All fractionated ablative lasers such as Active FX and Fraxel : Repair which are CO2 based lasers will stimulate collagen growth. This is something that deep chemical peels can also do with downtime and tretinoin creams can do with no downtime. Once you stimulate the collagen growth, this new collagen... more
Skin tightening lasers - how long do results last?
I'm attempting to get an answer with respect to how long the skin tightening effect of either Total FX (Active FX + Deep FX) and/or Fraxel Repair would last. There's one quote on this website from a Dermatologist indicating that it could potentially last as long 5-10 years. Other information on the site indicates 18 months to 2 years. I understand the fractional process is fairly new, so maybe there's no long term data. However, are there any experts that are able to provide some input on this?
2 answers to “Skin tightening lasers - how long do...”
A: How Long Does Total FX Last...
As you may know, Total FX is a fractional carbon dioxide resurfacing that targets superficial skin layers with the Active FX and deep dermis with Deep FX. These treatments act to stimulate the growth of new collagen by creating a thermal injury. After the treatment, improvement will occur over a period of... more
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34 posts
11 Oct 2008
Nice I am doing it in my spring break, do u think if I had the procedure on my 1st day of spring break that I would be able to come back to school 10 days post-treatment and look at least semi-normal?
unregistered guest
17 Feb 2009
I had the deep fx treatment done 7 months ago and it definitely took 10 years off. I am 48 and people I haven't seen since I did the treatment commented that I look in my early 30's. the down time is minimal and I was back to work in 4 days. It is worth doing. My results improved gradually over the last six months. I agree with the doctors above about eating a healthy diet but also exercising on a daily basis which I do. I also switched to Obagi which is on the high end for skin care but worth every penny. I will never use another product except this. Good luck to all that read!
81 posts
6 Sep 2008
The real answer is that we don't know. Treatments such as Total FX (combination of Active and Deep FX) and the Fraxel re:pair have only been studied for the last couple of years. Both of these systems use a fractionated CO2 laser which has been studied for almost 20 years now. We do know that dermal thickening (collagen formation) continues through and even after the first twelve months post CO2 ablation. The results tend to last 3-5 years minimum with full CO2 and usually longer. I think it is reasonable to expect the same from the current fractioned treatments which actually penetrate much deeper than older CO2 ablation. There is quite a bit that you can do to make your results last longer. Eat a good diet and avoid environmental stresses such as smoking and excessive UV radiation. Use good products on your skin: Vitamin C (morning) Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide sunscreen (morning) Emollient tretinoin AKA Renova (night) These habits alone will likely help you keep your results for many years after your procedure.
27 posts
28 Jul 2008
How long the results last? This would depend of depth of penetration and settings for the Active and Deep FX used. In addition, it would also depend on how young you are, lifestyle and how your skin heals. From clinical histology studies, we know that stimulation of collagen and growth continues 6-8 months after a single treatment ! Active and Deep FX - Total FX treated resurfaced areas addressed are permanent. Your skin will "change" as your skin ages ---- time, sun exposure, lifestyle, diet ..... etc.
1 post
9 Mar 2009
I have acne scarring, I tried the fraxel a couple of years ago with no results whatsoever. I just had the Pearl done a month ago with little improvement now I seen a different doctor who recommended the Total Fx. Any thoughts? Whats the best way to go to get rid of the scarring. Some are icepick some are rolling