Active / Deep Fx (Fraxel Laser) San Francisco

Name: Lasers + Light
Brand: The MAAS Clinic
Rating: 5 (138 reviews)

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) CoolTone CoolSculpting Fractional Laser Clear + Brilliant Photofacials (IPL) Scarlet RF Microneedling Laser Skin Resurfacing Sofwave Ultherapy UltraShape VelaShape MiraDry

Precision in Rejuvenation

Active and Deep FX are two treatment options that use laser technology to stimulate the skin’s renewal process, refreshing the complexion from the inside out. With the ability to tailor your laser procedure to the level of correction you need and the desired results you want, this revolutionary device is one of the top choices in laser treatments today. Both Active and Deep FX are available at The Maas Clinic™ to provide our patients with ample choices in skin rejuvenation to ensure they can achieve all their aesthetic goals.

Types of Laser Resurfacing

Laser treatments have evolved somewhat in recent years as their popularity has increased. The first laser procedures to be introduced were ablative, which meant they worked by removing outer layers of skin to reveal a softer, smoother complexion underneath. The treatment continues to be used today to provide the level of correction needed by some patients to achieve their desired outcomes.

However, there are substantial drawbacks to ablative laser treatments, including the degree of discomfort and recovery time a patient must endure to obtain those dramatic results.

Today, ablative laser treatments have largely been replaced with fractional procedures that offer similar results without the extended recovery process. This treatment allows for penetration into the deep dermal layers, where the laser heat can offer the greatest benefit. At the same time, surrounding skin and tissue remain untouched, accelerating the healing process and minimizing discomfort and downtime without compromising results.

How Fractional Treatments Work

Fractional laser therapy works by delivering narrow columns of laser energy in a grid-like pattern across the treatment area. The micro-injuries created by the laser stimulate cell renewal in the area as the body works to heal itself. At the same time, collagen is generated, which provides additional support to the dermal structure.

Collagen is a protein that contributes to the youthful quality of the skin. As we get older, collagen levels decline, leading to the appearance of aging symptoms. Restoring collagen levels is a key factor in turning back signs of aging with naturally rejuvenated results.

Treatment Benefits

Fractional laser resurfacing offers a myriad of benefits, using the body’s natural process to refresh and rejuvenate. Some of the changes you may see after your fractional laser treatment include:

Wrinkles around the face and neck are reduced
Skin texture and tone become smoother and more even
Skin becomes firmer with a greater definition of contours
Skin around the eyes and cheeks lifts and smooths
Fine lines around the mouth and eyes soften
Shallow scarring from acne and other factors is diminished
Brown spots and other discoloration become less noticeable

While fractional laser treatments are most commonly performed on the face, they may also be recommended for other areas of skin prone to damage, such as the chest, shoulders, arms, and backs of the hands. Dr. Maas will evaluate your situation and your aesthetic goals to determine whether fractional laser treatments would be the best option for you.

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Fractional Resurfacing Lumenis ActiveFx

Active or Deep: Choosing the Right Treatment

The CO2 laser used at The Maas Clinic™ is the Lumenis Ultrapulse system, which offers the following treatment options:

Active FX

Considered the gold standard in fractional laser treatments, Active FX is an excellent choice for patients looking to achieve mild to moderate improvement in the condition and appearance of their skin. This treatment is more efficient than the traditional Fraxel laser, which typically requires more treatment sessions to achieve similar results. However, the amount of downtime associated with Active FX is less than what is seen with other types of laser procedures, making this a good option for active patients who can’t afford a major disruption in their daily lives.

Deep FX

If more correction is needed, Deep FX can achieve an even greater depth to stimulate more of the body’s natural rejuvenation processes. The columns of light delivered are even narrower than those emitted during an Active FX treatment, ensuring deeper penetration of the laser energy. This procedure allows for both immediate tightening of tissue and long-term results as collagen production is also stimulated.

Some patients may also benefit from a combination of Active FX and Deep FX, a treatment known as Total FX. Dr. Maas will assess your situation to determine which treatment will meet your needs best.

Procedure Basics

Fractional laser resurfacing is usually performed using local anesthetic and possible sedation. The handheld applicator delivers the laser energy into the underlying skin layers without damaging surrounding skin and tissue. The duration of the procedure will vary, running anywhere from 45-90 minutes, depending on the depth of the treatment and the size of the treatment area. You will need to allow for additional time to give the numbing cream time to take effect as well. The treatment itself is relatively comfortable since the area is numbed first. You may feel some slight stinging as the laser energy is delivered but it should be very tolerable. Most patients report a comfortable sensation of warmth throughout treatment, which some find quite soothing.

Recovering from Your Procedure

You will leave our office with skin that is red and tender, similar to how it feels after a sunburn. In the following days, you may experience crusting and peeling, which are indications the procedure is working. Patients that have Active FX may be back to regular activities within a day or two, while Deep FX treatments may require a recovery time of around five days.

Meeting Your Expectations

You will see your results slowly improve after fractional laser resurfacing as the skin heals completely. Once the full results become evident, they may last for many months or even years, depending on the depth of your procedure. Fractional laser resurfacing can take up to five years off your appearance in just one treatment session. Some patients choose to schedule a series of treatments to achieve even more dramatic results

Active / Deep FX (Fraxel Laser) at the Maas Clinic™

Today, you don’t need to resort to surgery to get the more youthful appearance you want. Contact us to find out if Active FX or Deep FX is the right option for you. The information about Active and Deep FX (Fraxel laser) was reviewed by Corey S. Maas MD™. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Harness the power of PDT at The Maas Clinic™, effectively targeting and treating various skin concerns, from sun damage to precancerous lesions, for a healthier complexion.

CoolTone

CoolSculpting

Fractional Laser

Rejuvenate your skin's texture and tone with fractional laser treatments, targeting imperfections and promoting collagen renewal for a radiant complexion.

Clear + Brilliant

Showcase youthful and glowing skin with Clear + Brilliant treatments, a gentle laser therapy addressing signs of aging and enhancing overall skin texture.

Photofacials (IPL)

Transform your complexion with photofacial treatments, utilizing advanced light technology to address sun damage, redness, and pigmentation for a more even skin tone.