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“MixTo Treatment Great, but Unplanned Disaster Happened”

Bugjune

Not Worth It
Spent: $3,000 in Palo Alto, CA

Comments (41)

Updated 31 May 2010

Posted 29 May 2010

I am 54, have taken excellent care of my skin since I was in my mid-20s - but even so, I had developed fine crinkly lines, more noticeable wrinkles, and even puckery skin in the areas around my mouth, under my eyes, the eyelids, and tops of cheeks. My PS had been telling me about MixTo for almost a year, so after doing as much research as I could on this, I got the treatment done on May 14, 2010. From what I'd read, MixTo is excellent on acne scars and age-related skin rejuvenation, and it was the latter that prompted me to have MixTo over Fraxel or even chemical peels.

About an hour before the treatment, my face was slathered in a topical lidocaine gel; that was followed by 3 pills prior to the procedure: one for pain, one for nausea, and a Valium. I also got several nerve block injections around my mouth and eyes to reduce the discomfort further. So I was woodenly numb by the time the procedure began.

My surgeon was awesome at communicating every single step of the way - from the waiting room to the treatment area, throughout the entire treatment and in recovery - what was going to happen and how that would "feel". That really reduced the anxiety and fear factor a HUGE amount.

Overall, on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is unbearable pain, I'd say 80% of this treatment was 1-2; 15% was about a 3-4; the last 5% was definitely HOT, but the sensation lasted 2-3 seconds at most. After the treatment, I was slathered in more topical lidocaine and cool, moist gauzes were placed all over my face and neck to get through about 30-45 min that I was told may be uncomfortably warm - but it was not! I didn't feel a thing at that point. I was driven back to my hotel to begin the recovery, and now I can tell you: THIS is the part where you're going to need to be strong, positive and confident in the results. The swelling doesn't set in till about 24 hours post. Plus, the skin begins to crust over almost immediately - more so in the areas that are treated a bit more aggressively. For me, that's the eyes and mouth. It's tender, but you can actually manage to gently scrape off the Aquaphor and reapply it yourself without a grimace. I have also tried icing the area, but any material will stick like glue on that sensitive face - OUCH when you try to lift it off. Even so, the icing really helped my eyes, and I will continue doing it.

Pain meds? One Extra Strength Tylenol per day (if even) is what I've had. It's not painful, it's MESSY. Aquaphor is on your hands, towels, clothes, hair, anything you get near. If you're a neatnik like me, it'll bug you blind for about a day; then you simply accept it! Since I'm recovering away from home, I packed camisoles to wear under button-up shirts; also a headband to keep the hair off my face; I packed an inflatable, horseshoe-shaped travel pillow that I place under my head at night - with the legs pointing at the headboard, not wrapped around my neck.

Unfortunately, while the MixTo treatment seemed to go well, I had a very severe reaction to the anti-viral drug Valtrex, which is given to prevent an outbreak of Herpes Type I cold sores. After taking the drug for 4 days, I got nauseous, had uncontrollable diarrhea, a rash, hallucinations, and several other side effects. I stopped taking Valtrex, but my immune system was compromised, and I ended up with a staph infection on my treated skin as well as a fever of 103. It was a long and scary week of recovery from that, and the illness derailed my MixTo recovery by at least a week. I am back on track now and making progress to a very fine outcome. I think it's important to evaluate the recovery from these procedures. If there is any unplanned-for occurrence, you need a Plan B to get through it.

Despite my experience with Valtrex, I would not hesitate for a minute to recommend my surgeon who performed the MixTo. I am confident that I'll have an excellent outcome.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

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My rating:

While he is extremely good at communicating the process every step of the way and has a very good aesthetic eye, he does not appear to have a "crisis management" plan in place. Sometimes untoward things DO happen, and a patient may need to be admitted to a hospital OR sent to a GP doc asap. I feel that is essential for any plastic surgeon: know what you'll do in case of a crisis.

Comments (41)

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Summer66 6 Jun 2010

I'm impressed with your very clear and informative narrative of what to expect, as well as your absolutely generous nature in sharing post-procedure photos. I will have this procedure done on June 21, and I had no idea what to expect, really. Your photos of your swollen and oozing face shocked me, I must say, but I'm glad to have seen the photos so I won't freak out when the same happens to me. I really appreciate your post and photos. You look like you're healing very well. I'm going out of the country 10 days post-procedure, and I was told I could start wearing makeup at day 5, so I assumed that by the 10th day I'd be back to my normal self. I can see that might not be quite the case. I'll be prepared, thanks to you.

Bugjune 14 Jun 2010

I was also told that in 10 days I would be able to wear makeup, but the reality is far, far from that. I don't want to cause you undue anxiety, but to travel out of the country just 10 days after is pushing the envelope. Perhaps your experience will be different from mine. My suggestions to you would be: 1.) Find out what medications will be prescribed right now; study the handouts for adverse reactions and interactions with other things you may be taking 2.) INSIST on a prescription for an antibiotic right up front; I feel this is as important as the anti-viral (which didn't even prevent the Herpes outbreak for me). 3.) get IN WRITING a "roadmap" for recovery: what is your after-care cleaning/treating regimen? When is the next follow-up? What are the danger signs you should watch for, to alert you to infection or Herpes outbreak? What kind of medicine will you need to have on hand while traveling? What happens if you have a crisis outside of the country, who will treat you? I, personally would cancel your MixTo until after the trip. But I wish you all the best in your procedure, and would LOVE to see you post your outcome here - even without the pictures!

Bugjune 14 Jun 2010

Update June 14, 2010 It's been a rocky road to recovery - to say the least! I wanted to add an update to share the past 2 weeks, because now I have issues larger than just recovering from the MixTo Laser. The reaction I had to the anti-viral Valtrex was worse than I could imagine. I not only suffered through about 7 days of incredible discomfort and anxiety, but then was put on a 9-day course of antibiotic to stop a secondary staph infection that formed on my newly-lasered skin. The antibiotic killed my fever of 103.7 overnight, but as a result of being on that for so many days, the skin on my palm, fingertips and bottoms of feet peeled in sheets. My feet are still peeling. I had HUGE, swollen ankles that also took about a week to resolve. Then I developed a rash-like outbreak all along my neck and chest, which took about 2 weeks to nearly resolve. Finally, as if I hadn't had enough things to worry about, I was diagnosed with Herpes Simplex Type I virus. That is exactly the thing that Valtrex was supposed to prevent from happening. But since I bailed out on day 4 of a 7-day course, I guess it wasn't good enough. So my lips are full of fever blisters that sting like 100 bee stings. I am self-treating with Abreva cream (the only FDA-approved cream for relief of cold sores) and taking 1,000 mg of L-lysine daily, as some studies have shown this amino acid to actually prevent the formation of fever blisters. I have an app't with a GP doc today (thank GOD) and hope to get more answers to my health issues. I will be having complete blood work done, with panels for rheumatoid, liver, metabolism and TSH, in addition to the antibody test for Herpes Simplex Type I. Needless to say, this was a LOT more than I had ever bargained for in getting a facial laser treatment that I understood would heal to glowing skin in about 10 days. My own guestimate is that my face will take another month or more until the redness and outbreaks subside; Herpes will be with me for life, with future outbreaks always on the horizon. Not to end on this negative note, I just want to emphasize once again, go into this procedure with BOTH EYES OPEN; have a plan in case anything untoward happens during the recovery phase. While the procedure takes only 45-60 min, the recovery can be grueling.

Bugjune 14 Jun 2010

Update June 14, 2010 - AFTER I got in to see a GP physician this afternoon. I am pretty stunned, but he says I do NOT have Herpes Simplex Type I. In fact, when he added up all the symptoms I'd had in the order in which they progressed, he said it's likely I have "Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome". He speculates this resulted from the laser treatment, which led to the development of a staph infection (first in eye, then spread systemically to my entire body). The classic signs of this scalded skin syndrome include staph infection, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, vivid body discoloration, blisters around the mouth and lips, and peeling hands and feet. He thinks the Keflex course I was on knocked out the staph, so now I need to be patient and let my body heal. I will see a derm doc this week, and may get yet a third diagnosis to share.

Bugjune 21 Jun 2010

My final update - I hope - to the health issue saga I've been going through since mid-May. I did get in to see a dermatologist last week, who basically confirmed what my GP doc had said (without knowing what that GP doc's diagnosis was at the time): I had a staph-induced, total-body infection. He said I could have had Toxic Shock Syndrome, and he based his diagnosis on the photos I showed him, plus the order of the symptoms I had in the early days following my MixTo laser treatment. I am now more than 5 weeks post, and the soles of my feet continue to peel, leaving tender, new skin that is hard to walk on. My lips continue to be an issue, with small, painful blisters having erupted (and now fading), plus incredibly tender lips. The dermatologist told me it'll likely be 3 months until all the redness fades from my face, not 2-3 weeks as I'd been told. So I will have to be very careful this summer keeping the sun off that new skin. I can live with these inconveniences if I am truly "out of the woods" with the other health issues. But what I want to emphasize is that EVERY doctor who provides surgical procedures must have a "crisis management" plan. This includes putting in writing the symptoms that patients should watch for right after the procedure: fever, drop in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, livid skin/rash, etc. In addition, internally, the doctor's office should have a plan for getting the patient admitted to a hospital or transported to a qualified specialist for further evaluation and timely treatment. Patients often elect to have a procedure done without dreaming of the complications that can occur, let alone knowing where to go for help, and most important, being of sound body and mind enough to get that help when a health crisis occurs.

Summer66 15 Jun 2010

You surely have gotten all the bad results possible. I hope you heal completely, soon. I do appreciate your experience and your concern for me. I would be the same in your place. My doctor prescribed an antibiotic and an antiviral for me to start taking a day before my procedure. As she said, I "don't have much going on" with my face, so I'm expecting a light treatment. I am stubborn and, like most people, hope that bad things won't happen to me. I will let you know how mine goes.

Bugjune 15 Jun 2010

I am going on 5 weeks post (as of this Friday), and just about overnight, the odd breakout on my chin and blisters on and around my mouth seem to be resolving - hallelujia! May I ask if the doctor doing your procedure is a dermatologist? I ask because she seems to be following a different protocol than the doctor who did my MixTo. It seems pretty standard for MOST other doctors to prescribe an anti-viral and antibiotic together. I SO WISH that had been the case for me. I suspect you will do just fine - with a light going-over. And if you have the back-up plan - even if it's just in your mind! - for that possible untoward event, you may rest even easier. GOOD LUCK to you! Do come back to post.

Bugjune 22 Jun 2010

Five weeks post-MixTo, and another related symptom has cropped up: I have a lumpy, itchy rash all over my back, thighs, abs and on my scalp. It turns out that I activated the rash by applying self-tanner on my body and a scalp nourishing liquid on my scalp. I never dreamed these lotions would result in a rash, but after seeing my GP doc, he says my body is still SUPER sensitive to any kind of foreign substance applied to it. I am to put NOTHING on my skin for the next 3 months except Cetaphil or Eucerin lotion and OTC cortisone as needed for my rash. I'm hoping that by taking cetirizine (Zyrtec) and applying the OTC cortisone, I'll put an end to the rash, but it's been three days of treatment and the rash is, in fact, spreading. I am clearly going to have to deal with lingering health issues for some time to come. And my skin's heightened sensitivity is going to put a damper on my summer activities.

Summer66 23 Jun 2010

Oh, I just saw all of your pictures-- I think I had only seen 2 or 3 before. You have suffered so much. My heart really goes out to you. ((((((((big hug))))))) Today is Wednesday, and I had my procedure on Monday at 11:15 a.m. No one told me how much it was going to HURT during the procedure! I went to the office of a well-known and well-respected plastic surgeon in my area. His PA did my procedure. An hour before the procedure, an assistant (I no longer assume someone in a doctor's office is a nurse) put a numbing cream all over my face. Turned out to numb only my lips and lower face around my mouth (kind of the Homer Simpson shaded area). I was given Valium and my choice of pain meds. I chose Vicodin, because that's what I take for my chronic back pain. I have gone through natural childbirth four times without screaming, cursing, or crying, and I have been told by my dentist and podiatrist that I am the model patient-- but geez, Louise, THIS HURT. My face continued to sting very badly for hours afterward. I took more Vicodin at home, enough to put me to sleep. I woke up here and there when my family talked to me, but I slept till 8 p.m. So today, two days after the procedure, my face is very dark brown in places, but my forehead and nose got a much lighter touch from the laser. Yesterday I called the PA and told her that I have a few areas that were missed by the laser-- not just thin lines, but areas that I think will be noticeable later. She said that I can have a second treatment at no charge, because they want me to be happy. Well, that's good news and bad-- do I want to go through the pain again? Today I began having light flaking on my chin. I didn't think it would start flaking till day 5, but I'm happy if it happens earlier. I am concerned that the skin on my forehead might not flake. What if I'm left with the texture it is now? My face looks like it's patchworked with rows of lines in one-inch squares, except for the forehead, which continues to look like it has the imprint of gauze on it. As I said, I was prescribed Valtrex and an antibiotic for the day before, of, and after my procedure. I wash with Cetaphil and then apply Aquaphor ointment. I have been VERY careful about germs and cleanliness and not getting an infection-- as if that could help. I don't think you did anything to get a staph infection. I'm so sorry that it took so long for you to find out what was going wrong. I expected my face to look somewhat like yours in your early pictures, but now that I see what my face looks like, I can't imagine why a doctor wouldn't have recognized right away that something was very wrong after your procedure. I don't know how to post photos, though I would. I have to say I'm having a very easy time of it. Today my face started itching, so I rub it with the back of my hand-- the Aquaphor ointment makes it rub smoothly and it takes care of the itch for the moment. I can't complain about anything else-- it has gone well, aside from the areas the PA missed and my forehead looking like it hardly got treated. I know you're going to be very careful with your skin now, after your last mishap. Be careful with sunscreen, too. My face is sensitive (the numbing cream stung me) and sometimes sunscreen stings my skin. I can't imagine what it would do to yours. Best wishes to you.

Bugjune 26 Jun 2010

Summer66, I am so glad that your procedure seems to have gone pretty smoothly! You got ANTIBIOTICS - lucky lady. How I wish my PS had been as informed as yours. You will likely have a much quicker recovery as a result of no serious, life-threatening staph infection such as I had. I did get several nerve-block injections all over my face before the MixTo procedure, so I can honestly say I hardly felt a thing. There were just a few areas where the nerve block didn't reach: near the ears, neck, forehead. But all that discomfort pales by comparison to the endless, week-after-week grind of dealing with one health issue after the other. My forehead, nose and chin were absolutely good to go within about 3 days of my MixTo; they had obviously not been scalded with a second-degree burn like the area under my eyes. But then I developed the painful blisters all around my mouth and lips (the outline of my lips had been MixTo'd), and then a big outbreak on my chin similar to the neck and chest rash I had about 2-3 weeks post. I'm sad to say that my full body rash is MUCH WORSE than just a week ago. The backs of my thighs, entire back, groin and shoulders are almost solid purple with skin inflammation. I will likely have to go on Prednisone now, and I will make absolutely certain I have NO STAPH before I do so. Prednisone would suppress my immune system and that would really be a scary scenario. I hope you will continue to come back here and post your outcome. The "gauze" pattern and lines you talk about are probably going to resolve in time - my guess is they are from the pattern of the MixTo laser wand: it actually zaps away the cells in a grid pattern, leaving many healthy, untouched cells to promote faster healing ... provided the patient got ANTIBIOTICS beforehand! It's funny, but my PS never even asked if I had a history of skin rashes or issues. I do. Wish I'd been more informed so I could've passed on the treatment.

Bugjune 24 Jun 2010

It appears I was premature in thinking my last post would be ... the last! For now, I've developed an itchy, uncomfortable total-body rash that was diagnosed today as "papular atopic dermatitis" as a result of the staph infection I got FIVE weeks ago following my MixTo laser treatment. Initially, I thought I'd brought my rash on by applying self-tanner on my body and some scalp nourishing treatment on my scalp a week ago. Within 48 hours, I'd developed an itchy, bumpy, red rash on my lower back and on my scalp. I self-treated with antihistamine pills and OTC cortisone for several days with no change in my condition before going in to see my GP physician on Tuesday. He thought it was possible the self-tanner was a trigger, as it was left on for 24 hours two days in a row. And he told me my skin is just going to be "super" sensitive for a long time to come. He advised Benadryl at night and the OTC cortisone during the day. Well that did squat-diddly. Instead, day by day the rash just marched forward to cover more and more territory. By this morning, the rash looked almost as raised as hives (could I have been allergic to Benadryl?!); it had spread to my groin - yes even DOWN THERE, making it painful to pee or walk, my BUTT (can't even sit down without discomfort), all limbs from neck to toes, and covered my back with a truly ugly carpet of the rash. I'd had it. I got in to see a dermatologist this afternoon. He was not convinced that my rash was due to the self-tanner, but he did say that was likely one of possibly several triggers that my body just over-reacted to. He said that in fact, MOST patients who have had a staph infection develop atopic dermatitis at some point. These flare-ups can recur, so I will have to really pay attention to what I'm eating, my stress level (what stress?!), and how I treat my skin. I got a shot of Kenalog, also known as triamcinolone, a steroid; plus will get a prescription filled for a stronger cortisone cream to put on the more stubborn "spots" - if WHOLE BODY could be defined as a "SPOT". If my condition doesn't improve by Monday, I will return to the dermatologist, and he will put me on a course of Prednisone. The reason why NO antihistamine pill worked for my rash is because the cause is not histamine-related (i.e., due to allergies), it's an immune system working overtime like a five-alarm fire every time a match is struck. When I told the dermatologist about the whole sequence of events: staph infection, huge cankles, peeling skin, odd breakouts, now this rash, I kidded, "What's next? Am I gonna lose my hair?" He didn't even snicker. He said, "If you do, that'll happen at about 2-3 months post." The bottom line here is that at SIX weeks post-MixTo, it ain't over yet. And here I thought I'd have glowing skin in 5 short days and be a poster-gal for MixTo. How could I be so misled? I am still focusing ALL my positive energy on a turnaround - or at least SOME improvement - by tomorrow. But I am doggedly determined to pursue every avenue of health care till I nail the lid on this coffin once and for all.

Bugjune 6 Jul 2010

I am now nearly 2 months post MixTo laser treatment. I am almost afraid to add: my rash is GONE!! Yes, but it entailed yet one more visit to the dermatologist last week. By Monday, June 28, I was in misery and anxiety over my rash, which had spread over the previous weekend DESPITE the Kenalog shot and application of Fluocinonide cream twice a day. When my dermatologist saw me, he said, "This isn't atopic dermatitis." He took a biopsy of the rash on my thigh, and I will get the results of that this Thursday. He then put me on a 10-day course of Prednisone. I had been DREADING that step. Prednisone has a host of side effects that some consider intolerable. Plus it suppresses the immune system, making it more likely to pick up infections, viruses and even colds. But I was simply out of options. The first Prednisone pill I took gave me a scary-racing heart! But after that, I tolerated it pretty well (bit of nausea, occasional racing heart and palpitations). By the time I'd taken the 4th pill, I could see some improvement. After just 5 days, the rash was nearly gone - but I'd managed to erupt in MORE painful, burning bumps on my ankles and tops of feet. Even those flattened out by this past weekend. Now, I am left with large patches of skin all over my body that are just a darker shade of rose pink. I can live with that! I will find out what happens if the rash returns once I'm off Prednisone. But for now, I am experiencing the first relief and peace of mind since I had the MixTo laser treatment in mid-May. That is simply NO way to spend one's summer. Lesson learned (among many): DO NOT GO TO A PLASTIC SURGEON for laser/skin treatments. Go to a dermatological MD. You have to get treatment by an expert in their field when it involves something as aggressive as laser skin burns. I will post again after seeing my dermatologist this week. And I will keep on posting updates and photos for as long as this painful, extraordinary recovery continues.

Bugjune 9 Jul 2010

I am ready to close the chapter on this MixTo/staph/immune system recovery! I saw my dermatologist yesterday. The biopsy showed "spongiform eczema", which my doc concludes was a systemic (not topical/allergic) reaction due to my immune system being in total overdrive. My doctor said the rash could recur - it just depends on when or if my body will get back into balance. Right now, I am coasting on a safety net of the Kenalog injection (which lasts in my body up to 3 weeks) and the Prednisone, which I'm winding down on the next 3 days. After that, time will tell if my immune system is going to normalize. I've done a bit of research in the past days, and see there is a strong connection between staph infections and rashes. In particular, a serious staph infection such as the Scalded Skin Syndrome which I had, results is a serious case of atopic dermatitis in about 80% of the cases. The reason is that staph superantigens enable the proliferation of T-cells, which then elevate the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) level in the system. That puts the immune system into overdrive, resulting in severe inflammation - systemic - that manifests as a severe rash on the skin. What I don't know is what's happening internally. This staph being of the "exfolient" variety, I could be shedding skin in my intestines, colon, stomach, wherever! In fact, even tho I am 55 and menopausal, I have experienced two bouts of "spotting" over the past 8 weeks - yes, even my uterus is shedding skin. Luckily, my feet have stopped peeling. That took almost 6 weeks! I now have tender skin on the bottoms of my feet. The rash I have now seemed to get control of started on my birthday - June 19! It finally flattened out and began to fade this past Mon/Tues, more than 2 weeks later. The rash was worst in the pressure areas: butt, backs of thighs, groin, back of head on my scalp, and even the entire back itself. All areas where I sit or lay for hours each day. That was another big clue to my dermatologist that this rash was not caused by the application of self-tanning lotion or scalp lotion. It was a reaction to the staph infection I got as a result of the aggressive MixTo laser treatment that was given without a proper facial wash before the procedure and NO antibiotic given precautionarily - even tho some 12% of my body was burned to a second degree level. The facial washing scenario bugs me. I had mentioned to my doctor's assistant that I drove down for 4 hours, and had put sunblock on my face, neck and chest. But she never even washed my face! There was no antibacterial soap, cleansing, alcohol swipe - NOTHING. That is shocking. And on top of which, my history of skin sensitivity and proclivity to rashes, the fact that my mom has psoriasis (also has a staph connection), that I myself could be a staph carrier. You'd think all these vital pieces of information would've been gathered BEFORE the procedure was done - to assess my risk level regarding future infection after the procedure. That's why I ended up in a crisis situation. Because the basic, upfront prep work was not done. I honestly think that if I had had my face properly washed, and been put on a course of antibiotic, i would NEVER have wasted 8 weeks of my precious summer dealing with health issues related to Scalded Skin Syndrome. I am older and wiser for the experience, and will never go into a procedure again so unprepared and over-confident in a doctor - especially one with no formal education or practice in the field where treatment is given.

Bugjune 14 Jul 2010

Well, I finally decided to post my face pictures again. Because now I am NINE weeks post MixTo, and you can see that my face is still freakishly blotchy and red all over. I was told the redness would resolve just 10 days after MixTo. Apparently, that was not the case for me. It takes me 20 minutes to put my foundation and camouflage makeup on. If I go to the gym, I have to first put on makeup so I don't get stared at like a freak. Then I come home, shower, and put it all on again. Even at home I can not stand looking at my blotchy face. It is horrible to wake up every morning and see this red, blotchy face looking so traumatized. But I will simply have to remain patient TFN, and focus on a day maybe weeks or months from now when my skin normalizes. I am a poster gal for MixTo, alright. You will look at my pictures, read my story, and decide for yourself if this is the "youthful rejuvenation" procedure you want done on yourself.

1331anon 22 Jul 2010

I have an appt. for the mixto laser tomorrow with the PA mentioned above who was not recommended. I am canceling my appt.

skywalker 11 Aug 2010

bugjune: Thank you so much for posting your rather traumatic experience; that is very brave and generous of you. I am so sorry you suffered as much as you did and only hope that with time your health will be restored, your skin will be healthy, and you can forget about this ordeal (well, at least leave it behind you). I was offered yesterday by my plastic surgeon the mixto laser with the 10-day glowing skin promise, that's why I went online to gather some info. Now I know what to do: Say "No Thank you". I can't fathom taking such a risk (after all there are no guarantees that things go well for anyone) and jeopardizing my looks, health, sanity, precious time and money, for the hope of somewhat nicer looking skin. Perhaps my somewhat aging but very healthy skin is good enough. THANK YOU for sharing!!!

Bugjune 13 Aug 2010

Skywalker, Every individual is different - and so are the surgeons! While I would say that my MixTo disaster was unique (and THANK GOD FOR THAT), it simply *could* happen to anyone. Even so, if you have confidence in the doctor, are comfortable with their surgical protocols, are perhaps a previous patient, have seen photos of their work, maybe even talked to a patient, then you can go with your gut. I am a bit jaded now, and would definitely think twice or more about getting any elective procedure where there is the trade-off of looks for health. You are so right there! I guess, what I'd say is don't give up entirely on this, but DO feel comfortable having done the research with your final decision.

skywalker 14 Aug 2010

bugjune: It is amazing that you can still have such a balanced view of the procedure despite your disaster. Kudos to you. That raises the questions in my mind: Do you see any benefit to your skin?

Bugjune 15 Aug 2010

Skywalker, I am lucky in one regard: the MixTo treatment I had last May has completely diminished some malar bags I had under my eyes. (I'd also just had Juvey injections in that area to smooth the transition, which were done just 3 weeks prior to my MixTo, so it could be a combination of the two.) BUT - and here is the downside: the texture of the skin under my eyes is all "melted" looking, as if someone dashed boiling water on my face. Granted, I can cover that with camouflage makeup, but I can NEVER appear in public without makeup. Even at home, it discourages me to see burned, scarred skin patches on my face.

Summer66 12 Aug 2010

My face was entirely healed in 10 days, as my doctor said. I'm sure the antibiotics helped. I'm planning on taking them up on the free second treatment because of the uneven converage. My doctor doesn't do injections to numb the pain, so it will be painful for me, which is a small trauma compared to your saga. I think you were one of small percentage of unfortunate people for whom this treatment goes wrong. On the 10th day, I went on my two-week trip to England, came home for 2 days, and went on another 3-week trip. No complications whatsoever at that time (the acne I got from the Aquaphor healed up quickly with my daughter's acne meds-- I should have known something so thick and greasy would cause me to break out).

Bugjune 13 Aug 2010

That is excellent Summer66! You are proof that these procedures CAN work out A-OK! And kudos for taking the pain that comes with it, too. You can enjoy your outcome and it looks like you are even going to go for the free second treatment! Hope it is as good as the first and that you have another smooth recovery. I am just getting back to my summer activities about 3 full months after my MixTo. Ah well, next year, things will be better.

skywalker 16 Aug 2010

bugjune: it sounds like your mixto tm was not correctly done then if you have a burned scarred look underneath your eyes. Very sorry to hear that. Did you get a second opinion on whether the Mixto was in/correctly done? Your doc might owe you at least the money for the procedure back. I am also wondering if it was appropriate to do Mixto only weeks after Juvederm; I remember reading somwhere that that is not appropriate and that one needs to wait at least 6 months. Sounds like the other way around: 1st mixto, then after proper healing Juved. would have been appropriate. The heat from the mixto would make the juved. melt? cause other reactions?

Bugjune 17 Aug 2010

Skywalker - I'm no doc, and can't comment as to the MixTo being done right or not - and no one for 250 miles or more does that treatment near me. So that is water under the bridge now. I will continue to heal AND apply the camouflage makeup. The good news is that the bright red skin is slooooooooowly diminishing by not even a percent per week, but IS getting smaller. I had asked my MixTo doc specifically about the Juvey having been done just 3 weeks before, and he assured me the MixTo laser does not penetrate that deep. I also had Juvey injections on either side of my mouth, and they were Mixto'd with NO red skin at all there! So I'm convinced IF the Juvey/filler is placed deep enough it should not interfere with the laser. The heat from the laser may not have impacted my Juvey, but IT SURE AS HELL did impact my surface skin - it was a 2nd degree burn, plain and simple. Now if that's what it takes for youthful rejuvenation, I am not interested in EVER having this again.

Summer66 20 Aug 2010

Bugjune, I am still thinking about you and wishing a complete recovery for you. When you are back to normal, would you post a picture? I'd post pics of my face during the healing process, but I don't know how. Seeing your pictures helped me because I knew what my face could look like, and since even under the best circumstances the face looks bad during healing, it's good to get an idea of it beforehand. I went to my dr's office a couple of days ago to set up my next treatment. The PA's who work with my doctor do these treatments on each other, and they go to work with their faces in the ugly healing stages. I guess it shows the patients that they trust it for themselves, and they're not embarrassed about how their faces look while they're healing.

Bugjune 20 Oct 2010

Summer66,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I've had a crazy-busy couple of months, but I also don't recall getting the email notification that you'd posted a reply here! I could've overlooked it tho.

Yes, I WILL post a follow-up photo. Right now, I'm on the road, but when I get home and get some time, I'll take another shot of me without my makeup on.

I am now 5+ months post. The red skin under each eye and on one of my eyelids has faded - which is great! But under my right eye, I seem to be stuck with a long crescent-shape of dark red skin. It looks like a permanent pigment change, but only time will tell.

I also have a scattering of white milia that I hope to have a derm doc address when I get home. So yes, I am getting BETTER, but not 100% back to normal yet. I'm glad my photos helped out, cuz it really is critical to go into this kind of procedure with BOTH eyes open as to the possible outcome. Good luck to you, too.

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