POSTED UNDER Fraxel Laser REVIEWS
Done, Redone, Fraxel Laser Added ...what a Mess! Houston, TX
ORIGINAL POST
HELP!!!!! I had a Lifestyle Lift in Houston in...
orkkeApril 1, 2016
$8,500
HELP!!!!! I had a Lifestyle Lift in Houston in June 2013, within 7 months I noticed drooping, was scheduled to have fraxel laser done in May 2014 and was told that Dr Kevin Smith would fix the droop at that time. My best friend had the laser at the same time as me. Initially, we were ecstatic but it didn't take long for both of us to begin to notice disastrous results. Fearful of returning to the same place for more destruction, we both became complacent, then, by the time we decided to pursue the issues, and there are many, the company had folded, less than a year after my second visit to this place and my friend's first. Has anyone found any recourse, anywhere to turn? I have broken blood vessels all over my face, a huge blue vein that bulges out over my upper lip, vertical lines by my mouth, under my neck begins to turn red as if blood is gathering there. My friend, much younger than me, is wrinkling, too, and is much worse than when we went there. We spent too much, this is a nightmare! Please let me know if anyone has found recourse for this dilemma! Thank you.
orkke's provider
Replies (40)
April 10, 2016
Are you saying that the doctor skipped town or the fraxel laser company went out of business? I'm confused.
April 10, 2016
The well known facility, the Lifestyle Lift, which I had done first for the neck began to fall less than 7 months after procedure, I was planning the laser procedure and was advised that the lift would be repaired at that time, the time frame is: June 2013 Lifestyle Lift, May 2014 lap band repair to lift AND fraxel laser ( it ruined my complexion, a Dr. recently replying to my original post advised I am looking at $20,000+ to repair the damage) ... THEN, The Lifestyle Lift Company went bankrupt and completely out of business nationwide in March 2015. At least they can't hurt others, but they left a mess for me in their wake!!!
April 25, 2016
Omg! I'm so sorry to hear this . That life style lift place needs to pay up, it's a shame how they can get away with this kind of harm to women and get out of it through bankruptcy ! I hope you find someone who will fix you and not charge you an arm and leg. Sending prayers for you...
April 25, 2016
Thank you very much for prayers and your kind sympathies, so appreciated. As one of the responding doctors noted, there is no recourse, I can only hope that not many others have had the same experience, they did so many procedures. I will be diligent in my efforts before I make my next decision, appreciate your thoughtfulness!
May 3, 2016
You have to be well trained to use the flaxel machine..were they trained/experienced? Did you do the research?
May 14, 2016
I THOUGHT I had done my homework thoroughly, obviously, not all things we are shown and told are fact!
May 2, 2016
This is how I might relate: ruined fat deposits, ruined skin surface, new scars that have that "artificial" spice to it.
Oh and good luck finding any proper help or real positive results for Fraxel damage, especially on here.
Oh and good luck finding any proper help or real positive results for Fraxel damage, especially on here.
May 3, 2016
OMG..I had flaxel last Friday in Europe..still red and dry but not peeling yet,I hope it starts soon! But my skin is looking healthier at least. I am early days,but I never really had that much skin damage for my age,just some old teenage slight scarring from acne,and large pours.. Will let you know how I am healing.
May 3, 2016
Keep me posted, please, I began to see the broken blood vessels within a few months, the intensity of the laser was just too much for my thin skin :(, best wishes!!!
May 3, 2016
Best wishes to you too .. I am worried now though :0 /
The doc said to me that I have broken blood vessels and that they could be helped with flaxel.. As I said,I had the procedure last Friday,all good not too painful(helped with the cold air) over in 15 mins.. But my skin is still very dry,especially on my forehead and still quite red. I am waiting for this peeling I read about..Driving my hubby nuts with the same question,lol 'will the peeling start soon do you think'..I am now worried that my skin will always be dry!
Piling the factor 50 on and waiting.
Will keep you posted.
The doc said to me that I have broken blood vessels and that they could be helped with flaxel.. As I said,I had the procedure last Friday,all good not too painful(helped with the cold air) over in 15 mins.. But my skin is still very dry,especially on my forehead and still quite red. I am waiting for this peeling I read about..Driving my hubby nuts with the same question,lol 'will the peeling start soon do you think'..I am now worried that my skin will always be dry!
Piling the factor 50 on and waiting.
Will keep you posted.
May 3, 2016
I used a gel and slathed it on profusely, please be sure what you are using does not contain alcohol, as it will dry you out, I have been told the broken blood vessels are a completely different procedure, will let you know, please don't worry, it causes wrinkles, :) ... Very best for your outcome. I had very oily skin in the beginning, I am totally sure that my high tolerance for pain allows the Dr. to "speed up" and "intensify" the whole thing, happy thoughts! All best to you!
May 3, 2016
Also, note that I had the lap band repair to my Lifestyle Lift the very same day, one right after the other, that can't have helped!
May 4, 2016
Hi
What is a lifestyle lift?
Also I am 6 day post and still no peeling,but slightly red and dry/mostly on my forehead. Do you have to peel,to get results,or is it only some people?
All the very best to you too :-)
What is a lifestyle lift?
Also I am 6 day post and still no peeling,but slightly red and dry/mostly on my forehead. Do you have to peel,to get results,or is it only some people?
All the very best to you too :-)
May 4, 2016
It should turn brown like an ugly tan, and fully peel, the process is designed to remove the upper epidermal layers of damaged skin and get back to the new underlying layers. Have you contacted your provider? I really can't say because I'm sure we are all different, if you will look at my first pic, that was immediately following the peel process completion, and I'm looking a bit sunburned BUT my skin was great, soft, smooth, not a wrinkle in sight, you said you had little damage to begin with, I was like that and quite happily surprised IN THE BEGINNING at the result but, within a few months, it began to deteriorate, that is my situation. Please follow up with a visit to your Dr., I truly believe that will be your best bet! Best for great outcome.
May 6, 2016
Well I am now 5 days and my skin is not as dry as it was..I expected peeling,but no sign of it..I don't know whether to feel disappointed?? :-/.. I can't use the cream I was using as it makes my skin so oily.. I have a breakout on my chin and my skin is in a bad way at the moment..mainly oily,but dry in places..the softness I had has gone... Is this early days? I was thinking of having a 2nd round,but I don't know. my few crows feet are still there..something I wanted rid of.
May 6, 2016
I would suggest a consult with another "board certified" provider. Nothing you're going through sounds anything like what I went through, the first 4-5 months I didn't even have to wear makeup, just a sunscreen moisturizer, until the bloods vessels started showing up and "running" ... Good luck, I would seek the direction of a professional, best to you!
May 6, 2016
Hi
Thanks, I have already made another appointment to see someone.
Will keep in touch :-)
Thanks, I have already made another appointment to see someone.
Will keep in touch :-)
May 14, 2016
There are different treatment objectives with fraxel, as well as different depths at which it treats. What were your concerns that warranted the treatment?
May 14, 2016
Removal of epidermal layers resulting from youthful sun worship, basic aging, spotting, etc. My first-hand knowledge now is that laser was administered with too much intensity and too expedious with no concern for outcome. The doctor, being a certified plastic surgeon, executed the procedure with minimal attention to the process, was more concerned with discussing golfing, golfing equipment, etc., with his assistant. My concerns now are the important ones, I am looking withered, aging quickly, the broken blood vessels, well, you can follow my previous posts and no where to turn.
May 15, 2016
Well,what a great big anti climax! I had my lazer,as you know,at the end of April..My skin went a sort of reddish colour,there was absolutely 0 peeling, the skin was just very dry for two weeks! It went slightly oily, but I guessed it was the cream I was using(recommended by my doc) ..My skins seems to have 'recovered now'.
I had the lazer on my face for residue acne scars, (not indentations though)and a tiny zap on my upper chest to help the deepish lines. The lines are slightly better , but I still have the few crows feet I wanted rid of. I was advised to have at least three sessions..But I don't know yet.
I went to see a dermatologist the other week and she said that my skin was fine and that she could offer me peels,which I don't want :-/
I am not ready for a facelift, so I was looking/still am looking for a 'refresher, semi permanent kind of skin treatment until I was ready for the full monty.
From what I have read regarding the lazer..t has put me off!
I do have botox between the eyebrows for the frown,but I wanted to try something different. Any suggestions?
I had the lazer on my face for residue acne scars, (not indentations though)and a tiny zap on my upper chest to help the deepish lines. The lines are slightly better , but I still have the few crows feet I wanted rid of. I was advised to have at least three sessions..But I don't know yet.
I went to see a dermatologist the other week and she said that my skin was fine and that she could offer me peels,which I don't want :-/
I am not ready for a facelift, so I was looking/still am looking for a 'refresher, semi permanent kind of skin treatment until I was ready for the full monty.
From what I have read regarding the lazer..t has put me off!
I do have botox between the eyebrows for the frown,but I wanted to try something different. Any suggestions?
May 15, 2016
I've totally eluded the botox, have a very young niece that has had some bad outcomes with lips, just decided not for me, I'm still researching how to fix my mess so would not feel confident suggesting much with all my bad decisions :(, sounds like you're beautiful already :) ... My only suggestion ... Always proceed with caution, my friend, best your way!
May 15, 2016
That sounds horrible and quite unprofessional. I'm wondering if he performed the 1550 instead of the 1920 on you.
May 15, 2016
@camino60
What do you mean when you say 1550 instead of 1920? Is the 1550 stronger with more slower healing? Can you explain..I know I should know as I have had it..so excuse my ignorance. :-/ Thanks
What do you mean when you say 1550 instead of 1920? Is the 1550 stronger with more slower healing? Can you explain..I know I should know as I have had it..so excuse my ignorance. :-/ Thanks
May 15, 2016
That I could not answer, I read the paperwork thoroughly but, unfortunately, I left it in hotel room, contacted them to overnight it to me and never got it, and with the company bankrupt, I'm very sure I will never know, the only thing I know for sure is that I have to put the horrible experiences behind me and try to decide how to move forward. Have a great day and a wonderful week, appreciate your concern.
May 15, 2016
camino60 can you please explain the difference between the two procedures for I wantayumytummyx ... Thank you.
May 15, 2016
There are some wonderful surgeons out there..the thing is,at 50years, I am now trying NOT to make any hasty decisions and the research is vital,even if you have to google translate to find reviews! I do this now ..
It is just unfortunate for you that you had to go through this! I had a mini tummy tuck in 2014 and had a horrible experience,in Europe.. I now have to spend more money to correct the surgeons incompetence, where I will have to have a hematoma surgically removed, because the surgeon didn't give me adequate post op care or advise. You have a wonderful week too and wishing you a happy ending :-)
It is just unfortunate for you that you had to go through this! I had a mini tummy tuck in 2014 and had a horrible experience,in Europe.. I now have to spend more money to correct the surgeons incompetence, where I will have to have a hematoma surgically removed, because the surgeon didn't give me adequate post op care or advise. You have a wonderful week too and wishing you a happy ending :-)
May 15, 2016
Thank you very much and to you, too! We always hear of movie stars having such horrible outcomes from these procedures and know they should have access to the absolute best, I'm fearful now that there is no 'best' and that all of these things we do are a real crap shoot and always a potential for a dreadful outcome, hope you have a great ending!
May 16, 2016
Of course, the 1927 treatment protocol is used for concerns like the ones you expressed you should always get some peeling even if mild, where the 1550 runs deeper and is suited for scars and wrinkles. You do not get peeling with the 1550 but you do become very very dry.
It may be helpful to look up Fraxel Dual
It may be helpful to look up Fraxel Dual
May 16, 2016
I wantayumytummyx these are the differences in the various laser procedures, hope this helps you!
UPDATED FROM orkke
2 years post
Thanks to all the kind professionals that have taken the time to respond to my post BUT ...
orkkeApril 21, 2016
I would like to add that the physician who did my facelift thru Lifestyle Lift has his own private practice and is represented as a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Smith. I felt too secure with my decision and, although the "facelift" has been an absolute disaster, I truly feel the ineptness with which the fraxel laser was administered is what has caused the most horrendous damage, as I mentioned, a friend had the fraxel laser process at the same time and she is in the same predicament. I have a high threshold of pain and, I believe the procedure was performed in haste with little to no attention to concerns for the long term outcome. I seriously send a warning to anyone considering having this done. Again, thank you to the responding medical professionals, if you see this and have time, I hope to hear from you again.
Replies (9)
April 22, 2016
What have the doctors said your options are at this point?
April 22, 2016
Basically, exactly what I did, to seek the advise of a board certified plastic surgeon, my physician WAS that, with his own practice and a practice at Lifestyle Lift, they have simply explained that I was taken for a ride. At this point, I'm traumatized by the outcome and fearful of putting my trust in someone else. The company is bankrupt, there's no place to turn so I am back at "square one," looking beyond my years ... I will not let it break my spirit, but I will have to save once again and investigate long and hard. Best to you if you are considering procedures, they aren't all bad experiences.
April 22, 2016
I see you are in Houston. You may want to consult with Andrew Lyos. He has done work on the River Oaks gals and has a good reputation. I believe he has recently moved his office to the Woodlands, though.
April 22, 2016
Thank you, I had the procedures done in Houston but am in Louisiana, I will surely get several opinions before I make my final decision, appreciate your help. Love concerts at the Woodlands :)! Have a great weekend.
May 3, 2016
Seek a 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinion if necessary. Don't have anything done, just go and have other doctors examine you and see what they say and recommend. I recommend that at least one of your consults be at a practice that is either a major teaching hospital, a burn center, or a large practice that conducts formal cosmetic surgery fellowships to train doctors. You need to figure out what went wrong and what your options are, if any. Don't just run off and have another procedure done. I had similar bad results (broken blood vessels, worsened skin texture, etc) from one awful IPL tx also performed not by a nurse or a tech but the plastic surgeon herself. I cannot imagine how a fraxel could have fixed a droop from a lift. I think your dr. sold you a bill of goods on that one. You may have 1 or 2 goals in mind: 1. get compensation from the Dr. Smith, and/or 2. fix the damage. If your goal is to get compensation, consult a lawyer, ASAP but know that contrary to what most doctors say, it is very expensive and difficult to bring a malpractice action. NOt many lawyers will take a case unless it is egregious, the error is blatant, the damage is severe and will justify an award large enough to cover the costs of suit, AND they are able to find a another doc willing to testify against the dr. who did the damage. If your goal is to just fix the damage, then you need not worry about any legal deadlines (most states say you have 3 yrs to file suit), and actually time is on your side, in the sense that the more time goes by, the more time your skin has to heal from injury. Good luck to you.
May 3, 2016
Thank you, I will definitely seek many opinions. I did want to note that I actually had 3 procedures done, the Lifestyle Lift, performed twice to fix the droop the second time from the failure of the first time (SIGN) and with the second, a lap repair, I added the fraxel laser to this end result. I rather doubt that an attempt for compensation would come to any positive outcome, as Dr. Smith represented the Lifestyle Lift, performed in their offices and they are BANKRUPT. I sincerely want repair, not compensation. I appreciate, very much, that you have taken the time to respond to my dilemma. I have many important things going on in my life right now that do not allow me to dedicate much time to me, I fear as the outcome worsens I will not be able to find repair, as needed, I'm on the back burner in my life right now :(. I will research to see if I can locate a reputable training facility. Again, thank you for your help and direction.
May 3, 2016
'Performed in haste' Are you saying that flaxel damages your skin,or just that the surgeon you went with was not experienced enough?
I have seen some good results on here.
I have seen some good results on here.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope you find support here in the community.