Usually when you make the decision for an Active FX treatment, your surgeon will explain the details of the procedure to you. You will be instructed on how to properly prepare for treatment, and what to expect during and after the procedure. Your familiarity with these details will help you minimize any extra stress that a cosmetic treatment like this may cause, making the entire process smooth and successful.
The Concept
An Active FX is done using a CO2 laser that targets blemished skin tissue and inflict fractional thermal damage to the surface. This will induce the problematic tissue to peel off and at the same time stimulate the skin’s healing ability to regenerate a new layer of cells. By leaving the surrounding tissue untouched, the healing process will be catalyzing, and the procedure can produce quick results without much collateral damage.
One of the reasons why Active FX is so sought after is the ability of CO2 lasers to cause instant tightening of the skin. You can expect to feel the change in your skin’s tautness immediately after the procedure. though it will be much more apparent after the healing is complete.
The Procedure
The procedure will most likely be done at your doctor’s clinic. Prior to going in, you should have already made all necessary preparations including having a clean treatment area and no makeup. At the clinic, you doctor will apply a layer of topical anesthetics on the treatment area about 30 to 40 minutes before the actual start of the procedure.
There are several possibilities that can occur during an Active FX depending on type of results you seek. Active FX can be performed on the face, neck, chest and hands. Other areas may also be possible at the discretion of your surgeon. An active FX for the face can be done as a full facial or just on specific problem areas like the corners of your eyes and mouth.
In addition, if you are looking for more dramatic results, your surgeon can recommend the combination of Active FX and Deep FX for a Total FX. The laser for both Active FX and Deep FX is the same so the two techniques can be applied in one procedure by simply switching hand pieces. Deep FX will use a laser beam that is much finer and more penetrating to spot treat more buried skin conditions. Both Active FX and Deep FX have a range of power. The higher powered laser beams are more effective for more in-depth treatments. Your doctor will adjust the laser’s intensity to best suit your condition.
After the Procedure
An average Active FX will take about 30 minutes, and afterwards your skin will feel intensely heated. Your doctor will give you ice packs or cold compresses to apply directly to your treated area to relieve the burn, and remind you of the details of the aftercare process. It is important that you remember to strictly follow all aftercare procedures to ensure successful results.
In a nutshell, there is a customized Active FX for every patient. Get to know the basic concept and process, and leave the rest to the capable hands of your doctor.
