POSTED UNDER Pearl Laser REVIEWS
Pearl Fractional Ruined my Face - Manitoba, MB
ORIGINAL POST
I am on day 12 and am very unhappy with the...
$850
I am on day 12 and am very unhappy with the results. I'm female, 31, light skinned, do not generally heal well. I had mild-moderate ice pick scars on forehead. I had been obsessing over my face for the past year. Finally got rid of my acne a year ago. I tried 4 chem peels, retin a. Home microdermabrasion. Infact I think my face looked worse. My forhead began to look old and weathered, I saw fat loss it seemed. I had never noticed it quite to that degree b4 hand. So 12 days ago I decided to do pearl laser, and pearl fractional. I researched it b4 hand. Read a few bad reviews, most saying it just didn't improve anything. Saw a couple bad ones. As with anything there's always risks. Seemed rare. I went in talked with a technitian and a plastic surgeon. They both recommended the same thing. I called back, asked a ton of questions. The technitians were not nurses or doctors. But they had been using machine for 5 years. Was told that they had no one in 5 years that had scarred. On hyper or hypo pigmentation, which they were able correct with other procedures. So I went ahead with it. Hurt pretty bad. I looked scary but great at the same time. Everything was so swollen you didn't see any scars. I did the vinegar soaks the first 4 days, maybe once on the 5th. Face peeled off on the forth in the shower, my forhead did not yet. It peeled on the 5th. By the 6th day it was still very red. And started to notice these awful grid marks "holes". I was still swollen, went in for check up, the doc and technitian said I looked like I was healing well. I mentioned my concerns about the holes. They said that happens and will go away. By the 8th day it looked even worse. Holes were more noticeable. Orange peel texture started coming out, with wavy skin. I phoned the clinic, they reassured once again I was healing fine. On day 10 and 11 I started freaking out, was avoiding everyone, depression started to come on, anxiety, fear, u name it. I started researching. And found so many others with this same problem. I am scared. My ppl tell me I will always look beautiful. That helped a bit.
So, all in all I'm wondering if anyone had the holes disappear in time? I am only on day 12, not even two weeks. I'm still in the healing process, so there is still a chance for recovery. Wound healing takes about a full month, and an extra two to settle in, and another year or two for final results. And skin goes through it's shedding process every 28 days. So I'm hoping these factors may save me. While I'm still in the healing process is there anything more I can do to help it? I'm currently taking vit.c, omega fatty acid, vit e, iron and zinc and a multi vit. Eating somewhat decent. Trying not to put makeup on it, I was told I could put make up on on the 7th day. I've read that ppl with oily skin may not have the holes scab and close over. Right now I'm switching between emu oil, polysporin and nothing/just dry. Dabbing any of my own oil away. This morning when I woke up, I saw a good 8 percent improvement on my temples, the grid was almost raised there instead of holes tho. I'm thankful about that, gave me hope for forehead. I may just be seeing things, but I felt like I maybe saw a 2 percent improvement with my forehead. The redness is also fading, maybe that's just why, not my issue tho. I'm looking very closely at the holes, and I see stuff in them, I'm not sure if it's debris, zit stuff, or possibly skin forming. This gave me hope this morning. I will post more pics and such as time goes on. I just pray that I will still heal. What a mistake...
So, all in all I'm wondering if anyone had the holes disappear in time? I am only on day 12, not even two weeks. I'm still in the healing process, so there is still a chance for recovery. Wound healing takes about a full month, and an extra two to settle in, and another year or two for final results. And skin goes through it's shedding process every 28 days. So I'm hoping these factors may save me. While I'm still in the healing process is there anything more I can do to help it? I'm currently taking vit.c, omega fatty acid, vit e, iron and zinc and a multi vit. Eating somewhat decent. Trying not to put makeup on it, I was told I could put make up on on the 7th day. I've read that ppl with oily skin may not have the holes scab and close over. Right now I'm switching between emu oil, polysporin and nothing/just dry. Dabbing any of my own oil away. This morning when I woke up, I saw a good 8 percent improvement on my temples, the grid was almost raised there instead of holes tho. I'm thankful about that, gave me hope for forehead. I may just be seeing things, but I felt like I maybe saw a 2 percent improvement with my forehead. The redness is also fading, maybe that's just why, not my issue tho. I'm looking very closely at the holes, and I see stuff in them, I'm not sure if it's debris, zit stuff, or possibly skin forming. This gave me hope this morning. I will post more pics and such as time goes on. I just pray that I will still heal. What a mistake...
UPDATED FROM Chapters
25 days post
25 days post factional laser resurfacing gone wrong
Well I'm now 25 days post, my forehead looks worse than ever. The grid marks are so apparent, where the laser ended and every laser hole. It's still a tiny bit swollen and gets red still. I wish I could go back in time. All my previous scars look worse, did nothing to improve the saggy/texture issues, saggyness looks worse, and texture is ten times worse with the millions of holes.
Well, I'm trying to do anything to help this along now. Been taking supplements, vit.c, multi, omega 3, zinc, and vit e. Did a few honey masks, been using emu oil and a C peptide occasionally. Gentle cleansers. Changed diet yesterday, going to try and avoid gluten and dairy when I can. It's hard when ur already a vegetarian. And last but not least, I got Psoria Gold in the mail yesterday. So just started using it. I'm going to apply it twice a day, and try to avoid makeup on forhead. I'm able to wear a hat at work, it had been my saviour and security blanket. I will update in another couple weeks to see if there is improvement.
As for mental/emotional stuff. It's been so hard. Trying to keep a brave face and positive attitude. I've told most ppl in my life, no one seems to judge, leaves me free to wear my hat all the time and not get questioned. As for docs. I saw the plastic surgeon on day 16 I believe. Him and technitian both said it looks fine, the holes are normal and will go away at the one month mark or even a bit longer. I don't believe them, I felt the tension. And the doc said "personally, I do t believe in laser resurfacing for acne scarring" my heart sank, I couldn't believe what I just heard, why did he recommend this, why didn't he tell me about these side effects. Only hyper and hypo pigmentation. He just wanted my money. I was supposed to come back for my one mth mark for a comparison, they said to enjoy my summer and to come back in the fall. Clearly they were shooing me out. I wanted to cry. I have supportive and understanding peop in my life. That's made a huge difference. I still really shy away from my new partner. Only person I allow to see me without a hat really. And even so, curtains are usually closed.
I will stay positive, I will stay hopeful. For that's all we have. I will try this better healthy regimen, and hope that time helps in some way. Oh, at my one mth and a half mark, I'm heading back in for a surprise visit to see that doc. And I'm bringing someone with me. It ain't no joke...
Well, I'm trying to do anything to help this along now. Been taking supplements, vit.c, multi, omega 3, zinc, and vit e. Did a few honey masks, been using emu oil and a C peptide occasionally. Gentle cleansers. Changed diet yesterday, going to try and avoid gluten and dairy when I can. It's hard when ur already a vegetarian. And last but not least, I got Psoria Gold in the mail yesterday. So just started using it. I'm going to apply it twice a day, and try to avoid makeup on forhead. I'm able to wear a hat at work, it had been my saviour and security blanket. I will update in another couple weeks to see if there is improvement.
As for mental/emotional stuff. It's been so hard. Trying to keep a brave face and positive attitude. I've told most ppl in my life, no one seems to judge, leaves me free to wear my hat all the time and not get questioned. As for docs. I saw the plastic surgeon on day 16 I believe. Him and technitian both said it looks fine, the holes are normal and will go away at the one month mark or even a bit longer. I don't believe them, I felt the tension. And the doc said "personally, I do t believe in laser resurfacing for acne scarring" my heart sank, I couldn't believe what I just heard, why did he recommend this, why didn't he tell me about these side effects. Only hyper and hypo pigmentation. He just wanted my money. I was supposed to come back for my one mth mark for a comparison, they said to enjoy my summer and to come back in the fall. Clearly they were shooing me out. I wanted to cry. I have supportive and understanding peop in my life. That's made a huge difference. I still really shy away from my new partner. Only person I allow to see me without a hat really. And even so, curtains are usually closed.
I will stay positive, I will stay hopeful. For that's all we have. I will try this better healthy regimen, and hope that time helps in some way. Oh, at my one mth and a half mark, I'm heading back in for a surprise visit to see that doc. And I'm bringing someone with me. It ain't no joke...
Replies (17)
July 6, 2014
I had a Pearl Fractional treatment on Oct 31/13. I still have very evident grid marks from the laser. It looks like huge pores all over my face. I was told this would resolve over the next few months and it never did. The plastic surgeon who owns the clinic said he can do traditional C02 laser to get rid of the marks but it sounds so invasive and I'm scared it will just get worse. I am also in Winnipeg. What is the name of the clinic you went to? I'm wondering if it's the same one...
July 6, 2014
Oh wow, ur in winnipeg too? The first glance on grant. Did you have a deep treatment? I don't feel that mine was too deep. The holes do look superficial. But I can't see how they would smooth over. If I haven't seen any improvement in the last couple weeks when I'm at peek healing time, why would they smooth over now? It looks terrible. The co2 one they want to use, is it the one where it's very superficial and burns the whole top layer off instead of holes? I've thought of that as an option, seems like no one else here has tried it either. Everyone is too scared, which is understandable. Have u ever thought of doing a test patch? See how you heal? How are you dealing with this aftermath, hope you're ok. Have you read about the accutane? Is that a thought for you?
July 6, 2014
I also went to First Glance Clinic. They are refusing to tell me the settings they used but they said it was not a deep treatment. When I went for my follow-up a month later Dr. Lockwood told me that I am healing normally and that the orange peel texture would resolve over the next few months...which it did not. I went to see another plastic surgeon for a second opinion and he told me that resurfacing does not work well on a significant fraction of the population and can make their skin appearance much worse. Even if penetration is not excessive, in some people, particularly those with large pores and a lot of skin oil, the epidermis may not regenerate well, resulting in a much worse surface texture than before the procedure. This is due to variations in the way new epidermal cells grow outward from the pores and sweat gland openings. Also, the basal or bottom layer of the epidermis, which forms new skin cells, may not return to it's normal pre-operative state. Even though wrinkles may be reduced, up close the resulting epidermis may be thin and have an uneven, orange-peel appearance. He initially recommended using a tretinoin cream which helps promote epidermal turnover but my skin has not improved over the last 8 months. The only thing I can do is the traditional C02 laser is not superficial as it ablates the entire surface of the epidermis. There are risks such as infection, prolonged redness, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. He said he would do a test spot to see how my skin heals before doing the treatment. I have been really depressed as I had only minor skin problems before and now my skin looks worse than before.
July 6, 2014
Oh my god, this is ridiculous. I'm sry, my head is shaking right now. They don't give a [RS bleep]. How can they get away with this. The only risks they pointed out was hypo and hyper pigmentation. I knew nothing of this. I feel like I'm losing hope. Even if the residual redness and swelling go down. The grid holes are something I'm not comfortable letting ppl see ever. Yep I had the same doctor, I was also told by a woman on the phone, that I the past 5 years since they started, that they have never once had an issue with a patient aside from hypo or hypo, which they were able to resolve with other treatments. They are liars. Dr also told me the holes always go away. We'll find something. This can't be it. I would go ahead with a test patch myself. May I ask what surgeon u went to for you're second opinion?
July 7, 2014
Dr. Ziesmann is the surgeon who recommended the traditional C02 laser. He said it is the gold standard for skin resurfacing but isn't used very much anymore because of the long recovery time (has been replaced by the fractional C02 laser). I was also never warned about the possibility of permanent textural changes on my skin and it was not listed as a risk on the consent form I signed. They take no responsibility for what they did to me and won't do anything to fix it.
July 7, 2014
I have read on real self that some people have had success repairing the textural damage using Isotretinoin, although there are a lot of side effects.
July 7, 2014
Geez, I had an appt. booked with ziesmann, but I opted out because I had to wait mths to see him. So I went to this place, they were on bored with the treatment immediately, I should have realized. One of the women I talked to at first glance said if there's anything that ever goes wrong, that they will help to resolve the issue. The place should be shut down. I tried another place first on grant, they only gave me retin a, laser resurfacing was their last options there. Im sry ur going through this too. I've also read about accutane helping. I would try that first way b4 more resurfacing. Just a matter if finding a doc who would prescribe it. Or ordering online which some have done. I'm still early on. I'm in the midst of changing my lifestyle and diet and supplements and everything. I have little hope of improvement. Things seem to b getting worse. My temples were fine, it's starting to really show there now. Well keep me informed of any news. Ppl who u may see in the city. I'm booking an appt with my GP. Going to see if he would prescribe a low dose accutane if I bring him the literature. And I'll book an appt with ziesmann again. Thanks so much
July 7, 2014
Dr. Ziesmann has a very long waiting list. It takes awhile to get an appointment with him and he often runs late for his appointments so just be prepared to wait. He doesn't have the greatest bedside manner and doesn't show a lot of empathy (which is just his personality) but he will answer your all your questions and give you the correct information. I can say with confidence though that he doesn't have an ego like other plastic surgeons. He was very honest with me about all the risks and complications with traditional C02 laser and didn't pressure me to get the treatment but said it is an option. What kind of changes have you made to your lifestyle and diet?
July 7, 2014
Btw, here is a link to a journal article that discusses irreversible textural changes from laser resurfacing. They know the risks - they just don't tell us because they want our money!
http://iplandlaserdamagesupport.prophpbb.com/post33243.html#p33243
July 7, 2014
Thank you for the info. Changes I'm making, going as gluten and dairy free as possible, heared it creates inflammation which can interfere with healing. Trying to up my vit.A intake . As ultimately that's what accutane is. However it's the vit a u get from meat, and I'm a vegetarian, so not sure how successful plant based vit a would b. But increasing it is supposed to help with excessive sebum production. Being more active, cutting out sugars. Taking many supplements, most that are essential with healing. I'm also doing a mask once a day. I just started, going to do it for a month, see what happens. Using raw honey, green tea, coconut oil, and a c peptide together. Idk trying anything really. And using psoria gold twice a day. I keep wondering if I should dry my forehead out or not, it's always so moisturized. Who knows. If I see no improvement around my two mth mark, I'm going to get accutane most likely.
What all have you tried for yourself? How are you doing mentally/emotionally with the whole thing? I just don't want to let it take over and completely consume me.
They do just want our money. I wish I had dug deeper b4 I had this done. You keep waking up, thinking it was just a dream. The worst part is we somewhat voluntarily did this, it wasn't just some random thing, if that makes sense. Like a scar from a biking accident etc. somehow it's more embarrassing and you have so much guilt perhaps and regret. Well, day by day....
July 7, 2014
I have only tried the Retin A (Vitamin A) cream so far. I've been really depressed, crying a lot, but I am starting to come to terms with the fact that the damage might be permanent. I have read about this new treatment called ReCell®, but it's not available in Canada yet. Dr. Ziesmann said I could try Pearl laser (not fractional) first to see if it evens out my skin texture so I think I'm going to try that before doing CO2 laser. I'm getting a test spot done so I will let you know how it goes.
July 7, 2014
Ok good luck. I had pearl laser along with the fractional, I had no complications with that part of it. Basically just peels the top layer off. Like retin a but faster. Withing a couple weeks skin has grown back. It's worth a shot for sure. Anything that may help. I'm very curious about the accutane. I've heard of the reCell. I don't know much about it. There's still hope I feel. Don't give up. Ever having a down day u can always send me a personal message too. Helps when there's peop who understand. Thank you for keeping me posted, I will do the same.
January 22, 2015
I had the pearl fractional 50 days ago and I am very pleased with the results. my scars are better and better every day but my face is still very very red. I had very agresive treatment and hope that this redness and laser pattern marks will go away after four months.
January 22, 2015
Im 3 and a half months out and the overall redness is gone but the red dots forming the grid pattern are still evident
January 22, 2015
Ivtik, it's good to hear you see initial improvement. I'm sure the redness will subside more, if not there are things you can do whether it b more procedures, topicals, or a natural route. Redness may b due to residual inflammation. Take anti inflammatories, or natural anti inflammatories, may have to do some research. As for the pattern. Only time will tell. Give yourself a healing environment. Take vit c and a multi vitamin. Eat healthy, lower stress, and wear a hat during this time, as I don't like the idea of wearing sunscreen 24/7, but that's your call
January 22, 2015
I still hope you'll see some improvement Bianca. It was you who had the laser peel yes? I think we have the exact same skin issue as I believe I saw ur pictures, I'm sry, it's really hard to keep track of who us who. Read my posts in healing. Retina a and birth control has made a small difference so far
January 22, 2015
I believe we do most of the healing the first 3 mths. But I still saw natural healing up until 6 mths,I believe you do still have time.
UPDATED FROM Chapters
30 days post
One mth mark post pearl fractional
I decided to update early, it is my one mth mark post procedure. I was supposed to go back into office to have a b4 and after comparison. However last time I went in, they shooed me away and said to come back in fall. Surgeon said my scarred laser holes always go away and it sometimes takes a mth or even a bit over a mth. Well I still have the holes. They maybe have improved by 3 percent since day 15. I knew at 7 that something was wrong, doc and technician said I'm fine. I asked if there's anything that can help heal. They said no. There are so many things that we can do or change about our lifestyle that can help us to heal. I only wish I started my regimen after the first week instead of week 2 or 3. Could have made a bigger difference. I added a couple more things to my regimen, I'll update at my two mth mark to see if there was improvement. As for other improvement. My redness and swelling has gone down in past few days. Not sure if it's cuz of the new regimen or just time passing. But all in all, I'll take any improvement.
I have a doc appt in a couple of weeks to see if he would potentially put me on a low dose accutane at my two mth mark if nothing has improved. I doubt he will go for it. Maybe he may know of some good plastic surgeons in the city at least. If not, I may just purchase it online like the others on this site are doing. I'll update at some point how that goes as well. And also only a couple more weeks till I make a surprise visit at the office I went to where they scarred me. I'm interested to see what they'll say this time...
I have a doc appt in a couple of weeks to see if he would potentially put me on a low dose accutane at my two mth mark if nothing has improved. I doubt he will go for it. Maybe he may know of some good plastic surgeons in the city at least. If not, I may just purchase it online like the others on this site are doing. I'll update at some point how that goes as well. And also only a couple more weeks till I make a surprise visit at the office I went to where they scarred me. I'm interested to see what they'll say this time...
Replies (3)
July 10, 2014
I looked at your pictures. It looks like the holes have improved slightly but you're right they are still there. Is Dr. Lockwood willing to do anything to help you heal? Maybe laser genesis? It is supposed to help improve skin texture.
July 11, 2014
In a couple weeks I will be going back, he said it could take a bit over month for the holes to disappear. So at that point when they are still there, I'll see what he says. I've tried laser genesis b4 all of this. Only one time tho, it did nothing for my acne scarring, maybe it can do something for this.
Replies (17)