Fraxel Laser: Stories
Write a ReviewLoving the Results!! - Tampa, FL
- Worth It
- Cost: $379
- Lecada Medical Artistry (Tampa, FL)
I am 29 years old and felt like I looked about 5...
- 11 Jun 2012
I am 29 years old and felt like I looked about 5 years older, thanks to years worshiping the Florida sunshine without sunscreen!
I have been going to this office for over a year for Botox injections and absolutely trust Dr. Cross and the staff. They never force any procedures or recommend something unless you say you would like to see improvements in an area. So I pointed out that my smile lines were getting deeper and also some melasma on my jawline. Dr. Cross told me that Fraxel laser would probably take care of it. I was considering it at $600 per treatment when I discovered a Groupon for $379 for two treatments! Bought without thinking twice!
I was given a numbing cream to put on an hour before treatment. Don't be afraid to slather this on thick because you will need it! The treatment took only about 5-6 minutes but felt like needles being dragged across my face. My eyes were watering but the treatment was bearable. After the treatment it felt like a moderate sunburn, even after the numbing cream wore off. I was able to run errands right after without looking swollen.
The next morning, my face was very swollen, but strangely didn't hurt. The worst swelling was 24-30 hours after the treatment. The swelling and redness continued to improve after the 30 hour mark. I was able to cover the redness with foundation and even though I was still pretty swollen, made my way into public about 36 hours after treatment. I was able to go back to work on the third day but I would recommend an extra day if possible.
Only negative other than the swelling, my chin and forehead broke out pretty bad but the office said this is normal. Cleared up after a few days.
Now, 10 days later, I am thrilled with the results! I feel like it has taken a few years off my face and I am already more confident without makeup. My dark freckles and spots are almost gone and smile lines have improved greatly.. The texture is still a little bumpy but you only see that when looking very close. My second treatment is in three weeks and I'm excited to see the results!
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Dana sat in the procedure with me and told me to email her with any questions afterward, which I did. I would love to get a phone call after the procedure just for followup to answer any questions I would have. Dana did get back to me by email though!
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The benefits that I see now are a huge reduction in brown spots and better firmness. Fraxel has truly taken a few years off my face and I'm really thankful I did it!
One other thing to note, I was getting Botox about every 10 weeks (it wears off quickly on me) and I don't plan to have another treatment anytime soon. The wrinkles on my forehead are so much better now. Even the crow's feet on the corners of my eyes are almost gone!
Are you considering treatment?
p.s. JEALOUS you found that groupon, I'm getting quoted $850+ tax up here in Toronto :*(
Hi there! This was for Fraxel ReStore. $850 may not be that bad for the other types of Fraxel from what I hear because they are more intense and you need less treatments. For ReStore, 4-6 treatments may be recommended. I'm only having 2. My boyfriend asked me why I even needed the second one since the first one made such a big difference. I figure it can only keep improving the depth of my smile lines and lighten my freckles a little more.
Good luck!
Not sure what kind of foundation you usually use but I recommend Clinique Even Better. It covered up the redness and spots very well in the days after the treatment so I could go out in public. I have used it for about a year and it is great for sensitive skin too. Putting it on today, two weeks after treatment, I was so thrilled because I only need it in a few spots instead of slathering on layers like I did before treatments.
Haven't noticed the pigmentation even though I still have a little roughness that hasn't flaked off. This is the first time I have had any treatment and Dr. Cross went over my face 3 times. I know, they recommend you get the treatment again within 4 weeks and it is a little frustrating because that is about the time for the results from the first treatment to be complete.
If anyone could help you, I bet it would be Dr. Cross. She is honest and very knowledgeable. It is a shame that the last treatments left you with scars.
Just wear higher level sunscreen on your face and a good sunhat when outside and you will be fine. No need to hide from the sun if you are protected. It is difficult to hide from the Florida sun. :-) And like I said, that foundation helps a lot!
Keep me updated on your progress!
The swelling is finally going down but now I'm breaking out in those little blisters all around my mouth & chin, the roughness is gone but I'm still red to the touch. I still feel tight when i make a fish face. Feels like something is going on under my skin. You seemed to heal faster than me. Maybe it was because she did 4 passes on me, Yeah, I made a big mistake going for a resurfacing. I thought that doctor was supposed to be good, he totally messed up my face. I really like Dr Cross, I have to get some fillers from her too which she's famous for. When do you go back? I go back on July 12th. Keep me posted on your results & I will too. Thanks for the tip about the foundation, if it was just redness I can take them but the problem is I have scars & nothing seems to cover them. It's supposed to rain a lot this week!! yeah!!
Thanks
Yes, the roughness and scabbing was also something I experienced. I also had small blisters that if broken would bleed. From what I hear, it is best to just wash your face a few times a day and moisturize with a gentle moisturizer like aveeno. Nothing with Retin A or exfoliation beads. Sunscreen is mandatory though! And no Aquaphor because it clogs your pores.
Hang in there. The first few days are a little scary but after that, it continues to get better! I'm 2 weeks post today and I still have some roughness that is healing.
I actually haven't heard of Genesis. Dr. Cross recommended fraxel for me for my fine lines and discoloration so I didn't research any other options. She is in her mid 40's and her face looks like she is in her mid 20's so I trust her recommendation. Yes, the tanning beds are great for a short term tan but no favors in the long run. I feel like I have gotten a second chance with my skin!
Its been 22 hours post treatment already and its not improving...