“Fraxel: So Far, So Good, After One Treatment”

I started seeing a new dermatologist about four months ago and in general, she is amazing and made such a difference with my skin. I had my first of 3 or 4 Fraxel treatments about 2 weeks ago and am already receiving compliments on my skin. (I'm doing it for acne scarring and melasma/sun damage). Here's how my Dr. does it: I received an anti-viral Rx to start the day of my treatment to prevent cold sores, and was also given an antibiotic to take for a week to prevent breakouts. (I didn't experience either issue) I had the numbing cream on for about 45 minutes and was also given a vicodin and valium for the pain (you have to have someone else drive you home). I had the Fraxel II on the setting for deep acne scars (not sure what #) and had 8 passes. It was painful -- they said that next time they'll leave the numbing cream on longer and give me a higher dose of vicodin. I was red for several hours but iced vigourously. I was swollen the next day, but not too bad. Some reviews sounded so horrible -- yes I was puffy and looked like I gained 20 lbs, but my eyes weren't puffed shut!) Swelling was pretty much gone by the 3rd day and by that afternoon I was comfortable running errands and being out in public. I feel I still require additional treatments, but have received comments from "your glowing" to "wow you look refereshed after the holidays" to "wow you look so good you could've gotten a facelift". My advice is to work with a dermatologist you have a long standing relationship with and whom you really trust given the results you are seeing with your Dr. in general. I hope this is helpful. More to come!