Was your fraxel painful?

I had Fraxel Dual set on 1927 - on a pain scale it was a 3 - there are different types of Fraxel lasers that do different things with different settings so it's hard to judge the pain level. As a semi-pro athlete I know how to deal with pain (I've also had bleph surgery and a mini lift - neither really that bad) I am very disappointed in the fraxel dual 1927 - I'm on day 2 - swelling is almost gone - face is rough, dry, and bronzing. I'm a fast healer so it's really no big deal for me. my skin is very fair, blue eyes, euro descent. So far I see absolutely zero reduction in pores and wrinkles, and am hoping I didn't waste my money. My friend got the Pearl (ablative) yesterday - she is a filler and botox tech - she is in a lot of pain and beet red to boot. We plan to compare laser surgeries once we've healed. but I have to say if I don't see any improvement in skin, pores, or wrinkles, I am not paying for another one.

I have had five Fraxel treatments--the last of which was done a couple of years ago now--and I am glad I did it. I had (still have) severe pervasive acne scarring--not just pock marks here and there, but an overall breakdown of collagen on both of my cheeks; it looked, essentially, like the texture of Seal's (the singer) skin. My dermatologist said I'd likely see a 60-80% improvement because I am so pale--which in short meant that he could crank up the power all the way without needing to worry about affecting my pigmentation. That said, the first treatment wasn't too bad--maybe a 2-3/10. He turned it up to the highest level, just below ablative, for the second treatment, and the pain was significantly higher, starting at a 3-4/10 and by the third passes probably reaching close to an 8. He said most men would rate that level as a 10/10, and honestly, the only reason I didn't is because I can imagine that *something* must hurt more. (By the way, he said most women consistently say the pain is under 5 for any level.) The first couple of passes felt very hot, but the third at that level felt like a red-hot razor blade being dragged across my face over nad over. The third treatment was the same level and, to be honest, the last two hurt severely but I was used to the feeling by then and knew it would be over as soon as the actual lasering was done, and so I just tried to distract myself during the procedure. As soon as it is over, it feels like a bad sunburn, and by day two, the pain isn't half as bad. I do think individuals have individual pain thresholds. My mother, for example, has had two major medical emergencies--one of them a ruptured appendix that she didn't find out about for months until it had formed a huge abscess in her abdomen--because, she says, she just has a very high pain threshold. She says childbirth was a breeze and has had dental work done without anesthesia (the thought of which alone makes me want to pass out).

Like some others have said, pain really is subjective. I had my first Fraxel Dual on 1927 with 8 passes a week ago. Numbing gel first plus two mild codeine tablets. I felt the scratching feeling as the tip was rolled over but not overly painful at all. I'd give it a 1/10 for the first 5-6 passes and a 2/10 for the other 2-3 passes. The small extra passes made just under the eyes hurt the most. However, for 15-20 mins after treatment, the pain increased to a 4/10 for me. The cooling fan helped with that though so I'd suggest that cooling fan immediately afterwards. But within an hour of leaving the office, I barely noticed the residual heat. By 3 hours post treatment my face felt similar to that tight sunburn effect. I was given a moisterising gel to apply frequently for the following 3 days, this really helped because I'd forget that I had it done...until I looked in the mirror lol. The pink face looking back at me reminded me though. Everyone's different but honestly I could think of a thousand things more painful.

Well its been 3 month since my initial post and I have to say that all the pain I went through was worth it.
I am very happy with the results, since I have had 1 other laser treatment but this time instead of the Fraxel I had the Affirm fractional laser and this one was a lot less painful with almost none of the swelling and downtime and I got the same results. Also with the affirm I did not need the numbing cream and was able to tolerate the whole session.
I will probably need 2 more treatments and I do love the results...

I have to tell you all, I had it done yesterday, and I wish I hadn't read all this scary stuff! It was NOTHING. I"m sorry, I"m a wuss, too, and I found it ridiculously easy and painless. All I felt was a tingling when the laser was on, kind of a needles poking sensation, but it wasn't anything like I imagined. It did NOT hurt. It was quick, it was simple. AND, the next day, I had very limited swelling - it was like I had a cold or allergies. I'm sorry for those that had bad experiences, but I think it's all what you make it. I cannot wait to get the rest of them done.

It's been almost 2 mos. since my 3rd fraxel treatment ie: AGONY! So far, I just don't c an improvement (or at best very little) to my skin texture, pore size, wrinkles, etc.! When I was going through that pain I kept reminding myself that it was going 2 be worth it in the end.....according to the technician that is. Everyone needs 2 remember that these skin specialists purchase these lasers for hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have 2 say whatever neccesary to promote their purchase or they're out all that money.... Hello, there is a reason why they require that you pay 4 the treatments up front.
To Sole: The skin around my right eye was swollen as well after my 3rd treatment but eventually the swelling went down w/no damage. Pls everyone, let me know after all treatment r over if you can c a significant improvment or not. Thanks and good luck!

I agree! At one point, my senses were so out of whack, that the burning pain turned to a searing, almost slicing pain. I had to tell myself my face was not being cut into. Totally excruciating!

I find it hard to believe that some of the commenters here felt that the pain wasn't too bad. I've had fraxel three times now and the pain during the procedure is excruciating--I realize that people's threshold for pain varies, but this pain is off the charts. I imagine it feels about the same as a blowtorch to the face. I'm not exaggerating when I say that. This level of pain is with the numbing cream, 3 ketorolac and 3 ativan. The good thing
is that the procedure is relatively quick, probably about 15 minutes.

I wonder if the people who feel that the pain is tolerable had fraxel done at a low intensity. After the procedure it feels like a bad sunburn for about an hour and I felt no pain during the recovery, just itchiness and irritation which totally resolved in 5-6 days.

sole - I hope things turn out for you! Feeling any better yet?

I just had Fraxel done yesterday for acne scars so I assume it was the restore. I had the numbing cream for 1 hr and the pain was a 9 out of 10- the first pass was fine like tolerable the second pass was ouch that hurt but I can handle it, the 3rd pass was holy freaking pain, the 4th pass pure agony I could smell the burned skin and feel the laser like a mini torch. Immediately afterwards it felt like a bad sunburn and although uncomfortable I was ok, I cranked the ac in my car and blew it on my face- after a couple hrs and a vicodin I was fine but very red and swollen. Today 24 hrs later I woke up with swollen-shut eyes. I can't see out of my right eye and barely see out my left. If I ice it I can barely open it so Im getting a bit concerned. Another thing is that the nurse who did it even though I asked for the eye shield she said it was not necessary. I told her I was concern about eye damage and she said no one ever had any issues and the laser is only active when it makes contact with the skin. I just pray everything its going to turn out alright after reading all other stories and some horror ones on the Internet...

I had Smartskin fractional laser on my face, neck and chest two days ago. I took an Ativan and a Percoset at his office prior to the procedure. Mary mother of God there were times it felt like someone was holding a cigarette to my skin for 10 seconds. There were also areas that didn't hurt at all. I had the numbing cream on for over an hour beforehand. Everytime he started I would start counting to 10 knowing that none of his shots lasted longer than that. He and his nurse were both clear that this procedure does hurt and a dental block is available if needed. He said I was really tough, even though I told him it hurt like a mofo. It burned for a couple hours afterward, but that was it. Now i'm just a big gooey mess, but i believe that's what I'm supposed to look like until it heals.

I just had my 2nd Fraxel treatment today. First one was last month and I took a Tylenol before hand. Was numbed for 1 hour, and it was still a 9 in pain (on scale of 10 being worst). I was red and swelled a lot more than expected. I was told that I would only be red for 1-3 days but actually the redness never completely went away. Swelling took about 5 days to completely go away. Today took Aleve and 1/2 Xanax plus numbing for 1 hr. before 2nd treatment but it was even more painful even though the laser was set at a lower setting. Pain was at least a 10+! Very red! Technician asures me that everything will be OK in the end. Have another appt in 4 wks. Wish me luck!

Pain is of course subjective from person to person. I tend to have a higher threshold and had Fraxel Dual and let me tell you...it hurt!! The Nurse Practitioner did 8 passes over my face with the laser and the first one felt line tiny needle pricks and almost felt kind of good, but then by the time I was halfway through, it felt like my face was both on fire and being sliced. I would suggest taking something ahead of time. The pain went away a few hours afterwards, but on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst pain, it was about a 7 and went up to an 8 once I stepped outside and felt the heat of the day.

I had Fraxel yesterday to treat uneven pigmentation. I got the numbing cream plus had two ibuprofen before I went in. I'd rate the pain as 3-4 out of 10, like a tiny rubber band snapping your skin. The worst bit was my upper lip, and as i was quite nervous my doctor offered my Entonox gas while she did that area but I didn't actually need to use it. My skin was quite red yesterday, and the pain afterwards was similar to a bad sunburn. It was easily managed with a bag of frozen peas and some Tylenol. I actually managed to go out for dinner last night despite the redness after popping on a bit of mineral foundation. Today most of the redness has settled and I have some very minor swelling near the eyes. There is also some bronzing over the more darkly pigmented areas, and my face feels quite rough and dry. I haven't needed any painkillers today and have been to work / gone to gym as normal. My experience has been really good so far. My advice to others would be to choose a good dermatologist with extensive Fraxel experience. So far I'd recommend Fraxel, my experience has been nowhere near as horrible as some of the others!!

Mine hurt like hell. Face ablaze. My daughter was standing beside me when I was checking out and said she could feel heat radiating from me. NK

I would imagine they want you to feel it somewhat because that way you can tell them when it is way too hot. You have some degree of feeling there.

I was burned from my fraxel Restore, so yes, it was very painful. The doctors really need to understand that these laser devices are powerful tools that can damage people for life. My face will never be the same. I have scars, fat loss, damaged cheek muscles. This happened to me when I was 35 years old. This laser needs to be taken off the market and only experienced laser surgeons and dermatologists should be using them and only using them before a list of all possible side effects are understood by the patient. I had a minor flaw and would never have risked fat loss, scars all over my face, loss of collagen tissue, muscle damage. Burn marks under my skin.

Fraxel: Restore is the perfect crime. It goes deep so the damage comes out later. Once the damage comes the doctors tell you that you have aged or that what you are saying is impossible. There is also no plan of action in place. No protocol to follow for the laser victim. So they go from one doctor to the next watching them squirm knowing that they want you out of their office asap. because they don't know what to do to help you and they also see the damage all over your face and don't want to be involved in a lawsuit.

This is a crime and this will end. No person will be told that a laser can be ran over your face and there are NO risks, NO complications, NO side effects involved.

I had Fraxel Restore two days ago and at first it was pretty confortable, then the technician turned the energy up (because my skin wasn't even red) and then it started to hurt. At times it hurt a lot... i would describe the pain as severe.... like stabbing me with little fire pricks, but once i was feeling like i couldn't take it anymore, the technician moved on to the next area.... so i would say it is tolerable.... barely.... it just depends on what setting the machine is on.

I heard there was a new machine to stop the unbearable pain. What is is called and where do they have it?

Fraxel is painful...don't let anyone tell you otherwise....yes, they applied numbing cream to my face for an hour before the procedure, and yet the pain was still intense. I attempted to "remove" myself and go to my happy place...this was not possible. As much as I wanted to have this procedure (I saved up for months) I almost called it quits midway through. I would recommend asking for some type of pain/anxiety medicine before...I will I had......I would think the doctor would advise patients as well. Today is day 5 and I am still locked up at home...the swelling has gone down significantly and the flaking has subsided but now my face is dry and red...a new discomfort!! I would advise anyone having Fraxel to consider the pain, downtime, and discomfort..only yeah, it ain't cheap!!!

Most people do not know there are great alternatives to FRAXEL. IPL for skin clarifying is great (if your treatment provider is well trained...like the 200 I have trained). It reduces unwanted brown spots and redness to make your skin look much better. Just doesn't do much for texture improvement. Second, RadioFrequency skin rejuvenation involves zero light and zero pain (if you stay away from Thermage and get a better and more elegant RF treatment), and can be great for the skin...if your operator is well-trained and experienced. Third, use something in Fraxel's category, but not FRAXEL. You see there are 3 kinds of Fractional lasers: Non-ablative, which hurt a lot and give the least results (so don't do those); CO2 ablative, which hurt a lot and require you to take things like vicodin so you cannot drive yourself to/from the treatment...and which are more aggressive than you likely need; and Erbium Ablative, which is most comfortable and requires zero drugs and zero topical anesthetic, but delivers excellent skin texture improvement. You will have a mild crust for 7 days, and pink for another 7, but it delivers results and I have never seen any infections...it is very safe. Erbium Fractional lasers like the ProFractional and the Pixel work really well but have a smaller marketing budget than the Fraxel brand. No Fractional type is great for redness and facial capillary removal, so you still need a good IPL Photofacial. I like to combine IPL top-notch photofacial technique with RadioFrequency Skin Rejuvenation...more than using my $90,000 Fractional lasers. It is a great 45-minute treatment -- if you can find one of the very few offices who provide non-Thermage RadioFrequency and non-Fraxel/non-Syneron IPL. I never see people squirm inpain, and always see nice results - for a lower price than Fraxel providers charge. Also, Fraxel and Thermage charge your doctor a lot for single-treatment disposable supplies, so the doctor cannot offer a decent treatment fee to you!

I just had my fourth session. OMG, it was SO painful! I have had a number of diffferent procedures done and feel my pain tolerance is pretty high. The first fraxel was fairly well tolerated...but number two was REALLY painful! Number three was pretty bad too. I knew today was going to be a higher setting and felt a little anxious about it. The first pass is usually ok, but number two and three feels like a hot needle jabbing your face. I was TOTALLY swollen once it was done and that's when your face feels like its on fire! They gave me a cold metal roller which helps while you are being treated to help take your mind off the pain. I cant say I've seen a huge difference. Don't think I would go down this route again knowing what I know now. Maybe I will feel differently in a few moths? I hope so!!!

I have had many laser procedures over the last 5 years or so. The worst was the IPL with NO pain meds. or numbing cream before-hand. After that - and running a close second was the Fraxel used WITH the numbing cream! I have broken veins in my cheeks from Rosacea and had this procedure to get rid of them. What misery! I am less than 24 hours out. The laser work itself hurt like the dickens. The "burn" afterwards had me running for ice packs like the other responder did - any time the cold wore off! And today I am really swollen on my cheeks and under my eyes. Not "puffy" I am talking "swollen!" I am too disfigured, bruised, and bright red to attempt going into public for at least a couple more days. The doctor said it could be a week before it all subsided! I am also very lumpy under the inflammation, did anyone else experience this side-effect? I was told to have the Genesis laser for the redness caused by my Rosacea and the Fraxel for the broken or exposed capillaries in my cheeks and nose. I will be happy to have more Genesis treatments but will think long and hard about my personal vanity before I go in for a loosing battle with the Fraxel again! I hated it and am going to be closely examining the results to see if it was really worth it. As of today I am thinking it definitely was NOT WORTH IT!