Fraxel re:pair (repair) CO2 laser resurfacing
Fraxel re:pair (repair) CO2 laser resurfacing
Fraxel re:pair (repair) CO2 laser resurfacing
Provided by
63 year old 1 week after a Fraxel re:pair CO2 laser resurfacing to her face. Note the improvement in the wrinkles of upper and lower lids, and around the eyes. Steve Weiner, MD, Facial Plastic Surgeon, Destin Florida, The Aesthetic Clinique
61 comments
I have heard of a number of people who have developed under eye hollowness after repair. Have you experienced this and what would cause this?
I have not seen that. I suppose if the laser caused some of the fat to dissolve, this could occur. The laser should not get that deep. Other technologies like Thermage, Infrared, and other Radiofrequency devices get deep enough to affect the fat and can do hollowness. Fillers can reverse those changes.
View answers from Steven Weiner, M.D.What fillers would you suggest for undereye hollowness?
Again, I thank you for your time.
Restylane is my favorite, but Juvederm or Cosmoderm can be used.
View answers from Steven Weiner, M.D.Dr. Weiner - I have seen the pronounced undereye hollowness on my own face, post Fraxel Re:Pair. Today is Day 13 post-procedure for me. I realize the results of FR are supposed to improve over time as more collagen is produced, but is it likely that my undereye area could be adversely affected permanently?
How long would you recommend I wait before having Restylane in my tear trough area?
Thanks so much for your time, and your professional contributions! -allie
I would first get real good photos that are taken exactly the same way, preferably with a Visia system or something similar. Then go over the exact issue with your doctor comparing them side by side. It could be other things leading to this "look" so for me to cousel you about something that I can't see, and someone who is not my patient is not appropriate. I would wait a few months until anything is done.
View answers from Steven Weiner, M.D.Dear Weiner,
I had aggressive fraxel re:pair on just my lower eyelids to treat dark circles and lines(just one, very expensive treatment). I am now 3 weeks post treatment and have rings of puffy bags under each eye. Is this normal? When will they go away? Is there a chance that the fraxel has permanently worsened my under eye area?
Sue
Dr. W - I wasn't asking for counsel as much as opinion. I realize where liability is concerned, there could be a fine line between the two. Perhaps it is my lack of clarity in asking the question, but I can't think of a more appropriate way to word it. I am simply trying to determine if there might be some "side effect" of the FR process that could reasonably correlate with the deeper undereye hollows. -allie
As I have said earlier, the technology doesn't seem to go deep enough to affect tissue that deep. My settings around the eye are less than 1/2 of what I do for the rest of the face, so it makes it even more unlikely.
I read another of your posts. You report having crepey skin after an overzealous bleph. What's most likely going on is that the skin is now tighter and you can see the trough more. The Fraxel re:pair did what it was supposed to do.
View answers from Steven Weiner, M.D.Dear Dr. Weiner,
I posted my settings in the other page with a note for you.
I can now see a bit of my teeth when I smile but there is no movement in my cheeks so somehow the upper lip is falling under or is not governed properly from the area above the upper lip, like a chesire cat. It looks quite mad and deranged.. The two sides of my face also seem to have had a slightly different affect and one can see jowl lines jutting down from the mouth at different lengths and at different angles. Have you heard of anyone in the trials for fraxel having a reaction like this? Am I the only person this has happened to?
Laughing is out of the question. There is a good deal of tightness in my cheeks and near the sinus area when I need to speak at length.
I van open my mouth vertically as wide as ever. If you have any idea s I'd be grateful to hear.
Regards,
Anoushka
That absolutely makes sense... thank you. I hope I didn't sound as if I was questioning either the skill of my doc or the efficacy of the FR procedure; neither was the case. I truly was just trying to determine whether this was something I could expect to improve as the new collagen was rebuilt, or if I should go ahead and resign myself to the fact I was going to have to undergo Restylane (or other filler) injections to resolve the issue.
Hi I'm 55 years of age and going to go with the fraxel repair on June 22. You say it propotes the growth of collegen. My question is at the age of 55 how much collegen do you have? jcb
The thickness of your skin, as you age gets thinner. Collagen causes a thicker skin, less crepey, less wrinkles. I've done people in the 60's and seen great results.
View answers from Steven Weiner, M.D.Anyone,
I'm going to have repair done this coming Tuesday. After reading great lengths on the procedure I'm not sure if I want to go thru with it. I'm 44 years old--had a string lift checks 4 years ago and lower face about 2 years ago(loved it), but now want to take the fine lines and signs of aging off my face. Can you give me advice that will take some worry away and help me continue with the procedure? The not so positive comments and results are not helping my prerepair-anxiety!
There are several interesting expert Q&As about Fraxel on RealSelf. Click here for a list of Q&As about Fraxel. The questions about when and why Fraxel is recommended and how to prepare for Fraxel are especially interesting. I hope this helps. After you get your Fraxel re:pair remember to write a review and keep us posted on how you're doing. Good Luck!
Gaila - I think it's absolutely normal to experience a plethora of emotions prior to ANY surgery or procedure, and anxiety, apprehension, and excitement are prevalent among them.
I am nearly 8 weeks post-Fraxel Re:Pair, and am super-glad I had the procedure! I posted a review of my experience here on RS, and there are a few very helpful, in-depth discussions regarding the FR on this site as well.
Lastly, I know that some of us serve as a sort of patient education resource for our docs, allowing the docs to provide our e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers to their potential FR patients, who can then contact us to get an honest "been there, done that" perspective of the procedure, the recovery, etc. I would suggest asking your doctor if he has anyone serving in this capacity with whom you may be able to speak.
The best advice I can give you (worth exactly what you paid for it - LOL) is to research, research, research. An informed decision in usually a wisely-made decision.
Good luck to you, doll!
~allie
Allie--thank you for the reply. I'm getting the procedure along with my twin sister in the morning. I'm nervous, but feel better after more research. I trust my doctor and can't wait for the first 5 days to be over. Are you still red? I had the old co2 done years ago on my under eyes and my eyes were red for months. I understand this procedure will cause the redness for sometime as well? What is your experience so far? I go back to work on the 24th of July (principal of an elemntary school). I hope to look somewhat normal by then.
Thanks you.
Gaila
Gaila - That you are having the procedure along with your twin sister may be one of the coolest things I have ever heard... that rocks! My best wishes to you both for painless procedures, speedy recoveries, and fabulous results!
I am no longer red, and the worst of my redness was gone in about 2 weeks, I believe. I have heard similar time frames from others, but I'm sure you're aware that your actual skin tone and the laser settings used during your procedure - among other things - will contribute to how long your redness will persist. I will be glad to share my post-FR photos with you if you'd like... you can contact me directly by clicking on my name in any post, then selecting "e-mail aligrace".
I wore makeup for the first time post-procedure at 9 days, and it did a nice job of making me look like I had nothing more than a mild sunburn. My knowledge of the older CO2 procedures (and subsequent recoveries) is limited, but I believe you will see a MUCH faster recovery with the Fraxel Re:Pair than with your previous procedure.
Have a great evening... tomorrow's a big day! ~allie
Allie-thank you. I'm on the phone with my twin now and we both have read several blogs that say "don't do it." This has us still worried and we both are considering waiting a few more months before we go under the laser. If we do decide to go thru with it in the morning I'll keep you posted. I tried to see you pics but couldn't get in the site. I'll try again.
Thanks.
Allie, I had the work done today. I'm part blind right now due to swelling etc. It wasn't bad at all. I received some drugs along with a nerve block and was not uncomfortable at all during the procedure. I look awful right now .swollen, red, half blind, but no pain. I feel the Dr. was aggressive around my eye area and it looks the worse, but I'm doing my soaks per Dr. orders, and hoping for the best. The soaks are the worst. How did you get you face and neck covered at once for the soaks? And can you soak too long? I do feel tight, but I have my balm on. How aggressive was the treatment on your eyes??
Thanks,
Gaila
Gaila - I'm glad your procedure was relatively painless... that's a definite plus! I found applying the Aquaphor much more bothersome than doing the vinegar soaks; I hated that greasy, "goopy" feeling. I'm sure it did what it was supposed to, though, and that's what really counts... no one said beauty was easy to achieve, right? ;-)
I'm not sure about the "soak too long" question... perhaps Dr. Persky can respond to that one? I was instructed to soak for "at least five minutes", and to "soak longer for any areas with crusting". I pretty much tried to soak all areas for around 10 minutes each time. I didn't find a way to cover my face and neck at the same time, but perhaps another poster can offer what worked for them. (?)
I think the treatment on my eyes was moderate: 20% and 20mj. I'm guessing that since the skin in that area is thinner and more delicate, it's normal for that area to look worse, even with the lower settings. I had a couple of bruised-looking spots on my eyelid for more than 10 days... but there is no visible remnant of them now.
This forum is a fabulous place to do research, interact with others who are in or have been in similar situations, and get helpful tips and advice... but I strongly recommend directing any specific post-procedure questions to the doc who performed your FR. You invested a lot of money - and your FACE! - in this procedure, and any doctor worth his salt will take the time to address your concerns and respond to your questions, no matter how "minor" they may seem to you.
Wishing you safe healing and awesome results... allie
Dear Alli,
Thank you for your response. I'm doing pretty good right now. I don't like the soaks--the balm is not as bad to me. The doctor that preformed the procedure is someone I've been going to for over 15 years. She has worked with many different types of lasers etc. Very experienced and very dedicated to her patients. I test her and she is on top of me right now. I go back in today at 11:45. The office has called me twice--I do have a little red on my right eye and it itches. She said she would address whatever is going on today when I visit. She is good and I’d recommend her to anyone.
I'm just going to be patient and hope I have great results. I'm glad I did it. I was at the point of putting it off--I'm glad today I didn't. I guess unless I have something go wrong I'll stay glad...lol.
Thanks for the advice. BTW-your blogs are one of the reasons I did go thru with the procedure.
Sincerely,
GB
Gaila-
I'm glad that your experience has been good so far! I'm sure other RealSelf readers would love to hear more about your story. Please consider writing a review. You can update your review as you progress and hopefully start seeing some good results. Click here to review your experience with Fraxel.
If anyone else has an experience with any cosmetic procedure you can share your story, too. Click here to write your review.
Gaila - I am on day 6 of my Fraxel Repair. Like you, around my eyes were the worst and seem to be the area slowest to heal. I've been taking daily photos that I can email you if you would like. I was treated with the highest settings recommended.
The soaks were hard for me also. I purchased really soft cloth diapers and washed them. When I was ready to soak, I put one of the diapers in the microwave for a few seconds to disinfect and then soaked them in my vinegar water and then placed them on my face. I could do this while in bed. After soaking, I would use gauze and vinegar water to remove any crusting. I had IV sedation with my procedure, so I was still a little out of it when I got home, so the "soaking in bed" was better for me. I also kept my vinegar water in the fridge. The cold felt really good on my swollen face. I have had one follow up with my doctor and he was ok with "my method", but I would run it by your doctor before you make any changes. I'm healing much faster than I ever thought possible.
Keep us posted on your progress and if you would like to see my photos, please let me know.
Carla
Dear Carla,
Thank you for your email. I'd like to see your pics if possible. I'm now on day two and received the green light from my doctor that I'm doing well so far. I also received low settings and found the procedure very tolerable. I still don't like the soaks, but the nurse gave me some great pointers today and it made it easier for me to apply the gauze. I lay in an outside pool recliner, which I brought inside, and that has helped me apply the gauze quicker and not as messy. My eyes are still very swollen and red. I'll be glad when they begin to heal. I couldn't see for the first day and I'm still having blurred vision today. Did you experience that??
I'm in day two and now feel my face getting tighter and it appears browner. What should I expect next??
Hope to heal quick as you are-I've been taking pics I can email them to you if you like as well.
Take care, and please keep me posted.
Sincerely,
GB
Gaila,
The pool recliner is a great idea!
I did experience blurred vision. I had tons of swelling in my eyes. The corners would swell shut and I would get the aquaphor in them and they would be all gooey...yuck, but they are much better now, so hang in there.
I know the rough tan color you are describing on your skin. It was right after that mine began to slough off. That's also when the itching started :).
I am still really red, but a soft smooth red nonetheless. My acne scars are not visible at all, but I'm still swollen some, so I don't want to jump the gun and say they are they gone forever.
My issue now is extreme tightness. Maybe Allie or one of the great doctors can comment on this. I just feel tight, EVERYWHERE. Neck and face. Sometimes my face feels numb in spots and sometimes it just tingles. It's healing great and I just hope this is part of the healing process. My doctor said tightness is good and that I'm gonna get great results.
It sounds like you are doing great and I'm so happy to hear that. You can email me and I will send you my pics. I could not seem to locate your email address.
Carla
I submitted my email address. Am I allowed to give you my email through here?? I'm better each day. My eyes are still swollen and tender, and I still can't see well. Today is my 48 hour mark. I still have to soak my eyes and nose area, but the rest of my face I can start to put moister on not balm. My Dr. is watching to make sure I don't get a yeast infection. A spot on my nose seemed to alarm her to that. But I took the pink pill and put Monistat on the spot--seemed to work. I'm still a red mess but feel much better. I have read that you do get tight and tingle--part of the healing process. I'll send you my pics as soon as my hubby gets home. The pics are on the camera.
Glad you are doing better--when did they say you could start makeup??
Carla - What a great idea those diapers were... excellent! I, too, kept my vinegar water in the fridge, and found that to be very soothing. I'm so glad to hear your healing process is going well, and appreciate your keeping us posted. Wishing you amazing results... allie
Hi Ali.
wanted to fill you in on my progress. It has been three months, and it has been hell. As you know, after the fraxel repair I couldn't go to work or out in public for two months. My skin is scarred, but not so bad that people are doing double takes anymore when I walk by. Pigment issues are a new issue I am dealing with, the pigment looks like cat scratches, as they followed the laser lines. Again, not so bad that people stare.
Still working on the utube video. Had an issue with some photos. Did you ever hear how Anatuska did?
Christine,
What kind of scars do you have? I'm 4 weeks post Fraxel Repair and I'm having some issues also. My eyes are very slow healing and I can still see the laser lines also. I'm getting better, but it's very slow. What has your doctor said?
Carla
Christine,
I'm going on my 4th week post repair and my eyes are still sore and red, and I have had the laser lines--they are starting to fade each day. My doctor told me that area is thinner so it takes longer to heal and she wasn't concerned about the lines--she said my skin will heal and all the signs of the repair will heal. So far she has been right. Are the lines right under your eyes?? How much energy did your dr use. I was around 9 percent; my twin sister was at around 11. She also has the lines but they are fading.
Gaila - I'm so glad to hear all is going well for you thus far, and that you have a doctor who is not only experienced, but caring and compassionate as well... all of those qualities are SO important to the overall experience, IMO.
I'm also genuinely flattered to know that my posts were a contributing factor in your decision to go through with your FR today... thank you bunches! Of course, now more than ever I will hope you have stellar results! ;-)
Did your twin go through with hers today as well? I still think that is so cool!
Be well, dear, and happy healing! ~allie
Dear Allie,
I'm still feeling great right now. I'm crossing my fingers that I stay that way. I worry that the event has gone so smoothly that something will turn up wrong and ruin my good start at FR. I'm starting to get the dark brown look on my face--will I start to peel soon?? Just wondering what is going to happen tomorrow, but today was good.
My twin was running a fever the day of what was going to be our procedure, the doctor had her reschedule and is waiting for a medical release from my sister's Dr. before she will continue. Needless to say we were disappointed. I will most likely baby-sit her in the next couple of weeks after she has her procedure. She is watching me now to see how I turn out in the end. LoL
I have my next Dr. appt in the morning. I'll post how it goes.
Thanks,
GB
Allie,
I'm in 72 hours now. I still see the laser stripes on my face and my skin is a brownish color, sort of tight and I want to say feels maybe thick. Did you go thru this stage as well. I'm not seeping anymore, my swelling is going down, I'm still seeing blurry in my right eye. I guess I thouhgt I'd look better by now? I'm still soaking my face and putting on moister. Any advice?
Thanks,
GB
Gaila,
I did indeed go through a phase that sounds identical to what you describe. In fact, I saw the "stripes" from the laser for several days post-procedure... they actually seemed to randomly come and go or a couple of weeks. At 9 weeks out, though, I see no signs at all of them any more. I could look back at my post-FR notes and see when the last time I wrote seeing them, but everyone heals at a slightly different pace, and I wouldn't want to worry you if I happen to be faster to heal than you may be. (Does that make sense? LOL. The essence of what I'm trying to tell you is that the stripes are common for post-FR, and do disappear).
I'm hoping your vision is better by now, and that you are healing nicely overall. Please update me when you have the time and inclination.
Best Regards...
allie
Dear Allie,
Thanks for your reply. I'm a complete 5 1/4 days into my FR. I have completely peeled--terrible...lol. Never peeled like that in my life. My skin looks great. Nice and pink--not red, almost like I have natural flush to my face, the top of my eyes are red, and parts of my neck. She was aggressive on my eye area. Right now I feel great--maybe a little tired from being up every two hours for two days, then another 3-4 hours a the next day. I think I really slept last night for the first time in 5 days....lol. All marks are gone and I feel I'm on the down hill slide to healing. I understand I may have another slight peel in a couple more days and some other hot spots show up etc, for some days to months.
My eyes have been the worse. I couldn't see for 3 days, and now it will come and go as I swell or not swell. But much improved, but they are still very dry and I'm having to put drops in my eyes.
My settings were low and I feel maybe I should have gone higher, but I did what the Dr. prescribed. 20 on my forehead, eyes, and neck. 40 on my face. 40 has taken the longest to heal. What were your settings??
Overall, if I need touch ups I'm going to do it. I could do this again easy. It looks and sounds worse than it really is.
How are you doing?? Do you still wear hats in the sun??
Allie,
I am so curious as to how your eyes are doing? I had the re:pair on June 26 and though the main swelling and redness has subsided, I am still left with puffy ring-like bags under my eyes (which were never there before). They are especially awful when I wake up. I haven't seen any improvement in them and I am getting worried. I live in Denver, but had the procedure done in NY City, so I can't just make an appt. with my doc. Any comments you have would really help!
Sue
Sue,
I had the repair done on July 1st. My eyes were the worst and are still tender. My twin just had her repair done and her eyes are very swollen and black. My eyes have been the longest to heal--my skin is wonderful, and I've experienced a remarkable lifting in the eye area due to the repair. I understand the eyes can swell for a long time.
Thanks,
GB
Gaila,
Thanks so much for your response! I guess I will have to "stick it out" and see what happens. I can hang in there for as long as I have to as long as there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Hope you continue to heal as well as you have been! Good luck to your sister as well!
Sue
Sue,
My eyes are looking somewhat better these days... my under eye hollows have filled in noticeably since my Fraxel Re:Pair. They were bothersome to me even before my FR, probably the result of an overzealous lower bleph several years ago, as well as the aging process in general.
I am so sorry to learn of your puffy under eye bags since your FR. I have a friend who recently had only her eyes done, and she has been experiencing an issue that sounds quite similar to yours. Her doctor told her that it could be resultant of the Botox injections she had in her crow's feet shortly following her FR. (?)
What product(s) are you using on your under eye area? I am using Obagi ElastiDerm and Neocutis Bio-Restorative eye cream.
I hate that I can't be of more help to you, but I do hope the issue will improve soon.
Take care, and happy healing!
allie
Alli,
Both my twin sister and I had the repair done now. I'm in two weeks and love my new skin. My eyes are my best feature up to date, and I've had some noticeable tightening at the jaw area, and my neck is smooth. My sister is a mess at the moment…lol. She is in her 48th hour of healing, but healing quickly. Our Dr. actually used a higher level of energy on her than me. She smokes and I do not--my skin was in somewhat of a better condition than hers. We are hoping for the same results for her as I am having.
Take care and glad to hear you are doing well.
Gaila
Hi, Sue. I just saw your post to Allie about your eyes as I have been away. I am also the friend Allie mentioned that is having the same under eye problem. My eyes were the only part of my face that had the repair. Have you shown any lessening of the bags as of yet? Mine have begun to saw some improvement, however like you they were not there before the treatment. My doctor swore before I left on vacation, that they would eventually go away. I keep waiting. Please let me know how you are doing. Hopefully by now you are bagless!
Thanks,
Jackster
Hi Jackster,
Thanks so much for your post! Lately, the bags are different day to day. Every morning, I can count on waking up to really puffy bags (something I never had the pleasure of doing pre-repair), but they go down over the course of the day, either a little or a lot with no rhyme or reason. Some type of bags are present all the time though. It is encouraging to know that your doc said they'd go away. I've been a bit obsessed worrying that they are here for good! When did you have the re:pair done? I am almost 5 weeks in now. Please keep me posted on your recovery!
Sue
Hi, Sue. I had my repair done on the 10th of June and the bags showed up about ten days later. The way I figured I have had two great eye days since the repair, days 8 and 9. I too have been obsessed about them never going away without having surgery to correct them which my ophthalmologist really has discouraged.(I have severe dry eye which is why I opted for the repair.) It was really only last Thursday that I woke up and noticed the bags were not quite as bad. Hopefully my doctor is correct about them going away, however I do think she was surprised the bags were so bad. She told me to use tea bags and/or cold packs which I have been doing as well as taking decongestants and antihistamines. All to no avail. My next appointment is the 11th of August so I guess for now I'll just wait and see what happens. Sorry, Sue but I don't remember if you had your whole face treated. If so, how is that coming along? Have you had any contact with the doc who did the treatment and if so what did he say?
Please keep me posted as well. It always makes things a bit easier if you know you are not the only one in the same predicament.
Stay well.
Jackster
Sue, I just came back from my doc...she happened to be in my area today so she did a quick look- see. She told me that she thought everything was going well and as the collagen continues to form the bags will continue to lessen. Of course today my eyes were the best they have been; not great, just better.
Hopefully your under eyes are also improving.
Keep in touch. :)
Hi, Sue. I was just wondering how your under eye bags are doing. Hopefully, better. Mine still fluctuate between OK and not so bad!
Keep in touch,
jackster
Gaila,
I'm so very glad you are progressing well, and are happy with your results thus far! I hope all went well with your sister's procedure, too, and that she will have wonderful results.
Overall, I agree with you about this being easier than it looks or sounds. I still feel I was underinformed about what to expect for the first week or so following the FR, but I also realize this could be largely due to the fact that the procedure was super-new when I had it done. Either way, I am thrilled with my results, and definitely would consider FR again should the need arise.
I do still wear hats when I'm in the sun for long periods of time. I still don't consider myself a "hat person", but I seem to be amassing quite a collection of them just the same. I am currently in Las Vegas for a few days, and they have been super-handy here. I still take Heliocare and wear sunscreen religiously as well. Gotta protect the investment, right? ;-)
Happy Healing!
allie
Alli,
I just emailed you before I saw this email. I do wear the hats--I'm not a hat person either, but yes, I will protect the investment!!
I love my results so far and would do this again as well if needed. I agree, the downtime could/can be scary if you are not well informed. I'm lucky--I didn't get red...red, just a nice pink that looks more like I'm flushed from the heat. Easy to fix with a little makeup--actually I think my face looks better without makeup now, didn't think I could ever say that.
I'm glad you are happy with your results as well--and remember I don't think I would have done this had I not read your blogs. SOOOOO glad I did.
Take care, and thanks for keeping us informed.
Sincerely,
GB
Gaila,
I have not received any e-mail from you? Anyway - good for you that you are protecting your FR investment... it will definitely be rewarding.
I must agree completely regarding your sentiment about looking better without makeup since the FR... I never, EVER thought I would go "out and about" sans makeup. I'm actually finding it quite liberating (*lol*)... not to mention a real time-saver.
It really is so very kind and thoughtful of you to credit my posts with helping you decide to have FR... thank you. I'm betting you would have ended up doing it anyway, but what really matters is that you did... and that you're loving the results! Congrats (again) to both you and your twin sister! (I'd love to see pics sometime!). I'm so happy for both of you.
Take care, doll...
allie
I think the comments in realself are skewed (ie, the people with good experiences aren't as inclined to write about it). My clients are extremely pleased. Choosing your physician carefully is extremely important. A CO2 laser is a very powerful laser, and should not be taken lightly. It is absolutely something that should be operated by a physician, particularly one which has laser experience. Post procedure care is very important. Fractional CO2 is the next huge wave of lasers, it's all that is discussed at Plastic Surgery Meetings. There will be some complications, just as there are with surgery, fillers, and botox. The results with a 30 minute procedure with 5-7 days of downtime are unparalleled.
Steve Weiner, MD
View answers from Steven Weiner, M.D.Facial Plastic Surgery
Destin, Florida
I'm scheduled to have the procedure in the morning with my twin sister. But am still rethinking it. I may not go thru with it in the morning. I need to talk to the doctor again. Thank you for your comments!!
Carla,
I've been reduced to 4 hour washes and after tonight I only have to wash my eyes and nose every 4 hours the rest twice a day and add moister not balm. My nose looks a mess--waxy white and I guess peeling?? Is that what your nose did? I do have some white heads popping up here and there. My skin is also a tight brown that is now in some spots starting to look a pink thru a wavy, waxy skin I'm assuming. At this point I'm wondering how to really clean my face. I'm soaking and dabbing as I was told, did you do anything that helped the skin peel off or just let nature take its course??
Allie--Carla--what can I expect next??
Sincerely,
GB
Gaila - It sounds to me as if everything is moving right along for you... that's awesome! My nose was the first area to peel, and I got numerous little "bumps" that looked like small whiteheads; I was told by my doc, though, that they were "exudates" (I think?), and were perfectly normal, though not attractive. I was also told not to do anything at all to "help" the skin peel away, as doing so could result in injury (i.e., scarring) to the tender new skin beneath. If you're like I was, the skin will actually peel/flake on its own much more quickly than you might think. The process itself isn't pretty, but just wait until you see all that amazingly smooth, gorgeous, perfect skin underneath... my husband actually joked at one point that he was going to have to mount a mirror on his chest just to get any attention from me. ;-) I hope all continues to go well, and you have awesome results... sounds as though you are doing everything you should be, and nothing you shouldn't! :-) ~allie
Allie,
Thank you for your reply. I'm doing all the things you mentioned in your email. One more question how do I clean my face now? I'm thinking of calling my Dr. in the morning to ask her (pager). I'm only directed to soak my eyes and nose...do I clean the rest of the area with the dove soap they gave me or just gently dab it with vinegar water to clean it and add the moisturizer?? I didn't ask that question today while at the Dr. office. Basically, my face healed much quicker than my eyes so now I seem to have two different types of cleaning needs?? What did you do?
Thanks, and I'm excited to see the new skin and I hope I look as good as you do!
My twin rescheduled for the 15th. I'm going to stay a few days with her to help her out.
Take care and thanks!
GB
Gaila - The cleaning/rubbing method was the most confusing to me. I had read over and over not to rub. However, I think rubbing and scrubbing are two different things. I had skin that was needing to come off so badly that it was forming balls and crusting over. Soaking alone would not remove it. I read where Dr. Steven Weiner had posted that you wanted the skin to come off with gentle rubbing "you want smooth pink skin" were his words. You can probably find that post.
I did the gentle rubbing on one side of my face and the skin came off and it looks great. I got afraid and did not do that to other areas and those areas are not healing nearly as fast and oddly enough, it seems it changed and now I couldn't get it off if I wanted. I will show you my photos as it clearly shows up in those. Keep in mind that while I did slowly and gently rub, it never caused stinging, bleeding or ANY discomfort. I used a slow gentle pressure. The areas where I left the skin are also the areas that itch now.
Also, I tend to really hyperpigment. In the past, if I ever allowed a pimple to scab over, I was left with a brown scar. I just hope that's not the case on the areas that I now believe I did not thoroughly clean. For me it was pretty easy to tell the stuff that wanted to come off, but I was paranoid of messing things up.
I too had those nasty little white heads. I believe mine were already present and the re:pair just brought them to the surface. Mine have already cleared up.
I hope this helps some. I know it's so confusing and you want to do the right thing. There are so many contributing factors that makes everyone skin so different. I'm sure you will have great results.
Carla
Dear Carla,
Thanks for the response. I just emailed Allie a couple of questions--if you could look at that email and let me know what you did as well it would be helpful. I'm confused as to when do I stop using the vinegar water on the part of my face that is basically ready to come off--my eyes and nose need a little more time. I had read the info from Dr. W that you are talking about. I'll go back and look at it again. Like you, I'm scared to death to do something wrong and mess up something that has been going fairly smoothly. I hope you don't scar--my major fear as well. I did this for improved results not new problems.....lol.
Were you able to find my email to send me your pics??
Thanks,
GB
Gaila,
I clean my entire face in the shower with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser. I then clean the other areas with the vinegar water. My doctor did tell me I could continue to clean my entire face with the prepared vinegar water as long as I wished and I kind of do that a little bit too.
I did just reread my instructions from my doctor and it says "soak and then wipe". So does wipe mean rub?....grrrr. Should this really be so hard? Bottom line, if you aren't scrubbing to the point of stinging, bleeding, oozing, etc...I think we are both fine :) The area that I cleaned the most (the cheek that looks so good), is the only area I had acne scars and they are gone! The skin there looks really good. I just hope they don't come back when the swelling goes down.
No, I'm sorry but I could not see your email in your profile. If you click on my username "crb101169" and then select "contact me", you can send me an email and I will respond with my pictures. I need to send them to Allie also.
Carla
Hi Everyone I am due to have Fraxel co2 on 11th of August and am reading your post's with great interest thanks for taking the time.
Kind regards Christine
Christine,
I'm on day 8 of my fraxel repair...if I can answer any questions or you would like to see my photos, please let me know.
Good Luck
Carla
Carla,
I know--it's the little details that get you. The big picture is there--it's the little things that are confusing. I keep rereading my instructions as well...Iol. I was told by my doctor to soak my eyes and nose each 4 hours -then add balm, since this is the area that is taking a little longer to heal. The rest of my face add moister, no balm(but I didn't ask her how to clean the rest of my face). I see the doctor again Tuesday. I'm going to list some question then have them show me what I should be doing. I haven't showered my face yet. I guess I'll do vinegar water soaks on my face along with my eyes, just not as often and keep adding moister until I see her Tuesday (I'll let you know what she tells me). How often did you add moisturizer at the 72 hour point (today is my 72 hour point). I'm starting to get the rough feeling across areas. Does this mean I'm peeling? I'm still a dark color and somewhat tight, but feel so much better. I can see more now as well--still a little blurred and my eyes seem to get tired. I didn't have acne scars, I did the procedure for texture and some lines around my eyes and mouth, as well as tightening the skin. I hope you get the results you were looking for. I've read that it really did help on acne scars. I'll send you my email address. How many days are you into your FR?? I'll send you the pics I have as well.
Christine,
Keep reading--the procedure wasn't too bad, your first 48 hours are the longest after that it's gets easier to care for the face, but I'm not far enough along with healing to see what I hope are great results.
Take care, and good luck.
GB
Dear Allie,
Thanks for your reply. I'm a complete 5 1/4 days into my FR. I have completely peeled--terrible...lol. Never peeled like that in my life. My skin looks great. Nice and pink--not red, almost like I have natural flush to my face, the top of my eyes are red, and parts of my neck. She was aggressive on my eye area. Right now I feel great--maybe a little tired from being up every two hours for two days, the 3-4 hours a day. I think I really slept last night for the first time in 5 days....lol. All marks are gone and I feel I'm on the down hill slide to healing. I understand I may have another slight peel in a couple more days and some other hot spots show up etc.
My eyes have been the worse. I couldn't see for 3 days, and now it will come and go as I swell or not swell. But much improved, but they are still very dry and I'm having to put drops in my eyes.
My settings were low and I feel maybe I should have gone higher, but I did what the Dr. prescribed. 20 on my forehead, eyes, and neck. 40 on my face. 40 has taken the longest to heal. What were your settings??
Overall, if I need touch ups I'm going to do it. I could do this again easy. It looks and sounds worse than it really is.
How are you doing?? Do you still wear hats in the sun??
Sincerely,
Gaila