Fraxel Laser: Stories

I went to the best doctor I could find. He is one of the first to use and helped develop the Fraxel Dual. He perscribed me antibiotics so I did not break out in Acne. He gave me the Clinique Medical line to use before and after the procedure. I too researched the procedure online. I did not find any information regarding the risks. Unless you know to specifically look for this information, you are risking your face totally blind of the consequences. I had a Fraxel Dual Restore on March 1, 2010 and at first I was happy with my results. It did clear up my pigmentation issues and help with my old acne scars.

My overall textue was and still is improved. And I did not break out in acne or have complications immediately after the procedure like some. BUT, and this is a huge but, my face is now sagging. My skin tone is totally destroyed. I traded one problem (pigmentation/scars)for another (saggy/loose skin). I aged 5 years overnight. I stated to see the "weirdness" about 3 months after the procedure- jowls which I never had before, loss of fat around my eyes, sagging cheeks. I caught my reflection in my rearview mirror one day and realized I look COMPLETELY different. I look much older.

My cheeks have sagged down about 1/4 of an inch causing the entirety of my face to sag. I have nasolabial folds which I never had before. I have since spent a bundle on Juvederm (eyes, nasolabial folds, and jowls) to try and correct the damage. It has helped some, but I still look much older. It has caused me a great deal of anxiety and depression.

The bottom line is this procedure is a HUGE risk. Really look in the mirror again and assess if the issues you are trying to resolve are worth risking the tone of your skin. I am only 28 years old. I have more or less accepted how I look now, but I am really afraid of how my skin will fair in the future. If I look in a mirror, put my thumbs on my temples and pull up 1/2 an inch I can see my old face. But I will never get that face back. I would NEVER have gotten this procedure if I knew facial sagging (not to mention the many other horrific effects others on this site have experienced)was a possible outcome.

I fault the FDA for not looking out for our health and livelyhood like they are supposed. I fault every executive of Solta and I think they should be forced to have a full series of Fraxel treatments. I fault my doctor for not making me aware of the risks. In researching this procedure after seeing my own negative results I realize every doctor out there must be away of Awalk and others who have suffered so unnecessarily. This procedure without a doubt has catastrophic consequences. Do no do it. You will regret it.