Active FX, or as it is known to some, “fractional skin resurfacing,” is a relatively new procedure that brings about long-lasting results with just one treatment. Active FX is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser beam to focus on specific areas of damaged skin and help greatly in treating scars, spots, and skin tone variations. The result of this treatment is skin that is smoother, with a radiant glow.
This procedure is ideal for two patient categories. Used alone as a single procedure, Active FX works wonders in improving surface pigment irregularities, sun damage and also improves fine lines and wrinkles. In the second patient category, Active FX works wonderful because it is used as a perfect starting point toward the process of skin rejuvenation. When this process is applied to the skin, says Scott B. Wells, M.D, P.C., a plastic surgeon based in New York City, the process is followed with “regular maintenance procedures to achieve a true structural enhancement of aging should the patient middle age or above wishing to take a proactive stance on aging.”
As we age, our skin begins to change and soon it loses its youthful look, and in place of that youthful look, brown spots and wrinkles move in and with it, an older and unhealthy looking skin.
The Active FX procedure is a relatively simple one according to Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, LLC, a cosmetic surgery clinic based in Oklahoma. “First a high energy laser light beam interacts with the skin’s surface, “causing the upper layer to peel off and regenerate a layer of new, healthy skin.”
The Active FX procedure is further described by Cosmetic Surgery Affiliate as being “applied in a fractional pattern, leaving small bridges of untouched skin.” When applying the laser beam to just small fractions of the skin, physicians have found that the healing process goes faster and is more efficient.
The results from Active FX appear to be good because it reduces wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin tone and texture, stimulates new collagen formation and brings about immediate skin tightening.
The results of Active FX are long term, and by maintaining good health habits such as eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluids, keeping out of the sun and using sunscreen when needed, the patient will enjoy long-term results.
Those who undergo the treatment often see effects immediately while the build up of new collagen formation build gradually and the smoothing effects continue over time. Improvement from the procedure can be seen in most patients, even up to six months after the surgery.
The procedure itself often takes no more than 30 minutes and there is no anesthesia, only a topical skin cream, and healing is done in several days.
The average cost of an Active FX treatment runs from $1,200 to $3,000, according to Anti-Aging.org, an online health and wellness resource, depending on the areas of skin involved. And as with any surgery, risk factors need to be considered such as possible infection after the procedure, skin surface irregularities that might include texture variations or pigment changes and burns and scaring from the laser.
And, it is always ways before any kind of surgery to check with your doctor and insurance company to see if the procedure is covered. In some cases, this procedure may be covered by insurance if proof can be given that the procedure is needed to help improve the patient’s health, be it physical or mental.
These risks may be reduced by choosing a cosmetic dermatologist who is experienced with the Active FX procedure and who has a positive and successful record with the treatment process. In addition, it also helps when the patient follows the post-operative instructions, especially not smoking before or after the procedure and to use caution when out in the sun.
The Bottom Line
Before any surgery it is always best to talk with the surgeon and find out all you can on the procedure, how many times he has performed the surgery and the results of the surgery.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
