Dr. Soderstrom at Soderstrom Skin Institute in Peoria, IL did my laser resurfacing. He used a triple mix of numbing cream that sat for an hour prior. He did one pass with deep columns to stimulate collagen production and one pass that fractionaly ablated my outer layer of skin. It was quite uncomfortable, but hopefully worth it. I'm putting on ointment every hour on the hour all weekend long as to keep the area moist while healing. Dr. Soderstrom is a wonderful doctor. His and his nurses bedside manner are excellent and helped me stay calm through the whole process. I love places that joke and laugh to keep the air light, but know when to be serious. Dr. Soderstrom advised me that he had gone deeper than normal due to the severity of my scars. He is confident that I will see considerable improvement with this one treatment. I trust him fully! I researched and had several consults before choosing him. He said that I will see results through this next year. I'll keep posting updates of my progress! Updated on 21 Aug 2017: My face is still peeling pretty good today. I'm still using the ointment and gently washing several times a day with a special cleanser. My skin is a bit itchy but the throbbing is gone. I'm definitely still swollen. Can't wait to see what it looks like under all this! Updated on 23 Aug 2017: I feel good today. My swelling is subsiding and so is the redness. I'm very itchy but the moisturizer that Dr. Soderstrom gave me helps a lot. I will be able to put mineral powder on tomorrow over moisturizer and Soderstrom medicated sunblock SPF 50+, so I'll be going back to work. My scars are reappearing, but are very shallow so far. Whatever reappears after the swelling is totally gone will be gradually remodeling thru the next six months or so. I'll probably get Ha fillers in the mean time. The updated pics are today, no makeup, just moisturizer! Updated on 29 Aug 2017: My skin is still red and blotchy. The ointment and possibly even the procedure itself has caused some breakouts. My jawline and parts of my cheeks are still minorly sensitive to the touch and the places that are still red itch off and on all day and sometimes during sleep. I'm not sure if I'm still swollen or if this is results from the partial ablation of my skin, but my scars are very shallow. As of today, I am impressed! I'm not sure how long this redness will last and the blotchy look, but with a bit of liquid foundation, it is tolerable. I switched back to my Aquation moisturizer, as it is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and fragrance free! My skin is still pretty dry! I've attached a pic collage. The left pics are two days before my laser and the right pics are today. No makeup, same lighting, same camera. Trying not to get my hopes up, but looks pretty good so far! I'll be getting temp fillers soon - then will be taking a break from all of this during the 6 month wait for collagen remodeling. Updated on 3 Dec 2017: It's been a little over 3 months since my laser. I do see improvement in my scars and I have 3 more months of possible improvement to wait for. In the direct sunlight and when my face is at certain angles from the light I can tell a difference and it's exciting, but I feel like it doesn't look like I've spent the last year and over $5,000.00 on my face! Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I see Improvement and that I can actually afford to get something done; I just feel like that after reading all the hype and seeing before and after pics from the doctors on these procedures, I should have a little bit more noticable results!! I guess that's why they say "results vary". I'm going to keep pushing on and hoping for the best! Next will be aggressive session of fillers! I've attached updated pics. Left is before any treatments, 12-8-16, and right is 12-3-17. (I had 3 Infini RF treatments before Co2). Updated on 28 Feb 2018: I definitely see improvement in my scars! I'd say between month 3 and 6 were the most exciting! If I had the time and money, I'd probably get one more laser treatment. I am, however, getting fillers tomorrow. I am staying local due to time and budget, so it will not be the same office. I will be doing ,a separate review on the fillers, so check my profile in a few weeks. I'm uploading pics that show the difference between before I had Infini RF or co2 laser and my progress up to tonight. My scar journey started 12/9/16 and officially ends tomorrow, at least for a long while! I'm not only financially drained, but also emotionally exhausted! I feel for anyone who decides to embark on scar revision! Just don't give up, but love yourself every step of the way!!! xoxo
I was told smartlipo could be done under local sedation. ...WRONG! !! USE ANESTHESIA! Not comfortable and the doctor did NOT take his time. Had to reschedule with anesthesia available in the following week. So upset. Do not be afraid to speak up when its painful. It was torture. The medication must has time to set up before it starts when you're awake. You should be numbed and not feel the stab wounds for the cannula. You should never feel rushed or that you are a bother to the staff or surgeon. Updated on 31 Oct 2013: much better with the anesthetic option. the results are good but the reconnection of nerve endings can cause little "zingers" that will stop you in your tracks then you move on. Always wear the compression garments and use the roller for your areas!!! vitally important to let no one rush you back to work. rest, heal and do it right the first time. the results are well worth it!!
