Also try: fractional resurfacing, fractionated co2, Fraxel Laser, fraxel re:pair, fraxel re:pair co2 laser, fraxel re:pair laser, fraxel repair laser, laser treatment
Are the results progressive with the new Fraxel Re:Pair. I know that they say that with the Fraxel Re:Store that results continue to get better as the months pass after the procedures.
I am wondering if the Re:Pair results get better as well with time. Thanks
Hi,schom15. I am really interested in knowing the same thing about the Fraxel repair as I am very close to booking the procedure. Could you email me if you learn anything?
Thanks.
I had the Fraxel Re:Pair procedure on Tuesday (day before yesterday), and I was told the results would get even better in the next 3-6 months. That would be awesome, of course, but I am still quite satisfied after only 3 days. I wrote a review of my procedure this morning, but I believe it is still pending approval or something.
Thanks for your reply. Would you mind telling me what areas you were looking to improve as well as how old you are? Were you told that it would tighten your jowls?
I look forward to your review of the procedure.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Thank you so much for your wishes for a speedy recovery; it looks as though there is nothing "speedy" about it, but I suppose my skin didn't get bad in 3 days, so I can't expect it to transform for the better in 3 days, either. ;-)
I am 39 y/o, and my main areas of concern were three pitted acne scars and several more shallow ones, followed by a crepey (not creepy - *lol*) undereye area (partially attributable to an overzealous lower bleph several years ago, and partially due to just aging and years of sun worship *sighs*). Two lesser (yet still important to me) concerns were a forehead hairline scar (from a previous forehead lift) and a jawline which was a bit less defined than a few years ago. The forehead hairline scar is already 90% eradicated (though I lost some hair in that area at the time of procedure; hopefully, it will grow back!), as is a smallish scar I had under my chin from a chin implant I got at the same time as the forehead lift. While I did not have readily noticeable jowls, per se, I was, as I stated previously, concerned about laxity in my lower face. I was indeed told I could expect all-over tightening. Today is Day 4 for me, and I am still quite swollen, as well as a deep, deep reddish-purple; the swelling makes it difficult for me to determine whether there has been any tightening as of yet, but I'll be glad to keep youu posted if you'd like.
Thanks again for your well-wishes, and best of luck to you should you decide to have the procedure! -Allie
Allie, thank you again for your reply and I would be VERY grateful if you kept me informed about your progress. I was planning on scheduling the repair today, but I'm not sure if I should wait and get more info from you as you go on. I am 55y/o and for the first time in my life I look my age so I thought the repair would help with the eyes, mouth and jowls as opposed to face & eye lift. Are you in much pain? Where did you have it done?
"I suppose my skin didn't get bad in 3 days, so I can't expect it to transform for the better in 3 days, either. ;-)" I love this way of thinking!!!
Hope to hear from you soon. Stay well.
Jackster, I am in no actual pain at all, nor have I been since the procedure. The actual procedure, however, was another story altogether... at least for me. It may be helpful to note I have a low pain threshhold, but even after a Valium & a Lortab, as well as a topical cream applied by my nurse (65 minutes or so before the procedure) AND about 18-20 nerve block shots by the doc, I still found the pain to be horrendous. One of the nurses kept having to remind me to breathe, and I actually asked the doc to give me a moment to catch my breath several times.
The first few vinegar soaks stung pretty badly, but that subsides quickly. I HATE the "goopiness" of the Aquaphor all over my face, but today will be my last day of that - hooray!
My procedure was performed by Dr. Donald Clemons at Tri-Cities Skin & Cancer in Johnson City, TN. He was wonderful, as was each & every member of his staff.
I have been taking a close-up photograph every day, and I would be glad to share those with you if you think it may be helpful at all. I know photos can be posted with reviews, but I look so grotesque (*lol*), I'm not totally comfortable with the idea of posting them for all to see.
Allie, one more question (for now anyway!), will you please let me know how long you are housebound? Thanks, again.
I have not left my house since returning from the procedure on Tuesday... not because I feel badly; just because I look heinous! ;-) I am fortunate enough to work from home (as a Physician Recruiter), so downtime wasn't a real consideration for me. I was told, however, 4-6 days should be sufficient for time off work should it be applicable.
As I stated before, my face is still a VERY deep reddish-purple at this point. The after-care regimen I was given (which I can begin tomorrow) includes one product that contains cortisone, so I'm hoping that will help with the redness... AND itching (yikes!).
You are a doll for keeping me posted. I would love to see photos but I understand not wanting to post for all to see. Is there any way I can send you my email address? I am pretty new to these forums and I'm not sure how it all works.
I had the fraxel :re:pair" a fe hours ago, and can't beleive how good I feel. Not sure the number of passes or the setting, but I felt it hurt less than the fraxel "retore" However, I dont' look too good right now. My face is red, because there are little irrated doted of blood coming through. I wil right everyday for week to help others. Like the doctor tons. I was on a facial steriod creama and steriods which may have helped.
Obviously, I was under the drug influence when writing that last post, lots of typos! I had the fraxel May 9th, I still have had no pain at all, BUT- I am extremely swollen and can't imagine getting better my day five at this point. I am red red red. I am 48 years old, and doing the fraxel to help deminish lip lines I began to notice. Hope it works, at this point I am just hoping to look normal again. Will let you know. I was on the steroid cream for 1 1/2 days prior to the treatment.
Christine, keep the posts coming. I am scheduled for mine next month. Were you on the facial steroid cream before the procedure and what was it ?Good luck with the healing process.
Christine - Seeing the "blood dots" for the first time really freaked me out! I was on Clobatesol Propionate (a topical steriod cream) prior to my Fraxel Re:Pair, but since I have no point of comparison, I don't know if it lessened my post-procedure swelling or not.
Today is Day 5 for me, and most of the swelling has abated (except for my upper & lower eyelids), but I am still very, VERY red... and the tracks/lines where the handpiece was guided are visible today (particularly the vertical passes)... yikes!
No, I am only on my 3rd day. Just starting to itch, here is my photo. Also sent a previous photo, but most recent was of running.
Wow - your post-procedure photo doesn't look nearly as bad as mine did on day 3... good for you! I hope you will soon return to your lovely self, and will be thrilled with your results! Thanks for keeping me posted. -allie
AliGrace, thanks so much for sharing - Hope your 6th day was better and you have gotten the itching under control! I look forward to hearing more about your recovery especially any post-operative suggestions that you may have!
I am 52 years old - fair skinned and have some acne scarring around my chin and jaw lines as well as 'smile lines' - am so hoping that this procedure might be the 'magic bullet' that I have been looking for! I have been been very self-conscious about them all of my life!
I have had consultation with at least six dermatologist/plastic surgeons in the past three years. I have had all types of recommendations from a face lift (was told that the stretching of the skin would minimize the acne scarring) to chemical peels....I had four Fraxel treatments and Thermage done in the past 24 months. Saw minimal improvements in the scarring but the overall texture of my skin improved and lines were minimized! With the Fraxel treatments I experienced swelling, redness and flaking for about 5-7 days but would be very interested in seeing your photos, if you don't mind sharing! I had a consultation this past week and am thinking very seriously about having it done! I was told that the Fraxel Re-paire is much more advanced than what I received. Certainly with today's advances, there has to be something!
MB - My itching is much better today - very sporadic & minimal... thank you for your good thoughts! :-)
As for post-procedure suggestions, all I can tell you (at this point, anyway) is to follow your doc's post-care instructions to the letter. Make sure you keep your face well-hydrated/moisturized (especially during the first 5 days!), too, so the emerging new skin beneath the "mess" that will likely be your face for a few days will be nice & supple.
I have my first post-procedure appointment day after tomorrow, and I will let you know if the doc seems to think I am going to get good results, and whether it appears to him that I cared for my post-op skin as instructed.
I will be happy to share my day-by-day progression photos with you; you can send me a direct message (with your e-dress) by clicking on my name or profile photo, then choosing the "send this member a message" (or whatever the exact syntax is) on my profile. Be advised, though, the photos from the first three days are actually quite grotesque. :-(
Best of luck to you, dear. Keep us posted on your situation, if you will. -allie
I am scheduled to go in on the 10th of July- I am so glad to read all of this before hand- Please could I get your pictures so I can have something to calm me down. I feel seeing myself in this condition is going to be emotionally and psychologically tramatic. I am 39 and this is the first procedure I have ever done. I would love to see your pictures from today- to see how great you look right now- I have a feeling this is going to effect my social life- how long before you could go out at night for dinner with the girls?
Karen
You look lovely. Sorry to say it but I recommend not doing it. If you saw my before and after pictures you most definitely wouldn't do it.
Karen - I'll be glad to send you some of my post-procedure photos if you'd like; the ones from the first few days won't likely calm you down (they are scary!), but I believe they will give you an accurate, realistic idea of what to expect. Your actual day-by-day results may vary, of course, depending upon the settings your doc uses, the condition of your skin pre-procedure, and numerous other factors, I'd guess. I am 39 y/o as well, and though this is definitely not my first cosmetic procedure, I was psychologically unprepared for how I actually looked the first several days.
I can only speak for myself, of course, but I was pretty swollen and reddish-purple for at least a week or so, I think. I didn't even attempt any make-up until Day 9, and then, only liquid mineral fondation. I think I may have done a bit of eyeliner and mascara on day 14 or so. (?) Now, my face is only slightly pinkish, and I use very little foundation to even out the random blotchiness. (Either I'm used to it by now (haha!), or it just isn't that noticeable overall anymore).
It sounds as though you are doing your research pre-procedure, and I'd bet you'll do fine. Just make certain you are comfortable with your doc and his/her abilities, and that your expectations are realistic. Follow all pre- and post-procedure instructions (of course!), and try to be patient (the most difficult part for me! *s*). Best of luck to you, sweetpea... let us know how it goes if you will. ~allie
Thanks so much, I hope to get rid of the fine lines and wrinkles, I have to say I am a bit scared, after reading all of the posts- I have given myself 10 days to hide out and tend to my wounds- I will follow my instructions to the tee and I am so happy to have communication with others- remember this is an at 6 mo. results procedure, I can wait the 6 months I just hope I dont have to wait it out in my house. I hope to night time date by week two- I dont expect to go outside durring the day till July really- I will sew myself some neat anti sun exposure face wear- people are going to think I am crazy driving down the road.{edited - you can be contacted on the private contact form available to registered users} is my email please send me the photos- I am expecting to look like a swollen, oozy, purple monster for a week- I am sure I will cry a couple times for my old face back and wonder what I have done- as long as in the end its all ok I will be happy either way- without the wrinkles or happy to just look normal again. I am going in on the 9th. Thanks for being here.
Karen
Today is day 5 for me & I still have to take the Benedryl for the itching. The purplish redness is pretty much all gone except for a few tiny areas on my high cheeks under my eyes. The itching hasn't been horrendous ........... just there! I keep sort of rubbing my face, not actually scratching it but I still have to keep that Aquaphor on ALL the time & when I rub my itching parts its really gooky. So the Benedryl is a lot better & really effective in relieving the itching.
I think my skin looks really good but I'm not over the swelling completely either so it's hard to say if it looks that good from the procedure or from the benefit of the little bit of swelling I still have.
The pain was horrible during the procedure & the squeezy balls they gave me helped TONS. Plus I had double the pain meds ...... Vicodin, & Valium & the numbing cream. I had one vicodin & valium an hour before & then shortly before they actually did it I had another one of each pill. The numbing cream was put on about an hour before. I can only imagine how bad it would have been without that double pain med ! It felt like hot sparks on my face with some areas being more tender than others. BUT it doesnt last long & it IS tolerable & I hope the results are worth everything.
I had it for beginning jowls & that orange peel look to my chin area. There's no doubt about it that when you drive your whole lower face area is exposed to the sun. And when I used to drive to work for years, I was exposed to that. Plus, whenever I would do my fast walks, the sun visor I used only covered the part of my face from my nose up. So the lower part of my face was what I wanted fixed up by the Re:pair.
Edie
Edie - Thanks for the update... sounds as though you are well on your way to achieving wonderful results! I remember the itching all too well (UGH!), but it IS relatively short-lived. Once you get past the Aquaphor stage, Aveeno Calming Foam Wash and SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair are two SUPER products for lessening the itching and redness. Of course, do ask your doc if these are ok for you... what works for some may not be the best choice for all. Happy healing, and thanks again for keeping us posted! ~allie
Thanks Alie,
For the recommendations of the Aveeno Calming wash & the SkinCeuticals E.P. for the redness. I have my 1 week's follow up appt. on Wed & I am going to ask my doctor about them for sure.
I have been having to use the Aquaphor all the time because the other option they gave me wasn't moisturizing enough. It just soaked into my skin & it felt like I hadn't put anything at all on it. I had very dry skin to start out with & I think having the procedure done made it even drier, so the only thing that feels good on it for now, is the Aquaphor but I hate how shiny & greasy it feels & it attracts stray hairs onto my face, etc. I hope they give me something else on Wed.
I'll be so glad if some of this extreme redness goes away.
Edie
Karen - I had minimal wrinkling, but what I did have was mostly around my eye area. I believe it's reasonable to expect all the swelling has gone now (tomorrow will be 4 weeks), and I can definitely see (some) improvement of the wrinkles. Hopefully, the improvements will continue. :-)
I think we are all grateful (and fortunate!) to have this forum; it has certainly been a great source of information and support for me. You seem to have a great attitude, and to be making a well-researched, informed decision... that's a fantastic start!
Be well... allie
Karen, Thank you for reminding us all that this is a 6 month
results procedure!! I think we are all forgetting that.
Good luck with your procedure and keep us all posted.
I am four weeks today, and still spolthy red but doing well
cmc
Hi AliGrace,
I just had the fraxel repair done to my face and
neck two days ago. I know that you are much further along in the process than I but wanted to know if you can recall if the oozing stopped within 30 hours of the procedure?
Also how is your healing going at this stage? Many thanks,
mbjordan
Hi mb,
The oozing from Fraxel re:pair usually stops within 24 to 48 hours. Be well.
Dr.P
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MDChristine, the redness in you photo day 3 looks about what mine did on day 6. i am now day 7. swelling is much better on day 5 best of luck to you
I had Fraxel re:pair 6 days ago. The day before the treatment the doctor
said it would improve the treatment if he injected botox between my eyebrows and the outside of my eyes. I said I "was not fussed about wrinkles", but agreed to his recommendation (I was concerned about laxity in the jowls and neck). Tonight I discovered to my horror that I can not smile, not at all. I look like a freak if I try. It is grotesque.
My lips seem to fall in, the right side seems droopier.
I feel a tightness in my face and neck (similar to a clay facial). I never would have done this treatment if there were any warnings about this. What is happening to me? I was warned only about scarring and pigmentation risks.If anyone has any information, please let me know.
Don't panic. I think you are feeling the tightness from the treatment. My dr told me that Botox is not affected by the fraxel trt but the fillers should be done 2 mos prior to trt.
As to why you would do Botox the day before the treatment, I don't know. Follow Jackster's and Allie's advise and see your doctor,
Good luck and keep us posted
CMC, I asked my doctor for steroid cream as I am on day 5 and almost as swollen and red as day one. He said it could minimize the effects of the fraxel repair. Did your doctor say anything like this? I am desperate to get better.
Hi Christine, Hope today finds you doing better. Sorry I did
not reply yesterday, I didn't see this post. My dermatologist did not say anything about the cortisone minimizing result of
Fraxel and I forgot to ask hom today when i saw him. I really don't think it did too much with reducing the redness. I am
positive that you are going to see a big difference in a few days. I'm day 10 and i'm still red but looks ok with mineral make up. My doctor is very pleased with how things are progressing.
I saw Allie recommended Epidermal Repair by Skin Ceuticals. I have been using that also.
Let me know how you are doing
cmc
I am not doing to good. I have developed pockmarks, and i have not changed much since day 2 ( today is day 7) My doctor sent my photos to fraxel, but they don't know what to make of it. I am very nervous. My face is still raw, so I am only doing the aquaphor. Strange thing is that parts of my face are healing, and other parts won't.
Christine, I am so sorry you are not doing well. Could the pock marks be due to the yeast infection that the dr thinks you might have? or did you ask about the cortisone again?
i don't know what to say? My face was streaky looking. is that what you mean whenyou say some parts are healing?
I am day 11 and it is BIG difference from day 7
I am wishing you well
Pls keep me posted
cmc
Cristine, When I was at dr's today one of the nurses wsa talking about a prdoduct she used after a peel. She said she was redder than I was and it worked VERY will - took away redness right away. I was from IS Clinical and it was
AQua or Hydra Cool? and also used a moisturizer also which took redness away, but i don't know the name of it
Google it , there are many sites
cmc
Hi, Anoushka, I was just wondering how you are doing today? Hopefully you were able to get some answers from your doctor. Hang in there!
Hi. I still can't smile properly- it is just sort of a line across my face. 2 days ago we thought we could see a slight improvement in that there is a slight upturn of the lips but today it has not improved further. I am nervous about this to the extreme. On my Monday visit to the doctor he said it was swelling
which will continue going southward and that my face has ederma fluid draining down. He said it would be about 3 to 5 days then he said about 7 to 10 days. Then he said doctors couldn't be using this if it wasn't safe or they'd be sued (frankly no amount of money is worth my smile). I spoke with him on the phone today expressing concern that this is not improved and he said to give it a month! He said I could come into his office for a second opinion by his colleague and mentioned that he didn't think it was possible they could have hit a nerve ending! My advice to anyone thinking of doing this treatment is don't. There was absoluely nothing in the list of warnings that I signed off on mentioning anything like this. Do the Doctor's with these very new machines have proper training? What are they required by law to know? Where are the clinical results of fraxel re:pair? I've spent time looking and have no answers yet. Does anyone out there know?
Hi Anouska,
I have written a separate post to you regarding your side effects from the treatment. I hope that you are getting better. I did not include anything about your question regarding training of physicians/nurses with lasers.
Most laser companies want to sell as many machines as possible, so the training is minimal. Some require a few hours training, others will send a "clinical training" employee from the company to guide the user through the first one or two treatments. Patients should seek out physicians who are board certified and who have had experience with traditional CO2 lasers. As with any other cosmetic treatment, choose your physician carefully.
The CO2 technology though made a lot easier and safer by Reliant with their fractionated CO2, but it is still a medical procedure requiring training, experience, and clinical judgment. I am afraid that with "everyone and their mother" getting into the "aesthetic business" there will be more unfortunate complication stories.
The laser companies are not shy about selling their "cosmetic" lasers to anesthesiologists, internists, gynecologists, other health care professionals with no or limited previous experience with lasers, and even to lawyers and business people who have a "supervising physician on premises" who is required to be physically present, but who is often present in name only.
I do not believe that it is necessarily the technology at fault, but we physicians do need to use the technology properly, and patients must take this treatment seriously and follow their post treatment instructions most carefully. I wish you a most rapid recovery. Please keep us informed of your progress. Be well.
Dr. P
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MDI think Fraxel is one of the better laser companies for training. They sent a nurse out to my office twice to train, assist in treatments, and answer any questions. They also have a 24 hour hotline to help with questions. As Dr. Persky says, you need to pick your physician well. Someone with a lot of laser experience, and has a lot of skin and wound care experience. Of all the lasers out there, the CO2 is the most aggressive, and really needs to not be taken lightly. This is a laser for doctors to use, and in my opinion, probably surgeons.
Were you on Valtrex this whole time?
View answers from Steven Weiner, M.D.Dear Dr. Weiner,
I was not on Valtrex at all. The doctor says that I do not have Bells Palsy and I have not had a stroke (to my knowledge I do not have herpes). I can whistle and I do feel everything on my face.
As I understand it, this has not had to be mentioned by the Fraxel company because in the 1000's of people they've treated it has never been a problem that doesn't correct itself with time.
My doctor is one of two doctors in LA with this machine. He agrees there is a real problem with my smile now but categorically assures me that it will correct itself in time and that I need to be patient, obviously inconvenient but nothing is as important as getting my smile back.
I have gone to one of the most highly respected doctors in LA and still there are problems like this that come out of the blue. After this experience, I won't be rushing to do another "procedure", that is sure.
Dear Dr. Persky,
Not much improvement in my smile. Upper lip seems to fall in. If you're eating an apple, the upper lip has to be moved out of the way (right side) so that it's not bitten instead. Strangely, it is the left side that pulls grotesquely down. Very tight around mouth, chin and cheeks. Speaking socially is trying and feels like a workout. If it keeps tightening, could it close my mouth even further? Yet, I see no improvement in jowls area. Could it still be swollen, day 16? You said you'd need the settings to comment, here they are:
face m.l 30 TL 7
eyelids m.l 15 TL 6
neck m.l 30 TL 6
Would appreciate your feedback.
A
Hi Anoushka,
Your treatment levels seem moderate (certainly not excessive), I treat at higher levels and have not had any problems. It is difficult to comment on your case without examining you. E-mail some photos if you can. If your symptoms are related to your treatment, they should resolve with time. Again you need to be under the care of your treating physician, or whomever you are referred to for evaluation. I wish you a rapid recovery.
Dr. P
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MDAnoushka, did you call your doctor? Maybe it's hard to smile because of the swelling or dryness. I really don't have any expertise but try to relax and get some info from your doc. BTW where did you have the Fraxel?
Good luck!
I definitely agree with jackster that you should get in touch with your doctor if you haven't done so already!
It was my understanding that it was best to wait one month after dermal fillers (such as sculptra, juvederm, perlane, evolence, etc.) before having Fraxel Re:Pair, but I don't know about Botox since it isn't a filler, per se.
I hope it gets better for you super-soon! Please let us know how things progress, and most of all, take care!
Hi. I have never had any fillers. My doctor said that the botox is not the problem. It doesn't migrate. In addition it was done 24 hours before the fraxel re:pair. (though I didn't ask for botox or mind my few and fine wrinkles-the doctor thought it would improve the fraxel treatment overall)
Anyway I've been told my cheeks look frozen and as I've said, I don't have my smile.I did 3 short ice packs today, can't see swelling and feel tightness around the chin and lower jowls now. going into day 11.
I traveled to see this doctor who is in Los Angeles and is supposed to be very well respected but his answers are not reassuring. What are the dangers of the this procedure, does anyone know?
Anushka,
I truly feel for you. I am on day 8 and also having issues, and freaking out about scarring over 60% of my face.
I think the doctors are going deeper then they did originally on the fraxel repair, and things are happening that they aren't expecting. My doctor emailed my picture to Reliant (fraxel) and a bunch doctors, and no one has an answer for him.
I wish you a speedy recovery, I am sure you will, it is just a waiting game.
Thank you for your reassuring words. Mouth trembles. Hard to eat properly.
Christine and Anushka please let us know how you are doing today. I hope you are doing better. Each day gets better!
cmc
I second that...you are both in our thoughts and sending lots of good, healing wishes!
Hi. I saw my doctor today. He gave me a shot of B12 and another
of cortezone (sp??!). He promises a 100% recovery and showed me charts of the depth of the laser and how far away from the nerve endings that is. Also gave me all my records, intensity of laser which varies at different parts of the face and neck. He has spoken with fraxel and is cross with them to have been given the 7 to 10 day information regarding healing because this is not going to be true for everyone. Obviously for me this is going to be a longer process. The doctor promises by July 4th I'll be fully recovered and hopefully much sooner. There is a slight improvement from last week and yesterday, I'd say 15% (this was my friend's estimate). I feel tightness around the mouth when I eat now.Have been given a course of MethylPredniSolone to begin tomorrow. All i can say is the doctor is one of the most highly respected and qualified doctors in LA. He's asked me not to fixate on this anymore and give it time to get better, which he promises it will, so I'm going to try to follow this advise as the stress will not help anything.
Hi Anuskhka, You sound more upbeat today. I know it is hard not to stress about this but the doctor gave good advise. We
all know what stress can do to out bodies.. I have a feeling you will be fully recovered before July 4th...
I am day 14, still have redness but better every day. This certainly is NOT a procedure that you have done and go back towork in a week or 10 days and no one knows you had something done. but actually as I am writing this I did see
someone at 1 week and she just looked slightly pink, but she was much darker skinned than I am. I guess it's different for everyone
Hang in there, keep your spirits high and definetly let us all
know how you aare doing
Best wishes
cmc
Dear Cristine,
How are you feeling now?Have you improved? Thank you for your comment.
My doctor assures me I will get better and smile again, that every patient has a different reaction. No two people are alike etc.
Are you seeing a top doctor and what kind of skin do you have? I am now thinking in terms of a month to recover and am so concerned about this that I have not paid the slightest bit of attention to the "benefit"s of the treatment . Send news about your progress. Hoping it is speedy.
Best wishes. A
Anushka - Hoping you are feeling better today - physically AND psychologically! Please know you are in our thoughts, and we are wishing you a speedy recovery and fabulous results! ~allie
AllGrace and CMC, thank you for your comments. I'd say I have 20% of my smile back from day 6, now on day 15. The sides of the mouth are still different and tight. I am considering posting a before treatment smile and showing what happened to let people see that there are risks involved and the treatment should not be taken lightly. Provided all goes well with me, I'll have postponed my work for a month and have felt that my life was turned upside down, in a most frightening way. I still have the feeling that my doctor does not know exactly what has happened, perhaps because Fraxel is not forthcoming enough.
On the treatment side, still quite pink, skin less rough, fairly uniform, though neck has gone white in one spot and red elsewhere. Does anyone else
have splotchy skin anywhere?
Take extra special care in the sun, Bermuda is hot!
A - I'm so sad to hear you are still having issues... I do hope improvement is forthcoming. I am two days shy of the four-week mark, and I have recently begun to notice some splotchiness here and there. It seems to be temporary for the most part, and is easily covered up with a light dusting of mineral powder. I have a follow-up appointment this week, so am looking forward to hearing what the doc says about my progress at this point.
Please keep us posted on your progress, and know you remain in our thoughts. ~allie
Hi Allie,
Glad you're back! Thanks for the positive wishes. The left and right side of my mouth are still very different and in the morning when I try to I smile in the mirror i still only see only a bit of my front two teeth and a bit of the 2 teeth next to them. It seems whatever mussels lift the lips to cause a smile are not working.
I'm sure the blotchiness will go away for you. They said the redness etc could take up to 3 months. Are you having any other issues and are you having any positive results in terms of tightening etc.?
Take care,
A
A - Thanks for the welcome... Bermuda was gorgeous, but it's great to be home! :-) Other than the random blotchiness - which is minimal today - the enlarged pores on my nose are my only "issue" at this point. I don't really notice any firming/tightening at this point, but I've resigned myself to being patient for that... I don't really have much choice, right? ;-)
I do hope your smile will return to its original beautiful state very, very soon. You remain in my thoughts & prayers. ~allie
Hi Christine - I am much better today a little less red but still quite red. I put on mineral liquid foundation as i had to work today and everyone thought I had a sunburn. I feel
Christine that on day 7 you will start to see a difference.
I did use Biafine cream which dr gave me, it is for redness
and he also prescribed me Desonide, a cortisone cream.
I actually feel like days 1 2 and 3 were easier, no pain
then the itching and the tightness starts and the red doesn't go away!
Hang in there and let us know how you make out with the dr
tomorrow
Thanks,cmc. You sound more upbeat tonight...I am happy for you. It appears we have the same facial concerns as I am more interested in tightening then texture also, but nicer skin tone would be a bonus.
Keep healing and keep posting!
Hi Jackster, I saw the dr today and he was very pleased. He said things are looking very good. Someone in work today commented that my skin looked tighter. It's still that skin under the chin that bugs me but i think i told you the skin on my neck is definetly smoother so that's a plus.
Will kee[ you posted
cmc
Thanks for the update, cmc. I am glad you received such a good report from your doc and that other people are noticing as well. That must make you feel much better. Tell me, if you don't mind, were you concerned about your jowl line as well as under your chin? I sure wish I could find someone that had this procedure a few months ago so that they could give us all something to look forward to! Stay well and I look forward to hearing from you again.
hi Jackster, yes i am concerned about jowl line but not as much as under chin. It is defintely more noticable from side, which I guess is the case with everyone. My skin does look
good although today I noticed under my eyes is loosening up just a tiny bit. I think your skin is very tight as it is healing. I had my hair cut yesterday and I told the hairdresser about the fraxel and she was telling me about
another hairdresser (who was not there) who had the LIfe Style
Lift and was extremely pleased with it. She showed me her picture and she did look incredible. She is 56 yrs old.
She had it a year ago and is still happy.
Talk to you soon
cmc
Good morning, cmc.I can't thank you enough for your updates. I'm still a bit confused but all this info is helpful. Might you have any before and after photos you would be willing to share? I will send you my eaddress if you would prefer not to post.
Hope you are enjoying your new "do" and face, and have a great weekend!
Hi Jackster, I'm doing very well today. Redness is turning to pink, and with mineral make up it is hardly noticeable.
I don't have after pics, but my dermatologist has pictures the day of prodcure, day 7 and day 10. I will try to get them.
I'm seeing him the 29th.
I feel for Christine and Anouska,sounds like they are having
quite a rough time. The only negative I've seen on Fraxel is
a lawyer website and it is about hyperpigmentation, which is NOT supposed to happen with Fraxel as it did with the older CO2 lasers. I'm sure everything is going to work out fine,
Are you still having doubts?
cmc
Good morning, cmc. I am so pleased to hear you are doing better every day. Are you glad you had the repair thus far? I definitely have mixed feelings, but I also know I NEED to do something and fortunately or unfortunately, repair seems to be the procedure that fits for me. I see the derm on Tuesday, so if I feel really comfortable with her, I will probably book it.
I have been following both Christine and Anouska. I hope for both their sakes it is just a case of not healing as quickly as expected.
Keep up the healing as well as the posts!
With much gratitude and many thanks.
jackster
Hi Jackster, yes so far I am glad I had the repair. Am still a little red but my skin is unbelievable. I had pretty good skin before the repair and as I have said before I did it more for the tightening as I was not quite ready to do a lower or mini facelift.
Today my skin feels baby smooth and you can hardly see the pores. I must have scratched myself during the night as i have a scratch on my forehead but that will heal. Skin also looks luminous!
I also will say I hava lot of faith in my dr. I've been going to him for years and I have a lot of trust in him, He is known to be an expert in his field when it comes to laser trt. He did extensive trainng for Fraxel in at Mass General Hospital in Boston and he also speaks on laser treatment at various seminars and or conventions. All this said I believe you really have to be comforable with the dr who is performing this procedure as it is an agressive trt compared to Fraxel restore which is not as agressive as it is done in more than one visit. But I did read on this forum that doing more Fraxel restore trts still does not compare to one Fraxel repair.
Ask your dr lots of questions! i asked my dr. on my thurs visit if i has an agressive trt and he said it was moderate ans i did not have a lot of deep wrinles but was more agressive around my upper lip and chin and that's where i am more red than pink and i feel a "tightness" in these areas still.
Let me know how you make out and what you decide.
cmc
cmc, yes I did get this post and I'm sorry, I thought I had responded to you. I see the derm on Tues. so I will let you know what I decide after that. I am becoming more inclined to go with the treatment if I feel comfortable with the doc. We'll see. I know you are going away, but I'll still post and you will have lots of reading when you return! Thanks again for all your input.
Hi Jackster, How did you make out with the dr on Tues
did you make any decisions?
cmc
Hi, cmc, hope you are enjoying your vacation. I glad to hear that you are doing well and are pleased with your results. After seeing the doc, she thought that doing my eyes with repair and a mini lift would give me the results I was looking for. So I am scheduled for the eyes on 6/10 and need to decide on a ps for the lift. I will keep you posted and look forward to hearing from you.
Hi CMC, I was wondering how your treatment is progressing, what day you're on and if you know the levels you're doctor used on you? I'm fairly happy with my skin too and went in more for the tightening effect. Can you see any results?
Best,
A
Hi Anoushka, I've been away - I am on day 22 still some splothy spots. I actually liked the way I looked last week
better - had alittle more fullness to my face. My skin is very smooth, but as I have said before that was not the issue for me - wanted some tightening.
As far as levels, I do not know offhand. I remember hearing
twenty eight? and thirtysomething. I am going tomorrow so I will ask. My dr said he did a moderately aggressive trt on me.
Hope you are doing well - have you heard how Christnie is doing?
cmc
CMC - Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Naples! :-)
I, too, have been dealing with some random splotchiness. Though it is easily covered with the Youngblood makeup, it is still a bit unnerving. I have a follow-up visit with my doc this week, and am hoping he'll tell me it's normal at this stage, and will subside soon. *fingers crossed* I have also noticed that the pores on my nose appear larger in the past few days than pre-FR; not huge or anything, but certainly more noticeable than before. Have you encountered anything like that?
Overall, I am most impressed with my upper eyelids at this point; they were not an issue for me before, but the improvement has been awesome! Still no noticeable tightening for me, either, but I'm (STILL) trying to be patient. ;-)
Have you received your order from Jules yet, and if so, what do you think so far?
Hope all is well... allie
Hi Allie. Welcome back! Hope your vacation in Bermuda was great.
I do notice larger pores on my nose at first but they seem to have gotten smaller and now on my upper lip. Treatment was most aggressive on upper lip and chin and that is where I am the most red.
I did not have my upper eyelids done as I had a little trouble closing right eye after bleph which had to be corrected so I was nervous that if they tightened any more I would have that issue. Although I wish I could have done for the smoothing out of the fine lines on my lids. Maybe I can do restore for that at a later date.
I did receive my products from Jules. I was going to ask you how you use the Bio-Identical HA - do you compress over your whole face? I did not receve any directions with order.
As far as the Amazing Day and Eye Cream she said to use at night only. It does not feel very hyddrating to me but I am going to continue with it. You do use the Day and Eye cream?
Talk to you soon
Cmc
CMC - Thanks for the welcome home. Our ship was a huge disappointment, but Bermuda was gorgeous, and we made the best of the trip. Still, it's good to be home.
I, too, had post-bleph issues, though I only had the lower done. As I mentioned before, I have seen the most positive improvement (thus far, anyway) on my upper eye area.
I HATE that Jules forgot to send your instruction sheets. If you'd like, I'll see if I can scan one of mine and send it to you. She used to have a, "Julie - I lost my instructions" page on her site, but I looked this morning and could not find it. I have been using Julie's products for 4 years or so, and the HA is my favorite product. I compress with it as follows: I wet a clean washcloth with hot water, then fold it (twice) into a square. I apply 4-5 drops of the HA to the washcloth, then press the cloth against one side of my face, holding it there (firmly) for 5 minutes or so. I then re-warm the washcloth with hot water, add one more drop of HA, and compress the other side of my face. I do the same for my chin, then my forehead. Since my FR, I have also been applying a thin layer of the HA directly to my entire face and letting it sit for a half hour or so before I do the compress. I just relax and watch TV or gab on the phone while I'm compressing, then light wipe the residue afterward and apply moisturizer before going to bed.
After looking at Julie's site this morning in an attempt to find the aforementioned instructions page, I noticed she has indeed apparently come up with a new formulation/variation of her "Amazing Day Cream"... she now has both "New Amazing Day & Eye Cream" and "Original Formula Amazing Day Cream". I can't readily discern from her site what the differences may be between the two, nor can I comment on how hydrating the new formula is, as I only use the original. I apologize for any confusion _I_ may have caused by having been unaware of the new variety. I'll give Jules a call today and see if she can enlighten me.
Hope all is well with you today and you are seeing awesome improvements! TTYL - allie
Hey Allie, thank you so very much for your detailed innstructions on HA use. I did email Julie re Amazing Day and Eye cream and she told me just to use at night, I think it is being renamed. Compared to other products I have used it just
does not seem very hydrating. Is the old formula hydrating to you? I do not have dry skin.
I'll keep you posted
thanks again for all your help
cmc
Jackster, u did get my answer to this?
I had my first Fraxel tx a month ago but in the last couple of weeks I have developed red bump-like looking areas. They are not raised but rather just beneath the the surface. Is this something that occurs with Fraxel normally? My second tx is coming up on May 23rd. I want to proceed as I do notice some difference in the tightening of my skin already. I do play tennis and golf but wear sunscreen and hat; I do not sunbathe and am using non-oily products bought from my plastic surgeon (Obagi).
Hi Jeanie - I had Fraxel Repair (this is only 1 aggressive
session) I had done on May 6. Yesterday I saw my dr for
folow-up and he said everything was good. Last night I felt a
bump underneath the surface on my chin. I figured it was from using so much Aquaphor.\
Just wanted to fill you all in, within 24 hours I got a lot better!!! My doctor, who has worked very hard in finding a solution including over the weekend to help me, gave me Vigilon primary wound dressings. They help and water to the skin and you wear them for about 10 hours, it made a huge difference. if anyone has trouble healing I highly recommend them.
Christine,I am so glad to hear your good news. Hopefully, you will be able to relax some now. Continue to keep us informed on your progress and stay well.
Christine, so glad to hear you are doing better!!! Deep us posted.
cmc
Christine, how are you doing today?? Continually getting better, I hope.
Just wanted to let u all know - I have been using a cleanser by Aveeno naturals called Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser with feverfew whcih i think has definetly helped the redness...
Hi Ali, So, how are you doing? How are the results at this point? I'm scheduled to get the re:pair on June 3 and your posts are making me re-think whether I should do it now. I'm 44 and I have that crepey skin under my eyes - and that really bugs me. And I have a bit of a hollow below the eyes. Dr. Weiner says that his results have been almost as good as doing a lower bleph. So, that was encouraging. However, you said that you were experiencing some worsening of your lower lid area. By the way - thanks for all the posts. Neil
Hi Neil, I am 13 days post fraxel repair also. I did this
mostly for tightening of the jowl area and under chin and neck
area. I was not too unhappy with the condition of my skin
texture and tone, but I am very pleased with how my skin looks at this point, very smooth and luminous although I am still
slightly red. I am also very pleased with the area under my eyes and my upper lip. As you know,results are progressive
Let us know what you decide
cmc
Neil - I'm doing well today, thanks for asking. Hope you are also. Any results I have achieved at this point are subtle - to me, anyway. I can tell more of a difference when I look at the progression of my daily pics... but still nothing earth-shattering just yet. Of course, I'm trying to muster up some patience so as not to get unnecessarily frustrated.
I'm glad you are doing your research and finding out as much as you possibly can about the procedure before undergoing it, but please don't re-think whether you should have the Fraxel Re:Pair based solely on my results at this point. There are so many factors that should be taken into consideration when considering results: the skill of the doctor, the machine settings/aggressiveness of the treatment, the patient's capacity to heal, the extent of the damage/degradation to the skin and areas of concern... I'm sure the list goes on and on, but you get the jist of it. And, of course, much of the improvement from the Re:Pair is supposed to be due to the production of new collagen; I'm not sure how much collagen it is reasonable to expect to have been produced in 13 days (for me).
Bottom Line: If the deepening of my undereye hollows is of particular concern to you, then you should definitely discuss it with Dr. Weiner. He seems very well-educated relevant to FR, and I can't imagine that he wouldn't be able to provide you with additional specifics. I'm hoping it is a temporary thing, of course... but I suppose only time will tell.
Don't hesitate to let me know if you have other questions... I can only relate what MY experience post-Fraxel has been, but there are a few other wonderful posters around here who are also post-procedure.
Be well... allie
Thanks for that reply. I've been reading a lot today about needling. Have you heard of this technique? It makes sense logically - they use a roller with a bunch of steel needles and roll it on your face - to cause an injury - and your body produces more collagen to repair the small injury. And - that causes the skin to become thicker and smoother. It seems to do the same thing as the laser -but in a more crude manner. I might try that first - before I go with the laser. I'm also trying to find more re:pair patients results with photos. If you can point me in that direction - please let me know. Neil
Neil - I am wholly unfamiliar with needling, but I agree that its wound-producing approach sounds like the same concept as Fraxel Re:Pair. Of course, while I can't recall the exact measurement, I believe the individual wounds produced by the FR are something like 1/16 the diameter of a human hair. (?) After your research of the needling procedure, what are its perceived benefits (your perception) over the Fraxel Re:Pair?
I have seen very few post-procedure photos of FR patients. As Jackster pointed out, Dr. Weiner does have some photos posted here on RealSelf. I may be helpful to note, however, that at one week post-procedure, MY undereye area was nice and plump and smooth, too... but it was obviously from the swelling. *I am implying no attempted deceit by Dr. Weiner in posting these photos, of course... I'm simply pointing out that MY tear troughs didn't become a post-FR area of concern until Day 9, I believe. Warmest Regards... allie
Neil, Dr. Weiner has some good photos, I just wish he were closer. Check them out here.
I would be very cautious about the "needling". The needles are so much larger than the size of a laser penetration. I would be concerned about scarring. You can look at my profile for photos from the Fraxel re:pair. Steve Weiner, MD
View answers from Steven Weiner, M.D.Hi Neil,
You are correct, 'needling" is the "poor man's laser" treatment. After the needling, vitamins are used on the skin to enhance the result. It is okay, but certainly no where near the effect of fractionated CO2 laser, nor can the skin be treated as precisely, and certainly the eyelids can't be treated. The treatment itself is quite a bloody mess as well. Good luck.
Dr. P
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MDDr. P, how do you feel about copper peptide creams after fraxel re:pair, and which one do you recommend.
Hi Dazed,
In his book "The Wrinkle Cure", Dr. Perricone suggests that copper peptide creams are effective for treating inflammation and cites Dr. Loren Pickart's site as the definitive source. Dr. Pickart recommends the regenerating copper peptide creams by Skin Biology, Neutrogena, and Procyte. I am going to recommend these to my patients who are having inflammation after 2-3 weeks following Fraxel repair, on an individual basis. Again, one must be careful and be watchful for any adverse reactions or allergies to the skin products. Thanks for bringing up this important topic. Be well.
Dr. P
View answers from Michael A. Persky, MDFollow up to my issues. Saw the doctor today (day 10) and was very excited because I felt I was doing better, and wouldn't scar. But, he is more concerned then before. The area is still raised, and he started talk of "how we can get rid of the scars once I'm healed."
I am on an intensive two day healing program, wish me luck and I will keep you informed.
If you want to see the pictures, email me. You may want to think twice, if I do scare it is over 50% of my face.
Hi, Christine, I am sorry things are not going as well as you thought, but know I am sending lots of well wishes. Yes, I would love to see your photos if you are willing. It certainly may help me make my final decision as to what to do.
Thanks and think positively!