58 Years Young, Full Face, Neck, Chest Halo - Metairie, LA

Day 1. It's time to do some maintenance work. I'm very fair skinned but have been an outdoors person my whole life. I was a swimmer, lifeguard, scuba diver long before good sunscreens were available or we even knew to use them. I had two consultations with different dermatologist and one with a plastic surgeon. One recommended CO2, one recommended Fraxel, and one Halo. After doing a lot of research, thank you RealSelf, I decided on the Halo with Bopp Dermatology. I wanted to target the sun damage, texture, and fine lines. Dr. Barbara Bopp was very personable and really seems to take a holistic approach.
I arrived very early and the technician applied the numbing serum three times over an hour. A nurse drew some blood to prepare the PRP serum, plasma replacement stuff. The Dr. decided that we should do the heaviest Halo on face and neck and lighter on my chest. She started on my chest. Very little discomfort. Maybe felt like a dermabrasion. She applied the PRP immediately after. Neck was next. Some places were a little more uncomfortable but still not bad. The face was the heaviest. By now I really needed to use the restroom so that was a distraction. Yes, I went before but ... There was some discomfort. Maybe a 2 overall with the occasional 3, maybe. More like a stinging sensation and a little burning. By the time she was doing my face, my chest was already feeling much better. I did take a Percocet an hour before the procedure so I was relaxed and a little woozy. She applied the PRP serum also along the way. She did multiple passes over each area. I was ver red and had a lot more bleeding spots than I expected. The photo will be quite shocking but it's not really painful. Uncomfortable yes, but not painful. She said the swelling will be worse on day 3 and 4. I have an adjustable bed so I'll be able to sleep elevated.
So the cost was $1600 for the face and $1600 for neck and chest. That includes all of the products that they gave me, a cleanser, an ointment, and a moisturizing balm. I will have one or two more follow up appointments.
I will post updates regularly. I feel like RealSelf is a great resource only because we are willing to bare it all and give honest reviews. Reminder, do not freak out over the photos. There is a lot of blood spots and ointment on. Also, there is a me photo with makeup so not really a good before picture.

Slept well last night. I stayed elevated with my adjustable bed. Left side of my face is more swollen. I'll take some Ibuprofen after I eat. It looks a lot better and feels fine except for the swelling. No pain whatsoever. The skin is definitely smoother now in most places. It felt really good to wash my face and get all the dried blood off. I'm still applying the ointment so the photo has some reflection in it. My chest and neck are just pink and doing great.

I forgot to mention that unlike some reviews that I read, my Dr. does not recommend steroids or antibiotics. I was told they don't like to rush the healing process with steroids. The PRP serum gives the healing process a boost. PRP is made from my own plasma cells from blood drawn that morning. I've only taken NSAIDS for the swelling.