“Smartxide dot”
Laser resurfacing: NOT worth it
Pain: Mild
I got the SmartXide DOT laser resurfacing for acne scars I've suffered with my entire adult life. My scars are not terribly deep but are dispersed over a large portion of my face. I'm also a fair-skinned freckle-face.
I had the procedure on Monday, December 22 and today is Thursday evening, December 25. The procedure itself was a breeze (and I'm a big wimp!). To me the laser felt like slightly prolonged electric shocks to the face. The only real discomfort I had was later that night when my face was burning. This is normal and not intolerable AT ALL. I had the expected swelling but it was very minor. I put ice packs on twice the first night.
Day 2 was marked by slight swelling, sandpaper-like skin and all the tiny white dots. No discomfort! I did go out in public as it just looked like a severe sunburn.
Day 3 was marked by mild itching, still sandpaper like and the dots turned brown/red. No more swelling.
Today is day 4 and I'm just starting to get flaky. I was told large pieces of skin would peel off but that isn't happening yet. Still feels like sandpaper.
It's hard to tell yet whether it has really helped my scars at all. I'm feeling a little discouraged as I tend to prefer instant gratification and I'm not seeing it yet. I was told it could take up to 6 months to get full results.
Also, specific to my case is that I will need 2 procedures. Once the doctor got working on me he realized just how extensive and disperse my acne scarring was. He therefore decided to do intense spot treatment of the scars and leave the overall less intense passover for the 2nd time. He said it would be too dangerous to do the full face on top of the spot treatment. So, I still have my freckles (which is ok since they are part of me and who I am)and I'm not sure if the scars are any better yet.
Updated on Jan 6, 2009:
I'm still holding out hope for better results after my 2nd procedure. I'm not sure if I'm excited or freaked out about my freckles being removed. I'm a red-headed freckle face and can't quite imagine not having them after 37 years! But, I'm willing to do it to improve the acne scars that have scarred me emotionally for over 20 years.
Waiting for results in our culture of immediate gratification is still difficult...I"ll keep you posted!
Dec 25, 2008Comments and replies (26)
34 posts
28 Dec 2008
Laserhope, I did a second Smartxide treatment about 2 1/2 weeks ago. All the redness and swelling is gone now. After two treatments I have about 80-90% improvement over my acne scars. It has been a God-send for me. My confidence level was high because of what I have accomplished but low when it came to my physical appearance - entirely surrounding my acne scars. The Smartxide dot laser treatments gave me a new world to explore. I did not realize how much I was letting my acne scars hold me back socially until they were not longer front and center anymore. I want to cry when I think of all the years I wasted. I really wish this had been available in my 20's. I am getting asked out by men and complimented left right and center beyond what I thought possible. I think its because my confidence is up as well as my skin looks terrific. I am just so happy I did this. All I can say is hang on. I got about 30% or more improvement the first time round which I thought was phenomenal given nothing else has had any effect. The second treatment pushed me to 80% and the doctor said to expect more improvement over the next three months. I believe with one more Smartxide treatment I will have 100% scar free skin. I am skiing this week-end and I am so not worried about my make-up being rubbed off by the falling snow and looking scary. I know I look great or the men would not be hitting on me on the ski lift. I am no longer the smart nice girl with bad skin. Hang in there. Allison
16 posts
28 Dec 2008
Thanks for the encouragement, Allison! I'm feeling pretty down right now since I don't really see the results in my acne scars. I, too, have lived with them far too long. I'm 37 now and have had acne since I was 12! I will try to stay positive until after the 2nd go-round and see what happens.
16 posts
30 Dec 2008
I talked to my doc again last night when he assured me that is normal for the laser to bring a major acne breakout right after. It sucks but is hopefully temporary. I just started the Obagi Benzoyl Peroxide formula and have hopes for that. Will keep you posted, hopefully with results in a few months!
16 posts
31 Dec 2008
Lets us know what happens after you second treatment!
16 posts
1 Jan 2009
I've started using the Obagi Benzoyl Peroxide solution and it is already working! The pimples that arose after laser are disappearing in record time with the Obagi! Yahoooo!
16 posts
11 Jan 2009
Hi i just got smartxide done like 3 weeks ago and unfortunaely for me i didnt see any kind of improvement, my scars are exactly the way they were before,, so im feeling kind of sad i wasted 500 dls. in this , the doc says that I need at least 2 sessions, which i definitely doubt. cuz the 1st. one didnt do anything for me.. anyway im not sure if i want to continue w the procedute cuz of my big dissapointment.. I was hoppong for at least a tiny change in my scars but nothing... anyway tks for reading
16 posts
12 Jan 2009
That's exactly how I feel - but I paid alot more for the first one - now I'm feeling even worse! I'm still holding out hope though til after the 2nd one. They keep saying to give it a few months for the collagen to start plumping the skin - we'll see!
34 posts
13 Jan 2009
I am about a month out from my second treatment and the Smartxide laser treatment really did make a major improvement to my acne scars. They are not 100% gone but they are improved considerably. I am just so happy with my results to date. I will probably do it a third time this spring. I want to wait to see if there is any further improvement through collagen improvement but I doubt it be enough to convince me not to do a third treatment. I would say my scars are somewhere between 70-80% improved from where I started before doing the Smartxide dot laser treatment. I really believe the skill of the doctor makes a huge difference in results. Good-luck to Kendy and laserhope in getting the results you are looking for. Allison
16 posts
14 Jan 2009
That's promising Alison...my fingers are crossed for my success!
16 posts
14 Jan 2009
same for me!!