Traditional Co2 lasers are associated with lengthy downtimes and high risk of side effects however; ActiveFX UltraPulse Encore by Lumenis offers a genius solution to this problem by delivering the energy through a series of micro beams in the form of “fractional laser”. The laser tricks the skin to believing it is wounded, leaving the skin in between the beams unaffected prompting a much faster healing process thereby stimulating and remodeling the skin’s own collagen production and this collagen remodeling can continue for 3-6 months following treatment.

ActiveFX laser resurfacing uses a high-energy beam of laser light that interacts with the skin’s surface causing the upper layer to shed off and regenerate a layer of new skin resulting in improved colour and texture. The laser beam is applied in a fractional pattern, leaving “bridges” of untouched skin. This technique makes the healing process much faster and enables you to return to normal activities sooner.

This fractional laser resurfacing treatment can be applied to specific regions, such as under the eyes, upper lip, or to the entire face.

ActiveFX alone is not effective on deeper lines or acne scars. The precise accuracy of the DeepFX into each line or scar has the capacity to target deeper layers and to stimulate collagen and elastin. When combining ActiveFX and DeepFX it is possible to target deeper lines and scars to achieve superior results.

ActiveFX Co2 laser resurfacing uses a high-energy beam of laser light that interacts with the skin’s surface causing the upper layer to peel off and regenerate a layer of new skin resulting in improved colour and texture. During the procedure, a high-energy beam of laser light is used to smooth out lines, wrinkles, remove brown spots and other skin tone irregularities. It also stimulates formation of new underlying collagen to continue improvement over time. With fractional laser resurfacing treatment, only a fraction of the skin’s surface is treated by the laser, leaving small “bridges” of untouched skin. This technique makes the healing process much faster and enables you to get back to normal activities sooner.

DeepFX laser resurfacing uses laser micro beams that precisely target the deep dermal layers of the skin. Each laser pulse removes a narrow column of scar tissue and simultaneously creates a controlled narrow band of surrounding injury which stimulates new collagen production deep in the dermis (inner layer of skin). The new collagen is produced in an organised manner, rather than the disorganised collagen matrix of a scar, resulting in the softening and smoothing of scars and improved skin texture.

ActiveFX laser resurfacing treats the skin with lots of tiny laser spots. DeepFX laser resurfacing is actually a version of the same treatment but the laser spots are much smaller and go much deeper than the ActiveFX.

In summary, the “DeepFX” spot size targets deeper lines, wrinkles, and scars, whereas the “ActiveFX” spot size targets pigments, superficial lines. By combining the two (TotalFX) you can achieve dramatic results.

Yes, UltraPulse is safe for most people and is considered the gold standard of Co2 lasers. It has been proven for more than 34 FDA-cleared indications and referenced in more than 90 peer-reviewed publications. UltraPulse Encore by Lumenis laser skin resurfacing treatment can only be carried out by a Medical Practitioner. Like any medical procedure there are potential risks.

Your medical practitioner will take steps to minimise these by;

• Taking medical history and examination during your consultation
• Preparation to the area being treated
• Prescription of medicines to prevent complications
• Providing the client with detailed aftercare instructions

Prior to treatment topical anesthetic cream will be applied for 30-40 minutes. Treatment times may vary and depend on size of the area being treated and can range from 15-60 minutes.

Ablative fractional lasers such as the UltraPulse Encore by Lumenis are extremely effective for treating acne scars. The laser will treat a “fraction” of the skin by creating thousands of tiny perforations, whilst leaving undamaged skin intact. These undamaged cells move into the “damaged area”, and heal the wounded area. The injury to the damaged skin causes collagen stimulation.

Further collagen remodelling takes place for 3-6 months and the number of treatments will depend on the severity of the acne scars and how your skin reacts to your laser skin resurfacing treatment but usually 3 treatments are required.

Treatments are performed at our medical led skin clinic Dublin with application of topical anesthetic cream 30-40 minutes before the ActiveFX or DeepFX laser resurfacing procedure begins. Cool air is applied to the area throughout the procedure to aid comfort. There is little to no discomfort associated with the procedure – most clients experience heat for a few hours after treatment.

In terms of treatment results it is important for clients to have realistic expectations of recovery time, discomfort and results. Many clients may be satisfied with results from a single laser resurfacing treatment while treatments specifically targeting acne scars may take multiple treatments to achieve desired results at 3-6 month intervals.

As with most resurfacing procedures, whether chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing, the deeper the treatments goes, the more effective the results and the more downtime.

Laser skin resurfacing with UltraPulse Encore is a medical procedure and must be treated as such. The redness and swelling will last for approx. 5 days after the procedure, this is normal and should be expected. After a few days you will see the swelling and redness beginning to subside. By day 5 your skin should be completely regrown – but may appear red for several more weeks. Redness may persist for some weeks after the treatment depending upon the density of the treatment. The downtime for the procedure will vary depending on the density of the treatment. This could be between 5 and 14 days. Please note depending on the depth and extent of the treatment every individual is different and we cannot guarantee the duration of the recovery time.

Following laser resurfacing treatment the area will be red and may swell over the next 24-48 hours. You will be instructed to coat the area with Vaseline frequently to prevent infection and drying of the skin. It is vital that your skin does not dry out in the first 5 days following treatment.

You will be required to commence antibiotics and antiviral medication for 5 days’ post treatment which will be used in order to prevent infection and cold sore break outs. You must complete the course of antibiotics which you have been prescribed.

The results of the treatment will vary from client to client, a consultation is recommended prior to the treatment to discuss the possible results of the treatment on your skin. For superior results and depending on our expert’s advice, 1-3 treatments may be recommended.

Most effects of the treatment, such as the stimulation of new collagen and plumping of the skin occur right away. However, results will gradually continue to show improvement for up to six months after the procedure.

Sometimes clients experience some concerns following the procedure. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, please contact the medical practitioner for advice.

• Increased pain after the first 2 days
• Marked tenderness
• Severe swelling/heat in the treated area
• Sweating or raised body temperature

For anyone who wants minimal downtime Dermapen3 Microneedling treatment or Affirm Laser Rejuvenation may be the best alternative to Laser Resurfacing.

Dermapen3 Microneedling treatment can provide drastic results to improving the appearance of scarring and acne scars. The micro needles create new collagen and elastin to be generated and deposited called collagenesis. The physical nature of skin needling breaks up this fibrous and uneven scar tissue stimulating the growth of new tissue thus improving the appearance and texture of the skin surface. A combination of both treatments may be recommended as both have minimal recovery time. At your consultation your skin concerns will be assessed and all options explained to you to help you make your decision.