From a FAQ-like 'question' posted by someone else... "But when I saw them in the dark with a flashlight, I saw depressions in the areas I know I have no scars, and my tiny acne scars / large pores looked a lot worse. Is using a flashlight with a mirror in the dark a good or bad way to judge your skin?"
The question is in the context of fraxel, but the same results clearly apply to SmartDot, based on my treatment (and by the guy who had this laser first in the USA).
The answering MD replies that it's a bad way to measure?? Really? It's the ONLY way to measure to anyone who is self conscious about their scars. Direct overhead lighting in low lit areas is very common, and it's when scars appear their worst. And if you're making things worse under those conditions, but better under 'normal' light, then count me out. These residual 'irregularities' from the resurfacing process weren't disclosed in any form to me.
I genuinely hate to throw a wet blanket on some of the praises of this technology, but I have to say that I've had 2 treatments so far (my 3rd is coming up), and I've read a lot of posts here and elsewhere (including videos chronicling journeys), and I don't get the sense that measurement of actual improvement (including measurement of damage to previously un-scarred skin) is taking very seriously in this business/profession. No one seems to discuss 'flashlight' test results, i.e. overhead beam in the dark, which really shows what is smoothing out and what isn't. Pictures taken before and after at the DR office are in ideal lighting. People who see my results at the club are not fooled. They won't be signing up for it, until this industry takes results measurement seriously, and improves the process (I don't know if issuing a steroid to facilitate healing is needed or what). Sure, the few pockets I have on my cheeks are going away (VERY thankful/happy about this), BUT the residual effect on my previously un-scarred skin is horrible. I was honestly looking forward to telling a number of female friends (who have plenty of money to spend on this kind of stuff) that they should look into this treatment. Not a chance, unless my healing is somehow miraculously better on the 3rd treatment. But, I'm glad many people here seem to be happy and feel they got the results they were looking for though.
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Posted to SmartXide DOT - Charlotte, NC on 13 Apr 2012
From a FAQ-like 'question' posted by someone else... "But when I saw them in the dark with a flashlight, I saw depressions in the areas I know I have no scars, and my tiny acne scars / large pores looked a lot worse. Is using a flashlight with a mirror in the dark a good or bad way to judge your skin?"
The question is in the context of fraxel, but the same results clearly apply to SmartDot, based on my treatment (and by the guy who had this laser first in the USA).
The answering MD replies that it's a bad way to measure?? Really? It's the ONLY way to measure to anyone who is self conscious about their scars. Direct overhead lighting in low lit areas is very common, and it's when scars appear their worst. And if you're making things worse under those conditions, but better under 'normal' light, then count me out. These residual 'irregularities' from the resurfacing process weren't disclosed in any form to me.
Posted to SmartXide DOT - Charlotte, NC on 13 Apr 2012