Active FX Laser Skin Resurfacing
Active FX CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
The Active FX CO2 ablative laser skin resurfacing treatment is one of the deepest penetrating lasers available in aesthetic medicine. The laser penetrates to the below the dermis of the skin, allowing the natural healing abilities of the body to stimulate collagen and elastin. This process improves the tone, texture and tightness of the skin, by smoothing acne scars, removing sun damage, shrinking pores, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving the overall tightness of the skin. While this laser is the most invasive laser skin resurfacing treatment, this also provides the most comprehensive and drastic results.
What does the Active FX treat?
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin laxity and sagging
- Acne scars
- Discoloration, even melasma
- Skin texture issues
- Collagen production
- Large pores
- Dull skin
- Hoods over the eyes
How does the Active FX work?
The Active FX, CO2 ablative laser is the deepest, most effective laser at Derma Health. The laser penetrates into the deepest layer of the skin (dermis) and destroys old and damaged cells, while allowing the natural healing processes of the body to rebuild collagen. The result? Naturally healthy and luminous skin. This treatment removes about ten years of damage and age from your skin!
Who is/is not a good candidate for the Active FX?
- A good candidate for this CO2 laser is anyone looking for dramatic improvement in skin texture and tone. We have also seen incredible success for patients with deep acne scarring.
- Those with a darker Fitzpatrick are not always good candidates for this treatment because of the possibilities of hyperpigmentation or loss of pigment. Talk with your provider about your options. In many cases, we may be able to treat darker skin with peels and other methods to prepare for this treatment.
Where on the body can the Active FX be done?
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Back
- Abdomen
Is the Active FX painful?
At Derma Health, we take every measure possible to ensure a comfortable experience for our patients. Prior to treatment we numb the area well with a topical cream. We may prescribe pain medication and anti-anxiety meds, as well as use injectable pain blockers. Post treatment, this is little to no pain, but the treated areas may be sensitive and swollen. Patients report the worst part of recovery is itching, however we provide post care treatment care for that as well.
How long is the Active FX treatment?
Depending on the number of areas treated, the actual procedure may take anywhere from 1-2 hours. Patients are asked to come at least 1 hour before the treatment in order to to apply numbing cream.
How long do the Active FX results last?
Since your body's natural collagen remodeling process take time, the results of the Active FX laser perpetually increase over time, with the best results being seen six months after the treatment. The results last for years and are permanent. Re-damaging the skin is of course possible, but the results from the treatment are long lasting.
Preparing for appointment
- A consultation with your provider is essential prior to having this treatment. An antibiotic is prescribed one week before the procedure. On treatment day, the areas are thoroughly cleansed and covered in a topical numbing cream. You will numb for about an hour before the treatment. Thirty minutes before the treatment, anti-anxiety medications are administered.
- When brought into the treatment room, the pain blockers will be injected before beginning the treatment. The numbing cream is then removed and the treatment will begin. The doctor moves the laser in a grid-like pattern over the skin until the entire area is treated.
Active FX Post treatment
Immediately following the treatment, you will may be groggy depending on how you respond to your anti-anxiety medication. The next day, you will be able to wash your face and return to semi-normal activities. There is no pain post treatment, but you will likely prefer to stay away from social engagements for up to five days as you heal. Expect itching and peeling as you heal.
FEATHERLIGHT ULTRA C02 Laser Resurfacing
Like ActiveFX, Featherlight Ultra Laser Skin Resurfacing uses the same CO2 technology to penetrate the skin and stimulate new collagen growth. Both are effective ablative procedures that create tiny microwounds below the surface, stimulating your body's natural healing response, which results in new collagen formation.
Since Featherlite doesn't penetrate the skin quite as deeply as ActiveFX, it requires less social down time - typically ony 5-7 days. Featherlite is perfect for those who are just starting to notice the effects of aging on the face, neck and chest. This treatment softens fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone and texture and tightens the skin. It can also be effective in treating shallow scars from acne. Depending on the condition of your skin, you may need up to 3 treatments.
*Individual results may vary. Photos are intended to give an example of one patient’s results.
Bonus Material for Laser Skin Resurfacing
- A comparison: Microneedling or Laser Skin Resurfacing (click here)
