Sciton (Erbium) Micro Laser Peel

I’ve been seeking a laser to improve sun damage, crepe-y skin, brown spots, and slightly raised scars from biopsy sites and previous cysts. I originally went in with the intention to do Halo and BBL combo, but after meeting with the nurse, Robin, she explained that MLP was more aggressive and more ablative. I was unsure at first because the Halo treats scars better while the MLP is more superficial but actually removes skin (along with sun damage and superficial lesions). After speaking with Dr Bohley, we all agreed that doing the MLP first and then doing Halo/BBL after would yield better results. She gave me a list of home care items and pot op instructions to read through before the day of treatment.

2 days later I was ready to go! I took acyclovir the night before (to prevent cold sores), and 1 mg Ativan and 2 Percocet before I arrived. Then she washed my face and put lidocaine on to numb the area. She is very sweet and we chatted about the industry and about what to expect after the procedure. She’s very good about texting and calling too, before and after the procedure. She used a zimmer machine to cool my face during the laser. It lasted maybe 30-40 min to treat the entire face- during which I felt mild discomfort from the laser peeling the skin off. She did several passes, starting at lowest energy and increasing as we went along. Toward the end it was extremely uncomfortable because the lidocaine was wearing off and I could feel the sting and heat. Even the cool air hurt due to raw skin but I was a good sport and she praised me for my tolerance. Afterwards she applied cold packs and then more lidocaine and aquaphor. My friend drove me home since I was on pain meds, and the rest of the day I felt totally fine (except for slight nausea from the Percocet).

Day 2: slept elevated with a towel over my clean sheets, but when I woke up WOWZA did I hurt! So raw and painful, eyes swollen and skin tight I could hardly open my mouth. I spent 40 min icing, followed by water/vinegar soaks with gauze, then washed face gently and applied aquaphor. Took 2 ibuprofen and 1 Percocet and now I have no pain at all. Will update tmr.

Lots of swelling this morning. I texted the nurse to ask if it was normal but I havent heard back yet. Continued icing and vinegar soaks and aquaphor. Peeling has started. Looking very red- like a burn victim- in overlap places. Right and uncomfortable but hoping it is going to be worth it.

At this point I’m not happy at all, but I’m hopeful as I read that it can take months for remodeling. This is NOT a “weekend Peel” in my experience. Yes- the peeling I Lynn lasted 5 days, but the recovery to “Good” skin hasn’t happened yet. My skin has never been this dry, crepe-y, and irritated in my life! And there are most definite areas of hyperpigmentation where the laser overlapped. The scars I was trying to blend now look very white amidst a back drop of red and brown skin. My forehead looks like it is literally covered in wrinkles and pin holes (pores?). I’ve been religiously using Avene Cicalfate and the hypersensitive skin care line and not doing anything to it other than that. I want to cry every time I look in the mirror because my skin is so old looking. However- I’ve done research on here that says that after 3 months of some Erbium lasers people have great results.

I plan to give it a full 6 weeks (so next week) before I text the nurse again and ask to be seen for untoward side effects and make a game plan. She has been very nice and the plastic surgeon is kind and well respected so I have nothing against the office (unless they ignore me when I ask to be seen again). I did a LOT of research before choosing this office and have heard nothing but wonderful things so I feel like they know what they are doing. I pray to the good Lord that this is just “the dark before the dawn” because if this is my skin forever I will have to get more laser/peels/dermabrasion which I dont want to have to do.