Fractional Laser (ActiveFX)

Active FX and the ore-intensive Deep FX are both Fractional Lasers. These lasers utilize a treatment technology called Bridge Therapy. This means that tiny laser beams penetrate the skin in a dot-like pattern which leaves “bridges” of untreated skin around each treated microdot. This is important to understand because this is what makes these lasers so much kinder. 

The FX lasers by Lumenis are the new gold standard CO2 laser skin tightening and resurfacing systems. They both offer immediate wrinkle reduction as the skin resurfacing technique induces collagen formation and tightening of the skin. You see immediate results that will continue to improve for up to six months due to this new collagen formation.

Here are some of the reasons we use CO2: 

• CO2 is the “gold standard” in skin resurfacing since the early 90’s
• CO2 can be customized to be treated more superficially as is required in the case of pigmentation issues
• Superficial treatment is friendlier to darker skin tones and incurs less risk.
• Clinical benefits persist for a considerable time post-treatment

We have utilized the Fractional Laser treatments in La Jolla and San Diego on a variety of patients, who have seen astounding results, including: 

• Fading of skin discoloration
• New collagen is formed as a response to the treatment, firming and “plumping” skin tissue
• Reduction of fine lines, and wrinkles and a subtle softening of deeper wrinkles
• Scar reduction
• Skin tone is more even and texture is smoother
• Smoother, wrinkle-free facial and neck skin
• Tighter and more lifted eyelid skin
• Treatments help skin revert to a healthier appearance

After arriving at the clinic, we take you to the treatment room where your provider will walk you through the procedure and the instruments being used. The procedure is performed in our office with a topical anesthetic cream that is applied about an hour before the laser procedure begins. 

The ActiveFX is ideal for treating mild to moderate levels of wrinkling and will improve pigmentation issues. For acne scarring, the ActiveFX allows a moderate level of improvement, though may require adjunctive laser treatment using Fraxel II (a new upgrade to the latest technology to the Fraxel DUAL). Due to the variation in scar depths, acne scars typically require several procedures for the best response. Fraxel II offers a low to no-downtime alternative if your preferences dictate.

DeepFX reaches deeper into the skin to create a more intense thermal response. Heat is the catalyst for new collagen tightening and collagen production. Just as a cotton t-shirt will shrink in the dryer from the heat, the collagen strands in your skin will “shrink” when sufficient heat is introduced. The DeepFX laser beam is very narrow and reaches the stimulatory levels of the deep dermis. Besides the immediate collagen shrinkage, new collagen growth begins with your treatment and this collagen growth continues for months. After 3 to 5 months you’ll reach your “best response” with skin that is tighter, smoother, and more luminous.

Most patients experience a warm sensation from the laser that is similar to a sunburn. Depending on which fractional laser you choose, the outcomes will vary.

With our gentle post-laser skincare regimen, the photo-damaged skin begins to flake off within 2 days. After the Active FX laser treatment, the full recovery takes only about one week. After about 4 to 5 days, make-up can be applied to the skin. The pinkness should be gone in about a week. 

After one week, the majority of skin redness and sensitivity should be completely healed.

The Active FX laser stimulates collagen production in the skin to produce long-lasting results. Optimal results are seen about six months after treatment and will last for years longer.