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POSTED UNDER Laser Resurfacing REVIEWS

DEKA CO2 fractional dot laser---Hope this is worth it---Golf Lady, Colorado Spgs

ORIGINAL POST

I am 63 and have spent mu entire life in the sun. ...

mmironasMay 22, 2014
$1,080

I am 63 and have spent mu entire life in the sun. I was raised on the beaches in California; backyard pool, 3 ,miles from the beach, water skiing and on our sailboat. I came to Colorado. became a ski instructor, backpacker, hiker, bicycle rider and am now an avid golfer. Needless to say a LOT of sun damage to my face; brown spots and lines around my mouth.

Between my consultation and the procedure, I spent many hours looking at Youtube videos done by actual patients and read hundreds and hundreds of reviews here and on other blog sites dating all the way back to 2009. Some reviews of negative experiences terrified me and others were quite encouraging. I went in the day of my procedure nervous as hell.

I expected severe pain from the reviews I read but that just is not true. I had the numbing cream, a dental block, 4 mg of Diazepam and 2 Hydrocodone 7.5-325 tabs. I am also on Valtrex 500 and Azithromycin 250 Zpac. Yes, you can still feel the laser but it is just a quick sting and after the first two or three zaps, you get very used to it. it is honestly not a problem at all.

It is now three hours post procedure and I am keeping my face iced. Lory was more aggressive on my upper lip and on my forehead and those are the only two areas that are still stinging and burning. I have had a lot of sunburns in my life due to my sports and lifestyle and it isn't quiet like that; it is maybe a bit more uncomfortable. Ice, ice, ice followed each time with more Vaseline and it is manageable. Definitely little squares, track marks and some very minor bloody spots in the areas treated more aggressively but way, way better than some of the truly scary pictures I've seen of other patients. Tonight it will be more ice, more Vaseline and sleeping on my back propped up to keep the swelling down.

If I can figure out how to do this, I will give un update tomorrow morning:)

mmironas's provider

Lory Chislom, Aesthtician,

mmironas ratings

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Lory Chislom has over eight years experience with the DEKA Smartxide dot laser. She is extremely personable, very professional, obviously knowledgeable and very honest about the procedure; what to expect during the procedure and how to manage the after care. If I'd met her any where else, she would definitely be someone I would want for a best friend! Great bedside manner and we even had some laughs along the way today:) Let me add that this is my very first experience with any kind of cosmetic or dermatological procedure so I am a true novice!

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UPDATED FROM mmironas
1 day post

Day 2

mmironasMay 22, 2014
Yesterday was the procedure so I think everyone considers this day two :) Not much swelling at all but then again I followed a few simple rules. I kept icing down my face all last night after the procedure and although it doesn't burn at all today, I am continuing to use ice all day. I was told to wash my face every 3-4 hours, cool it down with the vinegar and water solution (which I keep cool in the refrigerator) and apply Vaseline or Aquaphor liberally while icing my face. I also am taking Arnica orally three times a day; you can get this at any health food store. I used Arnica last month after jaw surgery and it really does keep the swelling down. And finally, I did keep my head fairly elevated and slept on my back. I started practicing sleeping on my back a week ago so No problems there and I slept well. I added one more thing that I read about from another blog; I started taking Benadryl last night and today as it also can help with swelling and the burning feeling. Obviously today I am brown, red and even almost a maroon color depending on how aggressive certain areas were treated. I did not have my eyelids treated so my eyes are just fine. I look horrid but no pain and very little discomfort. This healing process can be just so much easier if you do a few extra things to help yourself out :)

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UPDATED FROM mmironas
2 days post

Day 3

mmironasMay 23, 2014
Still using ice packs not so much for the swelling but because it feels so nice! My instructions said to wash my face every three to four hours and to follow with the vinegar water and more occlusive ointment (I've tried both Vaseline and Aquaphor---no real difference between the two) beginning on day one and continuing through day four. Today is the first day that it does not sting to do the face washing. I am not seeing any peeling or shredding yet but maybe that is because I really slather on the ointment? I do know that it will be impossible to go out on day four with light makeup as promised in promotional materials so do plan on a longer healing period. Fortunately I was able to completely block out nine days on my calendar before I need to go out again! From what I have read from others, today is "discouragement day" and I agree. I am tired of mostly sitting around the house and wonder if the process is really worth it, but then again, I am not peeling yet so I have no clue what my skin will look like:) Patience is the key right now. No "pain" but still some discomfort from the slight burning feeling and the feeling like my face wants to crack off!

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