Los Angeles DermatologyActive FX, Deep FX and Total FX are various laser procedures used by Los Angeles dermatology specialists that may be performed by the UltraPulse system, distributed by Lumenis. UltraPulse is a fractional CO2 laser used for acne scars, pigmentation and wrinkles on the face. Unlike the Fraxel Re:store, Active FX is an ablative procedure, which means that it cuts through the skin. Active FX and Deep FX are more effective than Fraxel Re:store because they remove layers of skin as the procedure is being performed.  Los Angeles dermatology specialists Dr. Ben Behnam

Active FX performs a superficial resurfacing of the skin. It is ideal for fine lines and mild acne scars. Deep FX is used for deep scars and deep wrinkles. Total FX combines Total FX and Deep FX, combining both superficial and deep laser resurfacing. Total FX is ideal for acne scars and deep wrinkles.

Fractional CO2 laser procedures typically have one week of downtime, meaning that there is redness and swelling. However compared to the fully ablative CO2 lasers used in the mid-1990s, there is significantly less sloughing, crusting and oozing. Patients typically return back to work in about 5 to 7 days, and they are just red, as if they had a bad sunburn. Active FX, Deep FX and Total FX works for various types of acne scars, mainly on rolling scars but also on shallow boxcar scars. As with any fractional CO2 procedures, more than one treatment may be necessary to get satisfactory response.

Since acne scars can be complicated  Los Angeles dermatology specialists Dr. Ben Behnam says, fractional laser resurfacing, such as Active and Deep FX, may be combined with other non-surgical procedures, such as TCA Cross technique, subcision, filler injection and chemical peels. Dr. Behnam is an acne scar specialist, combining and utilizing various methods to achieve the ideal result for his patient. Please see Dr. Behnam for consultation regarding Fractional laser resurfacing and acne scars.

What is Active and Deep FX?

Active and Deep FX are fractional CO2 laser resurfacing that run on the Ultrapulse platform. They are very effective in smoothing out acne scars and wrinkles.

How is Active FX different than Deep FX?

Active FX performs a superficial resurfacing of the skin. It is ideal for fine lines and mild acne scars. Deep FX is used for deep scars and deep wrinkles

Is Active FX better than Fraxel Re:pair and SmartXide Dot lasers?

Active FX, Fraxel Re:pair and SmartXide Dot lasers are all examples of fractional CO2 lasers. In a study by Waibel MD et al. published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (May 2009, Vol 8, Issue 5), 18 patients underwent laser resurfacing for mild to severe wrinkles and sun damage. Various brands of Fractional CO2 lasers were used including SmartXide Dot by Deka, Juvia by Ellipse, Mixto SX by Lasering USA, Active & Deep FX by Lumenis and Fraxel: Repair by Solta.

It was noted that there is no statistically significant difference between any of the lasers used. So according to clinical studies, there is no difference in the final outcome with respect to the laser used. However, the biggest difference is the physician performing the procedure. More experienced physicians will adjust the setting to your need an skin color so that you can get the best outcome and result possible.

Am I a candidate for Total FX?

It all depends. To be a good candidate for ACtive and Deep FX, you must meet a certain criteria. Here are some examples 1. No history of accutane over the past 12 months 2. No history of scarring, or keloid formation 3. Cannot be tanned 4. Must have enough acne scar to warrant the treatment. The acne scars that work the best with Active and Deep FX include rolling scars and boxcar scars 5. Your skin tone and color cannot be too dark. Please come see Dr. Behnam so that you can take the Fitzpatrick skin test to determine your skin type.

Do I need more than one session of Active FX for my acne scars?

It all depends. Depending upon the severity of your acne scar and your skin tone, you might need more than one session. Typically, acne scar patient get about 25% to 50% improvement per session. Usually multiple treatments may be required to get adequate and good improvement.

Is Active FX a fractional CO2 laser?

Yes. Active FX is a fractional CO2 laser. The CO2 laser has been around for decades. In the traditional CO2 laser, 100% surface area of the skin would be treated. With the newer fractional technology, a certain percentage of the skin is treated. The result is that there is less downtime, side effects, sloughing and oozing with still impressive results.

I had SmartXide Dot performed on my face, does it make a difference which brand name fractional CO2 laser is performed?

In clinical studies, there is no difference as to the brand of fractional CO2 laser that was used for Laser Resurfacing.

I had Fraxel Re:store on my face, does it make a difference compared to Active FX?

Yes. Fraxel Re:store is a non-ablative laser. This means that it will only pass heat through the skin without any ablation or cutting. Active FX is an ablative laser, which means that it will vaporize the skin as the laser is being performed, thus cutting through the skin. Active FX will give you much more impressive results with one session compared to several sessions of the Fraxel Re:store.