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POSTED UNDER Pixel Laser REVIEWS

Negative Results After Pixel CO2 Resurfacing

ORIGINAL POST

I am 2 weeks post Pixel CO2 laser resurfacing. I...

jlb17
$1,000

I am 2 weeks post Pixel CO2 laser resurfacing. I had originally researched active fx for some acne scarring on my upper cheeks and chin and to improve texture and some enlarged pores.

A well known dermatologist and family friend had the Pixel CO2 said that it was similar to the other fractional CO2 lasers and that it was very good for acne scars. I specifically asked if anyone had ever had a negative outcome and if there was anyway that I could look worse after this treatment - I was given an overwhelming no.

2 weeks post I still have the marks/grid pattern on my skin giving it a very uneven texture - is this normal, she did not warn me of this. If it persists is there any other treatment that can make them go away? ALso I now have new indentations in my skin ranging from extremely shallow enlarged pore type things to a complete rolling look along my left cheek. I had not had concerns for the part of my cheek that now has the bad rolling appearance.

It would be one thing if a) i looked exactly the same or b) the depressions that were already there appeared deeper but to have a whole new load of problems that LITERALLY have changed the look and texture of my skin/face is too much for me to bear. Is it possible that as collagen rebuilds this look could subside?

Now to my other important questions: Has anyone had success correcting a bad laser job with another laser job (for example if I had active or deep fx with another "better" derm)? Would my skin texture be easier to correct because it wasn't actually from acne scars?

I have written to the derm who did this multiple times detailing my concerns. Each time she has written back it is OK, it will heal beautifully, and that there is no way that it could look worse than before. I have a follow-up with her next week and am looking for advice on how to approach the situation. As of now I am way too self-conscious to see anyone and cant imagine living my life looking this way. To get me through prior to possibly getting another treatment in a few months could a filler help with the rolling look and increased depressions? How do I discuss the fact that there are negative results without offending the derm so she actually wants to help me? If she actually admits that it looks worse should I expect my money back or no - i am unsure what the protocol for this is.

Thank you for your time.

Replies (18)

August 5, 2009

Hi JLB17. I have the non-CO2 Pixel and would never use the CO2 - too risky. However, there is a company in Princeton NJ near you that makes a very elegant version called ECO2, and they have a superstar derm user near princeton...call Lutronic Lasers if you ever need another treatment. But for fixing, consider this: You will heal a lot slower than you would think - that is a very common source of stress post-treatment. Be patient. Use a gentle soothing moisturizer or cover-up product like Avene Spring Water GEL or Lycogel hysdrating foundation. I recommend staying away from aggressive hydroquinone creams. I can find you some fix-it follow-up treatment providers I know in Jersey, even though i live in Ohio.

August 5, 2009
I wish I had never gone near this procedure but the derm was supposed to be a "superstar" and reassured me things could not look worse. I was looking for a general smoother/tighter/cleaner look (which is supposedly pretty immediate and I look worse than before with no tightening/smoothness to be found so that is why I am pretty hopeless that those issues will be resolving themselves over time) and in terms of any depressions I understood it could take months for new collagen to form. I had 2 fraxels in the past without much of a problems so I assumed my skin could handle it. I just cannot deal with the new depressions that seem to be forming and the rolling/uneven texture of my cheek where I before had no concerns. I have hope that the laser pattern will fade over time but that is almost the least of my worries at this point. I appreciate any names you could give me of offices where they might have experience in correcting bad procedures. Thank you very much!
April 3, 2011

I am going to Dr. G in Hackensack New Jersey on Monday. He is suppose to be one of the very best laser specialists in the world. I really hope to hear good news. I'm devastated by this procedure! Just devastated!

October 12, 2009
I had the regular pixel done several times. I noticed uneven skin and weird problems with my skin after it was done. It looks like deep scarring. I recently had the co2 done and still in the healing process so I will see if it helps with the problems from the other laser. I almost wish I wouldn't of done anything.
April 3, 2011
I am having this same problem. When you said you had the CO2 after the pixel laser, did you mean the traditional CO2 (not the fraxel CO2) And did it help you?
December 23, 2009
Hi JLB17, also n2betterski. I wanted to check in and see how you are doing? What did the doctor say? Have to gone for a different treatment? Additionally I wanted to know if you had any tests for any contradiction that might of made this procedure abnormal for you. I've been reading and found some really favorable results using the Pixel CO2. I hear the healing process is very long, but overall worth the wait.
December 2, 2010
I have recently had pixel done in Philadelphia about 4 weeks ago. They told me i should continue using hydrocone & retrinol up until the day of procedure & afterwards. I don;t know what has went wrong, but now my skin looks like absolute lizard skin. A combination of more tiny bumps all over, enlarged pores that i never had, looks really rough. I have never had skin that looks like this. I am so upset, disappointed, & frustrated! I wish I would never have done this to myself. Everyday that passes it gets more & more worse. I have discontinued using everything.Is there anything that can correct this? I am pissed!!!!!!!!
May 12, 2015
These laser companies are horrible! They are ruining people's lives! I had ematrix done a year ago and dr moron ruined my skin, confidence and self esteem I hate them all! Nothing has worked to fix their mess my pores are huge( never had noticeable pores in my life)
February 25, 2012
I have had 2 co2 laser treatments for acne scarring, and sleep wrinkles and the results aren't what I was told. The scars are still present and very minimal sleep wrinkle results.I honestly feel like these doctors are selling snake oil.I am told after after each treatment, everyone's skin is different.I believe if I have any more work done, it will be with a plastic surgeon and someone who will tell me what results are possible.