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POSTED UNDER Fractional Laser REVIEWS

Laser (Fractional CO2 Smart Dot) Ruined my Skin at 26 Years Old. I Am Now 29 & It's Getting Worse :( - Melbourne, AU

ORIGINAL POST

Hi. 3 years ago I decided to undergo laser for...

feelingsad
$2,500
Hi. 3 years ago I decided to undergo laser for some very mild acne scarring on my cheeks. My derm recommended this laser to me & I was told it had very little side effects. I trusted in my derm & decided to undergo a series of 3 treatments. They were 3 months apart & the last one I had was in April 2011. After my first treatment my scarring did look better. I could see the marks left behind from the laser but I was told this would go with time. After the second treatment I began to notice my skin was becoming a little "crepey" around my mouth when I smiled. At the time I thought it might have just been a little dry from the laser. I was so naive! I brought this up to my doctor & he said the best thing to do would be to have one final treatment. So, that is what I did. 1 month after the treatment I seriously began to notice a change in my skin. It became perpetually dry. My skin was crepey around my mouth & eyes. I had fine lines all over my face and little holes from the laser. I went back to my doctor and he said he still thought they small holes would go away. He suggested I have another treatment! He also suggested that at 26 I was starting to show signs of ageing! I left feeling very abandoned by someone that I trusted. I mean, I understand that it's more the laser's fault than his but he should at least acknowledge that something is wrong! Maybe try to help me find a solution!
So now 3 years on I see NO improvement. In fact, quite the opposite. My skin is still very dry. I still have the holes left by the laser. My skin is incredibly crepey. I have lines, lines, lines. Now though, the worst side effect for me is the fat loss. My cheeks are sunken. One side is much worse than the other so I have a very odd shaped face. When I smile I have additional laugh lines. My skin is "folding" in a strange way when I smile on the side that is more damaged. I think it's to do with the fat loss. I am completely miserable & I cannot bear photos of myself. I cannot bear looking in the mirror. I hate talking to people & smiling. I hate when I have to go out because I get extra depressed while getting ready, putting makeup on etc. I am only 29! I am so scared to see new doctors because I am afraid they will blame ageing for all of this! And to be honest I am not in the same position I was financially so it's not like I could have anything done at the moment anyway. I feel there is no hope & I am very nervous for how I will look in 5 years & so on. I would take the mild scarring over this any day! (I still have the scarring by the way). Has anybody had any luck improving their skin? Please comment & thank you for reading.

feelingsad's provider

Greg Goodman

Replies (21)

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May 6, 2014
So terribly sorry to hear that you are struggling with the side effects from your Fraxel treatment, I am sad to hear that you are feeling depressed and do not want to look at yourself. It's great that you found this community so we can help support your through this and hopefully it will help you to journal your thoughts here and chat with others in the same situation. 
May 18, 2014
Thank you.
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May 10, 2014
I haven't found any solutions yet for my damage 7 months ago but I'll keep you posted. I'm going to try a few things in the coming months including retin a and needling. Good luck to you!
May 18, 2014
I have been reading about needling, I might try it too. Please let me know how it goes.
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May 18, 2014
I will :)
April 5, 2015
I have had improvement. I take vitamins(A,C,E) & collagen among other things . I think that has helped me alot.Well an improvement . If you have any questions please feel free to contact me .
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January 22, 2020
Hi did how is ours skin doing. I have the same problem now. Did you also have volume lost?
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June 17, 2015
I've been thinking about having this procedure done. How are you doing today ?? All the things the laser created on your face are the reasons why I'm wanting to get the laser. I don't want the laser to make them worse. I'm second guessing this procedure now
UPDATED FROM feelingsad
3 years post

Pics soon...

feelingsad
I plan to take some pics in the next week or two.

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM feelingsad
3 years post

Fat Loss. Laser. I am melting away :(

feelingsad
Here are some horrible photos of the fat loss I have suffered from the laser. I think it just keeps getting worse. I feel so ugly. I would do anything to have the skin I used to have. My face used to be very full & I had nice cheeks. Now I am hollow. This is 3 years out. You can also see how bad the texture is. The sad thing is, I am actually wearing foundation. These pics are to detail the fat loss, I will show no makeup ones soon.

Replies (8)

March 1, 2015
Glad you posted, I nearly made an appointment to have fraxel done & thought I should check reviews. Hopefully you find something that helps soon. If it's any consolation, you have a lovely skin tone - no redness. But I know it's all about how you see yourself & not how others perceive you. Best of luck!
March 29, 2015
Fat loss is common, for an unbiased opinion on the natural process of ageing, seek a secondary option. In my opinion fat loss was not accelerated by laser resurfacing. In fact, for some people laser adds volume to their cheeks, increasing the perception of youth. The use of HA fillers or fat transfer can easily, and safely rectify this natural ageing process. I don't think it is the fault of Dr Goodman, however, a secondary opinion by a Specialist will determine if this was the case. All the best. Dr Davin Lim Laser Dermatologist Brisbane, Australia westderm.com.au
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March 30, 2015
Wow.. I was going to do fraxel laser but to many people have a negative experience !! Anyway I have been doing derma rolling with 2.5 mm needle and 2.0 and 1.5 and 1.0 and I love the results. Also I use retinol ( vitamin a ) and I add vitamin c to that aswell.
October 7, 2015
I have had severe acne and acne scarring my whole life so I mean no insensitivity at all. If you know there is something wrong with your face, it eats at you every day!! But I just want to leave some positive words.. You are a beautiful woman with clear albeit dry skin evenly toned!! You win some you lose some.. Wrinkles do not ruin beauty and judging from those pics I would guess you were younger than 29 anyways
March 3, 2016
You don't look bad at all, as far as I can see from the pictures. Your skin is smooht and with homogenous color. Maybe you should visit psychologyste. I hope you will feel better.
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September 17, 2016
Are you serious?
You must be blind.
This poor girl's concerns are completely valid, no one shoud I have to deal with this, anyone with half an eye could see that things are very wrong.