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Anyone had a series of fractional laser resurfacing treatments?

By Kimber on 06 Mar 2007

Has anyone had a series of fractional laser resurfacing treatments?  I had fraxel laser 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!

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I had fractional laser resurfacing done on me about 3 months ago. It wasn't very painful. The treatment felt to me like getting snapped with a rubber band. My skin looks so much better... My pores are not a pronounced and the crease in my face from sleeping on my side has almost disappeared. I am really happy that I had the treatment.
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I had the Sciton Profractional XC done 1 year ago, my face was all bloodied after the procedure, it did hurt a bit, and I looked like a monster for 10 days... but I still think it was worth the pain, I had it done to correct pigmentation and some bad acne scars, the scarring didn't went away completely, but my face does look a lot smoother and even. The doc said it would look better with time, because it stimulates the collagen, and indeed he was right. So I totally recommend, the one thing that bothers is that I can't even think to go out without sunscreen, it seems my skin now is more dry and burns a lot easier.
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I had it 7 months ago and my face is now scarred, dicolored, wrinkled and burne scars, which I never had before this, just had a little small patches of malasma on my checks by Prevea Plastic Surgeons in Green Bay. If I could do it all over again I would not of had it done, my complexion was wonderful compared to what it is today. On top of that after they scarred me for life they would not help me in anyway, except if I wanted to pay them at that was 6 months later. They couldn't or would'nt take the time to even answer any questions I had or they just didn't know, which is what I think.Think about it a clinic as large as prevea using a laser, but don't know how it is used, which I was told the lady who did it was improperly trained by the head of the clinic, then to find out she had a year of beauty school training, what are they thinking.Then they didn't know how to treat me after words, so they told me I should go see a plastic surgeon in Milwaukee, which I called him and they don't even use that laser. This is a rather large clinic, I think they need quidance from other clinic, or be shut down. I have seen various docotors, no on is familiar with this laser, or won't use it because of the bad results people have had and can't help me either. Don't do it, you don't want to live the nightmare I'm living. My face gets worst by the day.
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Its the biggest rip off ever. I had it done a couple of years ago. It did nothing except make me look like someone beat me up. My face was red and swollen. I was stuck in the house for a week. I threw away a couple thousand dollars and my under eyes took over a year to fade. It gave me darker circles than I had before I had it done. Don't let anyone do this to you. Its complete bull. I had a plastic surgeon do it. It does work!!!!!!!!
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My face is worse also. Don't do it
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I am 55 years old and have had a couple of fractional laser treatments. The one I have had most recently is the Pixel Perfect treatment with a Alma Laser. The nurse did a total of 5 passes on my full face. It is amazing how the fine lines, pores, and texture has all improved! The thing is, most people have unrealistic expectations of this treatment. If you want "face lift" results, you need to do a face lift. But if you want improvement with little or no downtime and minimal expense, then a fractionated laser treatment is a great option
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I am devastated by depressions and worsening of scars on my face from 2 profractional procedures. I have insomnia, depression and anxiety because of this.
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To anyone out there who has fibromyalgia and is thinking of having fraxel laser resurfacing.....don't!
I didn't realize at the time I had 3 treatments back in 2007 that I had fibromyalgia. I have since learned that Fibromyalgia causes the skin to scar easily and the fraxel laser just made my small pores look large.
I am so so sorry that I ever had it done. There are days that I just want to cry when putting on make up. Nothing seems to cover them up.
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Thanks Utica,

This information is great for our community. If you have time, posting your experience in a review would be even more helpful and have a bit more reach. Thanks for joining the community and please keep me updated.

Thanks,

-Britt

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I had my first fractional CO2 laser treatment 7 months ago, and although I had an improved overall result, there are still a few areas that I am not happy with. I still have lines and some creping under my eyes,the pores on the sides of my nose are still large, and my smile lines are still apparent. Has anyone needed a 2nd treament of this procedure, and if so, were the results improved?
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I had a Fractional (Lutronic Mosaic 1550) laser treatment two days ago (today is day three). I was expecting to be red and swollen for a few days but was in no way prepared to look like I do today! I have brownish/reddish squares in a grid pattern all over my face and am VERY swollen. I've been reassured that this will heal with good results but, I must admit, I am a little nervous. I have been icing and moisturizing regularly and have done nothing strenuous. Yet I still look like someone took a hot waffle iron to my face! There is NO WAY I can leave the house... seriously, no way! Has anyone else had this treatment with these results? If so, how long did it take to heal? Are the dark marks completely gone? Thanks!
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I'm canceling all my appointments
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On Mon., Nov. 24 I had the SmartXide treatment done on my face and neck. This is the newer, less ablative version of the old Fraxel. The laser shoots little dots onto your skin, so I am left with what looks like a patchwork face. I have been off from work since that Monday & I go back tomorrow, Dec. 1. Hmm, I'm ging to look very strange. I still have lots of redness from my nose to my chin and lots of dark, dried up skin on my cheeks, jaw & neck! I guess I'll pile on the makeup for tomorrow. On some areas of my face, I can see the newer skin & it does look great. Except for the recovery time being longer than I expected, so far so good. During the procedure, there was some stinging pain involved, but the worst things was that my skin felt like it was on fire. It took about 2 hours after the procedure for the burning sensation to go away. As far as aftercare, I received a kit made by the Smartxide people. But I have also been using the TNS Recovery Complex which is great for burns. It's expensive but I think it helps in healing my skin when it's been lasered.
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HI IRACAIRLEY HOW WAS YOUR SMARTXIDE TREATMENT? ARE YOU HAPPY WITH RESULTS??? I AM STILL THINKING OF DOING IT MAYBE THIS MONTH. I WANT MY SKIN TIGHTEN AROUND THE EDGES OF MY LIP AND NOSOLABIAL, EYELIDS, I WOULD LOVE TO GET THAT YOUTHFUL PLUMP LOOK HOPE YOUR HAPPY WITH RESULTS.
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Hi, Zorimar. The jury is still out on this one. Had this done 11/24; today is 12/6/08. Most of the "little dot" crusts are gone, but I am still red. I have been able to do a pretty good job of hiding the red with makeup meant for use after cosmetic surgery. My skin healed quickly meaning the tiny areas where my skin was a little raw are healed. That happened by the fifth day or so. My skin does remain sensitive though so I'm careful when I wash. The biggest surprise for me is the recovery time. I expected that by now the redness would be gone. What I see under the redness is that the texture of my skin hasn't changed which is one of the things I wanted. Maybe too soon. Having said that, I also think that the marketing of SmartXide makes you think you'll see quick results but you won't. I definitely wanted to believe this! I think you have to wait a month or so. Even my doctor told me that I would need to wait about a month to see the effects of the collagen growth. Plus this is supposed to be the next step up from Fraxel which my doctor says totally lasers off the surface of your skin (unlike the little dots in smartxide) so the recovery time is really long. So I guess I need to keep that in mind. Within seven days I was at work with makeup, probably looking a little strange if you really looked at me, but I was there and looked decent. Right now, I have already schedule my second smartxide treatment for 12/20. Before then I'm watching my skin like a hawk. Depending on what I see, I will keep the appointment or I'll cancel. I'll post my progress here.
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I hear the total fx w deep fx is a one time treatment and works better then all the other lasars. has anyone tried this? I have an appointment next week w/ a doctor for a consult.
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hi jackie22 well the smart dot laser is also a one time treatment the doctor told me. its suppose to be the newest co2 laser. and a few states has them because its so expensive from Italy the Deka. im still deciding myself what laser i want. i want it to work good and was hoping to finding something less than 2,000. that will tighten and plump up the skin.
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lracalriley, did you have the smartxide done in san antonio? were you pleased with your doc? did you have acne scars you were trying to get rid of or just large pores?
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Tacobellfreak, I did have it done in SA. I am OK with the doc-not the greatest customer service but the price seemed good and I have had the doc do a firming laser & retexturizing laser on me a couple of years ago. So I felt comfortable going back. I have some light (not too deep) acne scars and patches of large pores. I'm very light skinned with blotchiness & redness around my nose. I think you could say my skin is coarse & thick. I just turned 55 so my skin is getting drier but I have a huge problem with whiteheads & blackheads! Although my skin still looks pretty good for 55, it was starting to get crepey with tiny little surface wrinkles. So any or all of these things would be nice to get rid of with the Smartxide. Monday Dec 8 made 2 weeks since I got lasered. It wasn't until this past Friday that all of the tiny dot scabs had fallen off. I still continue to show some redness, actually light pink, on my neck, but it feels so smooth & soft! Now let's see if it tightens up any. Now to my face. The doc told me that she used a really high setting near my eyes to try to help with my sleep creases, so I'm still redder there than anywhere else. But I'm able to cover it up just fine. Where I really wanted to see some change was in the texture of my skin and I think I'm seeing that. Even though the little scabs have flaked off, I see some very fine peeling going on, but when I step back from the mirror my skin looks much smoother and less blotchy than what I recall. I'm really excited about this and hope that I continue to see improvements. As I said in earlier postings, I think it's going to take at least a month to truly see the results. SO far I like what I'm seeing and I have my next appointment late next week!
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hi Iracalriley what was your their price range in South America. what part of south America??? near Columbia or Ecuador? I know its cheaper of course you would want a reputable Dr over there. im planning to go their this summer. haven't researched what lasers they do over their. its good to know they do the smartxide. thanks for letting us know on your progress. be patient. my aunt felt the same when she had the treatment. first three days were the worst. i live with her so i know
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SA meant San Antonio, Texas. I paid $1700.00 for one treatment. My sking has definitely improved but not to the point I would have liked, but it hasn't even been a month yet. I am having a second one on 12/21. I hope that's a good idea since I've seen some stuff on the 'net saying that one treatment is all that is needed. How many did your aunt have?
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ooh ok. well im in Phoenix,az area. he charges 2300 and sometimes he will give 20% off. i went in mar it was 2000 he quoted me 1700. he said its one time treatment only laser. he said in rare cases it may be two treatments. offers free consultation. I can give you his web it talks about the laser. this can help with your research. did they use the Deka machine from Italy. i would research more before spending another chunk of money on something you may not need. can you call clinics in your area where they do this same laser and if they reaquire more than one treatment. its been 6 mos my aunts sag in the jowl are looks great. the sag area got a lot firmer. the collagen plumped the sag area. its still slightly there. it improved 80% in my opinion. it awesome instead of getting going under the knife and sometimes your face changes. good luck.
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I would do the Smartxide DOT laser. It's a new type of laser that used co2 to really build collagen and pigmentation. I manage a med spa so I go to alot of classes and have alot of reps come through our door. We have done the treatment on our physician and I have seen two more treatments being performed. Results are amazing and down time is cut in half compared to traditional lasers. In fact we loved it so much we are in the process of purchasing one. Look it up on thier website, they have great before and after treatments. Your fair skin is a plus when it comes to lasers.
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I am due for my 3rd treatment with the fraxil. I am impressed thus far with the results I have got. I have pitted acne scars as well as bigger ones. I have noticed it is better, my skin seems cleaner looking and my husband even noticed (doesn't notice with change in hair color) I haven't noticed any change in my crows feet or lip wrinkles yet. My recommendation is to put on a topical numbing cream and take pain relievers! If you don't have the good stuff, take at least 2 extra strength tylenol right before you go in (like 30 minutes) and I took some a few hours afterward. It helped, I actually thought it was less painful the second time (the first time I had the topical but no pain reliever) So I look forward to the next two treatments, and maybe I will be able to look in the mirror and not see all my imperfections! I do wish you all the best with this!
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Does anyone know of a good doctor in Maryland who has done the active/deep fx treatment with good results? Thanks. Suzanne Editor note: The comment has been moved. To access this furum go tothe Maryland doctor recommendations forum
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