CO2 Resurfacing Laser

CO2 Resurfacing Laser
Dr. Reichel and her team at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center have been using the Lumenis Active FX, Deep FX, and Total FX Fractional CO2 since 2008. We have performed hundreds of treatments, and are super excited about the amazing results from this Gold Standard Fractional CO2 laser. Dr. Reichel believes that no other CO2 laser can give the same results.

This cutting edge technology allows us to treat deep lines and wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, and tighten the skin in just one or two treatments. The safety is so much more compared to traditional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing, and the down-time is less. We are one of the few offices in Seattle to offer this revolutionary treatment.

Dr. Reichel’s previous 10 years of experience with traditional CO2 laser has allowed her to use the Fractional CO2 laser for patients with mild sun damage and pigment change, all the way to patients who have severe sun damage and deep lines or acne scarring.

Fractional CO2 | Seattle | Renton

» Click here to view before/after photos of this procedure in the Photo Gallery.

Benefits of Active FX/Deep FX:
  • Immediate skin tightening
  • Reduces fine lines
  • Improves deep wrinkles and folds
  • Reduces brown discoloration
  • Reduces acne scars
  • Improves skin tone and texture
  • Stimulates new collagen and plumps the skin
  • Reduces sun damage
  • Restores the skin to a healthy, natural youthful-looking state

How Does It Work?

Fractional laser treatment is one of the hottest aesthetic trends offering excellent results with minimal downtime and increased safety. Fractionated lasers target the skin in thousands of deep microscopic treatment zones, leaving surrounding areas of normal skin untouched.

The Active FX/Deep FX fractional CO2 is the newest generation of fractionated laser. This laser penetrates deep into the skin, effectively wiping away deep lines and wrinkles.

DeepFX utilizes a very narrow laser micro-beam to remove columns of tissue deep into the layers of the skin. The body then heals the channel which stimulates immediate new collagen growth to improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars and fine lines. ActiveFX uses a larger beam to treat the upper layer of the skin to remove unwanted pigmentation, promote new skin regeneration, and improve fine lines and texture. In one treatment, TotalFX stimulates collagen growth for up to 6 months.

How is Fractional CO2 different from Traditional CO2?

Traditional CO2 resurfacing laser has always been the gold standard for treating acne scars and deep lines and wrinkles. It works by ablating 100% of the surface of the skin. Although the results can be amazing, patients may experience long standing redness, and there is a risk of causing delayed hypopigmentation (white discoloration) of the skin. Fractional CO2 treats a percentage of the skin and also works by a random pattern Compared to the traditional CO2 laser, the safety and versatility of a fractional CO2 like the Active FX/Deep FX affords Dr. Reichel tremendous ability to customize the ideal laser treatment for your specific needs.

We adjust the intensity of the laser depending on your problem areas. The Deep FX targets the deeper layers of the skin and is used to treat stubborn lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth as well as acne scars. The Active FX targets upper layers of the skin. The Active FX evens out pigmentation problems, and smoothes and tightens the skin. The two treatments are combined to achieve Total FX! With Active FX fractionated technology we can even safely rejuvenate the sun-damaged neck and chest. Best of all, we are able to achieve outstanding results in just one treatment session!

» Click here for more information about Fractional CO2: ActiveFX, Deep FX and TotalFX Treatments.

What Can I Expect?

At your initial consultation, we will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the Active FX/Deep FX and outline the best treatment plan for your desired results. Patients with darker skin may not be good candidates for this procedure.

Before your treatment, you will receive prescriptions for prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections. We use twilight or conscious sedation to keep to comfortable during the procedure. We also use local anesthetic to further reduce discomfort. It is of upmost importance to us to keep our patients comfortable and safe. For Active FX only, the treatment takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. For Total FX, it takes approximately one to two hours.

The treatment feels like a bunch of tiny pinpricks, or a burning sensation. Afterwards, the treated skin feels sunburned and raw. It is best to bring an escort that can drive you home. If this is not possible for you, please talk to us. We can help you make arrangements.

During the healing process, it is normal to have redness and swelling. The top layer of the skin may turn brown and crusted. This represents the sun-damaged skin that is preparing to shed. This layer will fall off in 5-7 days, leaving smooth, pink skin underneath. After the skin sheds, you may wear makeup. For most people, the redness is gone after about 1-2 weeks. Your skin will look noticeably tightened immediately afterwards and most patients say they look 5-10 years younger. As new collagen is created over the next few months, results improve further. Most patients require only one treatment. A small subset of patients may benefit from an additional Active FX/Deep FX treatment in 6 to 12 months.

Dr. Reichel will personally see you back after your appointment within the first couple of days to help you with your skin care. You will need to be careful with your sun exposure to the treated area and we will request that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 after treatment.

SEE our wonderful before and after photographs.

» Click here to view our brochure to learn more about ActiveFX™ Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Treatments.

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Thank you for choosing Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we look forward to providing you with the very best skin care.