“Active fx, post procedure concerns”
Active FX: NOT worth it
Pain: Painfree
At first I was interested in laser approach for fine lines, small broken blood vessels, and small acne scars. I chose Active Fx because of the claims made by AAD in regard to having proven results of the listed and potentially decreasing the development of precancerous lesions. I have had abnormal moles removed in the past.
I had the procedure 16 days ago and I am still quit red and have some minor skin integrity problems. I am 35 years old and I thought having this done at my age he could use a lower setting, but I am having a lengthy recovery period(I'm not a smoker nor an avid tanner). I am doing everything I am suppose to be doing and the board certified plastic surgeon I went to runs a reputable practice. He has been working with lasers for a long time.
My concerns are:
1. The bright redness and skin integrity problems.
2. Because of the lotions and enlarged pores I now have a lot of black heads at the site where I already have narrow, but deep acne scars. Does this mean I could develop new scars during the time when my skin is fragile? Also, will the black heads and enlargement of the pores decrease the chance of new collagen formation at the old acne scar sites? I am cleansing the site the best I can but it is difficult given the obstacles.
3. I realize that I will not see the full benefit until 6 months from now but I see nothing. I was hoping for just a little glimpse of what might improve, yet nothing. I still have the same minor brown spots, still have the same wrinkles and fine lines, broken blood vessels, under eye crinkles, and small acne scars. I never expected everything to disappear like the laser was a magic wand, but a little something would ease my mind. I am trying to be patient but I am concerned now that I have created more problems than corrected.
Mar 22, 2009Comments and replies (6)
11 posts
23 Mar 2009
I didn't see a lot of results until the 6 month mark, and saw even bigger results after my second treatment. I asked for a higher fluence my second time. HTH
465 posts
2 Apr 2009
What is your after care regime
77 posts
6 Apr 2009
I would speak with your physician about your postoperative skin care regimen. I just returned from the annual meeting of the American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery and one of the key issues in laser resurfacing diligent postoperative follow-ups and a good postoperative skincare program. In addition, many of the physicians agreed to that IPL treatment for small blood vessels should be done before laser resurfacing that the postoperative redness will improve with a skincare regimen that includes IPL treatments low or medium potency steroid cream.
465 posts
6 Apr 2009
The mild vinager water soaks will help your skin eliminate dead tissue left behind in the micro holes...This part of healing is dependent on your immune rsponse and transdermal elimination... If you still have what appears to be bumps and large pores after 16 days ask you doctor about it Desonide lotion was very helpful for me and is a safe steriod for the face.Great for prolonged redness or swelling It requires a prescription.. If the bumps or texture remains a problem ask your doc about doing something to get the dead skin that was killed but not removed out..You can't heal if it stays in to long... Also retina might be helpful after the redness and irritation subsides some...I would suggest micro derm but with the redness its not a good idea... Don't be dismissed as your aftercare is critical to a good outcome... Also revale coffee berry is great for redness and very gentle non-irritating..For everyday use..
4 posts
31 May 2009
Update: It is 5/31 and the brown discoloration is almost resolved. The superficial skin depressions on my cheek and forehead are still there. I don't believe the depressions are easy to see. I am not sure if anyone else would even notice them like I do. I guess I should be thankful that my face was able to almost return to it's original state. I just wish I did not pay $3,000 for a procedure that after it I was in hopes that my face would look like it did before the procedure. I'm not sure if I would ever discourage anyone else from this procedure because I do believe I had an unusual response. I just am not in a hurry to encourage anyone to have it done... Thanks for the comments and support..