MOXI™ Skin Resurfacing Chicago, IL

The comfort level of laser skin resurfacing varies widely depending on the type of laser, the energy used, and each individual’s tolerance. MOXI, compared to more aggressive lasers like CO₂ or Er: YAG, is considered one of the gentlest options available. Patients often describe the sensation as a warm prickling feeling or a mild “peppering” sensation on the skin.

At our Chicago med spa, we apply a topical numbing cream for 30–60 minutes before your MOXI treatment, which makes the procedure much more comfortable. While discomfort is minimal for most people, the sensation does intensify slightly in areas where the skin is thinner—like the forehead or around the eyes.

Aggressive laser resurfacing treatments like ablative CO₂ can cause significant discomfort and usually require numbing injections, sedation, or even deeper anesthesia. In contrast, MOXI is designed for minimal downtime and tolerable treatments, making it ideal for patients who want visible results without intense pain or recovery.

After the procedure, your skin may feel warm (similar to a mild sunburn) for a few hours, but this typically fades quickly and can be soothed with a cooling mask, cold compresses, or icing.

How often you schedule MOXI depends on your goals, age, and skin condition. Most patients in Chicago seeking preventative skin maintenance or early correction benefit from 2 to 4 MOXI treatments per year. Someone who wants to treat sun damage more aggressively may start with a series of three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. After that, many people switch to a 2 to 4-session maintenance program.

Younger patients seeking prejuvenation often do MOXI once every season (about four times a year) to maintain their glow and prevent early aging. More mature patients, especially those with early lines, mild laxity, pigment irregularities, or texture issues, may find that two or three treatments per year maintain their improvements well.

One major benefit of choosing laser skin resurfacing in Chicago with MOXI is its versatility. Because MOXI is gentle, it can be performed year-round, including summer months, as long as patients are diligent with sun protection. This flexibility makes it far easier to create a sustainable, long-term skin plan without extended downtime or scheduling constraints.

One of the most appealing things about MOXI is its balance of subtlety and effectiveness. While it’s not an instant-gratification laser, it does begin showing improvement quite quickly. Most patients start noticing results about 5 to 7 days after treatment, once the MENDs (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) fall away and reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath.

However, collagen stimulation continues to improve the skin for up to 3 months after treatment. This makes MOXI ideal for patients looking for gradual, natural-looking improvements without a harsh recovery.

For patients undergoing multiple sessions, results become increasingly noticeable after each treatment. By the second or third MOXI session, most people can see significant differences in texture, clarity, and overall skin quality.

MOXI pairs exceptionally well with other light-based therapies, such as BBL (BroadBand Light), to address both surface texture and deeper pigmentation simultaneously. While MOXI focuses on refining the skin’s texture and stimulating collagen, BBL targets redness, sun damage, and discoloration, creating a more comprehensive rejuvenation effect often referred to as a “MOXI + BBL” treatment plan.

Beyond light-based treatments, MOXI can also complement injectables, medical-grade skincare, and other non-invasive procedures. Because it is gentle and involves minimal downtime, it fits easily into a broader aesthetic plan without overwhelming the skin.

MOXI is considered one of the safest laser resurfacing options available, especially when performed by an experienced provider. However, like any aesthetic treatment, it does carry some potential risks and side effects. The most common reactions include temporary redness, mild swelling, and a sensation similar to a light sunburn immediately following treatment. These effects subside within a few days and are part of the skin’s natural healing response.

If you have concerns about brown spots, redness, uneven skin tone, and texture, a combination of MOXI™ and Forever Young BBL HERO™ will be recommended.

MOXI is a light, fractionated laser designed to address early signs of sun damage, mild pigmentation, uneven texture, and dullness. Because it works at the cellular level to stimulate collagen production and renew the skin’s superficial layers, results tend to accumulate with each treatment session.

On average, results from our Chicago MOXI laser skin resurfacing treatments last 6 to 12 months, depending on how well you maintain your skin afterward. Patients who follow a consistent skincare routine with proper skincare tend to maintain their improvements longer. Lifestyle choices also matter; limiting sun exposure, avoiding tanning beds, and wearing sunscreen all help to extend results.

Many patients repeat MOXI treatments two to four times per year to maintain peak brightness and texture, especially in a climate like Chicago, where seasonal sun exposure and weather changes can impact skin quality.

MENDs are small, sand-like specks that form on the skin after a MOXI treatment. They are completely normal and represent microscopic columns of treated skin that will naturally exfoliate away. Chicago’s dry winter climate can make the skin feel extra dry and potentially prolong the healing process, so it is crucial to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consistently applying a gentle, approved moisturizer to support the skin.

Typically, MENDs begin to darken and rise to the surface within 48 to 72 hours after treatment. Most will begin falling off around day 3 to 5, and the majority are usually gone by day 4 to 7. Some patients with sensitive or slower-healing skin may experience MENDs for a full week before they completely slough away.

It’s important not to pick or scrub at the MENDs; allowing them to shed naturally prevents irritation, scarring, or unintended pigment changes. Using gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and soothing products recommended by your provider will help the process go smoothly. Once the MENDs fall off, the underlying skin will appear fresher, clearer, and more rejuvenated.

MOXI is known as an ideal “prejuvenation” tool, helping the skin look younger, brighter, and more refined. While it does not dramatically tighten skin or erase deep wrinkles like stronger lasers, it excels at addressing the early signs of aging that can make the complexion appear dull or tired. Patients undergoing MOXI laser skin resurfacing in Chicago often notice a more youthful radiance, smoother texture with refined pores, reduced early fine lines, softened pigmentation and sun damage, and an overall boost in clarity.

By stimulating new collagen and enhancing skin turnover, MOXI strengthens the skin barrier and supports healthier, more resilient skin. The result is a luminous, well-rested appearance commonly associated with youth. Many Chicago patients choose to incorporate MOXI into their yearly routine as part of a long-term approach to maintaining their skin and delaying the need for more invasive procedures.

Time off work is not needed. Makeup may be applied as early as 24 hours post-procedure. You may resume normal activities after the treatment.

When combined with effective skincare regimens and consistent protection from excessive UV exposure, BBL HERO™ and MOXI™ laser skin treatments will help provide your best defense against skin aging. Your customized protocol, which will evolve as you age. will help prevent the skin changes of aging (“prejuvenate”) (Level 1), will help revitalize and maintain your aging skin (Level 2), and if needed, will help transform and renew your aging skin (Level 3). These treatment plans will achieve good-to-excellent results with minimal treatment-related pain and very little downtime. Dr. Casas and her staff will help you understand what is required to achieve and maintain your most long-lasting results.

Call Now for your comprehensive skincare consultation 847-657-6884.