I just coerced my friend Denise to writeup her positive Fraxel laser results which inspired me to investigate new facial resurfacing and skin renewal options. In this research I ran across a new "fractional" laser system called ActiveFX.
Sounds very similar to Fraxel (See Fraxel laser reviews on RealSelf), where a laser is used to stimulate collagen growth.
In the press release about ActiveFX, they feature a provider of the treatment, Dr. James Heinrich, an Orange Country facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Heinrich refers to his findings that your entire face can be treated in 30 minutes but the downtime is meaningful: 4 days. Takes more than 4 or 5 sessions. {Update: Company states takes 1 session}
Intriguing bit about the long-term effectiveness. The doctor states that "With proper care to avoid the harmful effects of sunlight, the improvement can last for several years." Not sure how he knows this with such a new technology but perhaps he can estimate the duration of effects based on how much new collagen growth is stimulated by the Active FX sessions. Pure speculation.
If you've undergone ActiveFX skin treatment sessions, please do share your experience (especially if it was a year ago!). In the meantime, here's a before & after picture sent to me by lumenis.
Return to Beauty in Seattle
7/25/06
Time of treatment, 3 day downtime, great results...wow!
7/28/06
Wow, when I say the company gave me feedback, did they ever! :-0
I haven't had the time to digest it all, but if you have comments or additional questions, I can pass them over to the ActiveFX folks ~Lisa
-------------------------------------------------
From Lumenis:
First, let me give you a little background on ActiveFX.
1. The procedure uses the 10,600nm wavelength which is considered by dermatologists and plastic surgeons to be the "gold standard" for removing wrinkles, dyschromia, etc
2. In the past, systems using this wavelength provided excellent results -- but the down-time was prolonged (as much as 6-8 weeks before make-up can be applied!)
3. Consumers wanted noticeable effects with minimal downtime.
4. Guess what... we already had something close! But, we needed to completely change the settings, the spot size, and other things.
5. All of these things added together give us consistent, reproducible results! We say "ActiveFX is for people with ACTIVE lifestyle who want noticeable EFFECTS -- dramatic improvement in Tone, Texture and Tightening -- all in a single treatment!" It is really incredible to watch a procedure -- you can see the skin "shrink-wrap" before your eyes!
OK, so now (finally) to your question about Fraxel.
1. Both ActiveFX and Fraxel use "fractional" coverage. Fraxel covers about 20% and ActiveFX covers about 80%. The studies we did showed that we got VERY consistent results with 80% (less coverage had too little results on some patients and more caused too much down-time). While 20% will reduce down-time, it also required multiple procedures or you have diminished results.
2. If one has an "aggressive" treatment with Fraxel (to try to eliminate the need to go back and forth to the doctor for multiple procedures), the Fraxel brochures indicate that down-time is 14-20 days! Let's ignore the "subtle" results that you would get and focus on down-time. With ActiveFX, you get VERY noticeable results with downtime much less than a week. In fact, most people can put make-up on in 3-4 days and ALL pinkness is gone in less than a week. Now let's consider the PAIN associated with an aggressive Fraxel treatment: with ActiveFX, most people have little/no pain and can drive themselves home!
3. Fraxel uses NON-ablative technology. Without ablation, there is no immediate contracture. And, it takes a long time for dyschromia to diminish -- immediate with ActiveFX. (Do you remember the old CoolTouch system? It used a 1320nm wavelength to try to reduce wrinkles -- this is a very similar wavelength to Fraxel. That system has basically died now -- no noticeable results despite multiple treatments!)
4. According to their Physician Guide, Fraxel's heat penetrates to 900microns. The eyelid's epidermis + dermis is only about 300microns thick. Therefore, can you safely use that system there? That is why their documentation and photos never show treatment within the orbital rim. However, the ActiveFX procedure is impressive on the eyelids, especially when you consider that this is a single treatment with minimal downtime
5. One final point is the consumable cost of Fraxel. They have to apply and remove the OptiGuide Blue gel -- which is really a minor cost. The big expense is the $400 tip. If the cost to the doctor is $400, then what must be the cost to the patient?!? The ActiveFX has no consumable costs!
9/12/06
This is a very one-sided and deceptive statement directly from the company. Of course they are going to tell you theirs is the best laser, just like every other company will do. You really need to do yourself a favor and get physicians' opinions on both of these technologies because it is widely agreed that Fraxel blows away ActiveFx in results with minimal downtime (I have zero idea where this guy got the 14-20 days of downtime info on the Fraxel. That is an outright lie. The Fraxel brochure sitting right in front of me states you may have swelling for 2-3 days and have a pinkish tone for 5-7 days. You can put on make-up almost immediately post-treatment!).
I attend numerous laser workshops attended by the top dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons in the nation, and Fraxel is the most talked-about laser in the marketplace today. The results are very predictable and consistent, and patients love it. It can be performed on any skin type, anywhere on the body. Nobody, and I mean nobody, even mentions ActiveFx in their laser lectures because it is not considered a player in the marketplace. Lumenis makes a good laser, don't get me wrong. However, ActiveFx is not one of them. They overpromised and underdelivered on this one.
A few rebuttals to their misleading info...
Fraxel covers 20% of the skin and does require multiple treatments. ActiveFx covers 80%...Is this REALLY fractional? Why not just get crazy and do 100%?? Theirs is very superficial. Fraxel covers 20% of the skin because it penetrates very deeply for certain conditions. The fractional delivery allows the skin to heal rapidly, with significant results. Don't confuse the percentage of coverage with results.
On to depth of penetration...Fraxel can penetrate over 1mm deep. This is deeper than any other laser on the market, and where collagen reforms and rebundles. This is critical for acne scar improvement and deep wrinkle improvement. There are countless superficial treatments like ActiveFx that will give you mild reduction of wrinkles and photodamage. There is only one Fraxel. The Fraxel has numerous depth settings and it can also go as lightly as less than 300 microns deep. It is safe and very effective around the eyes, contrary to what the previous answer states.
Cost...the Fraxel treatments cost approximately $1000 per treatment for a full face resurfacing. Why so much?? Because it works amazingly. Ask any patient who has had the treatment done. It has been available now for 2+ years, with hundreds of thousands of successful treatments performed. The tips cost the physician $400 each. If you were to listen to the misinformation previously offered to you, you would think the $400 cost was per treatment...Wrong, the tips last four full-face treatments, with a net cost to the office of $100 each full-face, a far cry from the $400 implied.
As I already stated, do not rely on the information given by the laser companies. Talk to the physicians who perform these procedures and the patients who have had them. Better yet, find doctors who own both technologies and ask them which one is best. I am certain Fraxel will be the favorite, hands-down.
2/13/07
I just has the ActiveFX procedure done yesterday. I have acne scars and just from yesterday I can tell a BIG difference! My Dermatologist was testing different lasers and I was invited to be used for the demo for ActiveFX. I was initially interested in the Fraxel but after my Dermatologist tested it she was very disappointed. She said the fraxel was more painful and other less painful lasers produced the same results. We were all very pleased with the ActiveFX so far. I'm hoping for great results and so far things are looking great!
2/17/07
Fraxel is an ERBIUM laser !!!!! It is not CO2 which is the gold standard. Ask any plastics or derm.
Fraxel is now coming out with CO2 next year 2008. No wonder - Erbium sucks.
Dr. Joe
6/27/07
i have just completed a treatment one week ago, still little red. Amazing !!!!!
i did 5 fraxel treatments last year which was OK. this is awesome.....
8/9/07
Lynn - I moved your ActiveFX question to our message board and ActiveFX vs. Fraxel discussion. Thank you for the question and I hope we find you an answer
--tom, RealSelf.com
8/23/07
I am interested in ActiveFX and would like to know what the cost range is. Would someone mind sharing that info with me? Thanks!
9/8/07
My wife recently had the Activefx procedure. We have experienced WAY more problems with this than we originally thought culd ever happen including ( but certaiinly not limited to) severe redness 3 WEEKS AFTER the procedure and a staff ( sorry about the spelling ) infection in her face. We have not yet determined what exactly will make the redness go away. We started with Aquaphor, went to Biafine, Vaseline, Bionect, and Eucerin Redness relief ( as well as 2 prescriptions whose name I cannot recall ). After 5 visits back to the doctor ( and we almost went to the emergency Room as one of my wife's eyes almost swelled shut ) ad numerous tests, I would be very open to suggestions on how to get rid of this redness. We followed the stated recovery procedures ( icing 20 minutes on, etc. ) - the doctor has since stated that he "may" have had the laser on too high. My wife is, as you can imagine, extremely distraught over this.
9/14/07
I had just undergone the ActiveFX two days ago. My face is very red and I have brown dots on some areas of my face. I am worried about the brown dots. I do not know whether it is burnt skin or Post-Inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Would really really appreciate your help on this matter!!
9/14/07
The doctor has also told me to use Vaseline on my face for moisture to increase the healing process. But Vaseline is greasy and now I started having the white pustules - acne.
please please please help me if you know another alternative to vaseline!!!!! i feel so down right now :(
9/20/07
I live in South Florida and would like to know if anyone in this area has had Active FX on the full face and what was the cost? I plan to have it done next month but I feel my plastic surgeon is a rip-off at $3,000. Thanks.
9/20/07
Ali - would love to see you describe and rate your Active FX experience in an ActiveFX review. Takes a minute and our readers would love it. Simply click on the "worth it" or "not worth it" button on the Active FX page.
9/28/07
I live in South Florida too and plan to have the Fraxel procedure done when the weather is cooler, early December. If you have had it done, would you recommend the dermatologist you used? Was his office professional and how effective was the end result? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!
10/2/07
I had scheuled an appointment for the ActiveFX procedure to be done next week. I then changed it for the week of Thanksgiving since that would mean less time off work. In the meanwhile, I started doing more and more research and am I ever glad I came across these posts! I had become skeptical but I now feel I'm going to cancel. I do have a lot of sun damage and feel the results would be good but am afraid of the redness/sunburning afterwards, pain, possible infection, etc., etc., after having read all of the posts. I want to thank everyone for all of their posts--pro and con. You have all been a great help to me.
The answer Lin's question as to the price--my doctor is charging $1,995 on the East Coast but I pre-paid prior to 9/30 as the price was going up on October 1 to $2,450. I hope that I can get a refund! I think he'll be fair and reasonable with me since I've gone to him and his clinic for four years now and go in regularly for Botox and fillers. $3,000 does sound very high to me though.
10/14/07
Hey There everyone, I just had the ActiveFX laser done on Friday on my whole face. I am very pink and in some spots turning brown and crusting off (which is what it is suppose to do). I have acne scars so I did this laser to improve that. I had a dermabrasion done before this, but needed a little more improvement. They say the down time will only be for a few more days, which im excited about, but down time no matter how long it is sucks. I took some pictures. The procedure was a little painful, but with no pain comes no gain! I payed $2000 for this procedure and have a wonderful plastic surgeon {edited}
Editor note: you must be contacted privately with doctor recommendations and feedback. Readers should click on your username to reach the private contact form.
10/14/07
PS. I would recommend this out of everything. I can already see wonderful results! I think infection is rare (im the first one to worry about infection). When having a dermabrasion done theres a high risk of infection, the Active FX is very uncommon.
11/1/07
Cindy,
It's been 4 months now since your active fx treatment. Are you still happy with the result? What were you trying to correct with the procedure? Any advice for someone considering the treatment?
I am looking for a treatment that will offer noticeable results for age spots and sagging skin.
Thanks,
A2 (Ann Arbor, MI)
11/11/07
With the new Fraxel lasers the blue dye is no longer used! I had my first treatment Tues. 11-6-07. I had the lidocaine gel and a dental block which made the procedure tolerable. I was red immediately afterwards which diminished by evening. The next morning I was slightly puffy in the cheeks area, no noticeable swelling. I did develop many tiny pimples all over my face (Why?), didn't expect this. I also have many tiny brown specs all over my face which are beginning to fall off. I am looking forward to my 2nd treatment in 3 weeks and will have 4 total treatments to improve texture, collagen, fine lines, crows feet. My melasma was diminished over years using chemical peels, Retin A, microdermabrasion and sunblock and staying out of sun as much as possible. This new Fraxel laser, not the ActiveFX, is promising results so far as I am pleased with the fact that I can tell my pores are smaller and the texture is different. Over several months I should continue to improve and build more collagen and rosy, clear healthy skin.
11/22/07
I had the Active FC procedure done in April of 2007 for my pitted acne scars on my cheeks. The scars extend from both of my temples to the middle of my cheeks and some scattered near my jawline. I did see improvement, but it has been hard to determine if there was a 50% or better in improvement. Overall, I was pleased with the laser, just impatient to see my scars disappear completely. I am getting the procedure done again next month in December. I talked to my doctor and he did admit scars are very difficult to get rid of. There should be a better improvement after this second laser. In my lifetime, I have done two lasers. A Co2 and Erbyium, which did not work and felt the Co2 was more effective. I am anxious and a little scare to get my fourth one, since it was a little painful afterwards and seeing my face scabby for a couple of days. I also came across a serum that might work to improve scars. Here is the site. I am trying it for a couple of weeks and will stop it 2 weeks before my laser, as it contains Tretonion (Vitamin A= Retina) which stimulate collagen formation and improves scars and should be stopped with any type of aggresive laser or peel.
The Active Fx laser is my opinion is very ideal for people with sun damage,fine lines and need a tighting on their face. Acne scars, unfortunetly are very hard to get rid of depending on the type of scars, multiple lasers will be needed and skin maintance like exofilating agents, a good skin care line and staying out of the sun.
11/22/07
I had the Active Fx laser done in April of 2007, and afterwards did get some pigmentation which my doctor put me on the Obaji system. You can have your doctor prescribe you a Hydroquinion cream to bleach the areas and tons of sunblock and stay out of the sun if possible.
11/22/07
Hi, I had the Active Fx procedure done and was told to use the Aquaphor cream to heal the skin. But, you will get some mild acne and it will go away once your skin heals just have your doctor monitor you.
11/23/07
I had the Active FX Laser procedure done on Nov. 19th in my plastic surgeon's office in Delray Beach. Even though my face had a numbing cream on it, the laser hurt a lot. I was given a total of 6 injections inside my mouth to numb the lip area and around the crows feet area. That part was numbed very well, but when the laser started on the other parts of my face, it really hurt! I have a lot of swellling and my face is so red that it looks like I have been baked in an oven. The peroxide compresses are excruiating painful but are a necessity to heal. It has not been pleasant but today is day 5 and I am starting to have a less 'baked' look but am itchy. I was told to take OTC Benadryl to lessen the itch. I wear a headband to keep my hair off my face. I beleive that by Monday, I will be presentable to go out in the daytime............wearing lots of sunscreen, of course. The cost was $2,000 (a promotion) + $500 for the facility fee and $200 for a 'kit' of expensive cleanser and intensive therapy cream w/ cheap things thorwn in like disposable glove, gauze, peroxide, etc. Also, I had to get an RX for Valtrex to prevent cold sores. Apparently, cold sores can be common after this procedure. If I knew all of this beforehand, I may not have done it but right now, I think that I will have good results. My face was in good shape overall but I wanted rid of some lines and wrinkles and hopefully some of my sagging jaws. Hope this helps.
Lin of Delary
11/23/07
Hi Lee,
I got a promotion at the last minute which saved me money but the plastic surgeon found a way to eat-up more of my money anywat.:)
Total cost ended up being $2600 plus Valtrex pills which were $140. since I do not have an RX plan. If you go ahead with the procedure, make sure the cost includes the facility fee! I didn't learn of that cost until 3 days before the procedure.
Lin
11/23/07
Hi Vicky,
I am sure that you have your answer by now but mine ended up costing me a total of $2600 which included a facility fee and a $200 'kit' of necessities. See my other comments on November 23rd.
Good luck.
Lin
11/23/07
Hi Ali,
I had the Active FX done this past Monday and my face is beet red and sore. Although I do not know what the brown dots are, I had them and they wash away very soon. The redness is still with me but I think in a few more days, I will be back to a normal skin color.:)
Hang in.
Lin
11/30/07
I had it done Nov. 10 for Acne scars. I don't see much improvement at all and am pretty dissapointed. My doctor said he did i heavier than most because I'm trying to get rid of scars which are harder to treat. It was not worth the cost to me. My skin looked nice and tight for about a week, but that was it. Now back to the same old me.
oh well
12/1/07
Just had active FX done yesterday. Since I arrived late, I didnt get the benefit of a full hour of numbing cream on my face and chest. Regardless, the procedure was not that painful. A bit sensitive around my lips and eyes, but definitey tolerable. Today, my face and chest continue to be red with numerous brown dots. Having been through IPL four times, I know the brown dots will eventually slough off. My skin feels tighter, and I have no swelling. My Docs did not start off at a high setting, as I advised that I only wanted a three day down period. Additionally, as the first treatment, I wanted to see my skin's reaction. The only annoying thing about this entire process is the acquphor - it has the consistency of vasoline 10x! My hair is matted down to my head, my pillow covered in it and my button up shirt stuck to my chest in it. My laundry load just increased. But it does assist with the dryness I feel in my face so I'm sucking it up. I'll post again the further I get into the healing process!
12/5/07
Thank you for sharing the ActiveFX experience. If anyone else would like to share, please consider adding your Fraxel Laser review to RealSelf. Others really appreciate the insights this offers. Cheers, Tom
12/10/07
Both Active FX and Fraxel are fractional systems. The FX is CO2 and Fraxel is Erbium. Lumenis the manufacturer of the FX doesn't like to say "CO2" outloud, because of the negative outcomes of years past with full CO2 resurfacing. The FX is presented as new technology, but their hand piece, a Computer Pattern Generator, has been around for 4-5 years, you have to love marketing departments! The problem with this device is the "spot size" is to larger and the pattern it lays down is random, which is why there is lots of pain and tough side effects.
Most companies are coming out with fractional systems because they work well and CO2 in smaller doses looks like a real winner, but everyone is trying to figure out the right settings. Check out the Mixto SX Fractional CO2, it seems to treat comfortably and get good results in one or two treatments. That's the knock on Fraxel, it's painful and you need 4-6 treatments to see real results. Hope these comments help.
12/12/07
Years ago, before blogging and private practioners knowing about the powers of it and message boards...I might believe some of the stuff I read here. But now I know better. Particularly when the name and location of a doctor is mentioned. (obviously didn't hire a writer that knew how to be a professional blogger).
Just a warning to all of you who google a laser or procedure and read posts like this. I'm a professional writer and doctors advertise all the time for people to get on these things, write conversationally, with typos and misspellings and everything to seem authentic. They are not. I wish we could discern truth from fiction but now adays I would not rely on posts like these too much.
12/14/07
SMTP are you suggesting that everyone that would like to share their experiences on a blog hire a professional writer? Maybe you should post your contact info.
I am a professional, that has worked in the Aesthetics industry for years and I will say that most of the posts above seem to be factual. Remember, many laser treatments require a large amount of money and faith. Non-ablative laser technology is littered with one oversold product after another. But some do work well enough to make patients happy.
On the other side, ablative technologies are delivering real results. Fractional scanners have allowed powerful wavelengths like CO2 and Erbium to be delivered in more measureable doses to eliminate some of the historical downsides. These systems marketing by Lumenis, Sciton, Lasering USA and Reliant will be leading the discussion of new options for a skeptical marketplace.
12/16/07
Has anyone had an exceptionally good experience removing those vertical creases and dimpled skin on the upper lip and around the mouth area using Active FX or Fraxel?
I've tried using fillers, but that doesn't address the actual appearch of the skin, just the creases.....my guess is the right laser treatment in this sentative skin area could be the solution I've been searching for.
12/18/07
Did you paid 2000USD you said? I am going to have it on Wednesday but ill be paying 2500 i guess...hows your scars doing now?
12/19/07
When I had the Active Fx laser (for acne scars) earlier this year, about a month later a developed post hyperpigmantation. I was so distraught about this. My doctor told me that its not very common, but it would be gone with a hydroquinione cream. He put me on the Obagi skin system and it went away. I just got another Active FX and have the Obagi and will defeiently stay out of the sun. This was the main reason for why got the brown spots. Two weeks after my laser I was out side in the sun. Ask your doctor prescibe you a hydroquinone cream.
Goodluck!
12/20/07
Happy,
Are your acne scars now gone? Are you still happy with Active FX?
I have the same problem as your....acne scares. I'm thinking of scheduling my apt. for the Active FX laser treatment next week. Any insight from you would be greatly appreciated.
JL
12/20/07
Jaclina,
Did your ance scars disappear with the Active FX laser treatment?
JL
1/7/08
I just got the Active FX treatment done Friday. My derm is the best and actually gave me the service for free. Since Feb I had been getting other things for my acne including laser toning and the blueU but nothing seemed to work 100%. The Active FX did sting a little bit during the procedure eventhough I had a double dose of numbing cream on my entire face. I am now on day3 and the skin is beginning to peel off a lot more with some little pimples around my mouth and nose-I think because of the aquaphor. I had ice on/off when awake for the first 48 hrs but my face still looks severly burned. I went inside a store for 5 minutes on day2 and the redness magnified within seconds. I'm hoping it goes away soon though. You can definitely tell a difference already on my forehead and cheeks, both looking smoother and wrinklefree. Ive been taking an bacterial antiboitic so hopefully I will also be infection free and on track with the healing process. Only time will tell as far as results are concerned, of course I'm hoping for the best!
1/13/08
I had the Active FX on Friday. Today (Saturday) I am miserable. My eyes are swollen shut and my face is covered in oozing scabs. My chin and around my mouth are bleeding.This is not what I was told it would be and I expect my downtime will be at least twice the time I was told. I am uncomfortable and the burning sensation has yet to subside. I was told to only put Aquaphor on my face, neck and chest. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am concerned about infection and not healing fast enough.
1/28/08
I have had Titan treatments - 3 of them at a cost of $1000 per treatment. There was no down time and I have been pleased with the results. I am wondering whether ActiveFX is something I should consider. Does anyone know the difference between the two?
2/1/08
I had the ActiveFX treatment done two days ago. I am 42 years old and had sun damaged skin, brown spots, freckles, and an uneven skin tone. I chose the procedure after researching it for about six months. I have gone to the clinic that performed the procedure for the past five years so it was performed by people I trusted. Two days prior to the procedure I was given a one hour consultation to tell me exactly what to expect during and after the procedure. I arrived one hour before to have my faced numbed and to take a prescription for anxiety. The procedure lasted about 30 minutes. Immediately afterwards my face hurt worse than a sunburn but that pain subsided to a tightness and tingling an hour later. Yes, afterwards I looked terrible. Later that evening I was unrecognizable to not only my children but to myself but I knew that was the process. You basically have your face melted and then the healing process begins. The next morning my eyes and nose were extremely swollen. The worst part is the Aquaphor that you have to keep applying to your face which is thicker than vaseline. It is a full two days later and the pigment is coming out from the inner layers of my skin. I have experienced the brown spots before since I had photofacials in the past. I realize this is kind of creepy for someone who has not had this happen before. The brown spots do slough off with time. Again, it is part of the process. Now a full two days later the swelling is down with a lot of help from icy washcloths laid on my face. The itchiness is now starting which will be here for a few more days. At this point I feel it was worth it. My advice is that you must be confident that the clinic and the person performing the procedure is well-trained and has much experience with ActiveFx. You MUST keep in mind that you will look AWFUL for about four days and then the new skin takes over and presto. I paid $2500 in Las Vegas. Good Luck!
2/4/08
I know this comes a little late for you Terri, but hopefully this will help others with the same issue, or stop a problem before it starts.
*Ask your provider what to expect post-treatment, I mean like down to the hour! I don't like surprises, and I assume my clients don't either. You should be given printed post treatment instructions, read and then follow them closely.
*Make sure there is someone available for you to talk to on saturday, if you have a treatment done on friday! Call the office if you think you are having a reaction or are frightened. I'd rather give a client my cell number than to think of them worrying all weekend about something normal, or suffering a reaction with no one to talk to. Most derms or plastics will have an after-hours number with an on-call nurse.
*Use a clean towel soaked in ice-water to cool and soothe the skin. Do this as long and as often as you like. A cloth diaper or microfiber cloth is nice and smooth. Make sure that whatever you use has been washed in HOT water with plenty of bleach.
*Use a very gentle cleanser, (like Cetaphil or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash) and do NOT scrub or try to rub off peeling or crusty skin. Keep it clean, and you can ask for some disposable, non-woven 4X4 wipes to use when cleansing (your tech will know what I'm talking about).
*Don't touch your face all the time to see if it's still peeling or crusty. Trust me, it is, and your hands may be dirty.
*Moisturize, but don't go crazy. Over-moisturizing increases the risk of a post-treatment breakout. If you feel too dry and tight and it is bothering you, gently wash your face and then reapply your products.
*Using Aquaphor is good, and my favorite is an Rx product called Biafine. It's made for burn victims and is not only hydrating but bacteriostatic. Ask your doc for a scrip. Lay it on thick and let it soak in. There is also a website called www.makemeheal.com that specializes in products for use after surgery, etc. they carry a full line of post laser skin care. ALWAYS check with your provider and/or tell them what you are using or plan to use first, though.
*Take Valtrex, even if you don't get cold sores. About 80% of the population carries the virus. A treatment like Active FX, Fraxel, or even a strong chemical peel may activate the sleeping virus.
*Wear your sunblock! A minimum of SPF 30, every day.
*Look at your skin. Does every cut, pimple, or scrape leave a brown spot? This is post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. If that sounds like you, expect to avoid unnessicary sun exposure for at least two weeks before, and a month after your your treatment. Wear a hat outside, cancel the pool parties, etc. You aren't spending thousands of dollars to have brown spots all over. Treat your skin like the investment it is.
*If you are Asian, Hispanic, Indian, African-American, Cajun, American Indian, etc, you may want to ask your tech about pre-treating your skin with a lightener such as kojic acid for about 2 weeks to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
*Arrive for your treatment well hydrated, and remain well hydrated throughout the healing phase.
*At some point, you have to expect downtime. I am suprised that sometimes people are upset about peeling or being red for a week or two, even if you've told them what to expect. I think this is because you can tell people; "...you're gonna peel like a snake..." all you want, but untill you've seen yourself look like that; it isn't real. If it is that effective at reducing wrinkles or scars, please don't expect to look like your normal self immediately. You are going to be red, swollen, peely, etc for at least a few days. Be prepared to not like what you see in the mirror at first, but call the office if you are in more pain than you were told to expect, are bleeding, or see signs of infection.
*Understand that in many cases you are having the skin treated at a very deep level. It may take several weeks to a couple of months to see the full effect of your treatment. You didn't get old overnight, and you aren't going to get young overnight either. Again, ask what to expect and when.
I hope this helps. It is also good advice for dermabrasion (not microdermabrasion), deep chemical peels, and severe sunburns. Being an educated consumer will help you to understand what is happening to you, and insure that you get the best care. Go to the manufacturers website, ask for referrals, ask to speak with the laser tech, or whatever, before you have a procedure done. You are worth it!
2/4/08
Hi Julied, Can you tell me where you went to have the procedure done? I live in Henderson area. Also do you have any before/after pictures? I have severe melasma and have the begining signs of aging. This year I turn the big 40!!
Thanks
Cindi
2/6/08
I agree with Julied- I had the procedure done on February 4th, paid a promotional 2250. Two days later, I am having the very same symptoms as Julied. Because I've had photofacials and laser hair removal in the past, I understand this molting phase. I am VERY swollen (look like I had a poison ivy attack around eyes) and am encouraged to hear from her that I should be better soon.
I have a very good doctor, and researched this procedure for months... but still think they could have told me more about the post procedure. I'm realizing they don't do this because everyone reacts differently- maybe they don't want 2 scare you if your reaction is less intense? I always tanned well, but have sensitive skin (prone to random allergy rashes, etc) and I'm realizing I may need to take a 2nd day off work (in addition to my regular 2 days off) before I'm can go back and not look like ET. Even then I will be slathered in mineral makeup!
I want people 2 understand there is considerable pain involved. Depending on the intensity of the laser. My techinician had it done at 60%. I had it done in places at 100% - thus the longer down time and pain. Especially so if you've never had any laser, photofacial, or Alma pixel, hair removal, performed- you don't know what to expect. If you have I'd say, it's that type of prickly burning pain- but magnified. I did not fully understand that going in and I guess you really can't until you feel it. Again, everyone is different, but I must refute the line in the very first commercial blog above... "with ActiveFX, most people have little/no pain and can drive themselves home!"
This is simply not true. When I made the appt, I was told I wouldn't be driving myself home. I normally have a very high pain tolerance but I told my best friend I'd want her to birth a child before doing it because only then she might think it a breeze! Maybe my numbing cream wasn't on long enough or something - because I had considerable discomfort, but just grinned and bore it so to speak... squeezing the stress balls they give you and reminding myself of the end result. They even gave me a vicodin beforehand - but it was almost like the laser zapped its power on me.
That said, I'm still happy I had it done and do think it will be worth it. But as many stated above, it is an investment in more ways than $$... there is pain and there is a healing process to wait out. My doctor did tell me that because of the now stimulating collagen, seeing the very best effect will occur over a period of time.
Thanks for all of your posts - they've been really helpful.
2/9/08
vaseline is perfect. use only vaseline in 30 days. i love vaseline
2/11/08
If your talking about facial wrinkles then the CO2 laser is the best answer. Then if you want even more tightening, I would follow it up with Thermage. I know the reviews on Thermage are not great, but if you read closely, most of the people were consulted wrong. In actuality over 80% of people get results right after a Thermage treatment and over 90% after 6 months. But back to the original questions. I would go with a brand new technology called SmartXide Dot. It's a CO2 laser that has been fractionated. An earlier post mentioned Fraxel coming out with a new laser in '08. That is correct. Head to Head against SmartXide Dot, I think SmartXide will be the winner. SmartXide gives more flexibility to the doctor for customizing the treatment for each client. Fraxel you only have two options. Fraxel, you do it in 1 treatment with downtime. SmartXide you can do it in 1 treatment, but when you do it in 4, there is zero downtime. Fraxel also has a governor so that the doctor cannot go into full ablative...SmartXide allows it in case the clients would need it.(even though the new technology makes full ablative not necessary). You can see about 20% skin tightening while the treatment is being done. There have been amazing results on crow's feet and laugh lines due to the collagen remodeling aspects. SmartXide Dot Therapy should be out on the market already to a limited amount of doctors. I hope this helps you make a better decision.
2/15/08
I went and had a consult for ActiveFX and been doing a lot of research about skin resurfacing and came across this website. Thanks for all you responses. I'm still not sure what to do? I've gotten serval different opinions between Fraxels, AcitveFX, Pixel & Plasma PortraitPSR3...still not sure what to do? Looking for a treatment to correct pore size, wrinkles(mostly around the eyes), and overall texture. Also, Fraxel Refirm was another option. I'm 37 years old and am starting to see so many changes in my skin. It seems like the ActiveFX is the best solution, but after reading all thses real responses, also pretty invasive.
2/16/08
Hi Sarah, I just read your comment to Terri. It made me feel a little better as I am trying to not freak out during my healing process after having Active FX. Not having done anything before and being a life long user of natural products this is intense for me. I went online before the treatment to research Active FX and only came acrossed sites by Lumenis. With that and the brochure from the Med Spa in hand, I BELIEVED that I would be up and running in 3 days. No pain, no down time, a little redness/pink, flaking, etc. It's been four days now and I have severe Edema in my face. I'm scared by that, don't know why. I saw the doctor yesterday and he offered a script for steroids with no real answer as to the swelling. He said I should start peeling in a day or so but gave no inclination as to when to expect the swelling to lessen. No thanks to the script. I only found this site after desperately seeking any information on side effects and peoples experiences. Thanks for your input. In your experience, have you seen this kind of swelling for this long? I'm still pretty red and blotchy as well. I don't look like me. Would appreciate a little more info from you as you seem to be pretty honest. It's ironic, I've been resisting any rejuvenation procedures for years even though the sun damage has really bothered me. I'm 52. I've been in the mid-life process of loving and accepting myself as I am. Taking good care of myself, using good products on my skin, eating good. I hope I don't regret that I gave myself permission to something 'else' for myself, because I deserve it. Yikes!
2/17/08
Hi Marlei, I'm glad that my post made you feel a little better. It's difficult to see yourself in the mirror looking awful and not think; 'what have I done-it's gonna look like this forever!"
Unfortunately, swelling is a common side effect after this sort of procedure. As a practitioner, I can, to an extent, predict who will swell and who will not, but it's not an exact thing. Degree of vascularity, skin density, health history, and depth of treatment are part of the equation. That said, there is sometimes no telling why some swell and some do not. It does, however, seem to be more prevalent in people over 35, and those with thinner skin. There are physiologic reasons for this. If I administer treatments close to the eye area, over the orbital bone, I tell the client to expect to be swollen in this area for a few days regardless.
You did the right thing to see your Doc, and he did the right thing by giving you an Rx for some steroids. They should help. In my experience, practitioners and Docs sometimes do not satisfactorily explain that it will go away and when it should. It's easy to dismiss something you feel is minor and are sure will go away when you see it all the time and it's not you. Sometimes, not enough effort is made to assure the client that this is still a normal thing and will go away soon.
As far as your experience, I cannot offer very much advice, because I do not know what settings were used, how many passes, etc, or other factors like your health history. Sight unseen, I would counsel you to try to be patient, stay cool, well-hydrated, and take your meds. Perhaps another call in to the office will give you a little more insight into how long you may expect to feel this way. The redness/blotchiness is somewhat normal. If you do not feel much, much better after a total of ten days post-treatment, that would definitely signal something is not as it should be. Then it's really time to get out that squeaky wheel and demand some answers and care.
We are all unique, but every once in a while, you meet that one person in thousands that has some sort of wierd, unexpected, or severe reaction to a product, medication, or procedure. I'm sure that does not make you feel any better, but it doesn't always mean that a treatment is dangerous for you. I have a client, for instance, that always gets exuberant follicular edema after laser hair removal (big, itchy red bumps). A little is normal, hers was not. She loves the procedure though, and after a meeting with the Medical Director of my clinic, we found that she did not need predinsone to calm the reaction, and it was safe for her to receive the procedure. She just knows now to take benadryl for 48 hours prior to her treatment, and I apply hydrocortisone cream immediately after. She's fine.
On a side note, I personally like to get the skin going with a few less invasive procedures prior to deep peels and laser treatments. I find these laser treatments are more well tolerated if you prep the skin first. Meaning less downtime and better results. At age 52, and having not done anything before, I would probably have done a couple of light peels first. These stimulate the circulation and healing mechanisms in the skin, as well as give a client more time to get comfortable with the techs and procedure as a whole. None of this is to say your guy did wrong, just a different treatment philosophy.
I don't know if any of this helps you to fell better, but please do feel free to contact me directly if you have any more questions or concerns. All my contact info is listed in my profile, and I really am happy to help if I can.
Good luck, and keep us posted on your experience!
2/18/08
Hi Sarah, thanks for your reply. Glad to know someone out there actually 'hears me.' To give you a little more info, only one pass with the FX laser was done. I'm not sure of the setting. I did use a hydroquinone/retinol A cream for a couple of months before hand. I also have used for some time a Vitamin C Serum along with various other things. I haven't had professional peels but I occasionally do home peels. As for the swelling, it's getting better. Gone down quite a bit. Hooray! I have red streaks on my face now with scabs at the ends along my jaw line. I have scabs on my upper lip as well and at the corner of one eye and below one eyebrow. I'm trying to be ultra careful when I wash my face and apply creams but some of the areas are like blisters and it doesn't take much to upset them so they bleed. I started using an antibiotic ointment on those places and a little pure aloe vera gel all over. I got so much relief from putting thin slices of cold cucumbers all over my face with a warm cloth on top that I juiced a piece of organic cuke and put it in a spray bottle. I spritz my skin after washing and before the creams. It has been very soothing. I have red pin marks all over my nose and along my cheek bones. ???? They almost look like they are they to stay. Only time will tell. I'm back to the nurse at the Med Spa tomorrow. Thanks again for your reply. Marlei
2/19/08
I'm glad to hear you are feeling a little better, and the swelling is going down. I'm glad to hear that you are getting a follow up, especially with the nurse. She should be able to give you a little more insight and helpful information on what is going on and how to deal with it.
I think what you are doing to your skin right now sounds good. Especially if it is soothing the area and you are keeping it clean.
The "pin-prick" marks are from the fractionated laser. With ablative especially (Active FX, Pixel) it can leave you looking like you ran into a screen door. Sometimes this can even happen with non-ablative lasers like Fraxel, if the treatment is aggressive enough. They will go away. It just takes a little while.
Good luck and keep us posted!-Sarah
2/19/08
Aestheticorp, I'm sure the SmartXide DOT Therapy is great.
I just got an e-mail from Eclipse Medical telling me all about it.
I think it is great that you believe in this product. All of us here as practitioners do, I'm sure. I think it is also great that we all have the opportunity to bring our new services and technologies to the world through this website.
I just personally feel that when you post a glowing review stating percentages of results and such strong opinions, you should also let the general public know if you also happen to work for the company that distributes the machine you are speaking of. Your post reads a little like a sales pitch. The goal here is to help educate the public on what options are available to them so they can choose the best option for them.
I'm really not trying to be rude, please do not think that is my intention. I just think that you should disclose to everyone if you are a sales rep. If you are not, please accept my apologies.
2/20/08
Hi, before I book my Active FX CO2 treatment, I was hoping someone could tell me a bit about Mixto SX Micro-Fractional CO2 laser. Do they do the same thing and give just as good results? I no that the two machines are made by different manufactures and both are new(2007)I read that the pain was a lot better, with down time the same. Has anyone had experience with Mixto SX treatment. Thanks
2/24/08
I had the Mixto SX Micro-Fractional CO2 laser treatment on Jan.16,2008, and my experience was very depressing and disappointing, to say the least. My skin has always been pretty nice, but a little uneven skin tone, some brown spots beginning and then lately, some vertical wrinkles under my eyebrows, crow's feet and fine lines under my eyes, other wrinkles around my mouth. I was told this would all "disappear and tighten up" with the treatment. Just the opposite has happened, and I don't understand it at all. I would give anything to have my face back! The skin under my eyes is practically baggy! All of the wrinkles I hoped would disappear are DEEPER! I have red burn marks on the sides of my face and eyes and even the brown marks are coming back! My face has a gritty feel instead of silky, and I can see pores now, where none were obvious before! The lines around my mouth are very noticeably deeper. In short, I feel at least ten years older. I am so sad that I have damaged my skin this way. I don't smoke, drink, and I eat healthy and do a ton of exercise and take care of myself. This was supposed to be a little treat for me and my husband, who is younger than me, and now I'm filled with regret. My doctor has offered to do the procedure again for free, and I would be terrified to think what could happen then! I really don't know what the solution will be, if there is one. I thought the collagen was supposed to start regeneratin itself and plumping up the skin by now...it's been over a month. Sorry this response is so emotional, but I am just sick over this. We spent $2600 and the downtime and discomfort were hell. I am in shock, really and my husband agrees that it really does look a lot worse, now.
2/25/08
Hello, I had the Active FX done on Feb 19th, Tuesday, it is now the following Monday 6 days out. I have squigly lines on my forehead & the lower half of my face is still very red, my Dr. went deep on my lower face and I'm assuming this is why it is stil red & tender. I also look like I have a pair of goggles on becasue of skin color diffrence between the lower half & eyes. I have been so red, I have not left the house for 5 days. The pain involved was no joy ride either, I was shaking the whole proceedure & afterwards. So, I'm still bright red & have scabs on my nose and sides of ears and going back to the Dr. today to find out if all is well. The Dr. also mentioned no exersise until the face is fully healed, why is that? I'm beging to dout myself if this was all worth it. Is anyone out there that went deep & how long was it before you were one skin color becides bright red. What were you satisfied with your end results & was it worth it? I hoping it will all come together very soon. I paid $2,000.
2/26/08
Kevin - thanks for mentioning the Mixto SX Fractional CO2 laser. We've added it to RealSelf.com treatment listings. If any reader has undergone a Mixto SX Fractional laser treatment, please write a Mixto SX review describing your experience and results.
2/26/08
I have an appointment for the new co2 procedure, My Dr. says that he has the first machine that came to St. Pete, Fl. in Dec. I was understanding, and thinking, that the machine that he has is very unique and Brand new, and no one else has it. He wants 3800.00$ It sounds like he is way out of line on charges. After reading all of the comments I have cold feet now anyway. I had horrible blisters when I had permanent make up on my lips, a very bad experience, and I am prone to fever blisters. I now have serious doubts about this Dr. I have an important trip planned 13 days after the scheduled procedure, another reason to question going through with it. I would really appreciate very much any input and guidance from anyone.
2/27/08
I wrote a comment submitted by Jill on 2/25/08. On day seven the day after I wrote the bad side, my face started looking better & I was able to wear make up. Today is the 8th day & it's still a little red, but is healing fast. And as someone mentioned above "presto" it all seems worth it. So, I would not to expect to healing process or the treatment to be a day in the park, however there is light at the end of the tunnel & it's a great light to see. My friend is going in next. I think you will be fine after one week, 13 days should be no problem, but I did not get fever blisters, so I do not know. I was negitive, but know I'm positive & would recommend.
2/28/08
All, regarding your Mixto Questions...run from that Doctor! The Mixto is a cheaper, not nearly as effective C02. The Doctors who invest in it did it because it cost less...period. If you are patient, get a C02 done by the Encore it's the top of the line system, $50K more than a Mixto and the results are significantly better. Any office that owns the Mixto did it to save a buck. You don't pick a heart surgeon based on who uses the cheapest equipment? One should avoid Docs who think more about thier own pocket vs what is best for thier patients.
Sam
2/28/08
Hello Sarah,
I saw your response. I do not work for Eclipse Med and I am not a sales rep. I've done alot of research on these new CO2 laser technologies and put them side by side. The end result shows SmartXide as being the best for the client and the doctor that uses it. I just wanted to educate the public too.
3/5/08
Well I read a lot of this information after I had my Active fX. Only about 2 hours ago. LOL. I guess iam going to really hurt tomorrow!
I am 33 and I went in for my first botox but was told this was a better idea for my skin. I paid 1700.00 in Pa and I thought it was alot. I guess compared to others out there it was good.
It does burn like a sunburn but otherwise it is tolerable. The procedure feels like the dentist only your face is your tooth. Even smells that way. Hopefully it will be worth it. Either way it's an adventure.
3/7/08
I am having the same issues your wife has. I am three weeks post op tommorrow, had max fx, was turned up very high. I am almost as red today as 2 weeks ago. I work in the healthcare field and never thought I'd be working 3 weeks out with my face almost like a red mask and the peeling is constant. I'm going to work and then pretty much come home and do my obagi skin set exactly how they have directed. I have what they term post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, due to my genetics.
3/7/08
I had max fx done three weeks ago. I had gone for two different consults and chose the 2nd doctor because he seemed to do more for pain management and this was a big concern. I had the procedure done on a Friday afternoon. The procedure required multiple prescriptions including valium, percocet, antiviral, antibiotics,iv sedation and numbing cream! The procedure was extremely painful, especially on the eyelids, even with all of the drugs. The procedure was 3200 and included the obagi kit with a 400 dollar value. The first week I was not recognizible. My eyes were swollen shut, had many areas with yellow pus and crusty skin. Several symptoms were like havin a very bad case of the flu. That lasted about 12 days. Then I developed post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and am now told that is from my Italian background. My face is beet red, maybe a tad less than a week ago. My protocol is now a stigent program of the obagi creams mixed with 1 percent retin-a. I am told the retin a and clear, which has some hydroquinone in it, will get rid of the pih. I start every day out with my obagi system and a foundation called lycogel. Plus was urged to get the mineral makeup. I have never been a heavy makeup wearer and now have so many layers on it looks like a mask. By the middle of the day, my face starts cracking and peeling, kinda looks like I am wearing an egg white mask combined with severe peeling everywhere. Now I understand downtime is not just the time you aren't able to go to work. I'm not convinced my face will ever be a normal shade again. Would love some tips and words of encouragement. I have not wanted to go to any social functions and am afraid to step in the sun, even with the complete white zinc block I must wear daily! I live in Arizona , so sun is unavoidable. The positive is that I am not a sun worshipper, so have always taken steps to take care of my skin. I wanted to do something I felt was preventative maintenance since I am turning 40 next month. I'm hoping to not have to "hide out " on my birthday.
3/18/08
Hi..well I have had 5 treatments with Fraxel (and a friend had the same)and we BOTH had very poor results..maybe even NONE. For an almost $9,000 procedure it was incredibly disappointing. I also had facial swelling to such a degree that I had to cancel patients the next week. I'll let you know about Active FX..my next foray into wrinkle removal. Marta
3/20/08
I had the new MIXTO SX Fractional CO2 Laser On Monday. Every day my face gets worse. The puffyness undermy eyes is extreme as though golf balls were implanted. On Day three I was told I had an infection. I got oral antibiotic, Bactriban which burns like hell, and was told to double the dose of Valtrex. They also took a swab of the oozing liguid from the runny open sores on my cheeks.
I have great throbbing pain and headaches. Now my ear hurts and my glands under both chipmunk sheeks are swollen.
Oh yeah. I could return to life after four days. This is a mess and I fear the result will ne scarring.
I only hope and pray I look like a did the day before the treatment and WILL NOT return for the second treatment scheduled a month from now.
My entire face is literally blown up twice to three times its normal size and I am miserable and scared. This is not to be taken lightly.
I am 64 and in excellent health - a runner and kayaker. I had few wrinkles; I mainly wanted to get rid of a few sun spots.
I have no idea what will be the result. I am in so much pain tonight I can barely see the keys over my swollen eyes and am considering going to an ER.
Beware.
3/21/08
hey guys very interested in doing the active fx laser treatment. i myself have acne scars mainly on my cheek areas. i'll admit these horror stories of the first five days are making me aprehensive but i've never tried anything before,so what do i have to lose. all active fx clients please advise if this is the best solution for acne scars. i am 25 aand thinking of doing it in the southern florida area.
3/24/08
I'm almost certain that what you experienced was a histamine reaction. I can get that in a suntan booth if I haven't had sun in a while. If it happens, it takes a very long time for the swelling and redness to go away. It could be from a rare reaction to one of the topical ointments.
3/25/08
I am replying to my own comments re: MIXTO SX laser treatment I underwent eight days agao.
My eyes are still swollen and have bags under them. I still have sores and scabs in three places.
I DID have a staph infection so it was good I went back to the doctor on day three despite his opinion it did not "seem" infected. His associate however took a smear culture and precribed the antibiotic cream and Cipro.
Luckily it seems to be a controllable staph infection. Very lucky.
My face is very dry and jowly now in addition to the tightness and saggy baggy lower eyes.
I am glad I Googled "bad reactions" and I went in for the antibiotics and, again, only hope I look like I did before the treatments.
Additionally, and this is VERY important, on day five through day seven I experienced an overwhelming anxiety/depression triggered by this event. I am not obsessed with my appearance or overly vane so this both surprised me and scared me. The doctor intends to monitor other patients very carefully for such symptoms and perhaps do something prophylactically for those who have previously experienced bouts of depression/anxiety and also monitor earlier for the infection. Right now they seemed only concerned with the viral infection and I was given Valtrex. Perhaps Cipro chould be standard also.
I also want a better moisturizing cream come day seven. Vaseline? Surely not this long. What else is out there.
I shall not proceed to the second treatment in a month. Never.
This all was performed by a most capable, caring and attentive doctor. Nevertheless, I got second degree burns, infection and awful swelling. This is not an in and out easy procedure for everyone. Allow weeks for recovery.
3/29/08
Hi Lin,
I was wondering what the overall appearance of your skin was after the healing process? How long did it take to heal? Are you glad you did it? I am considering having Active FX done and would love to hear your feedback.
Thanks!
Anne
4/1/08
Tricks25,
If you want to rid yourself of acne scars, I don't think Active FX is the right choice. You need FRAXEL. I only had it done once and the results are amazing. Contrary to what people or doctors will tell you, the down-time is 4 - 7 days. I went back to work on the 5th day and told co-workers that I went snowboarding and got a really bad sunburn. Your face will be red for more than a week though.
I highly recommend FRAXEL. Active FX is more for removing wrinles and signs of aging. If you're 25 years-old you don't need Active FX.
Good luck!
4/6/08
You are way off mark on this statement. I work in the aesthetic industry and can tell you first hand the mixto is not a "less effective co2" and doctors who invest in it are not doing it only because of price. There is a completely different tissue interaction with the mixto than on the encore active fx laser and each system has different paramenters to set. The encore system is overpriced. If you look at the market there are around 10 companies overseas that have produced fractional co2 systems and will be entering the US market in the near future. Many of them are reasonably priced...($70,000-$100,000) A laser doesn't have to cost a doctor $130,000+ to work and get results.
4/8/08
Hello,I was hoping someone could tell me where ActiveFX is available in Canada, in Toronto Ontario. I was hoping i could get the procedure for acne scars, but am not sure of a clinic that offers it. Where could i get this done??
Any input is greatly appreciated!!
4/13/08
i just had active fx on thursday afternoon. i do work for a facial plastic surgeon and after much research we decided to demo it. so far, so good. a good topical numbing agent is essential and i also took a demerol and valium. we did deep fx under my eyes and over a few sun spots that the Fraxel didn't get rid of 2 years ago. also did deep on a couple of small scars. we did just active fx over the entire face. it was a bit painful but the pain didn't last long. felt like a sunburn the first night. my eyes were not as swollen as i expected but i did take a steroid that probably prevented that. it is saturday and face is really red, swollen under eyes and the the grid pattern from the laser looks dark brown and getting scabby. i have kept it very moist with aquaphor which is crucial. i gently wash the aquaphor off morning and night with a sensitive skin cleanser. i think today is the worst and will really start healing here on out. will it be totally healed in 5 days? probably not, but they were also pretty aggresive. i did it for fine lines around my eyes, sun spots and a couple of scars. skin tightening is a bonus. just basic rejuvenation. btw, i did Fraxel 2 years ago and it was great for Melasma which was what it was FDA approved for. got rid of all of my melasma in 3 sessions and really hasn't come back. i wouldn't count on Fraxel completly getting rid of scars...it has for some but i think that is the minority. depending on the scars, active fx may be a little more aggressive but you may have to do scar revision on deep ones (cut out old scar and stitch up) or manual dermabrasion. if the scars are not too deep i think active fx may be good...i will continue to update m