“Fraxel repair - almost 60 and now not happy in my own skin”
Fraxel Repair: NOT worth it
Cost: $2,000
Pain: Uncomfortable
Pain: Uncomfortable
Fraxel Repair satisfaction: Poor
I had Fraxel Repair 3 weeks ago. I reacted to the numbing agent so was given adovan and dental blocks which I don't recall as I was not fully conscious.
The recovering process has been wrought with extreme redness, itchiness and patches of sand-paper like skin. I am concerned that I am 59 years of age and my skin is looking worse than before the treatment. I am more wrinkled and my skin is even more reactive than usual.
These were not the results I was hoping for and i am finding myself now afraid of the sun and spending even more money on skin products to rectify what happened to my skin.
How long will the hyper-pigmentation take to resolve? What can I do myself to help the healing process?
Jul 9, 2009Comments and replies (9)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
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314 posts
11 Jul 2009
Hello, This is far too early to have concerns about the outcome/results. This is a process of several months. What you have described is not unusual, and fairly normal. If you were not counseled about this, shame on the physician. I find that the more informed the patient, the happier they are. At this point, starting Retin A and a hydroquinone is appropriate. I also find that Pyratine XR is useful (Lotion) because it hydrates the skin and reduces redness. You can expect redness to possibly last up to 3 months. Yes, you have to be careful with the sun - you have resurfaced your face with new skin, and it needs some loving care. Steve Weiner, MD Destin, Florida Aesthetic Clinique
7 posts
21 Jul 2009
the redness is finally subsiding but I am concerned about wrinkling which is worse than before andlack of fullness. I had a fat transfer years ago under my eyes at the highest portion of my cheek bone. Can the Fraxel affect this? it looks to me that it has, but I am not sure. How long till I can expect to see the real results from the treatment? What products would you recommend for moisturizing now--it has almost been a month. Thanks so much in advance for your help.
314 posts
22 Jul 2009
The Fraxel re:pair goes about 1.6 mm into the skin, which is not nearly deep enough to affect any fat from fat transfers. It's a good time to start Retin-A, and for moisturizing, I like PyratineXR. You should actually get more fullness in the coming months as collagen is stimulated.
7 posts
23 Jul 2009
Thank you. Is Pyratine XR prescription?
7 posts
25 Jul 2009
where are you? I am visiting my sister in Tampa. Thanks-
314 posts
26 Jul 2009
I'm in the panhandle of Florida near Destin. We can mail any products if you like.
314 posts
27 Jul 2009
Hey Dazed. I don't really know all of the stats of the other laser which are currently on the market. You're at 1.6mm with those settings on the Fraxel re:pair. The total ablative CO2 in the past was much less, about 0.4mm. By going fractionally, you can go much deeper. Steve Weiner, MD Aesthetic Clinique, Destin, Florida.