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POSTED UNDER Smoothbeam Laser REVIEWS

Non Ablative Laser Ruined my Skin!

ORIGINAL POST

In an effort to improve my excessively oily skin...

Ivana2010September 9, 2009
$450

In an effort to improve my excessively oily skin and a few mild indented scars I opted for Smoothbeam (non ablative) laser treatments. I'm very pale skinned (Northern European Caucasian) and told the dermatologist during the consultation that I tend to scar VERY easily (both hypo as well as hypertrophic scarring) AND that I suffer from photosensitivity (sun 'allergy'- when exposed to the sun for too long, I sometimes get tiny pink itchy hives...). I asked the doctor if any of this was a concern and he said 'no', that he had NEVER seen any adverse effects from the Smoothbeam- so I decided to go for it.

Big mistake. Within days after just ONE treatment, I noticed a negative change in my skin texture that got progressively worse. One week later my pores were already enlarged and the overall texture of my skin got rough and irregular- and it's gotten worse every week since then (I'm now 5 weeks post). I also broke out the first 2 weeks after the procedure, but that cleared up. However- the skin texture changes remained, and actually got worse- my skin looks and feels like 'inflamed' sandpaper- as if I have tiny pink 'hives' surrounding each enlarged pore, giving it an overall rough 'orange peel' look. Even around my eyes there are tiny bumps (hives?) now, but they're a lot smaller than the rest (not sure what they are, but they do NOT look like milia).

Has anyone else experienced this horrible change in skin texture and pore size after Smoothbeam or a similar non-ablative laser ? I am worried sick that this may be permanent. I thought this laser would improve my skin, but it has done the exact opposite !

It goes with out saying that I will NOT be going back for more treatments (I was supposed to have about 4).

Horrible skin reaction after laser treatment - Any input would be greatly appreciated- especially advice on what I should be doing or using (skin creams ?) to fix this mess... Thank you all in advance ! Ivana.

Replies (29)

melsh73
January 18, 2010
I think ALL LASERS CAUSE DAMAGE. I had a laser peel that caused hyperpigmentation. Then I had the Affirm which has caused major damage. Saggy skin and a bronze like color. As well my oil glands are inactive and my face hurts. I am rapidly aging and it has only taken 3 months and it is worse every day. These companies have to be shut down!
Restored100
August 11, 2014
I feel like they need to pay. We deserve justice not to just be swept under the rug like some nuisances, while our is in the balance.
Restored100
August 11, 2014
I feel like they need to pay. We deserve justice not to just be swept under the rug like some nuisances, while our livelihood is in the balance.
Anna1789
April 11, 2023
I feel your pain...I did just one sessions of diode laser acne treatment, no one told me that it affects sebaceous glands. My skin is dry like a desert for 4 months. Burning dryness and skin looks like sanpaper, wrinkly, I am only 30 years old but got nasolabial wrinkle on one side of my face, fay by day there are more and more wrinkles. Depressed
saturday
February 26, 2010
It's been 3 years since my laser treatment for Rosacea. It destroyed my face and skin. The dermatologist who did the treatment ran away and another dermatologist put me on Retin A therapy to improve my skin. These light devices were not meant to be used in the way they are being used. They introduce heat under your skin and cause irreversible damage...if not right away then eventually. The laser does the same thing that the sun does. It burns your skin, causes discoloration, textural changes (scarring), fat loss, nerve damage, and accelerated skin aging. Has anyone heard of Thermal Skin Aging? Don't let anyone touch your skin with these light devices. They change the cell structure of your skin. You will be out on your own when something goes wrong. No one will help you. I had good skin before the laser touched it....now I have skin that I cannot describe. Please stay away....this is all about money.
NoPlasticFlower
July 14, 2010
Saturday, I completely agree with you but never thought to put a name to it, Thermal Aging. That really is what lasers seem to do. I, too, feel that I have ruined my complexion with these devices. (CO2, Smoothbeam, Fraxel). It has been one year since my last treatment... my skin has gotten worse and there are now areas of orange peel. Has your skin gotten better at all in the 3 years since your treatment?
Restored100
August 11, 2014
I agree 100%. I pray for change, that is all we have!
Restored100
August 11, 2014
I feel like they need to pay. We deserve justice not to just be swept under the rug like some nuisances, while our livelihood is in the balance.
NoPlasticFlower
July 13, 2010
Saturday, I completely agree with you but never thought to put a name to it, Thermal Aging. That really is what lasers seem to do. I, too, feel that I have ruined my complexion with these devices. (CO2, Smoothbeam, Fraxel). It has been one year since my last treatment... my skin has gotten worse and there are now areas of orange peel. Has your skin gotten better at all in the 3 years since your treatment?
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cveroleyva
April 2, 2011
I'm so sorry. I had ipl, unfortunately the same damage you are describing. It's been almost a year, I finally got over the depression of it. My skin was a little oily with a few sun spots, a mark here or there, but fab overall. Now I don't look the same anymore. I'm going to begin microdermabrasion next week and keep going on a monthly basis. At 34, I don't know if my skin will ever bounce back. I'm really sorry to hear you went through this. I feel your pain, now I have a daily reminder that beauty is really skin deep. Still sucks though.
han holland
April 10, 2011
Dear All,

I have the same problem but I didn't do a laser treatment. I had multiple microdermabrasions and several peeling. Especially the peelings made my skin condition worse, and I'm getting depressed at the moment. On every website you read that large pores doens't shrink anymore, which means that the peelings destroyed my skin for the rest of my life. I'm 23 y/o and as todays world is all about beauty I feel I just ruined the rest of my life.... How did you managed to get over it??? Any tips?
Liliana35185
February 24, 2023
I have the same problem i did microcahaneling and now i am full of little holes so very sad if someone knows about how to heal about bad procedures please let us know.
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