Ultrapulse CO2 Laser

The Ultrapulse CO2 laser is a versatile skin resurfacing tool that has 34 FDA-approved indications for aesthetics, as well as a surgical cutting instrument used for laser surgery procedures, such as keloid removal and eyelid surgery.  The Ultrapulse laser platform offers three variations of fractional resurfacing treatment including:

  • Active FX
  • Deep FX
  • Total FX

Are you a candidate for Ultrapulse laser treatment?

Ultrapulse laser treatments are ideal for adults who show signs of facial aging.  Active FX, Deep FX and Total FX treatments each offer unique benefits and correct a variety of different skin conditions.

Before recommending Ultrapulse laser treatment, Dr. Ljung will review your medical history, evaluate your health and skin quality and talk with you about your cosmetic goals and the areas of your skin you wish to improve.

How Ultrapulse laser resurfacing works

To understand how the Ultrapulse Encore laser system works, each of the three fractional laser resurfacing treatments it offers must be explained.

Active FX vs. Deep FX

Active FX and Deep FX treatments offer two different ways to deliver CO2 laser energy to the skin.

Active FX uses a larger pattern of 1.3mm spots of CO2 energy scattered over the skin, and how much coverage you get depends on the power density of the laser beam, which may be as high as 95% or more with Active FX laser treatment.

Deep FX produces a smaller pattern of 120 micron spots of variable density from 5%-25%. The beams of CO2 energy go fairly deep with this laser treatment and may even reach all the way to the fat if the energy is turned up high enough.

Because of the differences in how the laser delivers CO2 energy with Active FX vs. Deep FX treatment, each procedure is used to treat different skin conditions.

Active FX laser resurfacing is ideal for correcting:

  • Sun damage
  • Precancerous lesions
  • Red and brown spots
  • Large pores

Deep FX laser resurfacing is ideal for correcting:

  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Mild skin laxity
  • Crepey eyelid skin
  • Acne scars

Deep FX is also provides collagen remodeling and is usually less painful than Active FX treatment, however it does little to improve superficial skin surfaces.

Although it takes about 10 days to two weeks to fully recover from Ultrapulse CO2 laser resurfacing, Active FX performed at higher energies requires four to six days of downtime, whereas Deep FX typically requires three days of downtime. 

When Deep FX and Active FX treatments are combined to provide maximum skin rejuvenation benefits, the resulting treatment is called Total FX.  With Total FX, downtime lasts anywhere from five to 10 days.

Ultrapulse laser side effects

Although potential fractional CO2 laser resurfacing side effects are significantly fewer than potential side effects with traditional CO2 laser resurfacing, some complications are still possible with Ultrapulse laser treatments.

Scarring and permanent pigmentation changes are possible but uncommon Total FX, Deep FX and Active FX side effects, while redness and swelling are likely to occur after any fractional CO2 laser resurfacing procedure.

Laser resurfacing also makes skin susceptible to bacterial infection and herpes simplex virus outbreak, so oral antibiotic or anti-viral medication may be recommended in conjunction with Ultrapulse laser treatment.