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Active FX Vs. Fraxel Vs. Pixel Vs. Profractional: What’s The Difference?

There are quite a few fractionated resurfacing lasers out there. So exactly what is resurfacing and what are fractionated lasers. What makes one fractionated laser different from other?

There are quite a few fractionated resurfacing lasers out there. So exactly what is resurfacing and what are fractionated lasers. What makes one fractionated laser different from other?

What Exactly is Skin Resurfacing?

Resurfacing is a procedure where layers of damaged skin are removed usually by vaporization from a laser. It can be used to get rid of brown pigment caused by sun damage, decrease wrinkles, shrink pores and tighten skin. Vaporization is the process of using heat to instantly evaporate water out of the exposed tissue. Resurfacing not only removes the tissue on top but also heats the tissue below the level of vaporization causing collagen contraction and stimulation.

What Exactly is Skin Resurfacing?

*Individual Results May Vary.

 

What Exactly is Fractional Resurfacing?

If resurfacing is like mowing a lawn where every blade of grass is cut to a somewhat shallow depth then fractional resurfacing is more like aerating a lawn. Fractional resurfacing pokes small but deep holes in the skin but leaves a certain amount of the skin completely untouched. Because these patch of undamaged skin patient heal much faster with minimal side effects.

Fractional resurfacing was developed at The Wellman Center of Photomedicine at Harvard around 2001. The original fractional laser did not destroy any tissue (non-ablative), it simply applied heat in order to stimulate new collagen formation.

This non-ablative (non-vaporizing) procedure required multiple treatments and has some significant limitations on efficacy. Around 2005 we started testing fractionated ablative (tissue vaporization) CO2 lasers (Active FX, Deep FX, Fraxel Repair and found that in a single treatment we could achieve results that were not attainable after 5 or 6 treatments with the non-ablative fractionated lasers.

Is There Any Downtime with Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The downtime of about 5-7 day was a huge improvement over traditional CO2 resurfacing (think mowing the law) that can take several months to heal.

Is There Any Downtime with Laser Skin Resurfacing?

 

How Are These Laser Treatments Different?

Now the market is saturated with fractionated products and it is hard for patients to figure out which one is the best for them. The first thing that separates these devices is the actual type of laser. There are two main lasers used for resurfacing CO2 and erbium. The Active FX, Deep FX and Fraxel Re:pair are CO2 lasers. The Pixel and Profractional are erbium lasers. The CO2 lasers heat tissue much better causing more skin contraction and more collagen stimulation. They also cause much less bleeding than erbium lasers. The clinical results speak for themselves as much more skin damage can be removed with by a CO2.

Between the CO2 platforms FX (made by Lumenis) and the Fraxel (made by Reliant), the FX is much preferred by patients. In 2007 Dr. Robert Weiss performed a split face study at Johns Hopkins using the Active FX on one side and the Fraxel Re:pair on the other. Nine out of ten patients preferred both the comfort of the procedure and the results of the Active FX.

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The Difference

Ok so the Lumenis FX gives the best results and the most patient preferred procedure. So then what is the difference between Active FX, Deep FX and Total FX? 

 

The Active and Deep FX are different heads that can be attached to the laser. The Active FX is more shallow (about 1/3 mm) and wide which is better for skin tightening, decreasing pore size and removing pigmented sun damage. The Deep FX is a narrow beam that goes deep (up to about 2mm) into the skin in order to treat wrinkles and scars. The Total FX is more a marketing term that describes using both heads during the same treatment (which is how the procedure is normally done).

“The staff at Colorado Skin & Vein is very helpful and always makes sure to answer any questions during visits. I can tell that they truly care about the patient experience. Thank you Dr. Verebelyi and Team!”

DC

Take the Next Step – Request A Consultation with Dr. Verebelyi

 

Dr. Verebelyi is always happy to meet with you to review your laser skin resurfacing needs.  Please fill out the form on this page or call 303.683.3235 to schedule an appointment. Colorado Skin & Vein serves Englewood and the greater Denver, CO area.

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