This is fairly simple. I have been doing both for almost a year. They represent two different ways to deliver CO2 laser energy to the skin.
The ActiveFX device uses a pattern of 1.3mm spots or hits of CO2 energy scattered over the skin. How much coverage you get depends on the density - I have used up to 96% coverage.
The DeepFX device produces a pattern of 120 micron spots of variable density from 5-25%. These beams of laser energy go fairly deep - all the way to the fat if you turn the energy up high enough.
For people with lots of sun damage, precancerous lesions, brown and reds spots, I think the ActiveFX delivers better results. The downtime is greater - around 4-6 days if you use higher energies. I haven't been happy with the amount of wrinkle improvement or skin tightening I see with the ActiveFX. I think it is more uncomfortable for the patient as well.
For people that want improvement in wrinkles and lines that are not well treated with Botox such as the around the eye, the lower lid and cheeks, I think the DeepFX therapy is the best treatment we currently have. The recovery is fast - 3 days the scabs are gone - swelling in 5-6 days and pinkness in around 10 days to 2 weeks. I see instant tightening while I do the treatments. The pain level is definitely less than the ActiveFX. The only downside is that it doesn't do as well with sun spots and the more superficial damage.
