ActiveFX — Superficial Fractional CO₂ Resurfacing

ActiveFX is the superficial mode of fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing. It delivers energy in a pattern that treats only a fraction of the skin surface, leaving small areas of untreated skin between the treated zones. These untreated bridges allow the skin to heal more quickly than would occur with fully ablative laser resurfacing.

Primary Uses

ActiveFX is typically used to improve:

• Uneven skin tone and dyschromia (pigmentation changes from sun damage)
• Surface texture irregularities
• Fine lines, particularly around the mouth and eyes

Treatment Session

A session generally lasts approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. A local anesthetic is often applied to minimize discomfort during deeper settings. Patients typically describe a warm sensation during the procedure.

Results Timeline

Improvement in tone, texture, fine lines, and pigmentation becomes noticeable as the skin heals. Further gradual improvement can continue for up to 18 months as new collagen and elastic fibers form.