Fraxel Laser: Stories

Drink ALOT of water prior to your appointment.

During Procedure: Was not numbed, felt like being snapped in the face with a rubber band repeatedly, smelled like burning flesh, heat progressed as treatment progressed. The pain was DEFINITELY there and I have a high pain tolerance. VERY red and still in pain.

Went to work right after, and really DONT recommend it. I have had other procedures - micro dermabrasion, IPL, botox and filler - and have ALWAYS just been able to cover the redness with some Jane Iredale mineral powder & function.

THIS was embarrassing. You can't put ANY makeup on and even if you could, it would NOT cover the redness. My coworkers all commented - some saying I looked like I was in a fire and hope I don't stay this way. (me too- the worry is DEFINITELY there)

I also wish that I'd been informed that it would my face would be this unpresentable.

The level of pain now 8 hrs post treatment, is pretty surprising too. I was in Hawaii last year, after using Retin A & burnt and swelled pretty badly, but this might feel worse.

How the results LOOK at this point is such a mute point with all the discomfort and unsightliness, but I'll be happy to report as I go along.

Its obvious Im experiencing some negativity due to the unexpected side effects, but am SURE the positive benefits will come in the next couple of weeks. (again...I wasn't prepared for this to involve such downtime)

Ill be posting pics as I heal.

Please - just PLAN for this procedure - probably right before summer is NOT a good time. Give yourself a couple of days of NO SOCIAL or WORK down time.

Best of luck to everyone! I hope your results turn out beautifully!