Best Face Forward: Getting a MOXI Laser Treatment

Aging gracefully isn’t my style. Fortunately, facial rejuvenating technology has accelerated even faster than my jowls. While I don’t expect to look like I’m in my 30s I do want to look my best, refreshed and natural looking.

Problem is, today’s options are dizzying, which makes it difficult to decide which treatment is best for my skin.

I consult with Meg Fox, a physician associate with 20 years of clinical experience and owner of Meg Fox Aesthetics in Towson and Annapolis. The vibe in her studio is welcoming and unpretentious.

Pretty pink flowers and creative accessories surround me as I settle into a comfy lounge chair; a delicious scent in the air makes me feel like I’ve entered a relaxing, faraway spa.

After careful evaluation Meg recommends MOXI, a laser treatment that is safe for all skin types and will help tighten and improve skin texture. She says for optimal results many people get maintenance treatments every few months. (I decide to try one before committing to a series of treatments.)

Numbing cream is spread on my face and neck; I wait 20 minutes before my MOXI begins. I am given a battery-powered handheld fan to cool my face as the laser pulses over my skin. The fan is pink, of course!

Even with the numbing cream doing its job, when the laser begins I feel pinchy, prickly “zaps” as it is guided over my face and neck.

The sensation is a bit uncomfortable but nothing I can’t tolerate. Instead of thinking about each zap I focus on what’s to come: a glowing complexion.

After another 20 minutes my treatment is completed and a light cream is spread over my face and neck. I am red, a little swollen and my face feels hot. I’m told swelling, especially around the eyes, is extremely common one or two days after treatment and using cool compresses will help.

I’m also told I might see small microdots called ‘MENDs’ (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) and they may darken and feel rough, a la sandpaper. The MENDs will then flake off between days three and five, revealing renewed, glowing skin beneath.

Three days after my treatment the swelling is gone but my face still looks sunburn and feels like sandpaper, but I apply moisturizer and makeup base and go out to dinner. I savor my Espresso Martini with a mischievous smile: no one at dinner knows my secret.

Each day I see improvement, less flakiness, brighter skin. A week later, sandpaper feeling is completely gone. I’m left with a glowing complexion.

I’m told the results can last from three to six months, depending on skin type, lifestyle and how well I care for my skin.

For significant, longer-lasting improvements and to maintain youthful skin, two to three treatments is recommended, spacing treatments four to six weeks apart.

Meg says for proactive preventative care, patients can start MOXI treatments in their 20s and 30s.

She says starting early helps prevent deeper wrinkles and more significant skin issues later on. Before a big event such as a wedding, it is recommended to have a MOXI four to six weeks before the special occasion.

A word of caution: Don’t believe everything you read online. Trust a professional. Some websites say MOXI has little or no downtime or discomfort. Depending on the intensity (I opted for high intensity) it can have a little of both, but for me, the results were worth it. I’ve already scheduled my second treatment!