9am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
