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POSTED UNDER Fraxel Laser REVIEWS

Fraxel Treatment - So Far So Good!

ORIGINAL POST

I went for Fraxel Laser for my acne scars. I had...

richG
$3,000

I went for Fraxel Laser for my acne scars. I had it performed on 02/17/09 and I will post my comments as I continue with the treatment.

Because of various negative comments regarding Fraxel, I think it's very important to let others know where I am doing the procedure so if everything works out well it can serve them as a good reference for a good doctor. I believe that people that had negative effects it's because of the person performing the procedure.

To start, the doctor prescribed Valtrex to start the day before and continue for 2 days after the procedure to avoid cold sores (some people might get them), then they numbed my face for 1 hour and I took a pain killer before the procedure.

The procedure is not painless, even with the numbing cream, but the pain is not extreme. It burns a little bit more after multiple passes through the same area. I will say pain was mild, nothing that will not make me continue with the treatments.

After the treatment they gave me a shot (I don't know of what) but they told me that it was for the swelling, and in fact I had no swelling at all, only redness. I did sleep with my head elevated and put a moisturizer and polysporin for the 1st day, 3 times. After that only the moisturizer.

Will post follow ups when available.

richG's provider

Patrick McElgunn, MD

Patrick McElgunn, MD

Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology

richG rating for Dr. McElgunn:

Overall rating

Replies (12)

February 19, 2009
Awalk, thank you for your comments. My doctor is not new to this treatment, if he is not aware of possible complications and how to treat them I would be petrified! He has over 20 years of Dermatology experience and he is a diplomate of the American Board of Laser Surgery. Please allow me to continue relating my experience as I finish my treatment before you put other comments (and I don't mean it in a rude way). This way my post can be informative of my own experience with this doctor. I will post some pictures if I can!
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January 7, 2011

hello richG what your adresse email?talking whit you for laser fraxel do you speak in franch?

February 19, 2009
Rich Change your profile..So you can be contacted by email....I doesn’t display your actual email But allows others to post to you privately… I didn't mean anything negative..Just that we need positive posts for good providers…So people who want this procedure know where to go……
February 19, 2009
Would you post pictures of your progress...? They don't have to show your whole face maybe just a portion you can crop the majority out... I think it would be very helpful to people considering the treatment.... With your settings passes ect. It's important to let people know who the good providers are that get results with this technology
February 19, 2009
Your Doctor hasn't claimed his profile.. My derm now has his nurse looking and giving him the skinny...It's informative for them as well to understand patients experiences and concerns that we may not always share with them...
February 25, 2009
Hi, I'm at the point you are at in the last pictures...a lot of patchy peeling. I'm afraid to touch it. I only had my neck done. Did the light tan on your face peel off by now? Was it even light pink underneath? I'm hoping this tanned skin comes off soon but I don't want it to be uneven. Thanks for your help.
UPDATED FROM richG

I finished my 3rd treatment, it's been almost 2...

richG

I finished my 3rd treatment, it's been almost 2 weeks. As per my doctor changes are visible about 3 months after the first treatment, so my skin should start looking better everyday now.

On my last treatment the nurse didn't give me the shot they usually do at the end of the session and I regret it, it took a little longer for the swelling to go down and the healing process overall. Next time I will let them know I want it regardless.

I see myself everyday in the mirror so it's hard to tell the differences, I will keep on posting pics to see the final results. No complications so far, the procedure it is a bit painful, but just when they are doing it, no pain after it's done.

Replies (1)

April 24, 2009
I just posted some new pics.
UPDATED FROM richG

I am seeing a nice change in the texture of my...

richG

I am seeing a nice change in the texture of my skin, I am almost 3 weeks after my 4th treatment. The only thing is that I am not seeing a big change in my acne scars, they are still there and are noticeable.

The main reason I did this was for the acne scars, the doctor said that for those it can take up to 6 months after the first treatment to start seeing a difference. Will keep on posting on my results.

Replies (2)

August 8, 2009
Hello everyone, I am also thinking about doing fraxel restore. Can someone recommend a good doctor/clinic in southern california? Rich is absolutely right that a good doctor/machine makes all the difference. tahnk you,
October 31, 2009
i notice a definite change in your acne scars, i think you look great!