Anyone had a series of fractional laser resurfacing treatments?

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!

newday
unregistered guest

15 Mar 2007

today 03/15/07.will be my first treatment of fractional laser,to treat acne facial scars will give update asap.

newday
unregistered guest

15 Mar 2007

just got back from my first fractional laser treatment.Dr.kovak in chicago started me out at very high level with no topical or injectiod to numb because I declined.treatment lasted about 45 min,felt no pain I had cooltouch about 2 years ago that was real pain and I did use topical.Dr kovak and assistent were great no rushing to get me out,listen to what I had to say.My skin felt just a little hot they gave me cool packs asap had no swelling 2 hours later just a redness.I had deep scars all over cheeks as I look in the mirror my skin looks perfect but Im sure some is from swelling but it looks great.Well will post again in 2 weeks.

redhead
unregistered guest

18 May 2007

Three days ago I had second (first was three weeks prior) fractional skin resurfacing using the Palomar Lux1540.  My experience was MUCH different from yours:  I did use numbing cream, still very intense pain.  I have extreme swelling and widespread pinpoint bruising, also a number of small acne pimples.  All symptoms are worse this second time, maybe a result of increased intensity.  First time, all symptoms faded after about eight days.  I can't see that will be the case this second treatment with much more bruising and showing no fading at this point.

This laser does boast a "a built-in cooling of the skin" (don't get me started on THAT statement!).  So I'm wondering which device was used for your treatments two years ago.  I was told the fractional hand-piece (Lux1540) is a recent, "next generation" to Fraxel, addition to the Palomar StarLux line. 

I'm new to this (or any) forum so I may have missed follow-up postings.  Any thoughts you would like to share would be appreciated.  There is so much conflicting info out there.  Surely talking to others that have actually experienced the same procedure is a good resource.

lmt1022
unregistered guest

22 Sep 2007

Had 4 fraxel treatments starting a few months ago. They used the "new" fraxel and still used the blue stuff. Swelled for 3 days but then presentable to society. Has helped a little, but am waiting for the collagen to kick in.

laser help
unregistered guest

25 Jan 2008

I had frac. resurfacing (Palomar Lux 1540) 2 1/2 weeks ago (1st treatment). Immediately after I had the redness & swelling as predicted. Swelling was gone in a few days. However, now my ENTIRE face is covered with small bumps and redness in the treated areas esp. around the jawline and nose. My face feels like sandpaper. Really!! This is horrible. Dr is not sure what it is and states that I must have sensitive skin. I have never had breakouts, rosacea, or any skin issue previously. Any suggestions?

BBussard
unregistered guest

7 Feb 2008

Has anyone seen Great results yet?? So far what I am reading is not so Great... I am suppose to have my first in April 08.. Has anyone gone through the whole series?

Eli
unregistered guest

7 Feb 2008

I just finished my 4th Fraxel treatment last Friday. I began them in November. First the negative. Do not let anyone tell you that it does not hurt. Even with the numbing cream, I found it very painful as the treatment progresses. The first treatment was not very painful, but the second and third; ouch!!! I finally asked for a sedative for the last treatment. I knew he was going to increase the laser intensity and I wanted the results! The sedative worked wonderfully, and I was 'asleep' for the last treatment with a short acting sedative. During all of the treatments, I had swelling for the first 2 days, but nothing that would keep me house bound. I had redness, as well, and then some darkening, but once again, nothing that concerned me and that makeup couldn't cover. I also had that 'sand paper' feeling, lots of itching, lots of peeling (not like a sunburn, but like grains of sand coming off sand paper...very strange). I used my regular moisturizer, just reapplied often throughout the day. I am fair skinned, so my side effects my be more pronounced? THE END RESULT OS FABULOUS!!! Worth all of the 'hassle" and money. My sun spots have faded, fine lines reduced, and I have this incredibly smooth and glowing skin!! Wow!! My friends think I just switched moisturizer!! I am going on Sat for Restyle which will take care of those deeper lines.

Aestheticor
13 posts
11 Feb 2008

You would be better off going with a new technology called SmartXide Dot Therapy. It gives the doctor more flexibility to customize a procedure for each client. The other benefit is that there is no downtime...like you would see with other fractional lasers or CO2's. It's brand new so google it.

SmartLipoMD
98 posts
11 Feb 2008

I had a TotalFX treatment done about 3 weeks ago. TotalFX is a combination CO2 fractional treatment using ActiveFX and DeepFX. My results are fantastic. I knew that I would be red for about 3 days then flake for another 2 days. However, since I knew what was coming and saw photos of others done in the office, it was not unexpected. The pain was not bad since numbing cream was used for 15-20 minutes. Others also have a facial block performed. The results have been incredible and only need to be done one time! Studies comparing just the ActiveFX with 5 Fraxel treatments showed collagen enhancement to be 50% better with ONE ActiveFX treatment than 5 Fraxels. Adding the DeepFX to this must blow it away.

lenith prescott
unregistered guest

12 Feb 2008

Hi~ I had three consecutive Fraxel treatments in April, May and June of 2007. Long term I didn't see much of an improvement. I have some deep scarring from cystic acne in my 20's and a botched suturing job in 97' (performed by ENT branching into cosmetic because it was more lucrative). I'm fair skinned but tan easy. I've been told I have an olive complexion, but I'm blonde w/brown eyes. On February 1, 2008 I had the new Fraxel repair CO2 done and it wasn't painful at all. This was due to heavy numbing cream, shots in uppper and lower gums and multiple pills such as lyrix? (prescribed for fibromayalgia), vicadin and valium. My face was a bloody mess first day and serious aquaphor for 4 days following after saline/vinegar rinse every four hrs. Even in the midde of the night! I have shoulder length hair that somehow continuously managed to come in contact with Aquaphor. Blech! Beauty Queen? NOT. I refused to leave the house for first 4 days. I seemed to be healing well as of my first checkup on Wed February 6th. Today, Feb. 12, my face looks terrible! The swelling has gone down around my chin where the Fraxel went extra deep, but overall not too much of an improvement on scars. To boot, I have bumps coming up all over the place?! I look worse than ever! Does the Fraxel cause this? I've been using SQUALANE, ProCyte CU3 (heavy copper) and Procyte CU3 cleanser. I did try to put on makeup yesterday diluted with CU3 lotion. Is there a chance this caused it due to bacteria or something? I called my physician and I am requesting an antibiotic.

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