It must have been about 16 years ago or so (somewhere around 2004) that I stepped into Dr. Orringer's laser clinic. He recommended V-Beam for my rosacea. At that time, I had never heard of using a laser for treating rosacea. He is a master of the laser. He has the knowledge to adjust settings that will give you a solid result without burning you. I always swell up for a week or so after the treatments, but I have never, ever been burned or discolored in any way. The swelling subsides, and a few weeks later I am less sensitive to every little warm breeze or even to the pressure of moving air out of my lungs while speaking (things that previously caused my skin to redden for hours). The clinic is a bit of a drive for me, so I've gone to a local esthetician for follow up maintenance over the past couple of years, but we just don't hit it as hard and I don't get the same result. Time to take a drive back out to see the good doctor for me! I have recommended him often, and I will continue to do so. He's the Real Deal. ...and let him bring in some residents in training! Its important to train the next generation, as he does.
Dr. Orringer is an artist when it comes to filler for cheek or marionette lines. Truly. I've tried other people in Ann Arbor (including the guy who advertises on the AATA bus). They are not good. Orringer is awesome. He's also treated my rosacea. My redness has improved so much. The cheek filler always looks natural, removes my jowls (from the sagging). I look immediately younger upon walkout. He also does Botox and really listens to feedback and we modify the results. He's truly talented. I've been to other plastic surgeons too (for other services) who know and recommend him.
I have had a total of five V-beam treatments over the past seven years for rosacea and diffuse redness. When I started the treatments in my early 30s, I was having acute, severe flushing that had resulted in persistent diffuse redness and permanently dilated capillaries. I looked at LEAST 10 years older than I was and I was so self-conscious! My first two treatments were at a lower setting and helped some. I had redness for a couple of days after,pretty severe swelling, and some small, minor purpura that faded within 4-5 days. The swelling lasted 3 or 4 days before I looked normal enough to go out in public. On the third try, we really overdid it. I wanted to have bigger improvements that would last for longer, so we went to a much higher setting. Mistake!! I had major purpura, severe swelling (eyes swelled shut) and looked like a total freak for two weeks. Afterwards, several of the darkest purpura turned into hyperpigmentation spots that had to be treated with hydroquinone for a while. It took about four months before those completely faded. My doctor and I have since figured out what works best for me, which seems to be one mid-range setting treatment every year or two. I aggressively ice afterward and sleep sitting up, so I'm usually good to go swelling-wise by day 3. It's a bit of a pain and I wish I didn't have that sort of down time, but my skin is much better off and my rosacea has stayed under control (along with the help of a low glycemic-index diet, avoiding spicy foods, certain kinds of alcohol, etc.). It's a good option and pretty cost-effective, but certainly no panacea. As with most treatments, the likelihood of distressing side effects like hyperpigmentation, swelling, etc. is, I think, often underplayed. I am very self-conscious about going out looking as though I have had "some thing done," so I've found I have to ask a lot of hard questions about side effects. Many doctors, it seems, will talk about "down time" in a much stricter sense - like physical restrictions resulting from procedures. But there's much more to it than that! I recommend V-beam, but ask a lot of questions! One bonus worth mentioning - my skin always feels softer, smoother and more evenly toned as well for a while afterwards! I have heard V beam has some minor collagen-generating properties, so that's a plus. I am now 40 and am frequently complimented on my youthful-looking skin!
My decision to try Active FX was not an easy decision because of the cost. I was very careful to select a physician who had great knowledge and experience in this area. I initially contacted my plastic surgeon who performed my reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. She is the Director of a Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic and I was expecting that she would perform the procedure. She directed me to a provider in Cosmetic Dermatology. When I made my initial appointment for a consult, the staff indicated I would be able to schedule an earlier appointment if I was willing to see another member of the medical staff. Based on my surgeon's recommendation, I decided to wait. My advice, find THE best doctor in your area to perform this procedure. I am convinced that satisfaction with the procedure and the end result is directly correlated to the expertise and experience of your provider. Get referrals!!! I'm broke and thrilled with my early results. My choice to have Active FX was based on my age, I'm in my mid 50's, and my recent divorce. I finally spent some of my hard earned money on myself rather than on attorney fees and maintaining a home that is not selling...I know, shocking....LOL. My ex, who chose to "disappear" after I found out he had been unfaithful for many years and who then physically assaulted me twice prior to his disappearance, left me with all the work of maintaining and selling a large home while he continued with his "freewheeling" lifestyle. This time, it was finally, after 23 years, all about me and I couldn't be more pleased.
Rushes you out the door. Went in for a $95 consult for my acne scars. Spent one minute with me and ran out the door. Waist of time and money. I tried asking a question and he cut me off and left the room. Nurses there were super nice though. Their doctors all need patience.
