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POSTED UNDER Fraxel Laser Reviews

31 Year Old - FRAXEL RE:STORE for Acne Scars - Des Moines, IA

ORIGINAL POST

I have significant acne scarring on the temples...

$2,800
I have significant acne scarring on the temples and cheeks. I found a local skin care center that was really good at making me feel they understood my situation and gave me lots of pictures to show the effectiveness of their laser on acne scars. I later figured out those pictures were from the manufacturer and not even their own patients. The esthetician claimed I would have 60% improvement with 4 treatments. I didn't sign on the dotted line that day and they called back to offer a discount and more convincing that this would be a great improvement to my scars. I was desperate and agreed to have the treatments.

I had 4 treatments over a 4 month period. They were fairly painful even with numbing creme on my face. I remember that I couldn't keep my entire body from shaking uncontrollably.

I had good results immediately after the 4th treatment. I was happy. Approximately 3-5 months down the road I noticed enlarged pores and the beginning of fat atrophy in isolated spots. The holes and connecting lines that so many people describe on this site also. I think the holes are just enlarged pores and new wrinkles that crease along the path of least resistance due to a loss of elastin (as a result of the laser). I am a male and have found it beneficial to grow a beard to help conceal the scars and those dreadful lines. It has been a steady deterioration and advanced aging over the last 5 years. I sometimes look in the mirror and can't believe how much I have changed. I have good days and bad days, but this is always with me/on my mind.

Anyway, I would definitely NOT recommend getting this laser. I have since done a lot of research and learned the Fraxel Re:store would never improve my scarring. It just made the overall condition worse. I think subcision, excision combined with CO2 or dermabrasion may be my only good options for scarring. Truthfully, I am not as concerned with my scarring now as I am my cobbled appearance from large pores, fat atrophy, and new wrinkles. I have also had 2 vials of juvederm voluma for fat atrophy and I probably need another 3 vials...... that stuff is expensive when you need that much! ($875/vial)!

I have seen several PS and still don't feel like I am getting good suggestions. I'm laser gun shy........

playto's provider

Ashley Van Zetten at Skin Gym

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
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She can sell ice to an Inuit. Not at all trustworthy or credible.

Replies (3)

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Fraxel. It's really unfortunate you are having side effects :( I am so sorry you are suffering with that and hope you have more good days than bad. What type of acne scarring do you have? How long does the Juvederm filler last? (I didn't see a review about that, feel free to post on that as well) 
I have ice pick, rolling, and box car. The Juvederm has lasted 6 months so far and is starting to fade. Won't know for sure becausei plan to get another vial soon. They told me 2 years but its probably more like 1 year.
Hi- I know this was from a while ago, but recently Ashley van Z was convicted of fraud for practicing beyond the scope of her license (google her name + fraud, a full page of articles returns), including "non-superficial laser treatments," at SkinGym. I don't know about limitations or what not, but you might at least be able to recover some of the cost of your follow-up treatments. She scammed me too at the business she had before SkinGym, but she only got some money, not a physical loss like you had. Sorry you had to cross paths with her this way.