Fraxel Laser
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“Fraxel: ReStore - DAMAGED the Integrity of my Skin - Tigard, OR”

2 posts
Comments (16)
Updated 27 Sep 2009
Posted 24 Sep 2009
Not Worth It
Spent: $700 in Tigard, OR

I had a series of 3 FRAXEL RESTORE treatments performed within the past year. $700 per treatment (1st - 1/09, 2nd - 3/09, 3rd 5/09) I was supposed to have a total of 5 but STOPPED after I began to notice that the procedure was damaging my skin. As a result of this laser, my skin has developed an odd mottled, crepey texture to it and I can actually see the track marks from the laser on my cheeks (STILL!).

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!! think very carefully before having this procedure done. IF your are lucky you will see absolutely NO improvement (that's right I said LUCKY). If not, you will have unsightly side effects that are probably worse than the wrinkles/spots/texture issues you had to begin with!!!

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

My Doctor: Name not provided

This doctor had the typical no refund policy; regardless of outcome.
Vote: 23 members found this review helpful

Comments (16)

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regrettingFraxel1 (2 posts) 2 Jan 2010
The same thing happened to me. I am devastated that it ruined my skin. RUINED it. I can't believe I paid $2,000 to have WORSE skin than I had before, which, compared to what Fraxel did to me, was perfect, prior. I have cried and cried. Don't do Fraxel. Please.
beann (61 posts) 16 Jan 2010
I had Fraxel Restore last month and am worried about all the horror stories Ive read about the long term effects. What problems have you had since your first treatment?
dontdofraxel (35 posts) 9 Jan 2010
I had the SAME experience! I too have track marks from the laser, and about 3 year after my last treatment these marks develop into deeper and deeper wrinkles. Your condition will worsen every year. I cannot believe how much my skin started aging after having Fraxel. I am considering filing a complaint with the FDA. The manufacturer needs to compensate for damages - this is unacceptable. I am so sad that I went for the curiosity of trying Fraxel on a healthy skin. I now have signs of premature aging, far ahead of my years. I am devastated about this and regret is so badly.
beann (61 posts) 16 Jan 2010
Please tell my what you mean by track marks. I had the treatment last month and am panicing. By track marks, do you mean tiny, short little lines? I'm freaking out!!
melsh73 (27 posts) 15 Jan 2010
I am going through the same thing and want to bring this company DOWN. I have been suicidal over this and do not want to leave my house. I have not gone back to complain to the clinic that did this to me cause I know how they will react. Nothing to do with them of course as usual.
dontdofraxel (35 posts) 17 Jan 2010
If you can please post photos, or mail me. We should demand compensation and try to get this resolved. I too am devastated. I have never suffered depression, but the fast premature aging of my skin that was so unecessary is really depressing.
melsh73 (27 posts) 18 Jan 2010
I have tried taking pictures but they don't really show enough. All I can say is that I can see my collagen separating under my skin. Around my jaw and mouth is a prickly tight pain similar to hives and it scares me. I know the dermatologist will say its a rash or something but I know its not. Its dermal damage. I think this stuff is so new that even dermatologist who themselves do not perform these procedures will not have a clue and call the problem something else. On the other hand the dermatologists that do these procedures probably see this stuff regularly and will blame the sun for our problems!
garreola (5 posts) 15 Jan 2010
melsh73 I hear your pain. I am in the same boat. Nearly two years after & now developing even more side effects, and yes doc who performed it said there is no way it could have been the fraxel. I don't blame him though, I blame the maker!! PLease, please file a complaint with the FDA. You can do it online. If enough of us file, maybe we can make these doctors take note!!
melsh73 (27 posts) 18 Jan 2010
I haven't even returned to the clinic. I have gone to my regular doc and am waiting for a derm app. My skin is changing rapidly and where the goggles were on during procedure is sinking in! That in itself they cannot deny! Is your skin horribly dry as well? My oil glands are not producing and I am horrified and it hurts!
garreola (5 posts) 18 Jan 2010
Melsh73, I have always had extremely oil skin, and its still the same, however, I have dry rough patches of skin on different areas of my face as well. I encourage you to google "IPL and Laser Damage" a support forum group. There are so many individuals like us who share their stories. You are right to say that derms might not even know how to diagnose after effects of Fraxel if problems have never been acknowledged.
melsh73 (27 posts) 18 Jan 2010
Thank you. It is so hard to find anything negative about lasers on the internet. Just sales pitch after sales pitch!The laser industry cannot sustain itself if this continues to happen......it will collapse, it has too. More and more women will come out of the woodwork and will be stark raving mad....I am. The media should be aware of this......
Jaylyn2414 (13 posts) 22 May 2010
I'm here because I am just realizing how this laser has done this to my skin. I am in shock and kicking myself for doing this. Now I don't know what to do.
regrettingFraxel1 (2 posts) 28 Sep 2010
It has been well over a year since my Fraxel treatments ended and the damage is permanent. The horrible pattern finally faded out after about 9-10 months (!) but the texture damage and pores damage is permanent. I used to have small pores and smoother skin than I do now. It definitely permanently aged me. Further, I have since met and married a plastic & reconstructive surgeon who informed me that fraxel is a terrible procedure and that unqualified people do it in many offices. :( Tell your loved ones to NEVER get fraxel. Spread the word.
FSRB (249 posts) 3 Oct 2010
regrettingfraxel - I am happy that you have seen some improvement. I too have a weird pattern with enlarged pores. I am hoping that I (and others) will see improvement on here. What is the difference between the pattern (the way it looks) and texture (the way your skin feels)? Congrats on your marriage!!!
FSRB (249 posts) 28 Apr 2011
Do you have any updates? I have heard from others that they have seen improvement/complete healing around 16-18 months. I would hope that would be your experience.
CAgirl (27 posts) 21 Feb 2011
Are there any treatments out there to help restore the skin to its normal texture, or close to it? What about regular co2? If any of you have had corrective procedures, treatments, medication, etc., please advise.

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