ActivFx DeepFx TotalFx
How does the Active FX work and what does it accomplish?
Active FX treatments utilize laser technology to remove a controlled 30 millionths of an inch of skin tissue at a time. These thin layers of skin that are removed are then replaced by newer skin growth. Additionally, heat causes collagen deposition and results continue to evolve over the ensuing 3-6 months. The treatments offer all of the benefits of a deep chemical peel, without all the chemicals or the harmful side effects. It gives a much more uniform and consistent result than deep chemical peeling and dermabrasion. It softens the damage inflicted to your skin from sun, aging and biological factors and reveals healthier, younger-looking skin. The treatment if often used in conjunction with skin care programs to maintain healthy, vibrant skin. Below is a list of skin improvements that the peels are typically used for.
- Improves skin texture
- Brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin
- Decreases pore size
- Softens fine lines and acne scars
- Brightens the complexion
- Helps promotes new skin growth
- Loose eyelid skin and crow’s feet around the eyes
- Loose skin around the neck and jowls
Am I a good candidate?
Active FX treatments have been successful in treating such skin conditions such as wrinkles, scars, acne scars, and pigmentary problems in both women and men of all skin colors. It is effective for all skin colors and ideal for sun-damaged skin. The procedure is geared toward people who expect better results than microdermabrasion or light chemical peels but have little time for an extensive recovery.
Why do I need to have a consultation?
A consultation is necessary prior to scheduling your Active FX treatment. The consultation allows Dr. Hansen to determine your skin type, the appropriate laser necessary for your treatment, and if this would be the best treatment for your particular skin condition. You may find, during your consultation, that other treatments available in the clinic may benefit your skin condition better. Some treatments may also require a skin care regimen before beginning your treatment. The only way to determine if this is necessary is by having the initial consultation with Dr. Hansen.
How are Active FX treatments performed?
You will need to discontinue use of retinal products and alpha or beta hydroxy acids at least 7 days prior to treatment but you may resume their use the day following treatment. A prescription for Acyclovair will be given to you prior to your procedure to help prevent any viral infections or cold sores. You will need to start taking this the day before your treatment. A topical gel anesthesia is applied in the office to anesthetize the skin that will be treated. Dr. Hansen then uses the Active FX’s high energy laser to remove the superficial layer of skin. The laser light is absorbed by the water in your skin and instantaneously vaporizes a very small amount of tissue. Dr. Hansen passes the laser light over your skin to remove a 30 millionths of an inch of tissue at a time. He can obtain the results you want while minimizing the erythema by treating only as deeply as needed, from removing wrinkles to merely refreshing your overall skin appearance. After the damage skin is removed, new skin quickly regrows in its place.
How many treatments will I need?
One treatment for most but some patients perform yearly treatments for skin maintenance.
How do I take care of my skin immediately after the treatment?
Active FX treatments may cause the skin to become raw, red or pink with mild to moderate discomfort for several days following the procedure. Cool compresses are helpful following treatment to decrease any swelling or irritation. If your skin is pigmented, you may actually experience darkening of these areas prior to improvement. You will need to sleep with your head elevated on 1 to 2 pillows for the first couple of days after your treatment. You will be given a moisturizer to liberally apply to your face several times daily. You will need to avoid the sun as much as possible. After you have healed, you will need to continually protect your new skin. In the early weeks and months following the treatment, your skin will be very susceptible to sun damage. If at all possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you must be in the sun for a short time, use sunscreen.
What is the recovery like?
Patient recovery from Active FX treatments is rapid. Of course everyone will heal at various rates depending on the depth of the treatment, the particular areas treated and your own healing rate. Light resurfacing around the eyes and lips in general take only a few days to heal. Most patients can be treated before the weekend and be almost completely healed by the beginning of the following week. A deep full facial resurfacing may take up to 2 to 3 weeks before you feel aesthetically comfortable to return to your normal activities. Symptoms immediately following the procedure resemble sunburn, with mild peeling on the second day and redness fading after the first couple of days. Any discomfort can easily be managed with a pain reliever.
How much does the procedure cost?
Active FX treatment involves the use of sophisticated expensive laser equipment in order to deliver precise and effective energy pulses. During your initial consultation the areas to be treated will be determined and a fee quote per treatment session will be given to you. This fee involves the cost of the procedure, topical anesthetic, and postoperative visits. Our aim is to provide safe, effective and affordable laser treatments for patients. Please call 605-275-6128 to schedule an appointment.
On the Day of Treatment
You will need to have someone drive you to and from the treatment – let them know that you will be at least 3 hours . Please don’t wear make up, or remove it upon arriving at the office. Bring sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin. Tape a paper bag to the window on your side of the car or sit in the middle of the back seat. You can not put UV block on your face for at least one week so will need to be very careful as sun exposure will damage skin and delay healing process. When you arrive, you will be photographed and then asked to read the consent, ask any questions you might have and sign the consent. A surgical hat will be placed to keep the numbing cream out of your hair. Your face and other sites to be treated) will be cleansed and then numbed with a topical Betacaine-Lidocaine-Tetracaine product for at least 60 minutes. If you are having your neck, chest or back treated you will be asked to change into to spa robe. Please bring appropriate loose clothing that you do not care about as the topical anesthetic can stain clothing. The topical anesthetic will be removed and laser protection goggles will be placed on you. If you are having the eyelid surface treated then you will have drops placed in your eyes and then metal protectors placed in your eyes. You will then be given local anesthesia injections just under the eyelid skin. The treatment will take approximately 20 – 90 minutes depending on number of areas treated.
Post-Treatment Instructions
Aquaphor will be placed in a thick coating and cold packs will then be applied for 10-15 minutes prior to your departure. You should use cold packs for at least 30 minutes of every hour while awake during the first 24 hours. You will be red everywhere that was treated. This redness feels very warm, but does not typically hurt. This redness will persist for at least 48 hours and then will evolve into a dark brown irregular appearance that will persist for at least 48 hours. If you have had a very deep treatment around your eyes (MAX FX) a redness that can be covered with make-up may persist for weeks. You will be seen post-op day one and the aquaphor will be removed and your face patted with distilled water/vinegar mix (distilled water (8 oz) with one tablespoon white vinegar). We will go over all of the contents of your laser kit bag and insure that you understand how to proceed.
Day of Treatment – Do not wash your face or take a shower
Day 1 - We will wash your face and reapply the acquaphor. Do not wash your face or take a shower.
Day 2 - You can shower but don’t have the water spray directly onto the areas treated. You will use the distilled water (8 oz) with one tablespoon white vinegar combination twice today - just pat – do not rub. After “washing” your face apply a thin coating of acquaphor.
Day 3 - You can shower same as above.
Red areas – continue to treat as above. Hives sometimes form at the edge of the treated area that can be uncomfortable. Take 25 mg of Benedryl and apply cold compresses. Stop acquaphor in that region.
If you are now brown with little red you can move to cleansing with the Cetaphil cleanser twice daily. Do not rub the face. Start epidermal lotion in am and transformation serum in pm on brown areas. If you feel dry or too tight you can use a small amount of acquaphor.
Take Benedryl 50 mg at bedtime to treat itching sensation. You will be seen on post-op day 3 and then day 5 – 7 depending on the depth of your treatment and then over the first post-operative month as needed.
During the first month you should avoid glycolic products and Retin A. You should avoid direct sunlight as much as possible in the days following your treatment, as UV block needs to be avoided until the skin is healed adequately. Once you are predominately brown you can resume your daily UV block. Once the brown is completely resolved, you should add the color science powder whenever going outdoors for at least the first six months to maximize your outcome.
Please call Dr. Hansen directly at 605-929-9173 if you have any questions or concerns.
Serious Problems that warrant immediate evaluation:
- Crusting
- Scabbing
- Vesicle formation
- Odd smell to face
- Fever, chills, malaise
An untreated infection can result in permanent scarring of the treated area.
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SIOUX FALLS LOCATION - (605) 275-6128 5011 S. Louise Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57108 |
SIOUX CITY LOCATION - (605) 235-1630 or (800) 597-2095 383 West Steamboat Drive, Suite 103, Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 |