Karen Reid-Renner, MD

Your question is a great one. You have beautiful cheekbones and it is important to know that no one is symmetrical. While surgery can be done to correct most or all of the concerns you described, there is more downtime involved and probably more cost. Both Botox and fillers are viable options for the concerns you described and are probably going to be less expensive with no downtime. The key is to do your research and find a well trained board certified provider.

It is important to set up realistic expectations for clients who have had CO2 laser treatment. Clients should be counseled that a variety of reaction is possible as a result of the procedure. These includes, redness, itching, swelling and peeling. Some clients have experienced worsening breakouts, infection and redness which can last up to 4 weeks. It is important to keep the treated area covered with a perfume free emolient or aquaphor. Benadryl can be useful for itching.

Looking at the picture, keratosis Pilaris is definitely a possibility. This diagnosis usually does not require treatment and usually goes away. Another diagnosis to consider would also be pseudofoliculitis Barbae or razor bump. This skin condition is usually caused by shaving. If you have been shaving this area, the latter diagnosis is most likely to be the cause of this skin condition. The treatment for pseudofoliculitis Barbae are varied. This may include discontinuing shaving, electrolysis, tweezing and the use of various types of laser treatment. We are proud to offer treatment for pseudofoliculitis Barbae at Rejuv Aesthetics. Our well trained laser technician uses the Aerolase Neo, which is very effective, especially when used on skin with a higher Fitzpatrick scale.

Very good question. Personally, I would not do both of these procedures together since they both are forms of exfoliation. For individuals of higher Fitzpatrick skin types, there can be increased hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin from excessive abrasion. I would suggest alternating these procedures at least two weeks apart. The dermaplaning does remove the peach fuzz that microneedling is not able to do, which makes it a wonderful add on to a facial. Both procedures are excellent for allowing your cosmetic treatments and make up to go on better and the subsequent skin glow is fantastic.  

First of all, I must say I am sorry your experience with the laser for hair removal was less than you expected. It is unusual that after two treatments, you have not had the hair regrow. None of the lasers that are out on the market currently can claim permanent hair removal, rather it’s permanent hair reduction. It usually takes about 4-6 treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart to appreciate 70-80% hair reduction. 

In fact, The laser  hair removal device works by heating the hair follicles to stop new hairs from growing. As a result, the hair follicles enters a state of dormancy for a significant period of time. This makes it much more attractive than shaving and waxing. When the hairs grow back, they are appreciably lighter, finer, and fewer in number.  

your scars that you have noticed, unless you had burns from the laser, it would be hard to say that this is due to the laser treatment that you had. Other question that comes to mind is whether you might have had acne or other reasons for scaring. We currently use the Aerolase light Pod neo in our office at Rejuv Aesthetics in Bloomington Indiana. It is gentle and safe and works well for hair removal on the face, axilla, legs, back and chest.