Equinox Fractional CO2 Laser - Chandler, AZ

First off, I just want to start off by saying I've suffered from severe acne for probably 8-9 years until I finally went on Accutane and it helped tremendously. My breakouts after were only around my TOM and usually only one small pimple, so it was definitely a night and day difference. My problem now is the acne scarring that remains even years after accutane. I have always wanted to do the CO2 laser for quite some time, just never was the right timing in my life. I decided after nursing my son for a year, Id finally do it for myself! It seemed like as I got older the scarring only looked worse. I decided to go with Dr. Kim, because I felt confident in him and his before/after pictures were great. I still had major concerns such as pigmentation issues, more scarring, and if this treatment would in fact help my acne scars. But according to most doctors, the CO2 laser gives the most dramatic results...so I did it, mostly because one day I'd love to be confident without wearing makeup to hide the scars!! Is that even a possibility? I don't know but I hope so... When I went in for my laser treatment, they put numbing cream on my face and sedated me so I felt pretty tipsy. When they finally started and to my great surprise, I was in A LOT of pain!! I knew I'd be uncomfortable but I didn't think I would feel everything! I was in tears and truly didn't think I could take it. I told the Dr and staff, but they said to wait a little bit and to breathe. I've seen videos of people undergoing the laser and they were fine barely felt anything. But for me, it's like the numbing cream did nothing. Now I just hope I get some results for ALL that pain. I probably would not recommend this laser without anesthesia as it's beyond painful. I don't know what my settings were on but I will ask next appointment.

So I am 3 weeks post fractional CO2 laser, and I have Hyperpigmentation and dryness. I am currently using 4% hydroquinone that the doctor's office prescribed. Most of my hyperpigmentation is around my mouth/nose/chin and some around my eyes....so that's really annoying, not to mention another problem to deal with! I am also experiencing redness, which is pretty normal after this procedure. As far as the results, I have seen an improvement with my scars, so I'm happy with that. However, now I have to worry about getting rid of the hyperpigmentation and dryness. I'm no longer using the Aquaphor or Vaseline (made me break out), but I am using a moisturizing lotion by Cetaphil that's very thick and hydrating and it seems to be helping. Would I recommend this treatment to anyone?!? Probably not!! Yes, I'm seeing improvement, but for all the costs & side effects-hyperpigmentation, allergic reaction, breaking out, costs of laser treatment, urgent care visit and meds to treat allergic reaction/hyperpigmentation- I wouldn't do it again!!! I will just go back to Microneedling instead.