Fraxel Laser: Stories

Had fraxel duo on face and neck about an hour ago. I decided to try fraxel on face and neck and probably CO2 on the eyes (total fx). I was surprised, pleasantly, that it wasn't too painful and an hour or so later it doesn't feel that bad - mostly sunburnt and tight. There were definitely some "hot" spots during the treatment around the hairline and temples. The main reason for trying this is to get rid of the sun damage and pigmentation issues. Trying the neck to see if it helps with tone or crepe-iness/wrinkling...

The photos show before I left the house and 1 hour after the treatment. I am puffy and sunburnt as expected. And will post more photos as time passes...

Day 1 Skin feels tight and burnt with brown dots (coffee grinds) and very brown/red. Also, pretty swollen. I am using Skin Medica and Aquaphore and ice packs for the face. My neck is not that red which is weird. I'll ask the doctor about this.

Day 2 The swelling has gone down but I still have chipmunk cheeks. The redness and bronze is also diminished. I felt horrible on Day 1 but today I feel fine and back to normal as far as energy levels go. No concerns other than my neck which doesn't seem like it had much of a treatment but I'll check with my doctor. The worst part of the treatment was the shivering which I think was from the cold air but I am also pretty tiny and get cold easily. Took 1 1/2 days to get rid of the chill.

Also, skin is getting itchy today!

Day 3 and 4 I was miserable on day 3. I had creepy crawly skin sensation and didn't get any sleep last night. Finally got up at 430 am. Nothing I put on my skin soothes the feeling. It seems to make it worse. Aquaphor is too much, skin ointments and moisturizers burn and sting. I call Dr to see if they have any suggestions and invite me to come in that day. At office, Dr. says all looks normal, checks me for cold sores (I've never had one) and notices I am breaking out in white heads on the chin. We try a few creams and everything stings. One of the nurses recommends adding water to Aquaphor to lighten the viscosity. It works a little but still heavy. Someone else mentions coconut oil. Hhhmmm. I've heard good things about this and I used to work in the natural foods industry so I pick some up on the way home. Dr. also prescribes an antibiotic for the break out to prevent infection. (Also said I may not need a second treatment except on my neck. I have no feedback on my neck as it is reacting very differently and I think it will take longer to see any results.)

I wasn't worried about the break out but agree to take the pills. I think I look normal for someone who just had Fraxel Dual. Skin is peeling with a lot of coffee grinds on my face. I tend to peel from chin first and then out to cheeks. The coconut oil immediately soothed my skin. It burned a little after the first application but then my skin seemed to relax. So I started to smear it on whenever it felt dry. It's really greasy!

Went to be early as I was exhausted. Woke up at 730am - surprised that I was lying on my side with no painful sensation on the side of my face. In fact, my face felt calm, relatively cool. I was relaxed and refreshed! Maybe it was the combo of antibiotic and coconut oil but I think the coconut oil did the trick! (No it doesn't smell like coconut in case you wondered.) (The only side effect I do have that is slightly annoying is that I've developed a sty in one eye which I think is from the aquaphor getting in my eyes. Haven't been able to wear contacts for days. Using hot compress to break it up. Oh and the grease in the hair is difficult to get out.)

No day 3 photos but I do have day 4 photos which I'll upload later. I think my skin looks great but still a bit puffy which I like as I have lost a lot of collagen and will miss the fullness. Might go out today at last now that I think I can apply sunscreen and don't look as frightening.

I am still peeling/flaking. My skin itches but overall looks good. It has only been a week so I'll check after some time with final results on the skin color and texture corrections.

I did a lot of research before agreeing to this procedure including seeing several dermatologists for consultations. Thanks to all the folks that have posted reviews as they were very helpful. My procedure was done by a dermatologist (MD) and I would never have a nurse or aesthetician use a laser on my face (but that's just me). My comments reflect my experience. Your skin and your experience may be different. Do your research! Ifor now but I am pretty satisfied so far.

7 day update. Skin itches and is still red. It seems to be returning to normal. Still see sun damage where darker spots were but the lighter stains seem to be gone but we'll see.

So, I have flipped and am now undecided. Initially, the results looked awesome but now, my skin is more blotchy and dark. The melasma returned with a vengeance. So, I returned to the doctor and she agreed that perhaps I am of the small percentage that do not react well with Fraxel Dual. She is working with me to improve my skin. And for that I am both grateful and impressed with her integrity. She's got me on Obagi to see if that improves things. Will keep you posted.

My skin is better for sure but still have coffee stained skin; albeit lighter. I had 1 treatment so likely better results if I went back in.