I've Had Four Fraxels in the Past Year - New York, NY

Had my fourth Fraxel 2 days ago. My third Fraxel was 6 months ago, & my dermatologist says I'm now finished with them. But oh boy, this last one was the most aggressive of all! Today, I'm dealing with the expected bronzing & crusting which should be gone in a couple of days. When asked recently if I can see any improvements with the Fraxel, which I've been doing the last year, it bothered me to say I wasn't sure - after all, I see myself every day! It's a little like weight loss or trying a new color-depositing shampoo - you had better take some snapshots if you want an objective visual gauge. Luckily, my derm took these before each treatment. But in pondering whether I've had actual changes to my face (cheeks in particular), I have to take into account the fact that I can look at my face after washing it & be happy with what I see. I have to take into account that I get more compliments on my skin from complete strangers than ever. When I mention something skincare-related to even strangers, they all want to know what I use on my face. All of that says a lot about the way my skin is looking. What I really have to look forward to with this extra-aggressive final Fraxel is the additional results it will bring several months down the road - and I can't wait.

Alright, I had my second Fraxel re:store yesterday. Though the mJ setting was a smidge higher this time around (I believe she said 25), and I am more red now than previously, there was a little less pain. It's the morning after, and I look like I have a serious skier's sunburn again. :) It'll pass. That crusty roughness I love so much is back as well, and it'll pass, too. I asked my derm if she recommended the equal-parts white vinegar/water soaks I read about so much, and she said only if I am breaking out in pustules - so, that probably won't be for me. The Pramosone (steroid cream) prescribed to me previously is a whopping $400+, & fortunately, I managed to squeeze out a solid week's use from the one sample of it given to me last time; so I made sure to ask for double samples this time. When I inquired of the best post-Fraxel moisturizer, she suggested CeraVe Cream, and gave me plenty of samples of this as well. For the record: when I asked her P.A. about using Aquaphor as a post-Fraxel moisturizer (another thing I read about a lot), she gave me a flat no, followed by listing off a few random things it is actually good for. My classes start in 4 days, so I hope the redness dissipates a bit by then! I'm sure it will. But until then, I'm for the most part staying inside and reapplying the snazzy CeraVe every couple of hours.