39 Year Old Woman Treated for Sun Damage on Face. S. Euclid, OH

Hi everyone. I just had the first of 3 treatments today (each treatment will cost $500) and wanted to share my experience. I had come here to research the procedure a few weeks ago, and decided, despite the many negative experiences posted here, that I would give Fraxel Re:pair a chance.
So I went into the office today and the doctor's assistant gave me make-up removal wipes to remove my make-up. She then proceed to rub numbing cream on my face and let it sink in for about 30 minutes. When I was good and numb, they covered my eyes with protective, oval stickers so I couldn't open them during the procedure. I was outfitted with a shower-cap like head covering to keep my hair out of the laser's way. Then, I was given two squeezy balls (stress busters) in each hand. That's when I knew this might not be as painless as I had hoped.
I took a deep breath and the doctor was so helpful the entire time. First he told me that he himself had had the procedure done. This made me feel a bit less anxious. He explained exactly what he was doing and kept reassuring me I was doing great, asking if I was OK every few seconds. I gave a 'thumbs up'. The sensation of the laser as it glided over my forehead can best be described as someone taking a warm tattooing needle and scraping it around on your face.....hardly pleasant, but not exactly painful. A blast of cool air accompanied the laser as it went back and forth, so much of the 'burning' sensation was kept to a minimum. I kept taking deep breaths anticipating that pain might come at any moment, but it never really did. It was more of an annoyance than anything else. The doctor kept telling me I was doing great as he could tell I was tensing up each time the laser started back up. But his explaining what he was going to do as he moved from the forehead, to the temples to the cheeks and finally, the chin and lip area kept me calm. I just kept taking deep breaths and the entire ordeal was over within 5 minutes.
Afterwards, the doctor's assistant helped me wash my face to get off the numbing cream. She then applied a thin, cooling gel to my face along with a thick layer of sunscreen. The doctor prescribed a course of treatment (meds for the swelling, gentle washing with a Neutrogena product, applying the creams they gave me and care instructions for the next 7 days) and told me his answering service would contact him should I need to call him if I had any questions or concerns after the procedure.
I looked in the mirror and was surprised that I wasn't as red and swollen as I expected to be. I donned large sunglasses, put on a headscarf and had my husband pull the car around to the main entrance so I would not be exposed to direct sunlight.
No sooner did I get home and the sunburned sensation was nearly completely gone. I had no pain and had a light dinner with my husband. As the evening wore on, the little swelling I had was completely gone. I washed my face before bed with the special cleanser and applied the gel I was given. My husband commented that he could already see an improvement in my skin. It has been nearly 5 hours after my first treatment and so far, I have been pleasantly surprised. I have no numbness, pain or swelling. My skin feels just a bit dry around the hairline and upper lip, but aside from that, it appears brighter.
I have hope that I might see other improvements in the coming days. My next treatment is scheduled in another 4 weeks. I intend to keep updating this thread until my treatment is complete. I have no photos to post yet, but I'm sure I will get before/after photos when my procedure is complete

My face looked as though I had gotten a bit of sun the previous day. Nothing red....looked like I was wearing bronzer. I did have slight puffiness under my eyes, but that disappeared about 2 hrs. later. What I was truly surprised by is how I looked better post-procedure without make up, first thing in the morning than I did the previous day with make up on. My husband commented that my skin was 'glowing'. I can't tell if the sun damage has been reduced, but I believe once my 'tan' fades, I will begin to see more. No pain at all today. Skin feels a little dry around the eyes, but I keep my skin hydrated with the lotions they've given me.

Skin is very dry today and I most definitely look like I've been in a tanning salon. I've been using the sunscreen they gave me and drinking lots of water to try and rehydrate but so far, its still very dry. Otherwise, no other swelling, pain or discomfort.