Active/Deep FX Overview
The Lumenis UltraPulse Encore laser resurfacing treatment is a combination of Active FX and Deep FX. These lasers offer fractional CO2 resurfacing and are excellent at treating deeper wrinkles, severe textural issues from sun damage, blotchiness, acne scars and surgical scars as well as pearly penile papules.
Not only does the Active/Deep FX decrease the appearance of sunspots and scars, it stimulates the production of collagen, which will lead to gradually improving results as time goes by. Our doctors in San Diego uses the high-energy laser to target the unwanted spots or wrinkles on the face, leaving some areas untouched. By treating just a “fraction” of the skin on the face, the healing process is much quicker.
When used together, they offer a full range of fractional resurfacing: Deep FX offers a deeper micro-ablative treatment to target deeper wrinkles and acne scarring, while Active FX offers a large superficial spot treatment targeting sun damage as well as, tone and texture. With Total FX we are able to achieve maximum results in collagen production and skin resurfacing in one single treatment. Not only can it be used alone, but it can be used with the Sciton Erbium laser for a combination laser resurfacing treatment that provides significant improvement for diverse issues like fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage, etc.
What Does Active/Deep FX Treat?
The San Diego Lumenis Active FX treatment is used to treat a variety of skin conditions with great success. The board-certified dermatologists at CLDerm commonly use the laser to treat patients with:
- Sunspots
- Acne scarring
- Discoloration
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sagging skin
- Pearly Penile Papules
The Lumenis UltraPulse Encore Active FX has proven to be effective in treating the superficial layers of the skin, often having the greatest impact on reducing the appearance of sun damage, thus giving the skin a more youthful glow.
What Are The Benefits Of Active/Deep FX?
The introduction of ActiveFX and DeepFX—the first fractional CO2 treatments available—reduced downtime and provided dramatic results. Both procedures require only one system, one pass, and one treatment. With over 50+ lasers, the doctors at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego are experts in resurfacing treatments. The UltraPulse Co2 is a favorite to use because not only is it well-tolerated, but it provides patients with excellent results.
Benefits include:
- Reduced wrinkles and fine lines
- Softens deep wrinkles
- Improved skin tone and texture
- Removes brown spots, sun spots, and sun damage
- Stimulates new collagen production
The Active/Deep FX resurfacing treatment penetrates deeper, optimizing collagen production while reducing recovery time. We are now able to customize every treatment in San Diego based on each patient’s needs.
What to Expect

Actual un-retouched patient before and after Active Deep FX laser treatment for deep wrinkles by Dr. Fitzpatrick. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.
Both Active and Deep FX laser procedures can be performed in one treatment session. The Active FX to treat sun damage and improve the skin’s tone and texture, while with the Deep FX we are able to target deeper wrinkles and scarring.
During an Active FX treatment in San Diego, a high-energy beam of laser light is used to resurface the skin by smoothing out lines, wrinkles and/or scars removes brown spots and pigmentation and tightens the skin. The laser treatment also stimulates the production of new collagen, which continues to improve the appearance of your skin over time.
Active/Deep FX laser treatments can last from 30 minutes to an hour. Before the procedure, we will apply a topical anesthetic to the area that is going to be treated to minimize pain. Depending on your ultimate goals, our doctors in San Diego will use either the Active FX laser hand-piece, Deep FX laser hand-piece or both lasers to treat your skin.
As the laser is applied you might experience a warm, tingly sensation, which many patients compare to the feeling of a sunburn. The Active FX only treats a fraction of the skin’s surface, leaving small “bridges” of untouched skin, allowing for the skin to heal quicker. With a Deep FX treatment, the laser penetrates deeper into your skin to improve deep wrinkles and lines. Combining Active and Deep FX treatments for the best possible results is called Total FX.
Recovery after Active/Deep FX
Immediately after the Active/Deep FX laser treatments, your skin will appear red and slightly swollen, but this should go away within a day or two. The recovery time after an Active FX treatment is quicker than the recovery time needed for a Deep FX treatment because the Active FX is a more superficial treatment. Within a week your skin should start looking smoother, but your skin will progressively improve over the next few months before you see the full results.
Read our pre/post treatment guidelines for Active/Deep FX.
Professional skincare products you can use daily at home will promote skin healing and prolong the positive results of your procedure. We offer the best medical-grade formulations available today and we will work with you to design a personalized treatment program that meets your needs and goals best.
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FAQs
Q: What is Active FX?
Q: What is Deep FX?
Q: What is Total FX?
Q: How long does an Active/Deep FX procedure take?
Q: How many Active/Deep FX treatments will I need?
Q: When will I see the results of the Active/Deep FX?
Q: How long do the results of Active/Deep FX last?
Q: How much downtime should I expect after a Active/Deep FX laser treatment?
Q: What are the side effects of Active/Deep FX?
Q: How much does Active/Deep FX cost?
Q: Is the treatment painful?
Q: How many treatments will I need?
Q: How expensive is the Lumenis Active FX procedure?
Q: How long will the results last?
Q: Who makes a good candidate for Lumenis Active FX treatment?
Other Options
At CLDerm in San Diego, our skincare specialists offer Fraxel Re:pair as an alternative for Active/Deep FX. Contact our dermatologists today to schedule a consultation, where we will develop a treatment plan ideal for your goals and desires.
Promotions
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