Sarah Gibson

Hi Amber. Try NOT to pick at the bumps, your skin is healing and you may create a scar. These are not common, but have been reported after Fraxel and other similar treatments. I myself have always been acne prone and have experienced them after Fraxel as well as chemical peels. I would see if your doctor has an aesthetician on staff that may be able to do a deep pore cleansing facial with extractions a few days prior to your next treatment. That has worked well for me as well as my clients. I would also try not to moisturize your skin with an extra heavy product even though I'm sure it feels dry and peely. You just have to get over that. Use a non-irritating cleanser like Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (from the drug store) or Cosmedix Benefit Clean (from a med-spa or physician).You may wash and reapply moisturizer 3 times a day if it helps. Stay well hydrated. You will heal faster. I like a clay masque called Lerosett (from the spa) for acne. It is safe to use on sensitive, traumatized skin, and will help to draw out the clogs in your pores. If your derm office doesn't provide facials, you may want to check out a REPUTABLE med-spa. Someone there may be able to do a treatment safely to help relieve the pimples and milia. Sometimes a gentle cleansing under steam and a light enzyme masque is all that is needed to alieveiate this condition-no extractions yet! Make sure it is at least 4 days after your treatment, and make sure the aesthetician is experienced in post-procedure skin care. It would be best if the center also offered Fraxel, so you will know they have seen this before and know what to do. Think about this. You are acne prone. Even if you have it under control, it's likely you still have plenty of clogged pores that would eventually become pimples. Fraxel speeds up your cell turnover. This can push all that junk out all at once. That's why when you use Retin-A, or other anti-acne regimens, it always says to expect it to get worse before it gets better. I know you feel hideous right now, but hang in there and don't pick. It WILL get better, and it probably won't do it every time. Good luck!

Galvanic current is frequently used during professional facial treatments to penetrate serums and stimulate circulation. Galvanic current does have some definite benefits. I have not looked too closely at this particular product, but I would like to add that during a professional treatment we have the client hold an electrode to guard against shock. A good quality galvanic unit is quite costly. Depending on the state you live in, a professional unit may be classified as a medical device and it's use regulated; so I suspect it is unlikely this is a powerful unit if it's available to the general public. As I said, I have no personal experience with this machine, but I have seen plenty of them for sale on Craigslist......with a heavy emphasis on "independent distributor" and "business" opportunities. I hate to sound so skeptical. In theory it could help. If it's working for you, great! Sounds like it takes alot of time, though. Ten minutes, twice a day, every day is a little longer than I want to spend rolling an electrode across my face....I have problem skin, so my routine is long enough as it is.

Assuming you have typical aging skin, (peri or post-menopausal) I would make the following general recommendations: Use a good, strong Retinol treatment at night (2% or greater). I like Cosmedix Define, which combines 2% retinol and 10% alpha-hydroxy acids in a nice, moisturizing base. Start using it every 2nd or 3rd night and work up to every night. Use an eye cream a.m. and p.m. I like PCA Skin EyeExcellence for day, and Skin Ceuticals Eye Balm or Cosmedix Eye Believe at night. Look for formulas that contain antioxidants like l-ascorbic acid or idebenone, peptides, and humectants like hyaluronic acid or dimethicone. Use a topical anti-oxidant serum like Skin Ceuticals C+E Ferulic daily under your moisturizer. Wear a good moisturizer that contains sunblock during the day, like Kinerase. Always use a lip treatment like LipFusion XL at night. In-office treatments like Photofacials, Peels, and Microdermabrasion will greatly improve the appearance and health of the skin, as well as boost the effectiveness of a good at-home regimen.

My suggestion is to tell your provider about your experience. Sometimes a product (cosmetics, moisturizer, etc) that would never cause an irritation can be a problem on skin sensitized by an aggressive procedure. Your tech may have a solution, need to adjust a setting, or have a different post care regimen for you to follow. You may also try using a topical hydrocortisone ointment, or try taking an OTC anti-histamine. Sadly, a breakout is normal, a common issue with peels. It usually is a problem only for the first treatment or two. Share all these concerns with your technician. The most important thing is that you feel confident about what is happening to you. Ask questions, be the squeaky wheel if you have to. And, yes, at some point you do have to expect downtime. But at least this way you will know what is normal and won't be itchy!

Yes, I feel so awful for you! How many cc's did he put in? Tell your doc you are pissed and he did too much, he should correct this for free. Not that you want him to ever touch you again....