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POSTED UNDER CO2 Laser Reviews

Fully Ablative CO2 Laser to Face

UPDATED FROM madnelson
2 months post

Two months later

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madnelsonMarch 10, 2017
WORTH IT$4,900
It's been almost two months since my procedure and I feel great. My skin tone is much improved and I'm only red for short periods of time, when I exercise and after washing my face. My husband says he sees a big difference and I'm excited to see how much better it gets!

madnelson's provider

Patricia Dickerson, MD

Patricia Dickerson, MD

Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology

madnelson

madnelson rating for Dr. Dickerson:

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Replies (5)

enidave
March 11, 2017
You look amazing! I am turning 50 this year and that is my present too. Your results have got me wanting to do it now
Daph
March 11, 2017
You look great. I am just coming up on a year. The process was so painful for me that I was sure this was the one cosmetic procedure I regretted (I've had a few!) now that the pain is a memory and the hyperpigmentation is mostly gone I am really appreciating the results. Don't go into it lightly though. I recovered faster and more easily from a face lift and a lip lift than I did from this one. I still refer to it as "having my face burned off" and that's pretty much what it is.
enidave
March 12, 2017
I have had a couple things done too but only Botox to my face. Unfortunately my body absorbs it quickly so I am going every 3 months for my forehead. I am hoping that this would help with that and also lift the eyebrow area. I am really scared. I had something similar done five years ago and they did it six weeks apart for 3 sessions and that's how I felt..like Hannibal Lecter. I remember aquafor and frozen peas on my face. How long did the pain last ? I'm thinking of August after the kids are back in school.
Daph
March 12, 2017
If you want to lift the eyebrow area, you may be disappointed. This didn't do anything like that to me. There are other procedures that do it better. You also really have to stay out of the sun afterward, so August could be tricky.
enidave
March 12, 2017
That's true.. I can def adjust my dates. Question..are you happier with your CO2 results or your facelift results. My doc told me that I don't need a facelift yet. Would the CO2 address my tightening and wrinkles?
Daph
March 13, 2017
Much happier with the face lift. It was phenomenal. But in my view I did need it. If you trust your doctor, wait.
Daph
March 13, 2017
Just posted a (belated) review of the facelift. You can see the difference there. My skin isn't as bad as my neck was. I don't think the CO2 made the major difference.
tmsgyw
February 9, 2019
Wow, I can not believe you are in your 50s. The after photo is phenomenal. You look more like a 30 year old. Amazing. Thank you for posting the day by day account. I am going in this week and it was nice to have a realistic idea of what to expect.
Zulu2015
March 11, 2017
I really liked following your story. FYI: I had the ablative CO2 laser done around my eyes only about 15 years ago (~age 40). I had a similar healing experience; however, just to let you know, I was still pretty pink/red at 6 months. I was completely back to normal by the one year mark but I am very pale. Still, the long recovery was worth it as I had a very good result. My doctor also said that the pink/inflamatory result showed that the collagen producing process was working well. Although I must admit I was frustrated and worried at that time, now people still ask if I am in my 30s.

I'd been thinking that, at some point, I'd like to re-do procedure -- maybe just around my eyes, mouth and chin. However, I'd heard that no one does the procedure anymore. My doctor retired -- I'm forgetting his name at the moment but Ava Shaman took over his practice in LA. It's good to know the procedure is still out there. I am fighting 55 with everything I've got -- workouts, sunscreens, fillers, and botox but....one of these days, I will bite the bullet again. I'm trying to avoid actual surgery -- not because I'm against it -- just because I've seen a lot of surgeries go very, very wrong and I want to look like myself (20 years ago).
; 0
Zulu2015
March 11, 2017
P.s. Although it goes without saying, you look great!
Traci1000
April 5, 2017
Looks fantastic, congrats to you and your new skin.
yvwoo
April 5, 2017
You look great,I had the ablative CO2 laser done around my eye area as well a few years ago. You are right it is hard to find someone to do it. Everyone is into the laser that has no pain and no gain. I really liked the results.
ElanaCohen
May 21, 2017
Your skin looks great. I'm turning 50 this year and am in the process of going for consultations for a facelift. I see my skin starting to sag and jowl and I don't want to look older...I want to stay the same, at least for a few more years. Lol! The surgeon I'm most interested in uses the CO² in conjunction with the lift. It sounds like the CO² hurts more than the lift. Do you have any of those ice pick marks or is your skin as smooth as it looks in the pics?
UPDATED FROM madnelson
1 month post

Before/After comparison

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madnelsonFebruary 16, 2017
For those of you asking, here are two before and after shots, side by side. Keep in mind, these are only ONE month post procedure!

Replies (3)

Liz59
February 17, 2017
Your skin does look smoother! I can't imagine where you would need the filler as mentioned in your last post. I think you kind of look good pink--healthy glow rather than the paste Ohio winter look! Does you face still itch? What is your upkeep routine now?
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madnelson
February 20, 2017
thank you liz! I don't mind the pink either. saves on cosmetics. no itching now but still some tightness that I'm happy to have!! I am using hyaluronic acid, then a fortified moisturizer, then sunscreen (all 3 from my doctor's office), then my usual cosmetics. I'm not true to any brand, but am using PoreNoMore concealer, Merle Norman foundation, then a light powder. I'm very happy so far!!!
Daph
February 24, 2017
Curious to know if you have any hyperpigmentation when the red goes away. I had a super inflammatory reaction like you and I had to do a bunch of skin lighteners for a while, but after a couple of months I was thrilled. it was so painful I swore I'd never do it again but I am actually thinking of having my upper lip area redone to improve it even more.
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leeack
March 26, 2017
You look amazing
Recovering from the same procedure
So encouraged when i see your results
Thankyou for sharing
UPDATED FROM madnelson
1 month post

One month out!

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madnelsonFebruary 15, 2017
Yesterday, I had my one month post procedure check up. Dr Dickerson is very satisfied with my progress and I am to keep using the hyaluronic gel, moisturizer and sunscreen every day. I'm still pink but the makeup helps and I still use a coat of aquaphor for overnight. Especially with the cold winter wind. I'm red after my shower but it lightens up. I'm also using some brightening pads she gave me to keep any brown, hyper pigmentation at bay. I go back in May for my next check up, but will likely be back sooner for some botox and filler to go w my new skin!

Replies (1)

sunfire
December 5, 2024
Hi! I’m circling back to see if you recall the hyaluronic gel you used post treatment. I decided to have laser resurfacing done again but only to my forehead concentrating mainly in between the brow. I am 20 days out, and still using aquaphor. I’m heading back to work and trying to not be all greasy looking. Makeup this time around isn’t looking great; very cakey. I’m hoping to try hyaluronic gel but wasn’t sure what one. Any suggestions??
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