“Matrix rf - still waiting to see results on scarring”
Laser resurfacing: Worth it
Pain: Worst possible
I've had two treatments so far... I pay $500 per visit without a contract, which I like. I don’t want to waste my money on packages that I don’t see any results. So far, I haven't and I don’t know if I can handle doing five as recommended for my scarring. This laser treatment is no spa soothing experience... this is a painstaking one hour or so of hardcore pain tolorance. I busted into tears on my 1st session... I had to stop midway to contain myself.
This time around - I took a sedative and although I could still feel the sting. It wasn't as bad as the 1st time. For the money and the pain - I hope I see great results. Otherwise, I will write a letter to the manufacturer and Oprah about the procedure that was televised as nearly painless and amazing! I can deal with anguish and agony of it all - if I get the results as promised!
Apparently, I need to wait 2-4 months after my last treatment to see the drastic results! lol
Perhaps, they see desperation in folks like me and that's how they get away with charging us a large sum of money and endure such severe in hopes of possible results. Think about it... only my vanity is keeping going for more.
You be the judge... check out my pics and let me know your thoughts.
Updated on Sep 2, 2009:
This time around - I was prepared for the pain. I was prescribed pain & relaxer along with blockers administered around my main facial nerves. Although, this was my painless treatment from all others... I don't think my skin got as red nor were the grids on my face got as prominent. Apparently, Lisa, Matrix RF Master Tech used (14 Jewels) one of the highest levels. I guess I need to wait and see the results. It generally takes about 3wks after the procedure to see a difference. I'll keep you posted. So far, I've had a lot of comments from folks asking what am i doing to smooth out my face. The word is that I look about 5yrs younger!
Updated on Nov 2, 2009:
Aug 10, 2009Comments and replies (5)
2 posts
3 Sep 2009
You look good! thanks for this! keep us updated! :)
2 posts
14 Oct 2009
I just goggled 'rf matrix pain' and found you. I just did this for the first time. Half way through, I was crying and shaking uncontrollably out of pain and fear. It was so painful and I would NOT advise my worst enemy to do this. I cringed when I saw you did it on your neck, too. I paid $3000 for 3 treatments and I'm ready to donate $2000 to exit out. 2 days later I'm still in panic mode & my heart races at the thought of doing it again. What pain killer did you use??! My skin is like yours. In my worst acne years I had cystic acne and took accutane. My face would bleed with a smile and people would ask if I was burn victim. Its' best to start loving myself as I am and know that my scars make me different for a good reason.
27 posts
19 Oct 2009
i'm so sorry to hear about your experience. As you my 1st time - i bursted into tears from the pain and agony. On the second treatment, i felt like pushing the tech away from my face and walking out several times. then, i asked about taking painkillers and they agreed to prescribe them for me. for the anxiety part - (racing heart before & after 5-10m of Valium took care of it) for the pain - well, i'm allergic to everything but water (kidding) i took 1 viacodin 1/2 hr prior treatment - another afterwards. Once, i got home (i took another 5m valium to go to sleep and help me stop starring at my face for the evening). Plus, i negotiated to pay as i went... I believe practices make you pay upfront because they know folks cant tolorate the pain. I hope you fight for your money back - because they dont disclose the truth of the severity of the pain during the session. I believe that they minimize the experience to do whatever it takes to get your money upfront.
1 post
24 Oct 2009
I took a look at your pictures after the third treatment. First without any topical anesthetic it can be a painful procedure. Typically I use a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine and BLT. Just with the use of the topical anesthetic it is a very tolerable procedure. I also give people who have a low tolerance for pain an oral pain medication and sedative. The second thing to be aware of is the settings they used. The higher the settings the more ablation which occurs and the more results you get. Third, looking at your pictures for the third procedure (if it was the same day) there does not appear to be a uniformity to the grid marks. Basically, the entire face should be red and the grid marks should lay next to each other. I am sorry you had a bad experience. Matrix RF has a place in facial resurfacing especially someone with darker skin, such as Fitzpatrick IV to VI. At the heart of any ablative procedure whether it is laser based or Matrix RF is the controlled wounding of the skin to allow it to heal and the scars to fill in with collagen to smooth out the skin texture. The best results are at 6 months after and evidence suggests collagen remodeling continues to 1 year. Any technology is as good as the technique. Also Matrix RF may not be aggressive enough for deepers scars which may required treatment with a CO2 laser or an modified erbium such as Cutera's Pearl Fractional.