15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
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My decision to try Active FX was not an easy decision because of the cost. I was very careful to select a physician who had great knowledge and experience in this area. I initially contacted my plastic surgeon who performed my reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. She is the Director of a Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic and I was expecting that she would perform the procedure. She directed me to a provider in Cosmetic Dermatology.
When I made my initial appointment for a consult, the staff indicated I would be able to schedule an earlier appointment if I was willing to see another member of the medical staff. Based on my surgeon's recommendation, I decided to wait. My advice, find THE best doctor in your area to perform this procedure. I am convinced that satisfaction with the procedure and the end result is directly correlated to the expertise and experience of your provider. Get referrals!!!
I'm broke and thrilled with my early results. My choice to have Active FX was based on my age, I'm in my mid 50's, and my recent divorce. I finally spent some of my hard earned money on myself rather than on attorney fees and maintaining a home that is not selling...I know, shocking....LOL. My ex, who chose to "disappear" after I found out he had been unfaithful for many years and who then physically assaulted me twice prior to his disappearance, left me with all the work of maintaining and selling a large home while he continued with his "freewheeling" lifestyle. This time, it was finally, after 23 years, all about me and I couldn't be more pleased.
Two hours before treatment at U of M
Two hours after treatment
20 hours after treatment
Eye area before treatment
One day following treatment
one day after
eye area one day post
five days post
nine days post w/o makeup
nine days post w/ makeup
Active FX reviews by RealSelf.com users
Avg cost $2,369
68% say Active FX was worth it
32% say Active FX was not worth it
9/17/08
You look great! We're all looking forward to the progress. Thank you for sharing. This is on my list of things to do. Maybe I'll take your dad's advice and do it just before Halloween! Thank you again.
9/23/08
Here are a few more photos, the photos w/ black shirt were taken five days after the procedure, the first photo w/ blue shell is eight days after w/o makeup and the last is eight days after w/ makeup.
My experience has been 100 % positive having had no complications or discomfort. It is my opinion that finding a cosmetic dermatologist who has researched, is well-versed and has performed many Active FX treatments is the key to a complication-free and positive experience.
The research I've read from the University of Michigan indicates it will take AT LEAST three weeks, post procedure, before a patient begins to see noticeable results because the skin begins to regenerate collagen at that point. As you can see, nine days after my procedure, there is a noticeable difference in my skin, especially under my eyes.
9/24/08
Yippee ... I have been checking daily for your posting and lo and behold, it's finally here! Your skin looks so fresh and bright. Your eyes pop with joy and they are so youthful looking. That is incredible. I am so happy the procedure was a success for you. If you compare your before and after shots, it's not only the skin under your eyes, but the skin above your eyes is also tighter. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your photos, as well as enlightening us to the fact nine days of "healing" is more of a reality. I'm looking forward to future postings. Enjoy!
9/24/08
Karen,
Yes, you are correct, my upper lids are less saggy. Runs in my family ;-(
I sent my photos to my doc yesterday as he is located 95 miles from my home. He sent me an email stating that I had excellent results. I also spoke with his RN/PA? today. She told me my results were great, as well.
My doc and his asst told me that adhering to post treatment protocol is the secret to having great results. They explained I would feel like I had a sunburn for about three hours, post treatment. Like clockwork, they were right on target. I could have used the ice a bit more frequently the first day but having to drive 95 miles home a few hours after the treatment precluded me from icing every hour.
I was diligent with the vinegar soaks, using sterile gauze, soaking it in the solution and keeping it on my face for extended periods of time. I also slathered on Aquaphor as often as necessary using the feeling of "tightness" on my face as my guide.
Finally, appearing in public was never an issue. Although it was obvious that I had something "wrong" with my face, I never felt self conscious going out in public. I think having a mastectomy cures you of those issues and I never thought I looked all that bad.
Best of luck to you, Karen.
9/24/08
You look great. I'd say you got your money's worth and then some. You look ten years younger from the first pic.
9/28/08
Could you tell me if this procedure helped reduce any scarring you may have had. Do you have any problems with pigment as a result of the procedure? Please keep us updated as to your progress. You look great so far!
9/29/08
As of today, two weeks post procedure, I have a few small scars from having had some moles removed that are still apparent as is a pore that had become quite noticeable. I expect that these will begin to dissipate over the next several months.
If you are seriously considering ACTIVE and DEEP FX, you can find good academic articles on the procedure if you Google "Jeffrey Orringer"AND"laser resurfacing." He has conducted substantial research on the latest technologies available for skin resurfacing. The research clearly indicates that Deep and Active FX will help remove scarring. However, the research also states that it can take up to six months to see the total result of the treatment. In other words, you will not see immediate results. My understanding is that it takes at least three weeks for the collagen to begin regenerating after the treatment.
University research may provide you with unbiased information that is not anecdotal, unlike this forum. We all have our own definition of "success" and/or "satisfaction." I hope you will take the time to read Dr. Orringer's research.
9/30/08
Thanks for your reply. I will definitely read Dr. Orringer's research. Actually, he treated me for a couple of minor things last year and I felt very comfortable with him. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that he was your doctor!
9/30/08
He was recommended to me by my plastic surgeon who is also at the "U" and she is amazing. I was told that he has an international reputation, having patients from oversees who travel to A2 for his care.
Although it is a bit more costly at the "U,"
when it comes to my face, I want the best medical care available to me. The clinic staff was very helpful and supportive. I'm not a fan of Novocaine injections and was a bit concerned about needing them. I'm happy to say that I made it through with little pain and the only real discomfort I experienced occurred in the last two minutes of the procedure. I used a relaxation program I downloaded from Amazon for a whopping 99 cents and listened to it while I waited for the gel to numb my face. I was allowed to bring my IPod into the procedure room and listened to it during the procedure, as well. It was a great way to focus on something other than the procedure.
10/2/08
I am going in on Friday for Active FX. Wish me luck! Thanks for your story.