Question
Fraxel and Total FX - 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?
Asked by: Ryan in VA
Answers (4)
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1
October 16, 2008
Duration of CO2 laser results may last years
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 will last years, hence the prolonged results with these lasers. There is also a great fractionated erbium yag laser that does an amazing job on wrinkles and heals in 2 days instead of 3-7. So, I suggest:
- Find a doctor with a lot of training in skin such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon
- Find the right doctor with the right laser for your needs and
- Be prepared for great laser results with some downtime.
Good luck!
2
September 7, 2008
How Long Do Fractional Laser Results Last?
Answer by David M. Verebelyi, MD
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.
3
July 28, 2008
Results last for Total FX?
Answer by Kenneth Han, DO
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.
4
June 27, 2008
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 months.
But how long does it last? This depends on many factors. While the treatment will set back the aging clock on your skin, the clock continues to tick. The rate of aging that takes place will dictate how long it would take to return to the pre-treatment state. The rate of aging depends on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The intrinsic factors include genetic influences. Extrinsic factors include sun exposure, smoking, skin care regimen, and other environmental forces. These aging mechanisms may be different for everyone, so the length of time any treatment will last will also vary. In general, it should take more than a year to age through the treatment- and it can certainly take several years for some people.
Total FX has yielded excellent results in my practice and patients have been very happy with this treatment.
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10/11/08
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?