Affirm Laser: Stories

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Affirm for Hyperpigmentation - Major Damage - Canada

  • posted 3 years ago
  • updated 3 years ago

Approximately 5 1/2 years ago I had a micro laser...

Approximately 5 1/2 years ago I had a micro laser peel. Within a year I developed hyperpigmentation. I sought out a treatment to rectify it and the Affirm was suggested to me. I told the DR I did not want anymore lasers and he assured me that the Affirm was safe and different. Well I did 2 treatments and the results were OK and the pigment returned to a more normal color.

The following 2 years I did one treatment each time with only one cross over, as my face I was told got really red. Even the nurse doing the procedure said "you have really thin skin". Well this year I am paying for it! Under my eyes where the goggles were are sinking in. My skin on my cheeks is thin and I have prickly pain travelling down them and around my mouth and chin. I am developing sores and my face does not hold any moisture. I am living in hell. My sweat glands do not work and my face feels like it is on fire.

How can this treatment be legal? The damage may not show up right away.But it will down the road for all who have done this, for that I am sure.I have had 2 Sculptra treatments to help with the fact that my cheeks are sinking in and are crepey. I am or was a very young looking 36 yr old and now I feel life is over.

Unfortunately the Dr I saw did not recommend Obagi or SkinTX instead or I would have done that had I known it was an option.

How can I go about suing???? -- Updated on Jan 15,...

How can I go about suing???? -- Updated on Jan 15, 2010: I am wondering if anyone else who has had Affirm if terrible symptoms occured a year after last treatment? It feels like something is crawling under my skin and there is absolutely NO MOISTURE in it. It hurts to smile or eat. My skin looks like it had an earthquake under it. Are we the test subjects? Cynosure has to pay for this!

Great review?

I told the doctor I did not want another laser treatment and he told my that the Affirm was different from all the rest and was safe.....I felt he lied. How can they really know what the long term effects are?

Comments (32)

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Nicolle M 17 Oct 2012
Jane D where is your practice at? I live in NY. I would love to come and see you to have Affirm laser for my skin. Nicolle M
Dragon64 24 Jan 2012
TO MELSH73... I had 2 affirms done. The last one was Sept. 2009. Within months my skin developed keratosis, necrosis, nerve damage, thermal cellular injury, annihilation of my sweat glands with no more sebum production and much more. I have to apply lotion to my face every 20-30 minutes of every day. I have skin worse than women in their 70's and up. I have a prescription from a derm for Diclofenac to heal/kill the burning sensation on my skin and the pain (which feels like bone pain). It works, but also dries my skin more. Maybe some do have good results, but when someone inept does the 'procedure', it's devastating to say the least.
I found that lasers that go deep under the surface of the skin are 1000x hotter than the sun and can create more problems than good results.
I also found, thus far, that the only thing that may help rebuild/renew/heal the damages done, is a stem cell procedure. No lotion or filler will fix damages to that extent.
That being said, as I cannot paste a link on here, just google ipl and laser damage support and click the link to the forum.
You'll need to register first before you can read and discuss your concerns with other members. There is a lot of helpful information on there as well as a fantastic support system. If I ever find an answer/cure, I'll be sure to post it on as many websites as possible!
Sats 20 Dec 2011
I had Affirm a couple times. I didn't get a lot of bumps or goggle eyes,large pores you speak about. I got a couple white bumps but they went away. I went though Erbium laser resurfacing 5 yrs ago that destroyed my skin, too much peeled off, the doctor used too high a setting & made scars around my scars resulting in a hugh patch on one side of my cheek & a dent with a line, brown spot & various scars on the other. I lost 30 lbs from anxiety & am on anxiety meds now. I've been going to a laser specialist since, he's been trying all types of lasers on me. When your that bad for so long you'll try anything. I've have Affirm, Petfecta, smoothbeam, ipl, fraxil & fraxil restore & now having fraxil dual restore. So i know a bit about lasers. Their only good in the right hands. My doctor now won't let me get fraxil repair or anything that takes skin off. It starts to get too thin. I've also had a few at home peels to clear the pores. Nothing above a 30 glycolic or 50 lactic. I've also used dermaroller. I think that is as good as some of the lasers but all i know is skin is hard to repair. I've had fillers too. He doesn't recomend lasers near the eyes, he'd rather people get a filler. The skin is so thin there & at least with a filler if you don't like it,it will go away. About suing. I thought about that, you need a couple doctors to say he did it. It's not a walk in the park. I just kept e mailing the doctor who did the damage every week for over a year, he finally gave me my money back, which i used towards repairing the damage. I've spent thousands & thousands. All i went for is a few little scars that i would gladly take back today instead of the hell i've been going though. No social life. Going out is out of the question, i get panic attacks thinking of the light on my face. I'm hoping the restore will help & I'll dermaroll once a month after that. It's been a long hard road & I'm not at the end of it yet. I can't say all lasers are bad, some have helped but anything to take skin off I would never recomend. Everyones skin is different & can react differently to certain procedures. Just know your not alone. I know how you feel. Just get a good doctor & be gentle with you skin. Take it slow.
Jane D 6 Dec 2011
What treatment, you would have to come in.
Heres my skins past issues:
I had a ton freckles that I hated as a child. I burn and freckle so easily in the sun. I wore Continuous coverage from Clinique to cover them at age 12. I don't know if they make that anymore but it is THICK. I was wearing this makeup and not properly removing it at night, often times forgetting and developed terrible acne because of it. So at 14 I was still using the makeup now to cover both AND was a picker. I picked everything and squeezed. I developed ice pick scars. The holes on my cheeks would absorb my blush so I stopped wearing it. When I started doing laser, I did a few IPL treatments to help with everything going on. It did. I have also done laser facials as well as one of the machines I have now has 2 handpeices, 1 that targets veins and 1 that targets pigment from sun damage.I used the Affirm several times once my skin was clear to fix the holes in my face from the acne scars and to fix the scar on my right temple where I had gotten in a really bad car accident. I am on this forum in between clients and dont really have time to try to figure out how to upload pics etc. I can ask a few of my clients if they consent and then maybe ill try. There is nothing like seeing me in person so you are welcome to come in and I can see what is going on with your skin and how I can help. There is no charge to come and talk.
What is your main concern or problem with your skin?

Also, to Melsh,I really hope you did not take anything that I have said as an attack as this negative person keeps saying. I am in this industry because it is my passion. I want to help people. I treat men and women for over 15 types of procedures. Skin especially on women is my forte. Being 36, I am ALL about the anti aging and keeping us looking fresh and beautiful. I hope you have had some progress with your skin.
Dragon64 18 Oct 2012
It is now almost a year since your comment. I can't seem to find the pictures you said you would post. Have you done it yet? I would really like to hear how your clients feel about their procedures a year later.
Jane D 18 Oct 2012
No I haven't. I have to get releases from the clients first and havent made it a priority, but since you are asking me for it I will now. Stay tuned. I will try to get them up asap.
Jane D 6 Dec 2011
I'm not insulting anyone. You are actually.
This forum is not a website nor is it promotional. Its educational. You are welcome to Come in and take a look at me in person and at my clients results. Call me anytime to schedule. That goes for everybody. 914 282 3999.
What treatment 6 Dec 2011
Jane
What did your skin look like before affirm? I would like to see before and after pictures. What is your experience with clients who have deep acne scars?
cveroleyva 6 Dec 2011
Then why can't you create your own profile and post positive reviews on those that you have had, post pics, and tell everyone that its been good for you vs. insulting melsh and me? Just a thought.
Jane D 6 Dec 2011
I have done about 10 to myself and that is why my skin is flawless! So there is my credibility. And all of my clients, family and friends so I dont have to try. No one is knocking anything except you so keep your negative uneducated comments to yourself. I am speaking of facts and reality of this machine of what it is capable of and what it is not. Plain and simple.
Jane D 6 Dec 2011
Oh! And by the way, I'm 36 and look 25 and just did one last Monday.
Jane D 5 Dec 2011
Yes,every single one has experienced amazing results. The machine is unable to produce the results that Melsh is experiencing. Where the goggles were, the skin is sinking in? We don't treat that close to the eye with this machine. The orbital bone is where it ends. Crepey skin? This machine treats crepey skin by stimulating more production of collagen, not cause it. Sometimes peoples lives change dramatically for many different reasons and the first thing they look to do is blame the laser when there are other factors that are responsible for these changes. Age, lifestyle, medical conditions, other procedures (peels many times that thin the skin and especially where improper post treatment care is not exercised) etc. Lasers CANNOT cause long term damage. There is NO such thing. Any damage afflicted will be right then and there.
cveroleyva 5 Dec 2011
Again, reading this post. You are knocking personal reviews. Please try several sessions on your own skin and then share your experience, it will be much more credible.
Dragon64 30 Mar 2012
I guess you haven't registered and read all the posts on the IPL and Laser Damage Support forum have you?
What treatment 4 Dec 2011
Jane are you recommending the Affirm laser? After many years of using the Affirm on clients, are they still experiencing good results?
Jane D 13 Jun 2011
Obviously neither of you read my comment. It is informational for her and others. 100% of the people that read the original post opted to never try laser themselves. That can hurt businesses like mine and the fact is that anyone should not make decisions based on other peoples individual result. Licensed professionals like myself have helped thousands. What I wrote is not "chewing anyone out. That's ridiculous!! I invited her to my office to take a personal look at her to help her as well as gave her tips on what she can do to improve her skin. So before you start saying things like that read the comment clearly because I take pride in my work and that is offensive. An equipment company should not be completely shot down based on what happened in her case. Please read the comment again in entirety. As I stated in my comment. It is great to share your experience. It is not great to demean entire practice. I understand she being upset that's why I offered my help. Oh and Brit, "everyone has a different response was not suggesting that her experience was the different response. Her experience may have been brought on by many other factors. That cannot be determined by emails. I would have to look at her medical history as well as daily skin regime lifestyle etc. Please keep the negativity out of this because I am willing to help. I am merely offering that as well as important factual information. Thank you.
cveroleyva 4 Dec 2011
I read your comment before I responded to you. Best of luck in your practice and to your patients.
BrittB 13 Jun 2011

Hi Jane,

cveroleyva is right. You are doing to melsh exactly what you are upset with them for. This is a community where everyone is free to discuss their experiences in a civil friendly manner, and not judge or chastise someone for describing the outcome of their procedure. You, yourself posted "Everyone has a different response," therefore melsh is speaking of what happened to them. The community appreciates your input, but just remember everyone is different and will experience different reactions.

Thanks,

-Britt

Jane D 30 Mar 2012
Hi Britt,
I did not judge or chastice her. I am simply confident with all of my experience that the Affirm is not the culprit. This is informational and thats why I commented. Everyone has a different response does not mean that this is hers from this laser. There is never a negative response. It means different people with different skin and skin conditions will need different settings amount of pulses depending on the area and more or less sessions compared to one another. Everyone gives opinions here and thats great. However if misinformation is downgrading a peice of equipment practice, making others scared, they are being misinformed. I wanted to enlighten people with facts so that they are not scared and have a better understanding from someone who really has knowledge and experience with this laser. My 73 year old mother loves it. I have done 6 sessions once a month for her. 700 pulses on her face and neck and now she has reconsidered getting a facelift. Her skin looks better and better every month because collagen building takes time. It takes years to lose the laxity and months to get it back. Im 36 and every client cannot believe I'm over 25. It is amazing.
melsh73 29 May 2011
I was 30 when I recieved the peel........one peel only. Yes the pigmentation problem was caused by it. Two years later I received the Affirm which helped as it did the next year and the year after I had it performed..........then within months after the last treatment strange things began to occur with my skin. I started to see depressions and lines.....I was only 36 at the time......my moms skin in her sixties is better than mine! Lasers of all sorts are dangerous and should especially not be used to repair damage from another. I had horribly oily skin prior to these stupid lasers and now I have to apply moisturizer on my face many times throughout the day..........I have also devoloped rosacea because of the laser treatment. The lasers compromised my skin badly..........not everyone reacts the same ...sure I get that. But rosacea does not run in my family either so don't throw that one at me........I know for a fact what has occured under my skin is from lasers.....no doubt about it.........what is occuring is odd. My skin looks like I had big scabs on my face that someone peeled off too soon and I have that shiny red smooth crinkly looking skin. I have about 5000 bucks worth of filler in my face now so yes it looks better, but it is still unheathy and feels weird too. The nurse who first did my affirm treatment now works at a different clinic I go to. She has told me that her skin has not been the same since she herself had had the affirm treatment. She cannot explain what is going on with my skin but she does see that there is something wrong with it. She has been my support and comfort through this and has made my skin healthier.....as healthy as it can be.
Jane D 31 May 2011
You are completely wrong to say that laser caused all of these things. Our skin,hair, metabolism and to be frank everything changes as we age. You can't compare yourself with anyone including your mother. My mother has had porcelain skin even at 70 and has always been hairless practically. I, on the other hand have had to laser my whole body for hair removal including my back. I also freckled immensely in the sun and opted to remove my sun damage on my face chest and arms as well. It is also physically impossible to develop Rosacea due to laser. Rosacea is NOT a genetic disorder either. Look it up. I have been doing this for 12 years and I know what I am talking about. Rosacea can develop any time especially as we get older. The simple fact that you obtained a satisfactory result from the 2 treatments you had proves that. Improper post treatment care,oral medications, topical treatments or products can play a part in your skin condition now. There are many many factors that come into play for your individual skin condition and experience. To down play laser in general because of your experience with your skin is ludacris. I have treated thousands of people including myself, my family and friends. I have not 1 complaint. Everyone has a different response, therefore I do not make promises but I do have guidelines of expectations and they are ALWAYS pleasantly surprised. Your individual experience should not be set as an example for others to follow and make a decision about laser for themselves. You are 1 person out of billions. If you are not properly educated in a field, I think it is fine to share your experience but not to do what you are saying about the procedure being terrible and ruined your skin. That is NOT the case and as a lisenced professional I can confidently say this. I have helped so many people, even some who were not treated properly by lasers. There are many factors that make a laser treatment successful. The right machine, and the right person operating it on the proper setting according to the skin type. With that, full pre and post instructions and daily skin care products to benefit and maintain the result. These type of postings can affect others and therfore succesful business like mine. I obviously don't appreciate that. At this point for you, I would reccomend using a gentle, but effective cleanser, a vitamin moisturizer which contains a,c,e and other ingredients that protect against free radicals that kill healthy cells in the skin. Sunscreen 50spf minimally daily. Of course healthy diet, get a Ninja blender or a Vitamix. One handfull of bluberries is a great anti aging food, cucumbers are great for the skin to improve the texture. Supplements are great to ingest daily. There is so much more but these are just examples.
cveroleyva 13 Jun 2011
Hey Jane, don't get why you're chewing out melsh for sharing her experience. there are two sides to everything, you didn't have to make someone feel worse for sharing their feelings and what they went through.
san jose 1 30 Mar 2012
Wow Jane D. First off, who ARE you? Second, lay off of Melsh. Are you a physician?? And there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with Melsh' review. That is what this board is for! Not to be attacked if we dare to review. Btw, why haven't you posted on all the other reviews about Affirm that are like Melsh'. This isn't an isolated experience. I believe it is up to the readers to be discriminating and they can make up their mind as to whether they think Affirm did this or if it was the operator or what. This was a useful review to me and I am well aware of ALL the many many variables that must be factored into this. However, look at the satisfaction rate here overall and look at ALL the reviews. We consider the odds of getting good results. If most operators are apparently not skilled in the use of this equipment, then it is not the best idea to go expose yourself to a potentially negatively life-altering experience. If more operators such as yourself were accessible, then maybe there would be more positive reviews. But apparently, in this RealSelf sampling, there aren't. I'm in California, for example. You're too far away from me. So, though, as you reasonably state, the equipment may be good, if there are not enough skilled operators around or if it is that difficult for operators to get good results, then NO, people should not take a chance - there are TOO TOO many other procedures out there that are a little safer overall. Just don't harass someone, especially someone who is going through hell like Melsh. Geez. By the way, there's lots of controversy on the taking of supplements and also juicing. Some of the folks against that include, just for example, Dr. David Agus - Steve Jobs and Lance Armstrong's and Ted Kennedy's oncologist. Basically, they are not trivial opinions. Might be good to research that.
Jane D 30 Mar 2012
You know what, who are YOU to attack me??? If you read what I wrote, I invited her in free of charge to help her. Busy body self righteous people like you that like to attack make my blood boil. This is an informational web site. Not a harrass forum. Your opinion is not fact however mine is. Im Laser Trained and Cerftified and doing this 13 years. Ive treated thousands. The Affirm is the easiest laser to use so thats not what this is about. Medication, hormonal changes, age, (especially mid thirties for women) product, diet and more are all factors for consideration on individual adverse response. Affirm helps the skin build more collagen so long term affects are better than post treatment. So there goes your idea that over time problems occur. Who are you to ask me who I am when you are taking my email the wrong way. I help thousands of people over the years and I'm going to attack someone? Reread or give me a call because I'm sick and tired of the random idiots taking my advice to her and trying to help her the wrong way as if I am attacking. The fact is, this machine does NOT have the power to cause the damage she has suffered. There are Laser face treatments for the face that have 1 week downtime, sometimes oozing occurs and post treatment care. Affirm is NOTHING close to this. It is minimal pink swelling and in less that 30 minutes back to normal, no numbing required and can use makeup right after. I operate this and other lasers daily from 9AM to 10PM 5 days a week. Sometimes with hardly a break.
Melsh, I hope you are doing well and my offer stands indefinitely. Whenever or if you are every ready to do so.
mayumee 27 Jun 2012
Thank you. I'm here reading reviews as I have an appointment in a couple hours. I was sort of looking for reassurance 'cause I really don't have friends who seem to do this kind of stuff. I think I have confidence in what you stated, I mean with long years of experience (and thousands of treatments given), you are the one to know! Pray for me, though , lol.

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