“Fraxel ii: before and after”
Fraxel Laser: Worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
Had one procedure and not sure yet if its worth it yet but my pores are smaller and the swelling has subsided...
That said, here is the progression so far. I had the procedure done in Rancho Bernardo ($600) The procedure was administered by a nurse. Procedure was Thursday morning and felt like getting a hot match tattoo all over your face.
Saturday the skin around my mouth and chin broke out in tiny pimples. I called them but haven't been able to get a hold of them to find out what can be done.
I read a lot of the reviews and wanted to comment on a few things:
- I noticed is that many of you are referring to Fraxel II but I noticed that in one guy's video it's not even a Fraxel machine. It's a Palomar machine which is different.
- Esthetician (at least in California) is not licensed to prick the skin - that is go beneath the first layer. Shame on that gum-chewing broad for suggesting that is even a HINT of being okay...
- If you got burned there is something seriously wrong -like the person was not trained or they are using an inferior machine. Go to a doctor's office for serious laser procedures - not an esthetician.
Updated on Jan 20, 2009:
Had one procedure and not sure yet if its worth it yet but my pores are smaller and the swelling has subsided...
That said, here is the progression so far. I had the procedure done in Rancho Bernardo ($600) The procedure was administered by a nurse and they recommened a series of 3 treatments but there was NO pressure to buy a package up front which was great. The procedure was Thursday morning. I arrived one hour early so they could numb my face with cream for one hour. My face was very numb but it still was uncomfortable and it felt like getting a hot match tattoo all over my face. The pain was only when the laser was active - once it passed the area it didn't hurt. She did 6 passes.
On Friday night, the skin around my mouth and chin broke out in tiny pimples. I called them and the said that this is normal, particularly for those who have had acne or if this is their first procedure. They advised me to use my regular acne products. I bought some Neutrogena Rapid Clear gel that that helped subside the breakout and reduce the redness overnight - it wasn't completely gone but it was much better in the morning.
I am taking pictures every day to see the progression and will update about each week or so.
Updated on Mar 15, 2009:
Results are not super significant but the orange-peely texture and fine lines are reduced after one treatment. It takes a few months to see the results. I have my second treatment first week of April.
Updated on Mar 22, 2009:
My skin's texture has improved - not super huge but lots tighter and less pebbly. If you get this done take before and after pictures to see the difference. I also went back to using Rhonda Allison skin products which in the past have made my skin totally glow. They are expensive, but you only use tiny amounts so they last a long time. I am using: - Pumpkin Cleanser (Daily) - Growth Factor Serum (morning and night. its magic, I swear!) 1x per week - alternate between masks: - Beta Refine Mask - Pumpkin Parfait Mask
Updated on Apr 6, 2009:
I will have to say that it IS worth it now. I took pictures for before and after. I've had one treatment and will have my second next week. The results took a while to happen. In addition, if I hadn't take photos I wouldn't have realized that the lines and pores were greatly minimized.
Updated on Apr 19, 2009:
PROACTIVE IS MY SECRET SOLUTION.
I had a bad breakout from my first Fraxel. This time I went out and bought a 30-day supply of Proactive (cleanser, toner, repairing lotion, refining mask) just to give it a shot.
I started using it at the very first sign of the breakout - about 20 hours after the laser. I think if I would have used it before any signs of breakout I wouldn't have had any... Even so the pimples were SO minimal.
The Proactive didn't dry out my skin any more than the Fraxel did, it helped keep the redness down and the toner felt soothing and hydrating.
It REALLY helped keep the breakout down to about 95% - I BARELY got any pimples - not nearly as severe as I did the first time which lasted about a week. I used the Proactive for 5 days until the urge to break out subsided.
I'm a new fan!
Mar 15, 2009Comments and replies (20)
76 posts
19 Jan 2009
Do keep us updated! I was given pain meds, so my first procedure went very well. The only time I felt a little discomfort was around my mouth. As far as the pimples, I was warned about them, nothing you can really do about them, they will go away in a week or so. I'm having my 2nd treatment this week.
76 posts
20 Jan 2009
I was never told by any doc. including my dermatologist about scarring afterwards! I guess I'm willing to take that chance!
12 posts
21 Jan 2009
Hmmmm... delayed onset scarring is a phenomenon I have never heard of. If you have medical substantiation of this, please send a link.
465 posts
21 Jan 2009
ThatCAGirl delayed onset scarring is far from a phenomenon all scarring is delayed.. As far as medical substantiation You only need to google radiation ulcer they develop years after Radiation.. This is infrared radiation....But please if you can find a study that shows the 1550 pulsed wavelength is safe from someone who isn't financially biased I would love to see it.. I have nothing to gain other than an clear conscience in sharing my experience maybe another will be spared. Isn't that why we are here to share unbiased reviews that a doctor or company who has a financial interest simply cannot do....
465 posts
21 Jan 2009
My intent is not to be confrontational only to make sure that others had the opportunity to be fully informed...I could not find info online before my Fraxel and had the best Plastic surgeon whom I trust and have seen for 8 years for botox and resty. If you want to move forward and your doctor told you no risk of scarring ask him to guarantee it in writing or give you a percentage of time it occurs… Does he know…What are the long term implications results?? What did your consent say????Did they give it to you at your consult so you could take it home and read it...Or wait till you had taken pain meds or are on the table?? The fact is there is not enough research..The Air Force ect. is doing studies to determine the effects of this wavelength because there aren’t any….Just read the other posts..I'm not the only one.... http://www.stormingmedia.us/14/1460/A146074.html?searchTerms=infrared~laser~~damage~ http://www.stormingmedia.us/search.html?q=infrared+laser+dna+damage+&search.x=10&search.y=5
10 posts
21 Jan 2009
The above articles read "Many infrared (IR) laser systems are being used in tactical military ground and airborne applications". I did not find anything regarding Fraxel Laser. How do you know the laser mentioned in those articles is the same used in Fraxel? Specially applied like Fraxel and with the same potence? I would like more clarification on your research for Fraxel damaging the skin 12 months after it's application. Thanks
76 posts
22 Jan 2009
I was told today that there are several types of lasers used to treat acne scarring, the Fraxel laser does not have radiation! I did not have a Co2 laser used on my face. Thanks for sharing your experiences though.
unregistered guest
22 Jan 2009
Thanks for including photos. It's very clear that your skin texture is much improved from your Fraxel treatment. Also, your under eye area looks very good.
76 posts
23 Jan 2009
I just had my 2nd Fraxel treatment yesterday! Everything went smooth, no pain but a little more tingly/prickly feeling this time because the setting was a little higher. The doc. has the latest Fraxel out there. I have swelling this morning and my face is red and tight but other than that, I feel good and plan to go back to work tommorow. Note: I have heard of another laser called the Co2 laser that can be more damaging but I didn't opt for that procedure!
12 posts
24 Jan 2009
So to translate, this abstract basically says that the "TUNEL method" of measuring cellular damage caused by laser devices is effective. But it doesn't say anything about long-term scarring - which is what (I think) you are trying to warn us about. We all appreciate you trying to be helpful but this data doesn't bear any relation to delayed scarring.