Deep FX - Patients ask Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Deep FX or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Deep FX - Fractional CO2 Laser
A carbon dioxide laser delivers accurate removal of minute, deep columns of skin with the highest degree of skin tightening available today. Fractionating this proven technique drastically reduces downtime compared to the traditional method as the skin surface is barely altered.
Expected results:
Skin tightening, elimination or softening of wrinkles, treatment of acne scars.
Preparation:
Vigorous regimen of daily sunscreens and night time retinoids for several months, no alcohol and aspirin for 2 weeks prior to the procedure, vitamin C 1000 mg daily starting 2 weeks prior to the treatment. Topical anesthesia is unnecessary.
Post treatment instructions:
Rigorous sun avoidance/protection for 3 months, refrain from alcohol consumption for 2 weeks after the treatment, avoid aspirin for 10 days, continue vitamin C 1000 mg daily for 3 months. Skin care in the immediate postoperative period includes the use of a very gentle non-soap cleanser, petrolatum until skin renewal sets in (1-2 days), oral medications to prevent herpes reactivation and bacterial super infection. Topical retinoids can be resumed when scabbing subsides (1-2 days after treatment).
Time to desired results:
Up to 3 days for healing, up to 6 months for skin tightening (maximum collagen production).
Contraindications:
History of phenol peel, isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 12 months, coumadin and other blood thinners. This treatment is highly efficient in all skin types.
Duration of desired effects:
Lines may recur within 10 years. This treatment can be paired with Botox injections and fillers in order to extend results. One to 2 treatments are usually sufficient to achieve these results.
Downtime:
3-6 days for skin renewal, gradually diminishing pinkishness for about 3 months.
Related Procedures
Is it definitely necessary to have no sun exposure for an entire three months before getting Deep FX per your protocol? I’m interested in getting this next winter. I am in Puerto Rico at the end of December. I would use strong sun protection but would not completely shun the sun or stay indoors. I would hope to be able to get the treatment earlier than the end of March. What is the danger of getting the procedure before 3 months of sun avoidance? Hyperpigmentation?
It is necessary not to have sun exposure for one month before and for 3 months after the DeepFX procedure.
I am in my 50’s (but look young for my age) and beginning to get jowls..I have slight mannequin creases from the corner of my mouth down….would you suggest a filler or laser treatment?
I am interested in getting the DEEP FX for my ice-pick scarring. My dermatologist told me it works miracles. I am currently using Obagi Nu-Derm system (day and night) with a 0.1% Tretinoin cream (at night only) for hyperpigmentation with little no absolutely non of the predicted redness or peeling. The pictures I’ve seen of people who have had the DEEP FX treatment with all the redness and oozing skin terrifies me. Does everyone have pretty much the same recovery story? Thanks for your help 🙂
CO2 laser treatments including Deep FX achieve the best possible results available to date with a single technique. Most have a 50% reduction in their acne scars after one treatment. Few will elect additional spot treatments to improve outcome further or will have fillers placed in deeper scars. Social downtime must be considered with CO2 laser treatments as swelling, oozing and redness will occur. It is relatively brief with DeepFX compared to the traditional CO2 treatments, taking approximately 4-6 days. Some of my patients start covering with make up after 4 days.