Is One Week Enough Time to Recover from Active FX?

Question

I am scheduled for the ActiveFX this Tuesday. I am 50 years old and looking to smooth fine lines around my eyes and mouth area.
I plan on taking 6 days off from work to recover. Realistically, is this enough time to recover? I really do not want anyone to know I had this procedure done. Please advise. Thank you.

Benjamin Bassichis, MD, FACS · Answer

Active FX laser treatments typically run a similar course. The first few days the patient is swollen, following by a 2-3 day period of brownish discoloration. The last phase is at the 6-7 day period when the new skin starts to show through. Make-up can be worn at this time. Of course, deeper more aggressive treatments will take longer to recover from.

Ali Ghafouri, MD · Answer

ActiveFX resurfacing is a great treatment option to smooth skin texture, tighten laxity, and reduce sun damage. You can expect to be very red and swollen the first 24-48 hours. You will become crusted with a very bronzed appearance. Most of the crusting will gently and naturally slough off in days 4-10. Once all of the crusting has shed, you can wear tinted mineral sunblock to camouflage the residual redness.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Each person who undergoes treatment with this laser will heal differently, though as a general rule of thumb, it is advised that patients recover from the treatment for 7-10 days. That means that you usually cannot apply makeup until 7 days. However, this depends on the strength of the treatment given. During this time, it’s normal to experience facial pain, discomfort, swelling, and skin peeling. If you’re planning to return to work or social activities before one week, be advised that you will most likely still appear to be in the recovery stage and your face will most likely still be red and peeling.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

The recovery time after Active FX is highly dependent on how aggressive the procedure will be. A typical Active FX treatment will heal in 5 days. After five days there will still be some redness to the face which can last for weeks, but can easily be concealed with makeup. More aggressive treatments (higher densities) will require a longer recovery time. If your procedure will be combined with Deep FX, the you will need between 7-10 days to recover. An experienced surgeon or dermatologist will be able to predict your recovery time pretty accurately, taking in consideration the depth and density of the treatment.

William Ting, MD · Answer

Active Fx and most other fractional CO2 lasers typically take 6-7 days for face, 8-10 days for neck and 10-14 days for the chest to heal. You will have residual redness that can be covered with make up and may take few weeks to fade completely.

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Generally Active FX is a 6 day treatment. Most clients may have some residual redness but the majority of the healing has taken place....on the outside. What goes on under the skin will continue for months. Good luck to  you.

Gregory Roche, DO · Answer

In my experience with the Active Fx procedure patients are able to wear makeup to camouflage the pink "baby" skin in 3-5 days. 
When performing the Active Fx procedure I use PRP which speeds up the healing process inside and out.
Good Luck.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is my pleasure help you with your concerns.
Thanks for the question. The time 
recommended to stay after surgery depend on the procedure you're going 
to have, but it's usually 14 to 21 days after.
I recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your concerns and goals,

I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!

Timothy G. Rodgers, MD, FAAD · Answer

The recovery time for ActiveFX really depends on the settings used and the aggressive of the treatment. It can range from a 2-3 days to 7-10 days. There can also be post-procedure redness or pinkness that can last several weeks after treatment. You should discuss this with your treating physician.

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

I ask my patients to set aside a good week to recover from Active Fx. If I do the treatment on a tuesday I will see the patient the next day to make sure everything looks good. At that point you are red and swollen. After about 3 or 4 days the swelling is gone but the skin is red and often itchy. At 7 days the redness is better but the skin is dry and irritable. At this point I have my patients come in for a wonderful hydrating facial and counseling on the proper skin care. Make up is almost always well tolerated and can hid any residual pinkness. Bottom line is if you don't want anyone to know you might give yourself and extra day or two if you are having aggressive Active Fx laser resurfacing.

Is One Week Enough Time to Recover from Active FX?

Answers (15)

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