“Can't Believe I Did It! - Houston, TX”

Awesome! I can't believe I am on this side of this message board. I have been reading experiences here for some time, and now I am in the process!

Had mine done yesterday at around 3:00 p.m. for severe acne scars. The doctor put it only 5% down from the highest level. Honestly, hurt more after it was over for about 2 hours (hurt like hell actually) because my face was ablaze, but the procedure itself was tolerable.

After that I had no pain and still don't. I will try to upload pictures for you all and continue to do so throughout this process.

Doctor says it will take 5 rounds for me, one month apart so we will see. My acne scarring is the one thing about myself I would change and I am hoping for good results. I really hate these scars on my face.

Woke up this morning and felt like something was stuck under my eye. It was swelling around my eye socket. Doesn't hurt but looks like it does.

I am very excited and can't believe I am able to post here now! Stay tuned....

BTW: Trying to upload these pics but can't right now. I will get some off my daughter's camera later this morning and post them. I know you all must be curious...I know I was when I used to read this board. :)

Updated on 19 Apr 2011:
I am now at the 8 day mark post fraxel treatment one. It is one of 5 or possibly 6 and I may do fillers if I need them. I had numerous cysts removed in the past several years and some of my facial scars are deep.

The treatment itself didn't hurt that much it was just the next two or three hours your face feels ablaze. After that, no pain at all just have to follow doctors post care instructions.

My doctor prescibed me PruTect which is used on second and third degree burn victims, and skin grafts, other infections etc. I believe this is why I healed so quickly...no doubt about it.

Had the laser on close to the highest level and the next day I was really swollen and very red. Had it done on Friday afternoon and went back to work on Monday.

I will post some pics here now and be sure to follow up with new ones throughout the process. I hate it when people post one or two and then disappear so I won't do that to anyone who is curious.

I do not have an opinion on Fraxel results so this experience is unbiased!

Donna

Updated on 5 May 2011:
I am LOVING the results. I swear now, every day my skin looks better and better. I have my next treatment on May 20th so will post a review then. I will try to get a pic this weekend and post it here.

The entire texture of my skin is different. Not looking rough and bumpy but smoothing out and looking fresh. I bought Neutrogena Face SPF 110, non-greasy. I love it! Before I was using one that was a lotion and I stayed greasy looking all day. Ug!

So far so wonderful!

Updated on 21 May 2011:
This is the morning after my second fraxel treatment. I am more red than before, but about the same amount of swelling. The doctor took it up to full blast this time on most of my face. She was almost at the highest level last time, but since I tolerated it so well she decided to really try to get the best results by maximizing the procedure.

One thing that really helped immediately afterwards is the Biafin was applied right after the procedure, and I used it several times yesterday afternoon. It reduces the burning tremendously.

Even though the laser was higher this time, it was easier than the last time because I knew what to expect and the fear of the unknown was gone.

The texture of my skin is entirely different after the first treatment so I will upload pics this afternoon on this treatment so you all can see how it is working.

So far so good! I do not regret this one bit. I am very excited!

Updated on 9 Jun 2011:
20 days after the 2nd fraxel treatment and I am loving the results so far. I have patches of skin with just smmmoootthhh! My 3rd treatment is in one week. Can hardly wait! Keeping sunscreen applied daily and avoiding the sun. Doing very well!

Updated on 18 Jun 2011:
Okay, I had my third fraxel treatment yesterday. Maximum power on the cheeks (as usual) but upped the power by 5 on the other areas. I am red and really puffy around my eyes and mouth but the new pic does not really show this.

I am tolerating the procedure much better because I know what to expect. I count the passes and know how many I have left in each area. This seems to keep my distracted! Like counting sheep or something..

I will upload more pics later in the week. I am thinking this treatment should yield some real results since it has been two and one half months of start, and three treatments later. We shall see!

Updated on 19 Jun 2011:
Second day after third fraxel treatment. No news, just one pic to show.

Updated on 17 Jul 2011:
Well, I know I seem like I am sad or something in this pic, but I am actually just swollen all over my face and pretty red. My nose is peeling and my eyes look offset due to the swelling. Not so flattering folks! Anyways, I am very excited that all the treatments are behind me. I have an appointment in a month to see how all this has worked and to see if I might get additional help with the scars that did not heal so well. It is supposed to take 6 months after the last treatment to get full results so I am excited to move forward.

I can see overall good results. I will post side by side pics in a week or so. I can see marked improvements in the scarring and my overall texture of skin is completely different.

Stay tuned for more photos. I hope this blogging has helped others who may be considering this treatment for whatever reason they are choosing. :)

Updated on 20 Jul 2011:
Okay folks....4th and last fraxel treatment day 5. This one has been a bit rougher than the others. My skin is still really scaley and not smooth. This is me in the raw (with the exception of eyes and lips). Usually on the third week is when I can really start seeing a major difference. My skin starts getting really smooth....but then it is time to go get it done again! I will continue to post pics and do a before and after in a few weeks when more of the collagen has filled in. That's all for now. Thanks for following along!