Fraxel Repair: Stories

9 months after fraxel, my scars are still there, as are the hypo pigmentation, red lines and streaks and rough skin.  prior to this my skin texture was perfect, but not so firm at 48 and I was hoping for tightness.  The laser had little or no effect on the loose skin.   Needless to say my laser treatment has been horrible.  The laser company final changed their advertisement to say there is a small risk of scarring ABOUT TIME!!!!

I have heard from so many sad people that have gone through fraxel repair ,  this laser has too many risks, please look at other laser treatments first.

It has been 6 months of negatives. I have hypo pigmentation, red lines and streaks, rough skin and scars.  In additions the laser had little / no effect on my face wrinkles.  I could not leave the house for 2 months without the stares and looks of pity.  It was horrific.

The laser company final changed their advertisement to say there is a small risk of scarring.   ABOUT TIME!!!!!!     I have heard from so many sad people that have gone through fraxel repair that have been left with negative issues. 

May 2009, it has been a year since my fraxel repair laser. So it is time for a final update.

- My experience was horrible. For 2 months I was horrific looking, for 7 months I had issues that could be covered up if I was in a dark room with heavy makeup on. The last few months, my skin has settle down but I have been left with permanent loss of pigment, minor scars, and I still have rough areas to the skin around my eyes. It was not worth it. There has been some improvement in the skin. (see photo)
- What I learned was that a responsible doctor is very important. The majority of people that had similar experiences to mine went to their doctors, and the doctors did not know how to treat them, and they have not faired well to say the least. My doctor was concerned and treated me well or I would still be extremely disfigured today. Everyone should be proactive with their doctors. Ask them, what happens if I have an adverse effect? Who will pay to have the face fixed if there is an issue? Do you have the knowledge to deal with adverse effects? Do I get a refund if things go bad?
- I am angry because the laser company has been marketing the product as no risk, no documented case of issues – even though I have been consistent in contacting them. The doctors who are referred to on their website also say the same think. And, the sales people have been selling it as no risk to doctors, who therefore feel comfortable buying it, even though they may not have the knowledge to fix adverse effects. After dealing with them for months and months with not even an * added to their website stating the risks, the media got involved. Since then there have been some positive reactions by the laser company. It is too bad it takes media hype to get a reaction from them; they should have acted in good will and done it on their own.

It took a long time, but I finally found the FDA report filed by the fraxel people.  It took so long because the product was mis spelled twice???  Curious, how do you misspell your own product.?  They typed Praxel instead of Fraxel.  HMMMM, even worse though is that they stated I had an incident but healed with no scars or hypo pigemnt issues,  COME ON,  I call them regularyly , and send them pictures....HOW DO THEY SLEEP??????  

Following is an email from the FDA. Dear Ms.Hoene,

There is a typo in the name of the device. It is recorded as ‘Praxel’ instead of ‘Fraxel’. That is probably why you weren’t able to find the report. You can click on the following link to see the report.

Updated on May 28, 2010:

I had Fraxel 2 years ago; it burned by skin and caused many nightmarish cosmetic issues (see earlier posts). But, now that seems insignificant! one year after fraxel I started getting a very painful facial rash that has not gone away and is only controlled by steroids. This is also happening to another women, bad enough it ruined my skin, now it is ruining my health! SO FRUSTRATED AND SAD!