Ouch! - Melbourne, Australia

hello all, my experience.

i am a 55 year old male farmer and have worked outdoors most of my life. i always tried to cover up from the sun but over a lifetime my face was very sun damaged. basically every part of my face had some degree of damage. along with the sun damage were also the ravages of time making an appearance particularly around my eyes, lips and forehead.

After researching various options available to me i decided on pearl co2 fractional laser. i made an appointment with a reputable clinic for a consultation to clarify what choices/options were suitable for me. i have pale skin so the pearl co2 fractional was decided upon.

arriving i was shown to a room and my face was slathered in local anesthetic to numb lips and face. the first part was brief and relatively painless. despite the numbing the second part, the fractional laser really hurt. It was a bearable though very unpleasant experience. when my lips were done i thought i'd faint. it really hurt and i would never have my lips done again.

after the procedure i looked in the mirror and was mortified at the bloodied swollen mess in front of me. the first photo is me on the way home about an hour after the treatment.

day 1. after a very restless and sore nights sleep my face now really swollen though apart from my lips i experienced no real pain just a lot discomfort. very tender face and lips and talk about UGLY! i looked like a spoiled black olive with vague facial/farcical feature. i was now bruised around the eyes and jawbone. all the sun damage is black and falling off.

day 2. face had soothed somewhat though still uncomfortable with very regular vinegar and water rinses which eased the burning face. again, my lips were the worst part... dry and sore and now scabbed and peeling *sigh* my face all over is starting to peel. i am looking a bit like a patchwork quilt done by crack addicts.

day 3. a marked improvement in my skin wretchedness. i still look like a robbers dog but i felt okay about showering today and the tepid water and very mild cleanser was wonderful to experience after the yukkiness of blood, weeping skin. pain, discomfort and just generally really ordinary days. peeling has continued a swelling reduced but still marked swelling around eyes and jawline. i expect this to lessen rapidly from now. stir crazy!

the second photo is of me at the start of day 4. although i still look bloody terrible i feel a heap better and am glad and pleas to see most sun damage fallen or falling off. i will keep adding to this every few days.

your comment or questions are most welcome.