babyblue7

So Far with the Lux1540 - Pennsylvania

What have you been using on your skin after treatment? I found that using Aquaphor ointment made my waffle imprint go away after about 4 days. The first time I had the treatment done, and I didn't use Aquaphor my waffle imprints lasted nearly 2 weeks. Also, I found that icing my skin directly after treatment helped alot too. I just had my third treatment done about 2 weeks ago and will undergoing a 4th in a month or so. I live in Pittsburgh as well, may I ask where you went?

Make sure you are using products that say 'non-comedogenic' on your face, especially after laser resurfacing. They don't contain any dyes or anything like that can irritate the skin. So your breakouts could be from the Carmex cream -- I've never used it so I'm not sure if it is non-comedogenic or not. Or it just could be from the laser. The last time I had a treatment done I broke out really bad too. But that is normal. Laser resurfacing forces the bacterial out of your skin, thus causing breakouts. About 3-4 days after laser, I use Derma E Tea tree and E Antiseptic Creme. It's great because the tea tree oil is a strong anti-bacterial, while the vitamin e moisturizes your skin. I use it at night because it smells a bit funky. But don't worry, the breakouts should go away. I freaked out at first because I rarely get more than one pimple at a time, and after laser I had about 10. They went away, and I haven't had a breakout since. I've done alot of research on skin care products, laser resurfacing, etc., plus I've learned alot from my experiences with it all. So if you have any other questions, I'll try my best to answer them. But I'm not a doctor! lol. I'm glad to share the knowledge I've gained.

The only thing that worked for me was aquaphor. I would just lather it on. I tried cortizone but my skin was too sensitive for that. You could try a little test, and if it doesn't burn or irritate your skin id say go for it.

I'm glad that it wasn't too bad! How are you doing now that it has been a few days? Also, how many treatments are you getting altogether?

The waffle print lasts maybe 3 to 4 days for me. Honestly, the first day you'll be swollen but it doesn't seem so bad. It helps alot to ice your face. Because your face is going to hurt really bad. Ice makes the stinging go away, plus it helps to make the swelling go down. The days following you will start to see the waffle imprint more and you'll be really red. On those days, my scars looked alot worse. With them being so red I think it makes them more noticeable. Everyone is different, so it's hard to say how long recovery will be for you. My doctor told me that a good recovery lasts at least a week. And remember, results are not immediate. It takes time for your collagen to rebuild itself. I have to say though, this third time I noticed some improvement in my scars after a few weeks and that was very satisfying. Very small improvement, but at least I know it is working somewhat. I was extremely nervous my first time too! I think it is important to stay low your first 3 days, and make sure you use a good moisterizer or whatever your doctor tells you. In all honestly, I am leary about getting it done by a technician. That is why I go to a facial plastic surgeon who does the laser himself. That is your choice though. Im sure everything will go fine. I remember being a nervous wreck the first time, especially with the recovery. But it really isn't too big of a deal. Good luck!