“Skin feels rough after laser "face lift" - pink and blotchy”
Laser facelift: NOT worth it
Pain: Severe
There were no pros. I feel that I was completely mislead by the doctor. I was told that I would have softer, smoother skin - with an overall tightening. I had the Titan procedure done before and was happy with the results....was told this was "bigger and better".
It was painful, and I looked like a burn victim. The recovery has been agonizing.
This is post 2 months out and I am still pink, blotchy with that pebble feeling to my face. I have not seen any improvement and wish I had not done this.
Updated August 29, 2009
Pros: none at this time. Cons: MANY! It was painful, prolonged recovery, no visible results, pink blotchy skin, "pebble" feel to my skin, extreme sensitivity!! I would not recommend it at this point.
Updated September 12, 2009
I had a laser facelift done about 10 weeks ago. I see no benefit to my skin at this time. I did not have wrinkles per se, but did so for firmness. I am told it takes 4 months to begin to see benefits. My problem is my skin now is rough ("pebble feel"), pink and blotchy. This was a non-ablative treatment (Starluxe 2940). How can I return my skin to being smooth again? Will microdermabrasion help this? I cannot wear liquid foundation now as my pores are too pronounced. How do I get rid of the residual pink blotchy skin? Thank you for your help.
Painful treatment. I see no benefits at this time. My skin feels worse; pink in appearance (after almost 3 months!) and feels rough to the touch. No noticeable lifting to the skin. Would not recommend.
Aug 28, 2009Comments and replies (15)
16 posts
3 Sep 2009
I tried prylatine XR and my redness & texture improved within a week. You can order it online on their website, prylatine.com. I, too, feel that fraxel repair is not worth it - at least not for everyone. I wanted it for poor size & lifting - it did not shrink my poor size & only really lifted my skin around my eyes --- very good for the eye area.
6 posts
5 Sep 2009
Thanks for your help. I am not able to find Prylatine XR anywhere. Is it easy to buy? do you need a doctor's Rx? My skin is down to pink, but still need something to fade it.THANKS!
1215 posts
17 Sep 2009
Hi Hudson,
I think klm may have been talking about Pyratine skin care products, which are marketed to reduce photo-aging (sun damage, redness) but not necessarily for people who are recovering from laser treatment.
The redness after laser resurfacing usually goes away as your skin heals, but it is important to protect your skin in the meantime.
Here is some input from the doctors on RealSelf:
Skin care after laser resurfacing
6 posts
17 Sep 2009
Thank you april. I appreciate that. I ordered the Pyratine lotion. I was on OBAGI, Retin-A, and Vitamin-C serums for 7 years prior. It did nothing to aid in my slow healing. It has been 3 months and the pink is fading, but there is so much "blushing red" after exercise, washing my face, etc. I did not realize that you have to wear sunscreen every day - regardless if you are in the sun or not. WOW, interesting. I believe that the laser resurfacing is a fad, not fully explored, has too many side-effects for sensitive skin and is not as effective as Titan. What's done is done though at this point. I would NEVER do it again. Thanks!!
7 posts
18 Sep 2009
Hudson- I feel your pain. I, too, was left with this rough, pink, blotchy 'pebble-stone' (I called it 'sand-paper') skin- with VERY enlarged, raised pored ! You mostly mention that you're still pink now- but did your ROUGH skin texture improve at all in the last 3 months, at least a little bit- or is that still the same as when it first appeared ? And what was your post laser skin care regimen so far (before you ordered the Pyratine)- did you use the Retin-A again, or if not- what have you tried ?
6 posts
20 Sep 2009
Hi Ivana, I don't have good news. It has been 3 months and my "pebble" skin still feels the same. I don't feel it has improved or healed over time. They say it's from the pin-prick marks from the laser. The doctors SHOULD give the side-effects before they ruin our faces!! I am still blotchy pink and rough skin. As far as I am concerned, it ruined my face. I cannot use my old skin routine - Retin A is out! There is no way I can use any products except the Pyratine XR. Even with that cream, I have noticed no difference what so ever. Nothing has been of help to me. I am told in time I can have light therapy (healing tx) or microdermabrasion. Not sure I even believe that will work. I wish I had seen this site BEFORE I made the biggest mistake of my life.
6 posts
20 Sep 2009
Interesting the doctors on this site are so "rah-rah" about these treatments - that not one of them ever addressed me in my quest for answers. My questions have never been posted, nor has any doctor addressed me on this site!! They address people interested in the procedure but not after the damage has been done!!
7 posts
21 Sep 2009
I have noticed the same thing- not ONE doctor responded to my questions or review- even a NY (LI) dermatologist who has answered NUMEROUS miscellaneous questions on this site for everyone else has completely ignored me ! Next to this 'Realself' doctor's profile picture, there's a box that says: "Request info from this doctor". Well- I saw that he was located close to where I live and he HAD used the same laser that ruined my face for several years (he even wrote the following: "I have worked with this laser for 5 years now and am less than impressed" )- so knowing he was familiar with the exact laser that caused my problems, I contacted him via this 'Realself' box (I even made it quite clear that I was interested in making an appointment with him if he thought he could be of any help)- but I NEVER heard back from him !!! Meanwhile- he's posting replies to other people's GENERIC questions all over this site- people that don't seem to have BAD outcomes, just questions about procedures or treatments in general ! A simple "Thank you for your inquiry, but I don't think I can help you" would have been nice ! To be IGNORED by these doctors after we try to explain with great detail what happened to us, and even wanting to PAY them to see us in person is really rubbing salt into our wounds !!! I also contacted a well-known NYC laser specialist (not on this board) for a consultation, and when the receptionist asked what the reason for my wanting too see him was, she flat-out REFUSED to give me an appointment !!! She said they would ONLY see someone if the complication happened at THEIR office !!! I was stunned !!! Is there ANY doctor out there who is willing to see someone who was DAMAGED by (or had a bad reaction to) a laser ???
Here's a business idea to all you derms and doctors out there: some of you should actually SPECIALIZE in trying to help people that were left with adverse effects after laser treatments- I bet you could make a KILLING and your practice would BOOM !!!!!!
7 posts
21 Sep 2009
One more question to you, Hudson- WHY do you say that you cannot use Retin-A anymore ? You've used it for 7 years prior to your laser treatment, so clearly your skin was able to tolerate it well beforehand. Is your skin too sensitive to handle it now, or were you told NOT to use it ?
6 posts
22 Sep 2009
Hi Ivana, You are EXACTLY correct in your assessment of this "Real Self" board. The M.D.'s answer generic questions, or those who show interest in a procedure (to generate even MORE business!). We, as patients, take the time to write our complications down, our questions, share in our anxieties - and to be ignored by those who are supposed to be here to help us is an insult. I am NOT impressed with the laser. I cannot use Retin A, or even a Vitamin-C serum as they are both supposed to awaken dull skin, and my skin is post-procedure 3 months and healing. It is also so sensitive to anything but Philospphy cleanser and Pyratine XR cream. I was shocked to hear that you could not get another opinion from another plastic surgeon. My advice - try a dermatologist. I did get some answers in that area from a good Boston dermatologist. Unfortunately, he did not know how long it would take for my skin to heal or what to expect as far as results. Even practitioners who perform this procedure - are still surprised at the varied reactions from patients. We all heal at different paces and there is no "text book" outcome. I wish I had never done it. I hate the enlarged pore look and the pink line of demarcation. At this rate, it will be another 2 months of healing (total of 5 months!). I am so angry and felt like a snake oil salesman fooled me with phony promises. May I ask - what laser did you have performed? What was your outcome? How long has it been for you? I wish us both good luck!! Hudson