Who is not suitable for Active Fx Treatment?

Patients should not be considered for laser skin resurfacing procedures if they:

•Have taken the drug Roaccutane (isotretinoin) within the past 12 months

•Have a history of keloid scar formation

•Have a history of poor wound healing

•Demonstrate excessive or unusually prolonged erythema, hyperpigmentation,or hypopigmentation after laser test patching

What information will my Doctor need from me prior to Active Fx Treatment?

Apart from taking a full medical history from you, your laser therapist will ask you about the following

•Do you use Roaccutane for acne

•Have you had sun exposure (natural or artificial) in the last 3-4 weeks or

•Recent resurfacing (laser, chemical and/or mechanical)

•History of herpes simplex “cold sores”

•Current skincare regime

•History of tattoo in the area to be treated (ie. permanent make-up)

What does treatment involve?

In some cases, a test patch may be carried out to help determine the level of treatment to be used, this can also help to predict the possible skin response to the laser.

Especially for more concentrated treatments, anti-viral medications or antibiotics will be prescribed prior to the procedure to any prevent infections.

The anaesthesia for the treatment will depend on the level of treatment and the hand pieces used. For lighter treatments, a topical anaesthetic cream may be used without any other forms of anaesthesia. This will need to be applied at least 30 minutes prior to the onset of the procedure. For stronger treatments, it may be necessary to use topical anaesthetic agents in conjunction with nerve blocks/injectable anaesthesia.

Deep Fx treatments tend to require more anaesthesia or stronger forms of anaesthesia in comparison to the Active Fx treatments. Intravenous sedation is also a good option for stronger treatments, and this can help to reduce any discomfort of the procedure. It is also possible to use sedation with lighter treatments for those who would prefer the least possible discomfort.

 

The treatment with the laser takes approximately 30 minutes (not including anaesthetic) for a full face or neck/decolletage . The area is systematically covered by the laser. Both or either of the Active Fx or Deep Fx hand pieces can be used.

During the treatment your eyes will be covered with gauze, and for treatments within the orbital rim (within the bone surrounding the eyes), corneal shields may need to be inserted under the eyelids to protect the eyes.

The treated areas appear red and swollen after the treatment, and the small beams of laser can be seen on the face in a grid-like pattern of dots. The treated areas also feel hot after the procedure.

What happens after treatment? 

Your doctor will have prescribed antibiotics and anti-viral tablets.  It is vital that you continue to take these as prescribed.

Immediately after treatment, you must rest.  Then:

•Apply Vaseline for 1-5 days. Use this liberally and frequently, the skin must not dry out. Wash your hands before each application. After healing is complete an intense moisturizer can be used.

•You may apply cool compresses (such as frozen peas or a frozen wet hand towel) immediately after treatment. Your skin will feel hot and will be swollen, this lasts for a few days and is usually gone by day 7. However your skin  can be pink for several weeks afterwards, this is quite normal .

•You can gently wash area with tepid water and a gentle cleanser 3 times a day starting the morning after your treatment. Then immediately re-apply the Vaseline for at least 4 days.

•You may shower the day after treatment, but avoid hot water/steam on the treated area.  Do not allow soap or shampoo to touch your face.

•Avoid “picking at” the area and avoid aggressive scrubbing of the exfoliating skin -- allow it to gently exfoliate with the washing process.

•Sleeping with head elevated on pillows (head above heart) the first few nights post treatment can help minimize swelling. Avoiding excessive salt pre/post treatment can minimize swelling.

•Avoid direct sun exposure. Apply sun block SPF 30+, after the 5th day. Sunscreen with titanium oxide or zinc oxide provide broader protection.  You must wear this every day for at least a month.

•Wear a protective hat the first 1-2 weeks while outdoors.

•Avoid dirty, dusty environments while skin is healing

•Avoid hairsprays, perfumes etc. while skin is healing

•Avoid topical exfoliation for 4 weeks.

•Applying 1% hydrocortisone can reduce redness and itching. In 4 to 6 days when all debris is off and there is a fresh dry pink skin, use for 10 days or until pinkness is gone.