“Fraxel restore”
Fraxel Laser: Worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
I did the 1st of 4 treatments yesterday with the Fraxel Restore. I am a 35 year old female wanting improvement in skin tone/texture and some acne scarring. I also have very mild melasma (pigmentation spots).
The MedSpa I used is the only one in this area with this machine. I heavily research Fraxel Restore before deciding I would try it. The Medspa has great staff and a medical doctor that supervises the esthethicians. They did 2 free consultations with me to answer all my questions and the Dr. there actually presented to me the research he did prior to buying this laser.
They put a numbing cream on my face for 1 1/2 hours prior to the procedure which took about 25 minutes. I also took one Hydrocodone pain pill when I got there. They used Energy Level 7 at 56 mj. They went to 70 mj on the 2 biggest acne scars I have. I don't know if they turned up the energy on that or not.
They wiped off the numbing cream, put on 'tracking gel'. The laser on your skin feels okay at first, but gets more intense as they go back over it the 3rd and more times. Most painful areas for me were the temples, around the mouth and around the eyes. I actually had to have them "turn it down" for the 2nd and further passes around the eye area. They gave me a cooling tube to blow cold air on my face where ever I wanted during the procedure. After the procedure, and for 2-3 hours I needed cold paks to soothe my skin as it was a bit uncomfortable. I would say the overall experience was a bit painful, even though I took a pain pill and they put the numbing cream. But, it was tolerable. Everyone's pain threshold is different. The sensation of the laser is like little prickly firecrackers in your skin. . . . .
Today, a day later, my face is swollen a bit especially around the eyes, and I am red, like a sunburn. It doesn't hurt though. I have a sandpaper like texture but I know that will go away. I cleansed this AM with a gentle cleanser, applied 30 uva/uvb sunscreen and makeup. I will lay low today, ha ha. Maybe tomorrow the swelling will subside.
I am glad I did it, I hope the results are worth what I paid.
I hope this helps anyone considering Fraxel Restore! I will post updates, good or bad!
Feb 21, 2009Comments and replies (6)
465 posts
23 Feb 2009
Leah Expect a break out in a few days Don't do so many passes until you know how your skin is going to respond.. Keep it moist even thru the break out... You don't want the surface getting to dry the coagulated tissue needs to be able to escape..... Ask about the vinegar(capfull) with water soaks followed by auqapher at night..It has mild antifungal anti bacterial capabilities... Don't use family towels especially if you have kids or anyone in your family has had athletes foot... Dry your face with papertowels... Are clean laundry is not sanitary you need to keep it sanitary..avoid touching it ect... Keep your blood flowing...It's important for healing Good luck Keep us updated
8 posts
24 Feb 2009
Everything so far is normal. I had the MENDS starting about day 3 after treatment which is decribed on the post Fraxel Restore care sheet. It is the the little tiny brown spots that have worked to the surface, making it feel like sandpaper. It is slowly flaking off and I am a tad dry. I am actually putting Action from Obagi on at night and in the AM prior to sunscreen. My doctor was extremely informative about everything and he did prescribe the settings they used for my treatment. Side note, I didn't expect to see ANY improvements in my skin until I got through the remaining treaments, BUT I already see a shallow scar I've had since I was 4 years old smoothing out. It's absolutely incredible!
465 posts
25 Feb 2009
Great news..Keep us updated excited to see how it works out... Take pics... It's hard to notice when you see yourself everyday...Comparing pics is great way to see improvement over time... Good Luck
8 posts
26 Feb 2009
My doctor has a nice set up to take before and after photos. You are right, it is sometimes difficult for one to see improvement over time without a photo to remind you.Right now I am 6 days post treatment and the little brown spots are mostly all flaked off. I have 3 minor pimples. Rosy glow. Next treatment in 5 weeks.