Very Positive Experience with This Laser and Medical Spa - Brentwood, CA

Just an update about two months and two Fraxel's later (last one was December 7, 2012). Overall, I'm very satisfied. I'm not willing to post pictures due to confidentiality reasons, but my skin just looks better. Less pigmentation, more even, smaller pores. Prior to treatment, I had some minor orange peeling around the chin, which now seems to be gone. I'm looking forward to 3-6 months from now to see the effects the reported collagen production. In my previous update when I talked about a laser-line scar, it disappeared after a few weeks.

A couple weeks later: Fine lines around the eyes are gone, pores are smaller, skin is more even. My skin just generally looks better, and I'm looking forward to my second and final treatment. I will probably get two treatments every three or four years; however, I'm sure there will be different technology by then.

One caveat: About a week after Fraxel, I noticed I had a small line across the side of my left cheek, which looked like the tracing of the laser. It is very hard to notice, and while I was originally a bit distressed, over the last week or so it has diminished greatly, which leaves me thinking it will diminsh entirely soon. Not something I'm terribly concerned about and isn't effecting my satisfaction with the treatment.

Fraxel SR1500 Restore
Doctor Recommendation: Two treatments over six weeks.
Demographics: Male, 30

I should begin by saying that I had generally good skin with minimal signs of aging going into my Fraxel treatments, just some lines starting to appear around the eyes and slight orange peeling of the chin and large pores. I only wanted a bit of a tune-up going into my 30s. I went to a medical spa in Los Angeles that I've been going to for over 10 years, so I totally and completely trust them (in fact, I had one Fraxel with them back in 2009). I was given the option of Vicodin, Xanax, or both, as well as a very strong numbing cream. Pain was only moderate, but definitely could feel the heat, so it's by no means completely pain free. Fraxel was not performed by one of the doctors, but again, I trust the nurses and technicians there, so this wasn't a concern for me.

1st day, swelling and some minor heat sensation for about five hours after treatment. 2nd day, some swelling on the face and under the eyes. 3rd day, moderate peeling, controlled a bit by mositurizer. I'm on day five, and already my pores are smaller and the lines around my eyes are virtually gone (keep in mind, they weren't too severe to begin with), and my skin looks a bit tighter and even. Still a tiny bit rosey, but not noticeable to strangers. This is similar to my experience with the same laser/medical spa in 2009, and I healed fine from that, so I have no reason to think this time is any different. I'm really excited to see the progress in the next few months. Already booked for session two.

Here's my best advice: This is a very positive review for Fraxel, with the caveat that Fraxel seems to be HIGHLY dangerous given the many negative reviews on the site of people scarred for life. DO NOT go to a clinic or a doctor unless TWO of your friends have had Fraxel there and highly recommend it. Fraxel done properly gives you improvement (that I'm already pleased with), but if someone is untrained or new with the machine, it seems like it can have horrible side effects. Also, just to be safe, ask your doctor not to be aggressive. I know Fraxel is costly, but better to go for one extra treatment than try and be thrify and ruin your skin with aggressive treatments. As with any kind of cosmetic procecure, please do not bargain hunt.

I feel so bad for the people who have suffered from this procedure, but I can only assume given my experiences that it's a function of where they went and who did their treatment. Be cautious about this. Again, let other people be your guinea pigs. Don't go aggressive if you are unsure of the doctor/clinic.