Also try: acne scars, Active FX, age spots, anti-aging, laser treatment, rough skin, scars, sun damage
Has anyone had a series of fractional laser resurfacing treatments? I had fraxel a couple of years ago when it required the blue goo, but nothing since they stopped using the goo. I'm thinking of trying a series, but I wanted to hear what people have to say about it. I have lighter fair skin that burns easily and freckles. Any good/bad results or comments? Thanks!
today 03/15/07.will be my first treatment of fractional laser,to treat acne facial scars will give update asap.
Hi, and thank you so much for sharing your experience. I have a small scar on the tip of my nose from where I had a mole burnt off over 20 years ago. It left a slight depression and I have been thinking this fraxel laser might work to pull the depression up and level out my skin? I guess it would be similar to an acne scar. My doctor said he is concerned it will just make the depression deeper? Can you give me any advice and tell me your outcome and experience so far?
Thanks,
Sandra
I had regular laser on my face. I had it done because of acne scarring and sun damgage.It can make it deeper. If you have scar revision 6 months prior to laser it will be erased. Scar revision they cut wear scar is and and pull together and stitch. then after 6 months perform the laser, results are fantastic.
Research Dr. go with a plastic sugeon.
I had a friend who didn't research and had full face and she did not research or have scar revision.Scars are deeper, rest of face looks great, but she wanted scars gone also.
I told her what she should do, and she was in a hurry, listened to wrong Dr.had it done and scars do look so much worse.
Everyone this is your face, i dont care how big or how small. research, ask around, call previouse patients(If doctors have nothing to hide they will have a call list and pixs)I volunteered mine number i was so pleased.RESEARCH RESEARCH BEFORE PROCEDURE!! GOOD LUCK.
I'm happy that your results turned out great. I too have acne scars and sun damage and was looking into laser resurfacing or fraxel. What do you mean by scar revision? They cut each acne scar? You must not have have but a couple scars. I have lots of scaring on my cheeks and can't imagine all the stitches they they would have to use. How could that look better? Sorry for so many questions but I'm soooooo ready for my skin to look better. Don't know which way to go.
Wow - perhaps you should look for a new doctor. I was a lifeguard in college and my chin and lpi were droopy and full opf lines. One treatment (4 weeks ago) and I see a major difference. People are coming up to me to tell me how young I look. Even my waddle is tightened under my neck. I found Actvie FX to be very effective. I loved it. I was actually one of the first people my doctor did. He also did and 80 year old man who absolutely loves his skin
Hi there:
Can you share with me, your doctor's name? I live in Atlanta as well.
Thanks
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Can you please tell me the name of your doctor? I'm in the Atlanta area and looking to get fraxel for acne scars.
Thanks!
I have had 5 treatments to address acne scaring. No change!
I find it very hard to believe if you're over the age of 40 that your skin was tightened! any plastic surgeon will tell you this is hard to do without a face lift and liposuction.
just got back from my first fractional laser treatment.Dr.kovak in chicago started me out at very high level with no topical or injectiod to numb because I declined.treatment lasted about 45 min,felt no pain I had cooltouch about 2 years ago that was real pain and I did use topical.Dr kovak and assistent were great no rushing to get me out,listen to what I had to say.My skin felt just a little hot they gave me cool packs asap had no swelling 2 hours later just a redness.I had deep scars all over cheeks as I look in the mirror my skin looks perfect but Im sure some is from swelling but it looks great.Well will post again in 2 weeks.
Hiya sounds wonderful, I have deep acne scarring on one side of my face, so too want to go ahead with the Fraxel laser treatment!
Just wanted to know if the scars are totally gone now?
Hope this finds you well and happy!
Acne scars look almost invisible right after the fraxel, but once the swelling is gone, scars are back to be the same. I had it done and it did nothing for me; however on the first week after the procedure my scars were amost invisible and I was happy, not anymore. Paid 2,000 for it.
I read your comments with curiosity. Did you have only one treatment or did you do the series of treatments? The process is recommended at minimum of three Fraxel treatments and spans a time-frame of 4.5 to 6 months. The treatment takes place at the surface of the skin and also beneath it where collagen has to start building again. Age plays a role, too, because the older we get, the less collagen we produce. You should go someplace where your "before pictures" are taken at the get-go and then two months after the last treatment. Make sure the pictures are with a standardized piece of equipment that you put your face into. If you don't, you'll never be able to compare apples to apples.
Just curious what you're thinking now? I got mine done too and all the scars were gone due to swelling. Now that the swelling is gone they're all back. I think I see a slight change butnot much. I've been debating whether to pay the $3K for another 3 treatments so I would like to know where you stand.
Thanks,
Daisy
Three days ago I had second (first was three weeks prior) fractional skin resurfacing using the Palomar Lux1540. My experience was MUCH different from yours: I did use numbing cream, still very intense pain. I have extreme swelling and widespread pinpoint bruising, also a number of small acne pimples. All symptoms are worse this second time, maybe a result of increased intensity. First time, all symptoms faded after about eight days. I can't see that will be the case this second treatment with much more bruising and showing no fading at this point.
This laser does boast a "a built-in cooling of the skin" (don't get me started on THAT statement!). So I'm wondering which device was used for your treatments two years ago. I was told the fractional hand-piece (Lux1540) is a recent, "next generation" to Fraxel, addition to the Palomar StarLux line.
I'm new to this (or any) forum so I may have missed follow-up postings. Any thoughts you would like to share would be appreciated. There is so much conflicting info out there. Surely talking to others that have actually experienced the same procedure is a good resource.
i did send reply about a week ago not sure why it did not show up.well my second treatment of fraction laser was more intense but still did not need any numbing topical,swelling lasted about one week had just a little breakout in treated area.the bronzing of skin lasted about 10 weeks i do have a olive skin tone and i did ask my doctor to increase laser intensity.the cool touch laser was painfull even with numbing topical and it just gave me deeper scars.well hope this helps and good luck.
Hi Redhead,
Can you tell me more about your experience with the Palomar Lux 1540? Now that about 8 months have gone by how do you feel about the results? How many treatments did you receive? How much improvement did you see in skin texture and did you feel it was worth it? I just had my first treatment about 6 days ago and am still red but my skin has calmed down considerably. The first few days after treatment i had a great deal of redness, pustules, irritation and itchyness and was worried about scarring. The redness is just starting to subside (today) and I am wondering about what kind of improvement I can expect to see and if i should go through with another treatment in 8 weeks. Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide.
misskitty,
My daughter has acne scarred skin and wants Fraxel. What is the difference in what you had and Fraxel?
I would take your daughter to a board certified cosmetic dermatologist for her laser treatment. I know there is a lot that they can do for acne scars using a variety of different lasers (including fractional and fraxel). For deeper scars i think there are ways to correct them surgically too. There is also dermabrasion and dermal fillers - talk to your dermatologist. The fractional Lux1540 treatment is similar to fraxel in that they both use high precision microbeams to create narrow columns of tissue coagulation. These columns stimulate the body's natural healing response and cause new healthy tissue to form. There is less down time after a fractional treatment because only a portion of the skin is treated at one time. Also less risk of infection. On the flip side you need more treatments to see results and the treatments can be pricey (ranging from 400 - 800 per treatment). fractional is different from fraxel in that there is no long prep time required before hand (fraxel requires a blue dye be applied before hand - not something you can do on a lunch break). Since the fractional Lux1540 hand piece has a cooling tip the blue dye is not required. As far as my personal treatment, here has been my experience so far (it has been about 3 weeks): It took a full week for my skin to look somewhat normal again. The first few days were especially red, swollen, dry, flakey, several pin-head sized pustules formed but they resolve on their own. I was a little freaked out at first but now that my skin has calmed down i can see a little improvement (nothing dramatic, but i should see more improvement over the next two months). I have sensitive skin, melasma and am prone to post-inflamatory hyperpigmentation. After your daughters laser treatment make sure she handles her skin with kid gloves - her skin will get dry and flakey BUT absolutely no scrubbing and NO picking - I scrubbed a little and wished i hadn't because my skin felt so raw afterward. Have her use a high quality post laser treatment cream (such as skin ceutials epidermal repair cream). I also used a little neosporin because i was paranoid about infection, but i don't know if doctors recommend this. Good luck!
http://www.palomarmedical.com/palomar2.aspx?pgID=1059 (palomar medical site - lux1540 fractional)
http://www.fraxel.com/fraxelskinscience.cfm (reliant laser site - fraxel)
Hello there, you certainly seem to know a lot about laser surgery. I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I'm a 22 year old male with some acne scarring in my checks and jaw-line. It's not the worst case, but it's bad enough to completely rob me of my confidence and self-esteem. So, i went see a dermatologist and he said that i should start out on some special topical creams called "Obagi". Then he said i could try the Fraxel laser surgery.. I was kinda weary to just jump into it, especially because the dermatologist works for the same company (Kaiser Perminente) that i would be going to for the laser surgery. So, i saw another dermatologist and she said that the med group (not sure if that's the right terminology) she works for can preform Fractional laser surgery. That's what she recommended. What, in your oppinion is better?? Which one has less risk of giving me worse/deeper scars??? That's like the last thing i want.. I asked about dermabrasion, but she said that's just for the outter layerand that wouldn't really do anything for my scars.. Anyway, if anyone has any advice or has had any sucess please let me know.. Thank you all
Ari- check into the Pixel laser, Ive had it done and from the sounds of it you would be perfect for the procedure. Less invasive than Fraxel and is highly recommended for scarring. Good Luck
did you get the good result after the 1st treatment? i also got the treatment but so far it has been a month but I did not see the improvement. I will have the second one this week again, the doctor said you will see the result at leat after the 2nd treatment. will see
Hi I had the same treatment with the palomar lux 1540 and I swelled up like miss piggy. Looked like someone beat the crap out of me. I've had three treatments a month apart and one extra treatment under my eyes. It cost a lot and I can't say it did much. I still have discoloration on my face. Under my eyes were so dark everyone said I looked tired all the time. I really wanted the dark circles under my eyes gone and they told me it would take care of them. I really like the doctor I went to but this laser doesn't seem to be all it cracked up to be. My last treatment was in January. Under the eyes are lighting up a little. I wish someone could tell me which laser would really work to get rid on the broken blood vessels under the eyes and around the nose. Nothings really made much difference so far.
Had 4 fraxel treatments starting a few months ago. They used the "new" fraxel and still used the blue stuff. Swelled for 3 days but then presentable to society. Has helped a little, but am waiting for the collagen to kick in.
I had frac. resurfacing (Palomar Lux 1540) 2 1/2 weeks ago (1st treatment). Immediately after I had the redness & swelling as predicted. Swelling was gone in a few days. However, now my ENTIRE face is covered with small bumps and redness in the treated areas esp. around the jawline and nose. My face feels like sandpaper. Really!! This is horrible. Dr is not sure what it is and states that I must have sensitive skin. I have never had breakouts, rosacea, or any skin issue previously.
Any suggestions?
I had my first Fraxel treatment 2 weeks ago and had the same reaction that you did, but my "bumps" started about a week after the treatment. They started to finally disappear last weekend. What did the trick for me was switching to a milder skin care program - I am now using Aveeno products for sensitive skin. I still do have a lot of patchy red areas on my skin. I also have an area on my chin that almost looks like a bruise. I have been using Emu Oil on that area and it has significantly improved over the last two days.
I did NOT ice after the treatment and did not apply Eucerin around the clock because I was afraid of breakouts (I have very oily skin). Next time I will be icing and using Eucerin, at least for a day, and hope to have a better outcome. My next treatment is in 1 1/2 weeks.
Almost 6 days after my first Fraxel treatment, the redness is completely gone and so is that horrible sandpaper feel to my skin. That's been replaced by small pimples on my chin. Pretty. Does anyone think they're caused by the skin care products provided by my derm? Or is this a common, post-Fraxel side effect? Thanks!
I am 1 week post fraxel treatment and feel that my skin has recovered nicely after 1 week. I also dealt with the infestation of pimples although I have never had acne in my life. I was using hypoallergenic neutrogena and aveeno products which did not prevent or help the breakouts. What I did find to be effective with the pimples immediately was BenzaClin, which is a RX topical cream. It made a huge difference. After reading the feedback of others, I am convinced the pimples are a side effect of the treatment. If you are on top of it before it happens, i think it shouldn't be too bad. It was also suggested to try Benadryl, however I did not try this. I do feel that I have already had positive results for sun spots/melasma as well as a nicer texture to my skin. I also have 2 scars which have had slight improvement and softening. I did use the topical anesthetic prior to treatment, I also took tylenol pre treatment. The pain was not too bad, certain areas were more painful than others. I also notice significant improvement in the skin around my eyes. I had the tired look beneath my eyes and was considering something surgical for this however, I feel the improvement is significant enough so that I no longer feel the need to consider this option. I actually feel comfortable without wearing make-up, which I haven't for some time! By the way, I am 45 with a medium skin tone. I am concerned after reading some of the other feedback here as far as continuing with my next treatment. I had planned for 3 treatments. So far my results have been positive, and I would hate to see anything negative happen. I will say that the recovery was definitely longer than I had imagined it would be. If you are considering this treatment you definitely need to plan to be in hiding for at least 3 days and definitely find some extra large sun glasses.
Thanks Heidijo!
Your comments are very encouraging to me. I had my first Fraxel treatment this past Tuesday, May 6th. I was told no downtime, perhaps a little swelling & redness. Well, today is Saturday & I still don't feel I can go out in public - perhaps quickly to an out-of-town supermarket wearing a baseball hat & LARGE sunglasses. The 1st day I looked like I'd fallen asleep under the sunlamp - I was so red...also very swollen. The second day was a little better & so on. Today my face is peeling & has a somewhat bronzed look. Thank God the swelling is down! (almost) However, I now have a large cold sore forming on my upper lip and my right eye & area beneath it are swollen. Boy am I a sight!
No joke! This is not easy. But it's good to hear that after a week you're pleased with your results & mostly its good to hear that the immediate negative aftereffects are gone & you can be out in the world again.
I am now going to the nearest drugstore (with hat & sunglasses) to purchase the Aveeno products you mentioned.
I am 58 and sought out a dermatologist to help with age spots, broken capillaries & other sundamage. My doctor assured me that this is what would do the trick. The juries still out with me as to whether I'll go back for more treatments.
Please let me know how you progress with the way your skin looks and whether you have more treatments.
Re the "cold sore." I've read that cold sores can be a result of laser skin treatments. The following is from a clinic's release form that I found online: "laser induced "cold-sore-like" blistering, skin eruptions known as "herpetic" skin eruptions at the site of treatment."
Now to lessen herpes outbreaks a person can take an oral antiviral, perhaps doing that for a week might be a wise choice, I suggest asking your practitioner about it. Herpes lies dormant along nerves and often emerges under stress--this is a form of stress.
Also from what I've read here, with so many breaking out, that a potent prescription anti-acne medication (if one exists, or antibacterial might be in order...) Just thinking aloud... and wondering more and more about doing something to "tighten".
My face felt like sandpaper, too. It really bothered me. about four days after the initial treament, my skin began to soften. I think the sandpaper feel was the burned, dead skin. If you look closely at your face, you can see tiny brown dots. I'm assuming this is where the laser beams hit the skin. Although the doc didn't recommend it, I washed my face (with his special cleanser) AND a soft face brush after my skin stopped being sore and red. I think the moisturizer (agaon doc recommended) is too heavy. My chin broke out, too.
How much downtime did you need after the treatments? Do you feel like a Sat and Sunday was not enough time to be seen by the rest of the world?
I just had my second fraxel treatment done on Wednesday and today is sunday and I can go back to work tomorrow just looking like I have a sunburn. The 2 days after the fraxel I was pretty swollen and red, today I'm red and have some flaking but it should be OK by tomorrow. Make sure you ice your face and use Aloe Gel after the treatement. I loved the results after the first treatment and I'm looking forward to seeing how I look when everything gets totally back to normal which is about 10 days.
I just had my first Fraxel[ Feb 20th]. And I must say I am having the same symptoms but worse, I had several white pustules all over my chi, forehead, nose and between brows. Then after given tetracycline about 3 days later they cleared up. But for 14 days now I have a horrible red rash from jawline to under eye. My doctor say's this is unusual and has never seen this before.[I find this hard to believe since I 've been researching there has been at least 30 cases of people experiencing this] I am also on Clindasol 1% but I find this is not helping please when you have a moment can you let me know how you have been coming along...
Thanx,
:)
Has anyone seen Great results yet?? So far what I am reading is not so Great... I am suppose to have my first in April 08.. Has anyone gone through the whole series?
I just completed my final treatment (5th one) and can say that I really do notice a difference, especially around the 3rd treatment. These have not been a picnic, due to the redness and swelling, but I can say it was worth it!! Each time I felt like it was OK to be in public by the 3rd -4th day. My husband definitely notices a difference and I have friends who notice improvement but don't say anything. Go for it!!
Hello there Cyndy. I saw that you said that Your Fraxel treatment was a sucess.. I was just wondering what kind of condition you had treated(acne scars, scars, discoloration, etc).. Thanx for the info and inspiration.. It is always good to hear that someone has had some success..
Don't do it. Trust me, I had my first Fraxel April 1, 2008
and to be honest with you I will not continue the treatments.
I know I was to swell and get red-but little did I know I
would breakout and I also had a bad reaction to the topical
anestitic. Today is Sat. april 5th and I am no longer swollen
except just a little below my eyes. I'm not as red and I
started taking Doxycycline 100 mg. twice a day for 3 days
and then one a day until I see improvement. I only apply
suncreen If I go outdoors. I wash with Cetaphil liquid soap
and apply their moisturizer. Good luck, if you decide to
get Fraxel. My gut instict tell me not to continue.
I just finished my 4th Fraxel treatment last Friday. I began them in November. First the negative. Do not let anyone tell you that it does not hurt. Even with the numbing cream, I found it very painful as the treatment progresses. The first treatment was not very painful, but the second and third; ouch!!! I finally asked for a sedative for the last treatment. I knew he was going to increase the laser intensity and I wanted the results! The sedative worked wonderfully, and I was 'asleep' for the last treatment with a short acting sedative. During all of the treatments, I had swelling for the first 2 days, but nothing that would keep me house bound. I had redness, as well, and then some darkening, but once again, nothing that concerned me and that makeup couldn't cover. I also had that 'sand paper' feeling, lots of itching, lots of peeling (not like a sunburn, but like grains of sand coming off sand paper...very strange). I used my regular moisturizer, just reapplied often throughout the day. I am fair skinned, so my side effects my be more pronounced? THE END RESULT OS FABULOUS!!! Worth all of the 'hassle" and money. My sun spots have faded, fine lines reduced, and I have this incredibly smooth and glowing skin!! Wow!! My friends think I just switched moisturizer!! I am going on Sat for Restyle which will take care of those deeper lines.
You would be better off going with a new technology called SmartXide Dot Therapy. It gives the doctor more flexibility to customize a procedure for each client. The other benefit is that there is no downtime...like you would see with other fractional lasers or CO2's. It's brand new so google it.
Where can you direct me to for actualy patients who have had this procedure. I am scheduled to have it as soon as my doctor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area receives the needed equipment. I am very leary as this is a new procedure for my doctor even though he was one of the chosen few in the United States to be able to do this procedure. I have to also disagree with your Thermage comments. It does not work for a long period of time. Mine lasted approximately 2 to 3 months then started sagging worse that it was to begin with. I am also no old hag with lots of wrinkles. Just slight jaw line and under chin area. I could have got smart lipo for the same price. Myabe you work with my doctor since you are in the same area as I am. Please poit me to PATIENT reviews on the Smartxide DOT
yes im trying to decide with co2 smart xide dot laser, and the palomar 1540. the palamor 1540 is a lot cheaper. my aunt had the new dot laser it has been 3 mos. she is 50 had some lines and a bit of sagging by the jowls. the skin is getting thicker by the jowls where the sagging is. the redness about 3 to 4 days. She has a beautiful youthful glow lines diminished some are gone. the sag is still there but less it is said that great results are seen in 6 mos so we will see. it suppose to tighten, brown spots still there.Usually just one time treatment is recommended. i have some orangy patch on cheeks from tanning beds only past 8 yrs every winter 4x, big pores,spider veins, little droopy eyelids,slight nasolabial line, ugly bump forming corners of my lip im 29. i look 40. yrs older!
I had a TotalFX treatment done about 3 weeks ago. TotalFX is a combination CO2 fractional treatment using ActiveFX and DeepFX. My results are fantastic. I knew that I would be red for about 3 days then flake for another 2 days. However, since I knew what was coming and saw photos of others done in the office, it was not unexpected.
The pain was not bad since numbing cream was used for 15-20 minutes. Others also have a facial block performed.
The results have been incredible and only need to be done one time! Studies comparing just the ActiveFX with 5 Fraxel treatments showed collagen enhancement to be 50% better with ONE ActiveFX treatment than 5 Fraxels. Adding the DeepFX to this must blow it away.
View answers from Robert Clinton, MDHi~
I had three consecutive Fraxel treatments in April, May and June of 2007. Long term I didn't see much of an improvement. I have some deep scarring from cystic acne in my 20's and a botched suturing job in 97' (performed by ENT branching into cosmetic because it was more lucrative). I'm fair skinned but tan easy. I've been told I have an olive complexion, but I'm blonde w/brown eyes.
On February 1, 2008 I had the new Fraxel repair CO2 done and it wasn't painful at all. This was due to heavy numbing cream, shots in uppper and lower gums and multiple pills such as lyrix? (prescribed for fibromayalgia), vicadin and valium. My face was a bloody mess first day and serious aquaphor for 4 days following after saline/vinegar rinse every four hrs. Even in the midde of the night! I have shoulder length hair that somehow continuously managed to come in contact with Aquaphor. Blech! Beauty Queen? NOT. I refused to leave the house for first 4 days. I seemed to be healing well as of my first checkup on Wed February 6th.
Today, Feb. 12, my face looks terrible! The swelling has gone down around my chin where the Fraxel went extra deep, but overall not too much of an improvement on scars. To boot, I have bumps coming up all over the place?! I look worse than ever! Does the Fraxel cause this? I've been using SQUALANE, ProCyte CU3 (heavy copper) and Procyte CU3 cleanser. I did try to put on makeup yesterday diluted with CU3 lotion. Is there a chance this caused it due to bacteria or something?
I called my physician and I am requesting an antibiotic.
I would love to hear a follow up on how you face looks now, some 3 months later.
thanks
Hi - Was on accutane in my mid 20's and now 37 and very excited to be rid of my scars w/fraxel. Here is the thing, I live in nyc and have started a new job and only have wknds off. How awful will I look walking around the city come Monday morning?
Do I have a treatment on a Thurs night, go to work Fri and then off Sat and Sun or...Fri night and then be home Sat and Sun.
I am ok investing the money, I just don't want to be disappointed.
Well I had the Pixel laser treatment done, not sure the what the difference is between Pixel and Fraxel, for all I know they're the same thing lol. But Id recommend doing it on a Friday and having the weekend, with my procedure I definately was glad I had the weekend cause I looked like a tomato for a day.
i read so many comments on the internet about the fraxel that it freaked me out and i cancelled my appointment. after that,the dermatologist talked me down and i went in for my 1st of 3 treatments yesterday feb 14 (happy valentines day to me!). i was prepared for the worst but hoped i would be able to go back to work on tuesday as i had 4 days off. so thursday after work, i had my first treatment. the numbing cream worked fine. the pain was very very minimal, nothing really at all. i had had my more painful lasers in the past like the gemeni laser on my scapl. ouch! the swelling was not nearly what people said, my eyes were not swelled to slits and my face was not like a melon. the skin felt very strange though, kind of thick and tight and it like it was sagging and 10 years older than i am. but later in the night, the nasolabial folds started to tighten (must have been the numming cream and muscle relaxers), and i thought i was crazy, maybe it was the swelling, but entire face looked remarkably smooth and really really nice aside from the redness and dryness. most of the swelling was below my eyes but i iced constantly, moisterized with cetaphil moisterizing lotion. no break outs yet. all this said, i think i have very sensative skin and the bad reaction has been much less almost everything i have read. after 1 nights sleep, this morning the swelling is slight, skin looks very red, smooth and tight like a skiing sun/windburn. if i had to go out, i could. i just wanted to share this experience so everyone is not scared by the postings like i was. i have 2 more treatments to go and will post those results.
I have had the exact same reaction that you have had. I had my trtment today. How long did you ice? 5 hours later and I am now starting to get pink.
Have you had anymore treatments? Any breakouts? etc
A few hours later and I am now very red and my skin feels like sandpaper. The moisturizer I am using burns my skin (it's only oil free moisture by Neutrogena with spf 15). I am also getting white postules around my lip line. My face is also very warm. I hope it doesn't get worse!
So, how long were you out from work in total? Since now it is a couple weeks later, how are you doing and will you continue. Thanks for the info, it is much appreciated.
8033hallo I am from holland ,I was reading your comments,I studietcosmetics .Donot believe the docters at once.Look at acne forums and look how {edited} works in London in the hammersmith hospital.I am following all the sides for many years now,want to help people with my information feel sorry for those have problem with there skin,sorry for my bad writing,kind regards lisa.
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Hi I'm a bit baffled by reading all these reports, but I have some deep acne scars, pitted skin, I'm, also of dark complextion!
I suffer from self esteem issues as an adult and feel I need treatment, which one now poses me the problem I was just going to go ahead with Fraxel?
Any tips, pointers?
Well wishes
Paul K X
Hi Paul,
Go ahead with your Fraxel treatments. My patients with acne scarring are very pleased. Make sure that it is an actual Fraxel laser, made by Reliant as there are many other "fractionated" lasers whose results I can not vouch for. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MDI have done two sessions of fraxel laser with a month interval.
I undergone the process without any prep cream, so it literally feels like electricity running underneath your facial skin. But nothing I could not handle.
Morning after treatment, my face has became so red with funny looking tiny dots on my cheeks. People asked me why I put a handiplast on my cheeks (duh !) After a week, the redness gone and tiny dots has became smooth.
After two sessions, I can see 50% improvement in the depth of my ice pick scars. However it looked a bit darker then the surrounding skin ( I have olive/tan skin). Overall I'm satisfied with the result and definitely going for another treatment.
Over a 4 month period, I had a series of 4 treatments with Fraxel. All of the comments I have read above is exactly what happened to me. Sunburned skin, some white dots not many, very swollen all over my face. However, the results were pretty good. My skin over the next few months continued to improve. It was very supple, soft and pretty. The Fraxel did however, bring brown spots out on the surface that I found very bothersome to see. So, after a 5 month break, I decided to go for a 5th Fraxel treatment. This would prove to be a total disaster. I remember the assistant telling me that they had a new tip on the Fraxel laser and that she could turn up the intensity of the laser and that I could handle it. Well, I really dont understand what went wrong, but the results completely set me back almost to the beginning of the original Fraxel treatments. The first thing that something had gone wrong was the amount of swelling. Never before was it this bad. I looked like I was holding my breath for at least 6 days or so.
I didnt have even one facial line on my face due to the amount of swelling. But, even worse than that was the fact that I did not peel as the second step of post-Fraxel treatment entails. My skin literally turned tough, leather-like, and looked horrible. Any cream I put on to try and reverse this wouldnt penetrate my face. Even my husband asked me what happened. That was the icing on the cake. My face was ruined. Its been 6 weeks since that 5th treatment, and just now my facial skin seems to be softening up. I went to a plastic surgeon to show him what happened to my skin. He suggested that I correct it using the CO2 laser to start over and do a deeper peel. Please be careful with Fraxel, and make sure the laser is calibrated correctly. I dont know what happened, but I think it was a combo of the laser was misfiring, she turned on the Fraxel laser too high for my skin type, I dont know. Wished I had stopped at number 4.
I had a series of 4 Fraxel treatments for a couple of brown spots on one hand. The doctor recommended both hands be done.
Even after the 4 treatments, I could still see the spots, although they were lighter. He then did a "complimentary" ipl but the faded spots are still there. I would not recommend Fraxel-not worth the expense and yes, it can be quite painful but since it was on my hands, it was tolerable, I can't imagine how people can have that amount of pain on their face.
Hi there I just had 2 of possibly 4 treatments with the fractional laser for bags and wrinklong under my eyes. I am 38 and have eyes that look 60,, very depressing.
My eyes after the second one look worse, the skin looks ver loose and more wrinkled, it has been now a week after my second.
Does it look worse before it gets better?
How logn till results can be seen and collagen formed?
I am so depreseed as I look worse than before.
I can barily make eye contact with people,, please any advise or feedback
much appreciated thank you
{edited email address}
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I just had my first fractional treatment on both upper & lower eyes about 5 days ago. I am already impressed with the uppers. I can see that part of my eyelid above my lashes again! However, not so thrilled about the lowers. One shows some improvement, the other looks worse (I have bags). Any advice? Comments? Woman....42
i had my first fraxel treatment last thursday. i wasn't prepared for the amount of swelling i have have experienced. i look like i have been in a car accident. i have been icing constantly. within 15 minutes after removing the ice, my face swells up again. is this normal?
Hi - I also feel like I have been in a car accident. I got it done on Friday...today I woke up with white postules around my lip line. My skin is also very rough. Thrilled. I look like I am very swollen - I could go out if I had to. Did they tell you when to stop icing?
Hi. I have just come from my first visit to the derimitologist. He has recommended fraxel laser treatment. This was the first time I have heard of it, so came home to research. Everything I am reading here is scaring and confusing me. Some have mentioned different types of machines...does this make a difference.(Have no idea which one my doctor has). I have fair, freckled skin which has mild to moderate acne scarring. I will be 40 later this year. My mum had co2 laser about 10 years ago which treated her acne scarring quite well, but left her with a white mask look. ie no pigmentation in face..this has really turned me off that treatment. Has anyone experienced anything similar with fraxel? What about freckles? Do they go?? One post mentioned that husband noticed differnce, but friends only thought she had switched moisturizer. I would hope my result would be a lot more dramatic than that for cost and discomfort...Am I expecting too much? Help!!!! Also has anyone heard of plasma resurfacing??? Any comments or advice would be extremely helpful. Came away from Dermy feeling like I would 'go for it', but am now not so sure.
I had a total of 3 treatments last year of fractional laser resurfacing done to my face. After my second treatment I felt that the sun damage to both of my cheeks had little improvement. I was told to have at least 1 last treatment before I can completely be satisfied. Well, big mistake! After the third treatment, my cheeks took longer to heal. After a month and a half, I am left with my cheeks red and the skin very dry. Now my cheeks always looks like I have a red blush on and it looks worse than before. I am scarred for life. I would not recommend this treatment to any one. Now I am going under a different treatment call fraxel laser. It seems to help and improve the mistake of the fractional laser resurfacing. But I was told nothing will ever restore the damage was done to my cheeks by the fractional treatment.
Have you tried fraxel yet? I also got Fractional laser done on my face it has been about a week and half and my face is still red and i am getting a dark spot on my cheek did you get this? or any dark spots on your face?
Can someone explain the Fraxel II settings for me? I have been researching and am getting confused, perhaps because the Fraxel I settings are different? I have been trying to find a detailed explanation on-line and can't.
Thx
It depends on what you are trying to fix.
For deep acne scars, setting for 60mj or higher might be needed.
I tried 55mj and 70mj and the 70mj worked far better.
As always, however, take the doctor's advice.
I have had 5 treatments to reduce lines around the eye area. I also was told it would reduce the redness in my chin area. When I was a teen I had mild acne but was a picker-- I have hypo-pigmentation issues the fraxel technician told me for sure she could erase those! DID NOT HAPPEN. For the cost- I would not recommend this. I still have wrinkles and uneven skin tone. RESEARCH!!
Fraxel II otherwise known as Fraxel re:store or Fraxel SR1500
settings
energy ranges from 0 to 70 Mj
MTZ's run from Level 1 to 12 and there are restricted levels as well.
Comment for RMB
Fraxel does not reduce reddness (vascular lesions)
Comment for Denise
For lighter skintypes I tend to use higher energy settings and MTZ's.
View answers from Sachit Shahanyone had the fractional on stretchmarks was it effective? and how many did it take? I got my first one done the other day and now I am wondering is it effective?
I am in my 50s and have had 4 fraxel treatments, each one month apart.
Each time, I had the same basic reactions; however, since the energy level and number of passes was increased with each treatment, the intensity of the reactions also increased. This meant I experienced increasing pain during each procedure, more sensitivity afterwards, more swelling, more redness, and more time to return to normal.
I can't imagine anyone undergoing this procedure at a intensity greater than my first treatment without--at a minimum--numbing cream and two extra strength Tylenol. That is what I used. Whomever spoke of "rubbing a hot curling iron across your face" had it right--but that super hot pain is very fleeting, lasting only a few seconds before relief. Then it comes again for a few seconds. . .and again. I could put up with it because I knew each episode wouldn't last long. (Note: I would not describe the first treatment in such severe terms.) As other posters have noted, different parts of the face are more sensitive than others. Anyone with low pain tolerance would be wise to ask about stronger pain relief options.
Appearance wise, it wasn't until two weeks after my third procedure that I actually noticed a positive difference. My facial lines and wrinkles were less prominent and my skin had kind of a clean, healthy glow -- like fresh skin. My age spots decreased and lightened, but, since I am also using a whitening cream, I'm not sure what part Fraxel played in reducing the brown spots.
Each time, the day after the procedure was the absolute worst in terms of facial appearance. I never left the house on that day. Eyes nearly swollen shut, red puffy face with sandpaper-like texture; not pretty to behold. After 4 days the swelling was gone and it looked like a mild sunburn. . . after 7-10 days skin looked and felt completely healed and soft.
Visited my cosmetic dermatologist about the clevage wrinkles I've recently noticed (deepish verticle lines); she suggested fraxel. Is there anyone out there who's been treated in this area, and what were the results?
Hi Brea,
The non-ablative Fraxel re: store laser helps moderately over the course of 4-5 treatments. Good news is that the new fractionated CO2 laser Fraxel re: pair works very well at tightening the skin in one treatment with minimal downtime. That's the breast advice I can give you. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
hey I had a stretchmark treated with fractional laser in my armpit.
(it developed after I used some steriod cream to help fade a skin rash)
and the color still hasn't gone away after 4 weeks.
whats gone wrong?
should I continue my treatment??
I posted comments on my first fraxel treatment on Feb 15. I had my second treatment last week and the pain from the treatment was much more intense this time. especially on the forehead. wow! about as much as i could take. and 4 passes. i don't know the technical detail of what variables changed, i know they increased them. however the recovery time was actually the same or less. i went out the next day looking very red and windburned. it probably would not have looked half as strange if the redness had not stopped at my jawline. anyway, the swelling was practically nothing the next day. there was a lot of burning right after the procedure. felt like my face was on fire. 4 days later i looked tan. 1 week later people asked if i was on vacation and that my skin was glowing. i'm not sure what is up with all the severe swelling that people talk about in their posts. things like eyes being swelled almost shut. also all the mentions of white pustules. i had 1 or 2 pimples later, probably from the excessive amount or cream and moisturizer i was contstantly appying but noting like people mention here. (i just used cataphil cream). i am very please with what i see so far even though not enough time has passed to really see the true results. the biggest difference is in the acne and chicken pock scars. minor improvement (so far) in fine lines and minor improvement in pore size. i have 1 more teatment in 1 month, i look forward to getting it over with and then just taking care to stay out of the sun, babying my skin and waiting for the collegen and repair to happen. my advice is for people to go to a very reputable dematologist. even if it cost more. it's your face! and you don't want to risk it. my dermatologist has never had these 'worst case scenarios" described on these blogs happen. also you must be honest and forthcoming about all your medications, conditions and habits. i think that might be part of the problem with peoples bad reactions. i'll continue to post and i hope eveyone else does also.
I just had my 1st fraxel last night...no numbing cream, no meds. I believe it was at 50 with 3 passes. The machine used was the Palomar? I was really concerned with all that was written and shared that with the people in facilty. First, I have to comment on how wonderful and patient they were with me. Having said that, I went in around 5pm and treatment took about 15 min (full face excluding forehead). AFter, I iced for about 1/2hr and then they put a clear gel on to help with swelling. They stayed and talked with me the whole time. I came home and all anyone noticed was the slight red to my face, even told them I had an extreme deep facial. Woke up this morning, looks like I have a slight (and I mean) slight sunburn look and face feels a tinge of the warmth.. I definitely notice a difference in my skin...be it still a little swollen (can't really tell that it is) or what, but there is an improvement. No reason to stay indoors, as long as you use a good strong sunscreen when you are outside. Will keep you all posted. Reading the comments on this site really had me question my decision. I am so glad that I did go through with it. I will definitely go for round 2 next month. I believe that you really need to know as much as you can, go to someone who has experience and makes you feel comfortable, and be realistic about the outcome.
Day 3 update: Skin still a little red (light sunburn), and feels sandy. No one can tell the sandy part, but me because I can touch it. Went out to the movies last night no problem and am going to the gym and shopping this afternoon. I think the swelling is all gone, and I can see that there is still an improvement to the skin texture and scars. I will need to wait to see the skin tone after the sunburn look fades. Again, with makeup, I am able to go about the day. Will keep you posted. Keeping my fingers crossed that things will continue to go well. I am planning (at this time) to go for one treatment and then wait it out a few months to see the results.
I also got the palomar 1540 done on Mar 18,07 for my minor acne scars. The pain was very intense but torable. My face was pinky red and swelling after the treatment for two days and now it is turning yellow brown tone skin. I feel my face kinda sandy, not sure because of the dead layer still not peeling yet, i guess I just can't wait to see if my true color skin get back to normall but my acne scar seems getting approved.
How is yours so far, I wonder if you could share your experience and let me know how your result come out in another week or so
Thanks
I had one IPL Fotofacial treatment, performed by {edited} office in Pasadena. Because of the Fotofacial I now have deep permanent scars on my face that will never heal. Please don't make the same mistake I did. I went to a "legitimate" plastic surgeon and my face is now disfigured from this so called non-invasive treatment.
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Hi,
Unfortunately to treat wrinkles, the energy needs to be up too high and can cause burns, scarring and hypopigmentation. IPL treatment for brown and red spots can be very effective, but can also result in complications as you have experienced.
Fraxel is actually very effective at correcting scars. I have seen scarring greatly improve with multiple Fraxel re: store treatments. Much good luck.
Dr. P
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MDI have done 5 Fraxel treatments. I have loved them. Small flat scars I had were GREATLY improved, and all the bumpy acne under my skin has pretty much gone away. I have very freckly, sun damaged skin and the laser has helped out in a huge way. I'm going to do one or more to perfect the pores over my nose and cheeks. I've been very, very happy! I have been getting comments about my great skin for the first time in my life. (I'm 41).
I have had the fraxel done its been about 6 months since my last treatment. I had my face and neck done. I have had the best results. I am 45 and when I meet people they are floored that I am a day over 35. I am very satisfied with my results. Lisa
I have been doing my research about IPL and found a scientific document that says that the laser destroys collegan which leads to the tightening of the skin. What are the long term effects of this?
Also in it's description it sounded very much like it had the same affect as sunbathing, which is very damaging to the skin and wondered if there were any expert opinions out there that could explain the difference between the effects of a laser and the effects of damamge caused by sunburning.
I had my second Fraxel laser treatment yesterday with the Starlux 1540. The side effects are much worse. The swelling is not so bad because of the ice paks, but I have petichae(pinpoint bruising) which I did not expect. My esthetician said it is normal and I feel better since I have read about others having this side effect. My face did break out after the first treatment and all I used was a vitamin c spray, so I will not apply it as frequently this time-I have naturally oily skin. I would like to know how long before the petichae resolve--anybody know?
Hi Shari,
You received a "fractionated" laser treatment with the Starlux 1540, a laser made by Palomar. It is not Fraxel laser which is made by Reliant Technology, Inc. There are about 12-15 laser companies with "fractionated" lasers, not to be confused with Fraxel. It is very unusual to have petichae with Fraxel. When they do occur, they are usually gone within a day or two. Yours are probably gone by now. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
I have scehduled my 2nd fraxel in 2 weeks..very excited as I noticed an improvement with the 1st one. Still happy with the results from the 1st treatment. I was told that the 3rd treatment is the WOW factor, but I think 2 times will be enough for me. People have commented on my skin and those who knew that I had the fraxel, now want to get it done, too. How is everyone esle doing?
I just had my first Pixel laser (full face & 1/2 my neck) resurfacing for acne scarring and overall blotchy skin done. It has been 4 days and the flaking has started (which i like!). Its a little itchy but no biggie. I have quite a few bad acne scars and within the first day I noticed they were already filling in. My skin is still a little red and blotchy in spots but thats normal and I can tell as it flakes off it is smoothing out the blotches. One thing I have to add is when they say that this is a painfree procedure they are wrong! It felt like a rubber band on fire was being snapped against my skin OUCH! BUT would it stop me from going to my 2nd treatment? NOWAY! No pain no gain and having my whole face and 1/2 my neck done took about 10 minutes so it is more than worth the discomfort. Dr. Crutchfield in MN is the best and a whole face is done for under $1000.00. I cant wait til my 2nd treatment in about a month. I would recommend it even after only seeing the results after 4 days, I cant wait to see them in a month.
I have had 2 fraxel laser treatments so far and I can say that this is the only treatment that has worked on my melasma and sun damage. Although my face was swollen(3 days) and had a bit of a breakout, it was completely worth the results. I have sensitive skin and am convinced that following the strict reccomendation of the doctor: nothing on my face with active ingredients, (I use Squalene oil for moisturizer and Kinerase wash, mineral makeup)has helped my skin to heal quickly after each treatment. He also recommended a skin lightner to be used between treatments to melasma from reappearing. I have had peels, IPL, and numerous topical prescribed to me with few results. It's amazing how soft and clear my skin looks. I am 35 and had large brown spots and uneven tone all over my face. I also think that using SPF 30 every day has helped my results. I use Obagi SPF 35 and it doesn't break my face out.
Hope this info is helpful.
Hi Dr. P,
I just had my third fraxil treatment two week ago for treatment of Acne Scars (spaced 3 weeks apart). Face is still a bit red like a sunburn, but the Dr turned up the intensity considerably. In all the articles I read about the Fraxel, it was mentioned that the results are both immediate and progressive. Two weeks later, I see some improvement in the smoothness of my face, but little improvement in my scars. Do you know if most of the improvement and rebuilding of cologene takes weeks, months, etc...? When would you expect to see the most improvement (hopefully not immediately!)?
Thanks!
Yes I too was told that the skin is still healing and improving for up to 4 months after having a treatment. Its only day 5 for me and the improvements just keep happening, the flaking for me has decreased and the smoothness of my skin in turn has increased, still some pinkness in spots but the the blotchiness I had to my skin before the treatment is so greatly improved already i'm so pleased I finally had this done.
I had commented earlier on having the Pixel laser resurfacing done and would love to hear from others that have had it done as well. And to anyone looking for improvement on fine lines, acne scars and discoloration I can't recommend it enough.
Pixel laser, is that the same as fraxel? or the active fx? thanx
Im not exactly sure, Id like to know myself, so if there are any Dr.'s out there please explain the difference between Fraxel and Pixel lasers. THANKS
Hi--Have you thought of doing a series of photofacial and fraxel interspersed with microdermabrasion. I did not have a lot of scarring, but had some and also uneven pigmentation. I could see results after the first go round. I am now on my second series and it is looking really good.
I had five series of Photorejuvenation for stretch marks. I have stretch marks on my hips butt area thighs calves under arms etc.! but not from pregnancy I had many surgeries from endometriosis and overian cysts and with all the hormone meds i've been on since 11 for the overian cysts and 16 from the endo. it has made my small fram go up and down causing the stretch marks. As for the photo after five sessions and alot of money later that i didnt have it did nothing we started on my chest area. Now I started my first treatment of fraxel and agin we are starting on my breast area and for some reason they look worse then when i started :( i am only 24 and feel 54 i just cant live like this anymore i have a beautiful face and i like my body shape but the stretch marks make me want to dissapear however i am greatful i have stretch marks and not skin cancer but still i wish i could find help i cant live this way anymore it has taken over my mind! Please before i continue the fraxel any advice, good luck to u all
Hi,
I had a series of four Fraxel treatments about a year ago for melasma on my forehead. I am still struggling with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is much worse than the original discoloration I was having treated. It is also affecting areas that were not involved prior to the treatments. The worst part is that the darkness on my cheeks has a line of demarcation that follows the pattern of the passes of the laser, resembling the look of a skier's sunburn (goggle marks). I'm too afraid to try another laser and my skin has not responded to Obagi products (or any of the other many products I have tried). Has anyone else had this experience? Any ideas? The fact that I experienced hyperpigmentation was surprising given that I am fairly light skinned.
I went to see my dermatologist for my acne scars. I have olive skin and unfortunately I have not seem much work done on dark skin with fraxel for me to be comfortable in doing it. I would love to do it but am very scared of having a worse face after it. My scars are not that severe.
Please advice.
Naz
Ask about the Pixel laser, Im not sure the difference of Fraxel and Pixel but ask your Dr. (I have asked that very question on this site to no avail). I have had the Pixel laser done for acne scarring but I am fair skinned and Im not exactly sure how it would work for olive skin tone. But ask ur Dr., maybe its an option for u. Good luck!
Hi Naz!
I have a different skin situation than it sounds like you have. I am fair skinned & am dealing with sun damage: age spots, uneven skin tone and so on. It is now 1 1/2 weeks since my Fraxel treatment and I am happy to report the redness and swelling are gone & my skin looks a little better. However, I did develop fever blisters on my upper lip which I'm dealing with now.
Prior to the Fraxel, my derm treated the age spots with the pigmented lesion laser and and broken capillaries with V beam laser.
According to my derm's literature, the Medlite laser is recommended for acne. If I were you, I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion. And also, research as much as possible on line. My derm is terific but I don't know if I can mention his name here. My recovery from just one session of Fraxel has taken about 10 days and is still on-going....but my skin has improved.
i had