Had Pixel CO2 Laser Yesterday for Acne Scars - Extremely Painful!!

Well, here I am one treatment later. I have two treatments under my belt so far. Once I was aware of what to expect, I felt much more prepared for the second treatment. Again, it was very painful for me but I decided to just suck it up because I was pleased with my results from my first treatment. My pores got smaller, the laser removed any freckles, age marks, etc. from my face which made a fresher, clearer look adding to an overall improvement. And, yes I did basically heal in 4-5 days, with the exception of a little swelling, which actually made my face look even smoother, a some pinkness which could be easily covered with makeup. I have one more session to suffer through, which I already paid for in advance. I am pleased with the overall results. If I had the nerve I would have it done 2-3 times a year due to the results I have seen so far. The thing that holds me back is the pain and the fact that I have to "hide" for about 4 days until I heal enough to go out in public.

After calling the doctor's office ahead of time to see if I should take a Vicodin before treatment, I was told "no" that I wouldn't need it and no one has complained that the procedure was overly painful. So I took their advice, put on my numbing cream and went to their office for my first procedure. Well, to say the least, I thought I was going to die from the pain I was subjected to. I was in no way prepared for what what was happening to me. It felt like someone lit a match and kept trying to put it out on my face, over and over again. I was given pain shots before and during the procedure which still did not block the pain. Along with the extreme pain I could smell a burning odor throughout the entire procedure... obviously it was my skin!! My face burned extremely for about three hours before it started to subside. I was told to use Aquaphor for 24 hours. Now, after almost 24 hours later I look like a burn victim. I have a totally red face with little brown dot patterns all over, except for the one spot the doctor missed between my nose and lip. I have swelling all over, especially under my eyes. I cannot imagine being healed in four days, as predicted. I was told that I am going to love the results. Who knows at this stage? I rated my overall satisfaction in this review as "Fair" because I cannot give an accurate rating of my satisfaction until I am healed. Has anyone healed from this process in that short of time? I am allowed to wash my face soon and apply moisturizer. Right now I am wondering if I did the right thing. I have suffered with acne scars all my life and decided to try to improve them... that is the results I am hoping for. I originally signed up for three treatments at a price of $2,150. At this stage I cannot imagine suffering that kind of pain again, and, therefore, may not proceed with the remaining two treatments. If I choose to only go with one treatment, the cost is $800. Good luck to all who experience this procedure.