Fraxel Laser: Stories

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Fraxel Restore - London

  • posted 1 year ago
  • updated 3 months ago
  • Not Worth It
  • Cost: $3,800
  • United Kingdom

Want to share my journey through having fraxel...

  • 5 May 2012

Want to share my journey through having fraxel restore laser. I've suffered from acne for over 20 years on and off. Had scarring most of my adult life due to this and mostly dealt with it fine, as my skin texture has somewhat improved over the years (or maybe I have just got used to my reflection). Had a break out earlier this year and decided to try microdermabrasion to get rid off the pimples. I went to 3 different salons and had to stop the treatment program short as I came out of it with larger pores and wider and deeper scars. I also got some additional scarring, so after leaving it for a few months and using bio oil, I finally gave up and went to look for a solution. Fraxel seemed to be the best option, even though it doesn't give a full improvment. I had my first treatment yesterday at a Harley street clinic (went to see a few different doctors).

The treatment itself was quite painful and we decided that after 4 passes over my whole face, she would do the remaining 4 only on my cheeks (that's were most of my scarring is anyway). The laser was preformed by a nurse, but as I had done my research and visited several clinics, she was the one I felt most comfortable with. One doctor told me it would be pain free and I could go to work the next day - come on! The nurse gave me a serum to speed up the healing and that I will apply 3 times/day. So today I am very swollen and red, skin feels rough and due to the swelling it looks scar free - I know that the scars will re appear once swelling goes down, but it's been lovely to see a scar free face in the mirror for once. I'm staying inside for 3 days, eating healthy and keeping myself hydrated to help the healing process. I'm going to have 4 treatments and scheduled to see the nurse next week, for progress update and to set the date for the next treatment.

It's been 1 week since my treatment and my skin...

  • 11 May 2012
It's been 1 week since my treatment and my skin has healed very well. I was red for about 4 days and the swelling went down after 6 days. I still have some brown scab on my cheeks and I'm just letting it heal on it's own, without any scrub or peeling creams (nurses advice). At the moment my scars are a lot shallower especially the deeper and wider scars - I went to the clinic yesterday and the nurse could also see the improvement and was happy with the healing. I've mostly used the serum the clinic provided, but also Avène's cleanser and moisturizer for hypersensitive skin (or for skin after dermatology surgery). I haven't used any make up since the laser, but still felt much more confident when out and about due to the improvement in my skin texture. Next treatment is scheduled for the 1st of June, so will post before and after picture again...

Had my 2nd fraxel treatment 2 weeks ago. This time...

  • 16 Jun 2012
Had my 2nd fraxel treatment 2 weeks ago. This time around the laser itself felt a lot more painful,- the nurse upped the settings so believe this is the reason. We had a little break midway, just to cool my face and again did 4 passes all over the face and then the other 4 on my problem areas,- cheeks and chin.
Due to the higher settings I was a lot more swollen and red afterwards and it took me a good 5 days until I could go out in public. I'm still a bit pink, but the redness is slowly fading.

So how do I look...the week after the treatment my face looked really smooth, but I knew this would be changing after the swelling settled,- therefore I also decided to wait for two weeks with my update.
My scars are definitely shallower,- I can't see the deeper scars at all anymore, which is great!

Saying that - I'm not too happy with my skin texture. My pores are very large on my cheeks and even though I had enlarged pores before the treatments, I'm unsure if they have become larger after fraxel. I mentioned this to the nurse and she said it might be more noticeable now when the scars are shallower. It's so difficult to judge when you look yourself in the mirror several times a day.. I'm still going ahead with the next 2 treatments, as I feel the positives outweighs the negatives. Could also notice how blocked my pores are after the treatment,- could almost pick the "gunk" out,- so this is not helping pore size either - have been using tee trea oil and manuka honey on my blocked pores and small areas of outbreak and it seems to be controlling it.

So another 2 weeks have passed since my 2nd...

  • 30 Jun 2012
So another 2 weeks have passed since my 2nd treatment and unfortunately it's not looking great at the moment. The large pores are still very much there and visible and I also have some scratch like marks on my chin and cheeks. My skin looks very uneven, but at this point the acne scarring is my least worry. I went to the clinic a few days ago and was told that my skin hasn't healed yet and is still dry, so was given some serum to speed up the healing (that's why my face is so greasy in the pictures). So, I'm hoping that this will resolve the problem with the scratches and large pores, although I'm very aware of people seeing even more damage over time. I will not schedule any more laser treatments until I see a significant improvement in my skin.

It's been 2 months since my 2nd treatment and...

  • 4 Aug 2012
It's been 2 months since my 2nd treatment and unfortunately I am now treating laser damage rather than acne scarring. THe fraxel has caused my skin even more scarring, lines and also holes or pitted scars. I am now using psoria gold ultra to help my skin heal. Not expecting to see much improvment in the next few months, but my skin seem to tolerate psoria gold quite well and even reduced some acne I had on my chin.

This is my update 6 months post fraxel. I'm still...

  • 15 Dec 2012
This is my update 6 months post fraxel. I'm still suffering from the same issues as my last update. Uneven skin tone, large pores, pitted scars and lines (micro scarring) and then of course my acne scars! So apart from my acne scars all other issues were caused by fraxel. I've been to two other consultations since regarding re cell, and both doctors told me that they have stopped doing fraxel - they did not want to go into the reasons too much, but the first doctor said it was because of the pin hole texture that some people can't get rid off afterwards. The second doctor did not think I should have re cell but endymed instead, which I looked into, but think it would do much for my skin after all.
I've added some pictures and my skin looks the same as my previous pictures, so same level of damage!

A quick update to say that I am now trying a new...

  • 23 Feb 2013
A quick update to say that I am now trying a new treatment to get rid of my fraxel damage. Very hestitant to put any heat on my skin, but finally decided to try endymed fractional skin resurfacing. It's a new radio frequency resurfacing and skin tightening treatment that a reliable doctor recommended. I have been to many, many consultations after my fraxel damage and this seemed to be the best option.
I had my first treatment 3 weeks ago and my skin healed well after the treatment. I can't see a dramatic improvement to my scarring, but will have at least 2 more treatments and will post pictures after these.
Great review?

Comments (89)

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sageleaf 19 May 2013
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Kicks 4 Mar 2013
I'm confused...to me your skin looks basically the same at the end only dry instead of oily. I believe this might've accounted for the texture damage you suddenly began to see rather than laser damage... Honestly, I really only see the same damage and texture issues that were there before--though i think some of the depressed acne scars actually got a little better...I mean it wasn't anywhere near $4000 worth of improvment thats for damn sure, but it definitely doesn't appear as if your skin was damaged by anything but acne and years of acne treatments--please don't take that as an insult btw! I think i only notice this because I have the same sort of texture issues on my cheeks and other areas despite the fact that I've never even had laser and like only one 20% glycolic peel in my entire life. I've just used retin a gel and before that differin gel for too long and was later on put on both accutane and spiro (i didnt have acne as a teen btw so this was all over the course if a decade). The later of the two meds caused my face to become far less oily and dry fir the first time in my life and after a lifetime of being super oily I freaked out because my skin just did NOT look the same! I suddenly began to notice all this horrible orange peel texture or maybe that's just what I developed using retin a gel on drier skin (I don't know but I do know that I didn't overuse it). Anyways long story short my skin looked a bit like yours when I used to spend all my time obsessing about it. A lot of times, I think it's the obsessing and depression that causes the "fat loss" and wrinkles etc that the people damaged by fraxel seem to complain about rather than the fraxel itself because I've dealt with some of the same issues and all I can say is the skin is a reflection of our health both mentally and physically and most can't be healthy and heal when they're so full of dread. I'm glad you've found a better place mentally and a better treatment that eventually worked for you! I'm also really glad you keep up updating cause I'm interested to see if this radio frequency thing helps with texture issues like this.
bacella 5 Mar 2013
Thanks for your comment. I can assure you that my skin has been damaged by laser. It is difficult to capture the changes with a photo, but my face looks like it's been burnt. You are probably right that it is also because it's less oily than before. But the texture is far bumpier and streaky than before. Unfortunately I'm not the only one with this problem - "iplandlaserdamagesupport" is full with stories similar to mine. Retin A tends to have side effects like yours - I was also in accutane before and did not have any side effects apart from drier skin, which is expected. My 2nd RF treatment is tomorrow, so fingers crossed!
maur 8 May 2013
Hi, I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm on my fourth Fraxel treatment, and swear that my face look worse then before but.. i believe that my damage was done at my first Dr's appt when they insisted that I first start with a sicton micro mini peel then proceed with the Fraxel treatments. i have one left and intend to see it through, but.... I was informed my my Derm that the treatment that this Park Ave Surgeon has chosen for for me is wrong for my skin type. I am a thin person with thin skin (fair) I don't have much fat on me and my Dermatologist said that Fraxel works best on meaty, greasy skin and radio waves and light waves on thinner skin. Don't know if this helps any but I wish you the best. I'm 53, and I know for myself, my skin has and always will be my achilles heal. I know there's worse thing in life but this is my demon.
MarkK1927 28 Dec 2012
I have the EXACT same textural issue as you resulting from Fraxel. I don't know if the procedure was botched or I just didn't heal correctly, but what I do know is that I truly regret having it done. Four+ months have passed and mine's not getting any better either, unfortunately. Are you using Retin-A or considering any chemical peels? I hope there's a light at the end of the tunnel for us. Btw, texture issue aside, you have a very pretty face.
bacella 28 Jan 2013
Sorry to hear about your skin. A doctor I met said that it just looks like my skin has been burned, so believe that is the issue. I don't think my skin will get better from any topical treatments anymore (tried retinol, but skin could not handle it). I've booked in for a fractional resurfacing treatment called endymed 3 deep on saturday and I'm very nervous about having any heat applied to my skin. This is a new radio frequency treatment that a doctor (who also does recell) thought would be my best option.. So hoping for the best!
flowerbc 19 Dec 2012
Thank you for your comments. This really helped me decide. I had one treatment done, and the doctors recommended 3 more. I didn't see the results after the first one. I was red and swollen for only about 3 days. Then all was the same. Im on the obagi and Retine cream. I think im spelling retine wrong. The tube is up stairs. To lazy to go fetch.. Thanks again for your honesty. Hope you will recover to what you are expecting.
Dahlila 16 Dec 2012
Hi Bacella, You and I have similar damage! the texture is definately the same. Im so sorry we are going through this I know how devastating it is.... I seem to notice something that makes me sad anytime im in a different light. I see shapes, lines, pores...its awful. Ive been using obagi nuderm since june and aha chemical peels, along with dermaplanning since september. I also had one vitalize peel. Just thought I might share in hopes that it may help...and hopefully we all find a solution to end this misery. :-(
Kicks 4 Mar 2013
Stop it! You can't be obsessing about your skin like this and heal! No one examines our faces as closely as we do so the holes the lines etc, mostly no one but you will notice that. Another thing is, maybe be careful with the acids cause I've found that I start to develop this kind of texture from them. Retin a basically just eats at the top of my skin sometimes (my derm actually confirmed this for me and admitted that that's essentially what it does and how it works). I don't know though because sometimes it helps and sometimes it makes things worse. Believe it or not, I've found that my skin texture improves a lot with daily massage so maybe try that.
bacella 5 Mar 2013
Your comment made me laugh as you sound like some of my friends! I haven't personally tried Retin a due to all side effects that can occur. Massage sounds good, I will start tonight. Thanks!
Pete70090 11 Nov 2012
Just realized I had already posted that story. Oh we'll, can't hurt to get it out there twice!
klathrop 10 Nov 2012
Has anyone tried the Clarisonic? Thinking of giving that a go first. $160 vs $3500 and no harm potential vs severe harm possible, I don't see how it could Hurt right?! Any personal clarisonic experiences? Y'all have me very hesitant on fraxel now so thank you for sharing your experiences!
Jabberwocky 10 Nov 2012
I posted a comment about the Clarisonic below. I love it!
seekingsmoothskin 28 Dec 2012
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my clarisonic. Have I mentioned that I love it? I can tell such a difference with my skin since using it. It really gets my skin super clean and helps my skin absorb product better. warning that when you first start using it your skin may break out because it's helping all the junk to come out, but skin feels so much better after 2 weeks!
MarkK1927 28 Dec 2012
I purchased a Mia 2 but haven't been able to find a cleanser that didn't irritate my skin, so I stopped using it. I use Tretinoin too, so I'm looking for a cleanser that wouldn't cause further dryness, especially cleansers with Salicylic Acid. I tried a quite a few including Cetaphil, Cerave Foaming Cleanser, Eucerin, Aveeno Clear Complexion, and Vivite Daily Cleanser. Everything I've tried so far has irritated my skin a bit and I've pretty much gave up on the device and cleansers. What cleanser do you use? Know of any very gentle cleansers that will not irritate? I'm wondering if perhaps the sensitive brush head may be too harsh for me.
seekingsmoothskin 28 Dec 2012
I use the sensitive brush head with either the Cerave foaming cleanser, Cetaphil oil control foam, or Neutrogena skin brightening cleanser. I have very oily skin though...out of those, the Neutrogena is the one that will dry it out the least.
Texasgirl2890 6 Nov 2012
Hi bacella. How is your skin doing now? I'm really considering getting fraxel done on my face. I had a serious outburst of cystic acne on my cheeks when I was 21. Now, 2 years later, my face is completely acne free and i have absolutely no dark marks but I am left with some boxcar scars on my cheeks. I have like 3 on one cheek and like 5 of them kind of bunched up on my other cheek. So yeah the scars are not all over my cheeks. I hate them though because they are noticeable, especially in low lighting or outdoors. I hate being around people because I feel like all they will be staring at is my face. Im hoping I would be a good candidate for this procedure and where I'm from it costs $700. I have noticed that if I stretch out my skin from my cheeks just a little, my skin looks super smooth. Since my scars are shallow, do you know if that's a good sign for great results? I'm so desperate for my skin to be baby smooth again. I want to feel confident again. It makes me so sad.
5325anon 6 Nov 2012
i feel the same, i have some scarring on my cheeks, with those overhead spot lights they use now they look terrible; i am very self conscious and when i go to a restaurant refuse to sit at a table with those lights; i feel everyone is looking at my skin also. I am considering also doing the fraxel if this is the only solution, maybe even the heavier one, with a reliable doctor; i just have to try something....what about the dermaroller, has anyone had success with this?
Texasgirl2890 7 Nov 2012
I know I hate going to restaurants with that type of lighting. Everywhere I go, my face is always on my mind!!! I really want to get fraxel but I'm scared it might make things worse. I've never heard of the dermaroller. What is that? What's the price?
5325anon 7 Nov 2012
The dermaroller is supposed to help depressed scars, lift up the collagen or something to the sort. I ordered one from California but then read about these in London that are supposed to be better (sarah vaugh?) and ordered another type. I've used it a couple times, I worry if I am doing it correctly. At first it seems if it works due to swelling, but then I don't know, I know it takes several months. I am going to see another doctor in NY when I go up next because I am more or less desperate now. Everyone else in my family has good skin, I'm the only one, what bad luck.
Texasgirl2890 7 Nov 2012
Tell me about it, I'm the only one in my family too. It was all because I got talked into taking birth control pills. That was the reason why I ended up with cystic acne and once I stopped, my skin slowly went back to normal but with scars. Those pills just didn't do good to my skin. I regret it! The times you've used the dermaroller, did your scars "reappear" in a short amount of time once the swelling went down? I have gotten 4 microdermabrasions and since my skin had a little swelling right after the procedure, you could barely even see my scars. But, then my skin would go back to normal.
5325anon 9 Nov 2012
Yes, the same with me but they say with the dermaroller it takes around 8 months; since it supposedly can do no harm I am trying it. However I am going to see a doctor in NY soon because I can't bear them any longer. I think they got much worse after having 2 juvederm injections....they seemed to cause lumps and depressions throughout my skin... I then tried to dissolve them, and I think I really made a mess of my skin now.
Texasgirl2890 9 Nov 2012
Oh my, and that's because I was considering that injection as a 2nd option. I guess I'll forget about that option. I think I'll look into the dermaroller. Thanks for letting me know about it.
bacella 10 Nov 2012
Hello! I think my skin is a bit better than my last pictures. It's still uneven and very "rough" looking especially in daylight. So I still have large pores and micro scarring that was caused by the laser. At my recent consultation the doctor talked about subcision as a way of getting rid of my scars. Maybe you want to look into it?
5325anon 11 Nov 2012
Subcision is when they 'lift' the scar'? I think (know) my skin worsened from the juvederm, but it should have ldissolved by now but hasn't....i don't know what to do anymore really.

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