CO2 Skin Resurfacing

Surgical Arts of Virginia uses the new innovative Fractional CO ₂ Laser to treat fine lines, deep wrinkles and scars on the face and body.

What is Fractional CO ₂ Laser Treatment?

With six times the power of most CO ₂ lasers, the UltraPulse system is the laser for advanced applications. Delivering speed, versatility, performance and precision, UltraPulse easily supports a full spectrum of aesthetic and surgical capabilities.

The safe and precise capabilities of Fractional CO ₂ Laser Treatment provide:

• Single treatment, single pass, results in fast recovery
• Advanced patented technologies
• Six times more powerful than other CO ₂ lasers
• Twice the treatment speed of most CO ₂ lasers
• Offers the most delivery options
• Customizable with unmatched versatility in range of treatments

Fractional CO ₂ Laser is customizable into three levels of treatment.

ActiveFX – is a Superficial fractional ablation used to treat fine lines, uneven texture, dyschromia and actinic keratosis

DeepFX – is a Deep fractional ablation for treatment of profound wrinkles.

TotalFX – is a Combined superficial and deep fractional ablation for scar treatment, improved skin texture and resolution of fine lines and wrinkles.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

CO ₂ laser resurfacing MaxFX continues to be an ideal method for eliminating moderate to deep lines and creases due to aging and photodamage and with the ActiveFX peel using the CO ₂ lite features, is now the ideal method for a lighter minimal downtime peel.

Skin resurfacing with heavier settings is a tried and true approach to skin rejuvenation precisely removing layers of skin to correct fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and smooth skin, soften pucker marks, and repair skin discoloration. The results of laser resurfacing are generally quite dramatic and long-lasting.

The UltraPulse Encore has broadened the applications for CO ₂ laser technology. This laser not only delivers superior tissue effects when treating moderate to deep wrinkles, but when performing a ActiveFX it also addresses fine lines and uneven pigment. By producing a controlled superficial laser peel confined to the epidermis, the ActiveFX with CO ₂ Lite improves skin tone and surface imperfections with only minimal downtime.

Active/Deep/Total FX FAQ

What is TotalFX “fractional” laser resurfacing?

TotalFX is a fractional CO ₂ laser procedure that combines both the ActiveFX and DeepFX treatment.

During the procedure, a high-energy beam of laser light is used to smooth out fine lines, wrinkles and scars, remove brown spots and other skin irregularities. It also stimulates formation of new underlying collagen to continue improvement over time.

What’s the difference between ActiveFx, DeepFx and Total FX?

ActiveFX is CO ₂ laser skin resurfacing for the active person. It is a fractional laser treatment, meaning only a fraction of the skin’s surface is treated by the laser, leaving small areas of skin “untouched” allowing for a faster healing process and enables you to get back to normal activities sooner. The treatment causes the upper layer of skin to peel off and regenerate a layer of new, healthy skin.

DeepFX is CO ₂ laser skin resurfacing for deeper wrinkles and scars that have a dermal component. This treatment also uses a fractional pattern to aid in the regeneration process. The deep heating associated with DeepFX causes immediate collagen tightening and long-term collagen remodeling. The patient can expect softening and smoothing of wrinkles and scars, with improved skin texture. The Deep FX treatment is fantastic for wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.

Total FX combines the Active FX and Deep FX systems. The results are fractional resurfacing of the surface of your skin, removing sun damage and brown spots, as well as the deeper skin, removing wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone. Total FX is a complete resurfacing treatment capable of astounding results.

How will I know if I need ActiveFX, DeepFX or TotalFX?

Patients can opt for only an ActiveFX treatment, depending on the areas of concern. However, Surgical Arts of Virginia recommends using the Active FX and Deep FX treatments together for most patients, as they provide optimal results.

How long do the results of TotalFX last?

Total FX is a long term treatment with results that can last for years.

What are the benefits of a TotalFX treatment?

• Immediate collagen tightening
• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
• Softens deep lines
• Noticeably improves skin tone and texture
• Eliminates and reduces age spots and sun damage
• Stimulates new collagen formation and plumps the skin

The results of a TotalFX laser treatment are long-term and, with proper sun protection, can persist for many years. Most effects of treatment become visible right away, whereas others – such as new collagen formation – build up gradually and become more evident over time. Therefore, most people look even better 3-6 months after the procedure.

What should I expect during the procedure?

The treatment itself lasts approximately 20 minutes. You should plan on an hour for the entire visit in order for us to apply anesthetic cream prior to the treatment, to help minimize discomfort.

During the treatment, you will feel a warm sensation over the area being treated.

What is the TotalFX recovery period like?

Recovering from the procedure is much like any laser treatment. The skin may feel slightly sunburned and swollen and require a bit of cooling. This can be controlled with ice packs and medications prescribed.

There may be a red, crusted appearance for eight or more days with the deeper CO ₂ laser or just four days with the ActiveFX laser. The skin will likely appear as a sunburn and this will subside over a few days or weeks as the skin heals and begins to peel.

Keeping the skin moisturized is always a good idea as is avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. It is possible to get back to work and an everyday routine after the procedure as long as the skin is taken care of.

How soon can I be active after TotalFX?

Downtime can be described in terms of Absolute Downtime (most people would stay indoors), Relative Downtime (you feel fine, but look not so good), Social Downtime (you can return to work and actually look fine, but people will notice recent treatment). Active FX downtime=1 day Absolute Downtime, 2-4 days Relative Downtime, 5-7 days Social Downtime. For Deep or Total FX downtime expect longer down times.

When do I see results from TotalFX?

Results are often visible right away, especially with Deep and Total FX, and progressively get more noticeable as time goes by. The skin will peel and heal over and new collagen is formed, thus filling fine lines, removing discolorations on the face, and tightening loose skin. Most people experience progressive improvement up to six months. Results can last years if good care is taken of the treated area.

Clinical Case Studies – Before and After Photos