Ultra Pulse Active FX, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, is the gold standard of laser resurfacing systems. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing:
- Causes immediate skin tightening
- stimulates collagen production and plumps the skin
- reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- noticeably improves skin tone and texture
The result of the latest advances in laser technology by Lumenis, the UltraPulse Encore Active FX is a new procedure that yields remarkable, long-lasting results with just one treatment. Contact our clinics located in Atlanta, GA & Decatur, Georgia for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS ACTIVE FX?
With UltraPulse Active FX treatment, a high-energy beam of laser light interacts with the skin’s surface causing the upper layer to peel off and regenerate a layer of new, healthy skin. The laser beam is applied in a fractional pattern, leaving small "bridges" of untouched skin. This technique makes the healing process much faster and enables you to get back to normal activities sooner.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR ACTIVE FX?
Active FX is an ideal treatment option if you have a busy lifestyle or cannot be away from work for a long time; if you want noticeable results with minimal downtime; want to treat fine lines, wrinkles and dyschromia (skin discoloration and sun damage).
WHERE CAN ACTIVE FX BE USED?
Active FX is commonly used on the face, neck, upper chest, hands and arms.
WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
Active FX produces a dramatic effect on the skin, restoring your skin to a healthy state, similar to that of skin that has not experienced sun damage or scarring. Most effects of treatment become visible right away, whereas others, such as new collagen formation, build up gradually and result in continued smoothing over time. Therefore, most people continue to show improvement up to six months after the procedure.
Are all laser machines the same?
No. Just as all cars aren’t the same (Hundai v. Cadillac), all lasers aren’t the same. Dr. Fern uses the best equipment on the market, Lumenis, which is manufactured in Israel. Lumenis pioneered skin resurfacing over 18 years ago with its CO2 lasers. The Lumenis UltraPulse Active FX and Deep FX is 6 times more powerful than other CO2 lasers available and results in more collagen formation than other lasers. The Lumenis UltraPulse laser system has FDA clearance for more than 34 indications and is referenced in excess of 90 peer-reviewed publications. Although frequently used for aesthetic applications, the UltraPulse offers 240 watts of power and microsecond pulses which combined provide a broad canvas from which other treatments in cutaneous surgical and aesthetic applications can be provided.
WHAT IS AN ACTIVE FX TREATMENT LIKE?
Active FX is performed in the doctor’s office and lasts for about 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Dr. Fern will use an anesthetic cream prior to treatment to aid with comfort. As the microbeams are applied, you will feel a warm sensation at the treatment area.
HOW DOES ULTRAPULSE ACTIVE FX WORK?
The UltraPulse Encore is a CO2 laser designed to offer the versatility of both deep and light skin resurfacing. CO2 laser microbeams precisely target the depth needed in dermal layers of the skin to stimulate a cascade of healing responses, leading to tissue regeneration and new collagen formation throughout the entire treatment area. The wavelength of light emitted by a CO2 laser is very well absorbed by water in the skin. "Ultrapulses" of the laser vaporize lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other irregularities, layer by layer.
IS ACTIVE FX A ONE SETTING TREATMENT?
No. With UltraPulse Active FX laser technology, skin resurfacing is so precise that Dr. Fern can tailor treatment according to the nature and extent of your skin’s needs, taking into account the amount of photodamage, wrinkling, skin type and individual requirements for recovery time. UltraPulse Active FX can precisely target either deep dermal layers of skin (for deep wrinkles) or superficial layers (for fine lines and sun damage) and any mixture in between.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSAY FOR OPTIMUM RESULTS?
Unlike other laser resurfacing treatments, UltraPulse Active FX requires only a single treatment.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST?
With proper sun protection, results can persist for more than five years. As skin continues to age at a normal rate, you may want to maintain results with a "touch-up" resurfacing treatment. In any event, you will have definitively "turned back the clock."
HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY TIME?
Downtime is typically 4-7 days.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOLLOWING ACTIVE FX?
You may feel warmth similar to sunburn immediately following your Active FX treatment. With a gentle washing and moisturizing regimen, your phototreated skin will begin to flake off within 2 days. After about 4-7 days, you will probably be able to wear make-up. Pinkness is often gone in about a week.
What is DeepFX?
DeepFX uses laser microbeams that precisely target the deep dermal layers of the skin. Each laser pulse removes a narrow column of scar tissue and simultaneously creates a controlled narrow band of surrounding injury which stimulates new collagen production deep in the dermis (inner layer of skin). The new collagen is produced in an organized manner, rather than the disorganized collagen matrix of a scar, resulting in the softening and smoothing of scars and improved texture and mobility.
What is UltraPulse?
UltraPulse is the most powerful fractional Co2 laser system available.
How does the UltraPulse technology work?
UltraPulse combines the abilities of ActiveFX to treat fine lines and DeepFX to treat deeper wrinkles and scars. Through this versatile system, the laser eradicates damaged and discolored tissue quickly, and results in more collagen formation and long-term remodeling.
Is it safe?
Yes, UltraPulse is safe for most people and is considered the gold standard of CO2 lasers. It has bee proven for more than 34 FDA-cleared indications and referenced in more than 90 peer-reviewed publications.
How does DeepFX work?
The laser uses a beam of light smaller than a human hair to create tiny holes in your skin. The holes are placed using a computer scanner to control depth of treatment as well as the amount of tissue treated. Only a fraction of the skin is treated in any one treatment, leaving surrounding, untouched areas of the skin to expedite the regenerative process.
Where can DeepFX be applied?
DeepFX is commonly used to provide soft and smooth skin on the face, around the lips and eyes, on the upper chest, neck, hands and arms.
Is it safe?
DeepFX is safe for most people. However, it should not be used if you have taken AcutaneTM in the past 12 months, have a history of keloid formulation, poor wound healing or demonstrate excessive or unusually prolonged erythema (redness of the skin resulting from inflammation) hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation upon laser test patching. A consultation with Dr. Fern will determine if DeepFX is right for you.
How long does the procedure take?
The treatment takes approximately 20 minutes. However, an hour should be allotted as Dr. Fern may apply an anesthetic cream prior to treatment to aid with comfort.
What is the healing process for DeepFX treatment?
Since only a small portion of skin is touched by the laser, healing time is typically about a week, depending upon treatment protocol. Over the course of this time patients should avoid direct exposure to sunlight and follow a gentle washing and moisturizing regimen. Patients can also expect some skin to flake.
How long does it take to see results?
Deep wrinkles, skin texture and scars are dramatically improved with just a single treatment with DeepFX. The skin may then continue to firm even months after the procedure.
