POSTED UNDER CO2 Laser Reviews
Acne, Scarring and Sun Damage
UPDATED FROM C_R_
1 year post
One Year Out
It's been one year since my procedure. My skin texture is still the same as my 6-month mark, even with continued use of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, hyaluronic acid and sulfuric acid (just kidding) - see pic. My acne scars now range from simply disappearing, to becoming small raised hypertrophic scars or small, pinprick scars, the latter two beginning to occur only after the procedure. I've been putting off going in for a chemical peel(s) as all this has left me a little shell-shocked and irrationally afraid to do have further procedures performed. As Cher sings, "If I could turn back time..." Best of luck.
C_R_'s provider
UPDATED FROM C_R_
6 months post
Almost 6 Months Post-Procedure: Wrap-up
It’s almost been six months since my CO2 Laser Resurfacing. This is also about the time when I’m see the full effects of the procedure. I initially had it done to lessen acne scarring on my chin. The scarring has definitely lightened; however, I still have noticeable indentations. I understand - and was told - it would take more than one procedure to see noticeable changes with those. Got it.
Benefits of the procedure are said to possibly minimize sun damage, fine lines, improve skin texture and even skin tone. Overall, this hasn’t been my experience. I now have a weird, dotted, blotchy and almost wrinkly texture all over my face - so much so I’m no longer able to wear the foundation I wore pre-procedure, as it makes this strange texture more pronounced and shows through. When I develop the occasional breakout, thanks to the extra collagen, it heals as a hypertrophic scar - looking like a perpetual small, under-the-skin pimple. (Ugh.)
This procedure obviously wasn’t the best for me. My initially healing process was a bit traumatic, painfully swelling up like a tomato for days. From the reviews I’ve read and YouTube accounts of those who’ve had the procedure, this seems to be a rare side effect, but still a possibility. Many have raved about the youthful, all-positive benefits they’ve received after having it done. Wish I could say the same. But because everyone is different, this might not be the case for you... as the old adage goes, you never know unless you try.
I actually have experienced one huge benefit from the laser resurfacing. I’m now so much more aware and proactive in taking the best care of my skin, namely using SUNSCREEN in combination with gentle, quality products, and to moisturize-moisturize-moisturize. Though it wasn’t a cheap or easy lesson, it’s good enough for me.
Best of luck!
Benefits of the procedure are said to possibly minimize sun damage, fine lines, improve skin texture and even skin tone. Overall, this hasn’t been my experience. I now have a weird, dotted, blotchy and almost wrinkly texture all over my face - so much so I’m no longer able to wear the foundation I wore pre-procedure, as it makes this strange texture more pronounced and shows through. When I develop the occasional breakout, thanks to the extra collagen, it heals as a hypertrophic scar - looking like a perpetual small, under-the-skin pimple. (Ugh.)
This procedure obviously wasn’t the best for me. My initially healing process was a bit traumatic, painfully swelling up like a tomato for days. From the reviews I’ve read and YouTube accounts of those who’ve had the procedure, this seems to be a rare side effect, but still a possibility. Many have raved about the youthful, all-positive benefits they’ve received after having it done. Wish I could say the same. But because everyone is different, this might not be the case for you... as the old adage goes, you never know unless you try.
I actually have experienced one huge benefit from the laser resurfacing. I’m now so much more aware and proactive in taking the best care of my skin, namely using SUNSCREEN in combination with gentle, quality products, and to moisturize-moisturize-moisturize. Though it wasn’t a cheap or easy lesson, it’s good enough for me.
Best of luck!
Replies (4)
Would you do it again?
No. I’m sticking to chemical peels. This procedure didn’t seem to work best for me, though it might be fine for others.
Where did you have the pricedure done? Plastic surgeon, medspa...?
Good question. Medspa, by the RN. If I were to ever get this procedure done again, I’d feel more comfortable under the care of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (I know, duh - hindsight is 20/20).
Yeah I’m thinking the same :)
I had a Pearl Fusion two different laser years ago at 43, now I'm going to be 49 this fall. It was good, yeah, lasers and the aquaphor totally causes acne. I still see dots in my skin. I'm going to do laser resurfacing again, but I don't want the fractal part, the dots. No more dots for me. I just want the first couple layers or so burnt off. On top of this, I use retin-A. I have for years. It's drying, and I'm a dry kind of gal, but it's good stuff. I'm going to start talking to my surgeon's office again where I went to see if I can avoid the dots. We'll see, and then I'll post. I've done other lasers throughout the years as I'm a recovering southern california sun bunny. I wear a physical sunscreen of 50+ everyday now. Epionce Ultra Block is the best and doesn't sting.
Best of luck on your next procedure. Hope they’re able to get rid of the dots and bring out your best skin!
Thanks for the sunscreen rec! I’ve been using Australian Gold Tinted Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen, but I think it’s starting to cause me to break out (ugh).
What did your doctor have to say about the procedure results.
I never saw the doctor - my procedure was performed by the RN (no follow-up visits either). When I called those two times about recovery concerns, I only spoke with the front desk. It was at a medspa. :-/.
Thank you so much for your consistent, thorough writeup. I'm sorry the awful healing process didn't quite pay off for you :(
You mentioned above you were thinking of getting chemical peels- what kind of chemical peels is it? Have you been getting them? If so, how have they been working out for you?
You mentioned above you were thinking of getting chemical peels- what kind of chemical peels is it? Have you been getting them? If so, how have they been working out for you?
No chemical peels yet, thanks for asking. Just been using a retinoid, with no noticeable difference. Based on my previous experince with the peels, I have a feeling a series of them will help my texture problem (fingers-crosse). I’ll post results afterward.
I should add I haven’t moved forward yet with the peels as it hasn’t been in my budget. (I plan on seeing a board certified dermatologist and they certainly are not cheap in my area.)
UPDATED FROM C_R_
2 months post
44 Days/6 Weeks Post: Just call me Dottie
One potential side effect of laser resurfacing process is “dotted” skin texture. Some call it orange peel skin. Though my skin is soft, it’s covered in dots - my forehead, my cheeks, temples, chin. It’s different from large pores, although my pores seem even larger now. Makeup will clump to these dots after a while, even with primer, setting powder and spray. Definitely looking forward to these being gone. I’ve seen reviews/questions to doctors on Real Self from those whose dots haven’t gone away, years after. Bring on a chemical peel? :-/
Replies (5)
I also developed acne just lately. After going to a derm (nothing she prescribed worked) I trolled the blogs & found what I needed. Melazepam. I bought it on Amazon for$15.99…it works. My biggest outbreaks were around my nose & mouth…my derm misdiagnosed me at first with perioral dermatitis…wrong!! Give this a try. It also shrank my pores which was a nice bonus! I washed my face (usually just used wipes) with Aveeno calming face wash…then used Aveeno calming moisturizer. When my face cleared up I stopped using the wash…it was a little drying, went back to my normal moisturizer. I feel it's important to get back to normal products to achieve the right PH again.
Wow - interesting! Thanks!
Thank you again for the Melazepam recommendation. It did the trick!! I purchased a tube from Amazon, applied to the acne - after a few days they were gone and, with continued maintenance, haven't returned. I really like how the melazepam isn't nearly as drying as other acne meds. Thanks again!
Thanks for the update-please keep them coming. I’m starting to regret my sessions of IPL, one Micro Laser Peel, and several microneedling sessions for this very reason. Really praying these holes go away for all of us.
Yes, praying! (Boo on these holes!)
I just got my fractionated CO2 today. Did the dotted grid mark ever go away yet?
Hope your healing is going well. The dotted grid mark on my forehead is pretty much gone, but still slightly visible on my chin and have not changed/still remains on my cheeks. I'm at 5 months post-procedure and hoping chemical peels will help later on will help.
Thank you for your review. Very detailed and helpful. I was wondering if you have seen improvement with the Dottie texture. I really hope so!
Hi Nicky - Yes and no. My forehead has less of the grid-like bumpy texture, but it's still apparent on my chin (up very close) and definitely still on my cheeks (same as the picture posted on 11/2/17. It's been 5 months since the treatment, too. Definitely thinking a series of chemical peels will do the trick, though. Good luck!
Did you ever get rid of the orange peel texture?
The grid of dots on my forehead are pretty much gone, but are still faintly visible on my chin. My cheeks have remained the same (at 5 months out). Thanks for asking.
Replies (1)