Fraxel Restore for African American with Acne Scarring and Discolorations
Pros: soften acne icepick (scars were not deep)and...
Pros: soften acne icepick (scars were not deep)and boxcar scarring , minimize pore size, very little down time, little pain
Cons: Swelling, expensive (but so worth it)
Why: acne scarring discoloration
I am a dark skinned African American woman with acne scarring. This is my first fraxel restore treatment and although i was scared out of my mind to go through with the procedure I am so glad I did.
Today is my 3rd day post treatment and after two days of very mild swelling and turning a bronze color (both of which were barely noticeable)I am starting to peel. The bronze color is what is actually peeling off and underneath is a brown slightly lighter than my normal skin tone which i was told to expect. I am hoping that my the end of the week the bronze will be completely gone leaving me with better skin tone. I was treated with a bleaching agent before the procedure to prevent hyper pigmentation. I also was given acne medication to get the break outs under control. A numbing cream was placed on my face for an hr before the procedure (gel was very uncomfortable) I couldn't fully feel my face until the next day. An icepack was place on the sides of my face right after each side was done and a cooling spray was administered while the procedure was being performed.
Even tho this is my first treatment of fraxel restore (I had two fraxel refine done 3 months early - (total waste of money) I definitely see results. The scars are softer and my pores are less noticeable. I hope this helps anyone thinking about the procedure. I am totally looking forward to my next treatment. I will try to keep updating the results. I do have pictures and will post them shortly. Be well
Replies (11)
My doctor is female and her name is {edited}. But please read my below posting before deciding if fraxel is right for you. I was responding to a specific person who had contacted me but I think it might be helful to all Hello Well I have just finished my second fraxel treatment and I'll be honest I am not that thrilled with the results for my enlarged pores (ice pick scars). My doctor said that I should start to see them fill in after the third treatment but I'm just not that optimistic. Be it because the scars have been such a defining thing in my life that thinking about them gone is just to much to hope for or the fact that she didn't sound that certain either way I just want to be honest. I'm not that hopeful at all. I also have a couple of boxcar scars that definitely seem to be responding to the treatment but again the enlarged pores/ice pick scars (which in my case are not that deep at all) do not seem to be responding. I will keep you up to date if you like on my progress. I will go for my third treatment on Sept 27 (I just had this one two days ago). I will tell you this tho. Fraxel definitely is one of those procedures that work differently on everyone from the pain level to the actual results. In talking with a couple of people in the waiting room I was able to determine that although this was by far the best and most advance procedure for scarring and discoloration the results do vary. I hope I didnt discourage you but I just wanted to be honest. I fill your pain in dealing with the acne scarring and wish you all the best. Again please let me know if you want me to keep you in the loop. Thanks and sorry it took me so long to respond. I don't check this address as often as I should although I will start now.
Edited by Sharon: We've added your provider information to your review. Thanks!