“Awful ... and now i have acne”
Fraxel Laser: NOT worth it
Pain: Severe
I was excited about making the commitment to do this series (5 treatments, 4K) with a leading dermatologist in Houston who specializes in this kind of treatment.
Not only was it much more painful than I had anticipated (and I have a high pain tolerance!), the swelling was so bad that it affected my vision for a couple of days (swelling beneath my eyes) and overall, I was not fit to see another human being for 6 days.
About 4 days into it the breakouts started - acne like I've never experienced ... tiny white pustules that are still a problem 3 months later. I'm afraid I will be on antibiotics the rest of my life and I'm not happy about it.
The derm refunded $3K of the $4K I paid; was unsympathetic and wouldn't do anything to contact Fraxel or find out if others had this experience with the breakouts (and what should be done). I am 42 and have had a series of photo-facial treatments 3 years ago with none of these issues and my skin looked much better afterwards - though I would need to repeat the process and Fraxel seemed to be a much more "permanent" solution.
My guess is that more people have problems with this than they let on and certainly the "no down time" is a joke!
Sep 30, 2007Comments and replies (4)
unregistered guest
31 Jan 2008
I just completed the first fraxel treatment, and I agree it is extremely painful. However, I have already noticed results with the first treatment. I have severe acne scars, and have endured 2 dermabrasions. Fraxel has nothing on dermabrasions in terms of pain, downtime, swelling, scabbing, redness, and loss of pigmentation. I wish they had this available years ago, before I invested in dermabrasion. Fraxel is worth it!
unregistered guest
4 Mar 2008
Can you say which Dr you went to? I am considering this and live in Houston. Editor note: you must join RealSelf so you can be contacted privately with doctor recommendations and feedback. This requires free registration for an account. When registering you must opt-in to receiving private contacts (a check box).
2 posts
28 Aug 2009
Who was the doctor who did this to you? I live in houston and im currently looking for a doctor who knows what they are doing when it comes to useing the fraxel.