Let me begin by saying I cut myself and stopped cutting over 10 years ago. My scars are hypopigmented or white, mostly flat but a few raised, I tried Mederma & silicone patches to no avail. Recently sought out laser treatments and had my first treatment 3 monthes ago by a dermotologist who I thought was well qualified. She used the v-beam laser way too high and my two scars she treated turned purple and blue, they blistered and bled. Something I've been told should have never happened. Let's just say I never went back and sought out a much more qualified doctor by traveling over an hour to Boston, Dr. Mathew Avram of the Massachusetts general hospital laser and dermatology center. This facility is known for their experience with lasers, they even helped to create lasers. I was told I should come for 5 treatments with the dual fraxel laser and he expected (not guaranteed) a 50% improvement in the appearance/visibility of my scars. I was told to stay clear of the sun as he would refuse treatment if I tanned my fair skin which would affect treatment and possibly alter results. Yesterday I went for my first treatment, numbing gel was used an hour before treatment to help the pain, the fraxel laser was a breeze pain wise, the numbing gel works wonders! Both the v-beam and dual fraxel were used on my scars. I will be having one treatment a month for 5 monthes at $350 each visit. I plan to photograph and document my progress for myself and to help others in this process. Please do your research and travel if needed in order to find a decent doctor with experience! Post again soon! Thanks for reading Updated on 22 Jul 2014: Tomorrow will be my second of five treatments of the dual fraxel laser. My scars are still very visible but I notice a little improvement. My skin is mostly back to normal post laser treatment. There was a few weeks of sandpaper textured skin but very little to complain about. It can be shrugged off as a rash. Updated on 14 Aug 2014: In another two weeks i will go for my third of five laser treatments. As of right now I see a slight improvement in my scars 3 weeks post my second treatment. I'm hopeful that after five treatments It will be better overall. My skin seemed to heal faster the second time around. I make sure to use a lot of lotion, neosporin, and 50+ SPF when in the sun. Updated on 11 Dec 2015: Due to an overwhelming amount of personal messages Im providing a much overdue update! Sorry everyone for the delay. So its been about 1 year since i finished up 5 treatments.. I have the option of seeking another round of treatments anytime in the future but am on pause for now. I am very happy with my results and would certainly reccomend Dr. Avram to anyone seeking help for this. I would NOT reccomend someone who isnt highly experienced and qualified.. Seriously, do you research and dont get burned and further scarred by an inexperienced doctor., (please see my prior posts about my original BAD experience with laser treatment!) but overall i have two main big scars, along with a bunch of much smaller lighter scars.. Post 5 treatments my minor scars are very faded and blend more into the surrounding skin. I am very happy with the results and hope further treatment in the future may help diminish the larger ones... But in all reality for the future i hope for the courage to wear sleeveless clothing in all social situations and bear to live with my scars in unanxious harmony! Peace to all! Updated on 11 Dec 2015: Forgot a photo.. ;)
