ActiveFX™ — Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

The Original Protocol

What is ActiveFX™?

ActiveFX™ is the world's first fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing protocol, developed by Dr. Glenn DeBias in 2004 using the UltraFrax™ CO2 laser system.

The treatment uses a fractional laser — meaning it treats micro-columns of skin while leaving surrounding "bridges" of healthy, untouched tissue intact. This fractional approach triggers the body's natural healing response while dramatically accelerating recovery compared to traditional full-field CO2 resurfacing.

The result: dramatic improvements to skin Texture, Tone, and Tightness — the 3 T's — with an in-office procedure that takes just 7 to 10 minutes and requires only 3.5 days of recovery.

Book Consultation The Technology

Gold Standard

"The most refined fractional CO2 protocol in the world — because I've been performing it since day one."

— Dr. Glenn DeBias

Core Benefits

The Three T's

Every ActiveFX™ treatment delivers measurable improvement across all three dimensions of skin quality.

T

Texture

ActiveFX™ precisely ablates the outermost skin layers. The epidermis — with its rough texture, enlarged pores, and surface irregularities — sloughs off, replaced by fresh new skin that is dramatically smoother, more refined, and uniform in texture.

T

Tone

The laser energy breaks down unwanted pigmentation — sun damage, age spots, brown spots, and uneven discoloration — while stimulating fresh skin renewal. The result is a more even, radiant complexion with dramatically improved skin tone.

T

Tightness

Deep thermal energy from the laser triggers robust collagen production in the dermis. The skin becomes noticeably firmer and tighter across the cheeks, jowls, and neck. Collagen remodeling continues for up to 6 months post-treatment.

The Science

How ActiveFX™ Works

Fractional technology represents a fundamental advance over traditional full-field resurfacing, delivering superior safety, faster healing, and consistently outstanding outcomes.

Fractional vs. Traditional Resurfacing

Traditional CO2 laser resurfacing treats the entire skin surface — every square millimeter. While effective, this approach results in prolonged recovery (weeks) and significant risk.

ActiveFX™ takes a smarter approach. The laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones — tiny columns of thermal energy that penetrate the skin — while leaving bridges of completely untouched, healthy tissue between each column.

These untouched bridges act as a reservoir of healing cells that rapidly migrate into the treated zones, dramatically accelerating recovery while still achieving comprehensive skin renewal.

🔬 The Fractional Advantage

By treating only a fraction of the skin surface at a time, ActiveFX™ achieves results comparable to traditional full-field resurfacing — with recovery measured in days rather than weeks.

Two Layers, One Treatment

ActiveFX™ works on both layers of the skin simultaneously:

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Epidermis — Ablation

The outermost layer is precisely vaporized. New epidermis forms smoother, clearer, more even-toned than before.

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Dermis — Coagulation

Deep thermal energy triggers collagen remodeling. The dermis becomes thicker, firmer, and more youthful.

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Faster Healing

Untouched bridges of skin accelerate cellular migration into treated zones — recovery in just 3.5 days.

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6-Month Improvement

Collagen production continues for months post-treatment. Results keep improving long after recovery.

Your Journey

The Treatment Process

From consultation to your final result, here's exactly what to expect with ActiveFX™ at The Institute.

1

Consultation

Personal evaluation with Dr. DeBias. Skin assessment, goal-setting, custom protocol design.

2

Preparation

Topical anesthetic applied approximately 1 hour before your procedure for maximum comfort.

3

Procedure

7–10 minutes. Air cooling for comfort. Dr. DeBias performs every treatment personally.

4

Recovery

3.5 days of "transformation." Skin renews, epidermis refreshes. Plan to stay home briefly.

5

Results

Immediate improvement visible. Collagen production continues — results peak at 6 months.

Recovery & Results Timeline

Day 1 — Treatment Day

Procedure complete in 7–10 minutes. Skin appears pink and treated. Minimal discomfort with topical anesthetic and air cooling.

Days 1–3 — The Transformation

Skin progresses through the healing process. The treated epidermis begins to shed — this is normal and expected. The Institute provides detailed aftercare instructions.

Day 3.5 — Recovery Complete

By day 3.5, the skin has renewed. Fresh epidermis reveals smoother, more even-toned, tighter skin. Most patients return to daily activities with light makeup coverage.

Weeks 1–4 — Continued Improvement

Skin continues to improve as collagen remodeling progresses. Texture, tone, and tightness all enhance. Redness continues to fade.

Month 6 — Peak Results

Maximum collagen production achieved. Skin is at its most dramatically improved state — firmer, smoother, more radiant. Results persist for years with appropriate sun protection.

Key Advantages

What ActiveFX™ Treats

ActiveFX™ addresses the full spectrum of skin aging concerns with a single, precisely calibrated treatment session. The results are comprehensive, natural-looking, and long-lasting.

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Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Surface lines and crow's feet dramatically reduced or eliminated.

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Sun Damage & Age Spots

Brown pigmentation and sun damage cleared for even tone.

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Enlarged Pores

Pore size visibly reduced as skin texture smooths.

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Skin Laxity

Cheeks, jowls, and neck tightened through collagen stimulation.

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Uneven Skin Tone

Discoloration, redness, and blotchiness corrected.

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Acne Scarring

Mild to moderate acne scars and skin depressions improved.

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Rough Skin Texture

Overall skin refinement for a smoother, more youthful surface.

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Dull Complexion

Radiance restored as fresh, healthy skin is revealed.

Am I a Candidate?

Ideal Candidates for ActiveFX™

ActiveFX™ is most effective for patients experiencing the following concerns. Dr. DeBias will personally evaluate your skin and recommend the optimal protocol.

Mild to moderate facial wrinkles and fine lines

Sun-damaged skin with age spots or pigmentation

Uneven skin tone and blotchy complexion

Loose skin on cheeks, jowls, or neck

Rough skin texture or enlarged pores

Mild acne scarring or shallow skin depressions

Dull, lackluster complexion

Overall facial skin rejuvenation goals

Neck and décolleté resurfacing

Patients seeking natural-looking results

⚕️ Not Sure if You're a Candidate?

Dr. DeBias offers complimentary consultations. For deeper scarring or more severe concerns, DeepFX™ or SCAARFX™ may be recommended — or a combination Total FX™ protocol. Every treatment plan is personalized.

Patient Results

Before & After

Drag the sliders to reveal results. Individual outcomes vary based on skin type and treatment parameters.

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Before After

Texture & Tone — Face

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Before After

Skin Tightening — Jowl Area

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Before After

Wrinkles & Fine Lines

View Full Gallery →

Individual results may vary. Photos are unretouched and represent actual patients of The Institute for Laser & Aesthetic Medicine.

Questions & Answers

ActiveFX™ FAQ

How long does the ActiveFX™ procedure take?

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The ActiveFX™ laser treatment itself takes only 7 to 10 minutes. Combined with the preparation time (topical anesthetic application approximately 1 hour prior), expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours at The Institute on treatment day.

Is ActiveFX™ painful?

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The procedure is performed under topical anesthetic applied approximately one hour before treatment, combined with air cooling during the laser session. Most patients describe the sensation as mild warmth or slight prickling. The procedure is well-tolerated, and discomfort is minimal for the vast majority of patients.

How many days of downtime should I expect?

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ActiveFX™ requires just 3.5 days of recovery — one of its most significant advantages over traditional CO2 resurfacing (which requires weeks). During those 3.5 days, your skin will appear pink, and the treated epidermis will shed. By day 4, most patients can return to activities with light coverage makeup.

When will I see results?

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You'll notice immediate improvement in skin texture and tone once the treated epidermis renews (by day 3.5). However, ActiveFX™'s most impressive results emerge over 3 to 6 months as collagen production and skin remodeling continue. The final result at 6 months is significantly more dramatic than what you see immediately after treatment.

How long do ActiveFX™ results last?

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Results typically persist for years when paired with appropriate sun protection (SPF 30+ daily). The CO2 laser has a 25+ year clinical track record demonstrating durable outcomes. While the natural aging process continues, many patients enjoy their results for 5–10 years or longer before considering a touch-up treatment.

What is the difference between ActiveFX™ and DeepFX™?

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ActiveFX™ treats the superficial layers of the skin (epidermis and upper dermis) — ideal for texture, tone, tightness, fine lines, and pigmentation. DeepFX™ penetrates deeper into the dermis and is better suited for deeper wrinkles, pronounced acne scars, and surgical scars. Many patients benefit from Total FX™ — a combination of both in a single session for comprehensive resurfacing.

Does ActiveFX™ work on the neck?

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Yes. ActiveFX™ is highly effective for neck skin resurfacing and tightening. The face-and-neck combination is one of the most popular treatment approaches at The Institute, delivering a uniformly rejuvenated appearance from forehead to neckline.

Is pricing available online?

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We don't list pricing online because every ActiveFX™ treatment is custom-designed for each patient's unique needs. Treatment area, protocol intensity, and whether ActiveFX™ is combined with other treatments all influence the investment. Dr. DeBias will discuss all options and costs during your complimentary consultation.

ActiveFX™™
Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

What is ActiveFX™?