fitzi

Your pigment is likely a thing of the past. Sun will always be a problem. It takes away wrinkles and minimizes lines but the price can be heavy. I am 8 months post-laser and the milia and acne that I developed are still with me. I have tried everything you can think of. It developed about 6 weeks after the tx and it was BAD. It is still unsightly. I am 67, believe it or not, and have acne. Ridiculous. Expect a year until you think you look normal and pretty.

I had CO2 laser in 1997 then again a couple of months ago. When I removed my mask I looked lovely but not for long. Picture yourself as this ugly caterpillar who hopes one day to be a lovely butterfly. But there is a walk through hell before you get there. The procedure itself is painless. Your'll wear mask for 5 days. When it's removed the work begins. Every day when you wake up there is something else to deal with. Expect to spend at least 2 weeks in the bathroom removing exudate so as not to scar. You MUST keep your face clean and moisturized. You are miserable. Not kidding. After that is resolved, you may have little superficial scratches, ugly redness, rough patches as the skin continues to slough and recover. But the ALL TIME WORST thing that happened to me was the milia and I am still dealing with it after nearly 3 months post-op. These are little white bumps under the skin that come to the surface, turn bright red, then scab. Do not squeeze them as they can leave scars. They resemble acne and as fast as you get rid of them more come forth. I spent tons of money on creams, and even did mild exfoliating which was not a good idea. But the best remedy of all was ordinary Witch Hazel. Believe it or not it calmed my skin. It wasn't an overnight sensation but at least I am seeing some blotchy redness going and the milia seems to be disappearing before it comes to a head. Milia is ugly, very ugly and I think it is more common than the doctors report. If you knew you would look so ugly for such a lengthy time you would never do it, that is why they don't tell you. In the end, the result will be phenomenal. I swore I would never go through CO2 lasering again....but, guess what, I did. It restores collagen, elasticity, takes away lines and minimizes the deep folds. There is nothing like it. Money spent on Fraxel lasering...which I also had....is a waste. Put that money towards CO2 but in the hands of someone you trust and has plenty of experience but not only that as there is a lot of "handholding" that your surgeon may be required to do and hope he/she is willing to do it. Even though I am currently fighting the milia, I can cover it up with good Foundation. Tarte makes one that is excellent. First though, get a good loose foundation powder to neutralize the redness first. Whomever is reading this and you are considering the procedure, know the score but also know that your attention to your face will be well rewarded....good luck!