Hudson

Skin Feels Rough After Laser "Face Lift" - Pink and Blotchy

Hi Bowman, I actually sent you a personal e-mail. I guess you didn't get it. Well, I'm here now. It took quite a while, but what helped me a lot was dermaplaning. It's a procedure where the technician uses a scalpal blade to remove the dead skin cells and follows it up with either a lactic (recommended) or glycolic (not for sensitive skin) wash. After a few treatments, your face will feel smooth and soft. I do have residual redness after exercise or if I use an exfoliant. I do use Retin-A nightly followed by Argan oil (soothing to the skin). You can find dermaplaning at any good spa or dermatologist's office. It's about $100.00 and should take 4-5 times to get rid of the scratchy, large pores. There is hope - but my skin will never be the same as it is sensitive and flushes easily. The end result was "good" but not worth the pain and down time. Boston has many dermatologists who perform this procedure and have no clue what they're doing! Healing time varies from person to person. I also think Zinc and a good vitamin regimen is beneficial for healing. Don't use alcohol (flushes the skin)........though it's tempting to do so given the level of frustration with this procedure. Hope this helps! You're sweet to ask me for an update. Any time!!!

Hi Ivana, You are EXACTLY correct in your assessment of this "Real Self" board. The M.D.'s answer generic questions, or those who show interest in a procedure (to generate even MORE business!). We, as patients, take the time to write our complications down, our questions, share in our anxieties - and to be ignored by those who are supposed to be here to help us is an insult. I am NOT impressed with the laser. I cannot use Retin A, or even a Vitamin-C serum as they are both supposed to awaken dull skin, and my skin is post-procedure 3 months and healing. It is also so sensitive to anything but Philospphy cleanser and Pyratine XR cream. I was shocked to hear that you could not get another opinion from another plastic surgeon. My advice - try a dermatologist. I did get some answers in that area from a good Boston dermatologist. Unfortunately, he did not know how long it would take for my skin to heal or what to expect as far as results. Even practitioners who perform this procedure - are still surprised at the varied reactions from patients. We all heal at different paces and there is no "text book" outcome. I wish I had never done it. I hate the enlarged pore look and the pink line of demarcation. At this rate, it will be another 2 months of healing (total of 5 months!). I am so angry and felt like a snake oil salesman fooled me with phony promises. May I ask - what laser did you have performed? What was your outcome? How long has it been for you? I wish us both good luck!! Hudson

Interesting the doctors on this site are so "rah-rah" about these treatments - that not one of them ever addressed me in my quest for answers. My questions have never been posted, nor has any doctor addressed me on this site!! They address people interested in the procedure but not after the damage has been done!!

Hi Ivana, I don't have good news. It has been 3 months and my "pebble" skin still feels the same. I don't feel it has improved or healed over time. They say it's from the pin-prick marks from the laser. The doctors SHOULD give the side-effects before they ruin our faces!! I am still blotchy pink and rough skin. As far as I am concerned, it ruined my face. I cannot use my old skin routine - Retin A is out! There is no way I can use any products except the Pyratine XR. Even with that cream, I have noticed no difference what so ever. Nothing has been of help to me. I am told in time I can have light therapy (healing tx) or microdermabrasion. Not sure I even believe that will work. I wish I had seen this site BEFORE I made the biggest mistake of my life.

Thank you april. I appreciate that. I ordered the Pyratine lotion. I was on OBAGI, Retin-A, and Vitamin-C serums for 7 years prior. It did nothing to aid in my slow healing. It has been 3 months and the pink is fading, but there is so much "blushing red" after exercise, washing my face, etc. I did not realize that you have to wear sunscreen every day - regardless if you are in the sun or not. WOW, interesting. I believe that the laser resurfacing is a fad, not fully explored, has too many side-effects for sensitive skin and is not as effective as Titan. What's done is done though at this point. I would NEVER do it again. Thanks!!