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Pulsed Dye Laser for Self harm scars

UPDATED FROM triss5438
3 years post

Fraxel laser

triss5438
WORTH IT$1,000
I just want to update anyone who may be following my posts that I went ahead and got the Fraxel laser done yesterday. I will update with photos as time goes on!

Replies (3)

March 17, 2018
Why did you decide to do the laser? I thought your scars had healed really well. I hope you are happy with the results!
March 18, 2018
I thought maybe someone would ask this!! They definitely healed well and at this point I know I am being greedy. It just stinks that I am still conscious of them and feel badly (more at some times than others) that they’re there. I’m getting married this summer... so my arm has been on my mind more lately. I researched and researched and decided to go back and get evaluated at the same dermatology practice but with a different doctor. I cried as soon as she walked in. She said she does believe something will improve the scars, but she wasn’t sure if it would be fraxel or microneedling (and they don’t do microneedling at that office). She got in touch with some of her colleagues who agreed I should try fraxel for about 3 treatments (if the first one goes well) and then after that, if needed, try microneedling. I was terrified to try Fraxel but it was totally fine. I plan to update with photos, it’s only been 2 days. I hope this will help. The doctor also was confident it wouldn’t make th scars worse (always a risk).
March 18, 2018
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! You are not being greedy. If it works great!
March 18, 2018
Thank you!
April 19, 2018
Please give us an update!
July 23, 2018
Hey Becca --- I've gone for 3 fraxel laser treatments. Improvement has been minimal. May go for another, the doctor said she has something else for me to try if fraxel doesn't do anything.
July 23, 2018
Most importantly though, the fraxel didn't damage my skin or make anything worse
January 23, 2020
How many treatments?
UPDATED FROM triss5438
2 years post

"Final result"

triss5438
These are the scars today. This is hospital lighting so imperfections are noticeable. Nobody has noticed them unless I point them out. They are colorless and truly not very noticeable even to myself. But if I get a sunburn they will remain lighter than the rest of the skin (they will recommend sunscreen on scars). Hope this helps, truly they do not bother me anymore like they used to and people really do not notice. You cannot undo this damage - these will be here forever. But life moves on. I did what I could do and I do not feel it necessary at this time to pursue further treatment.

Replies (5)

April 16, 2017
I hope I hope I have not caused you offence in any way it was certainly not my intention
April 17, 2017
No no! I just hope you have some hope in your arm's future! It is an awful and emotional thing to go through.
April 19, 2017
Yes I did both arms, It was a bad time. I really want to get them tidied up iv not felt able to enjoy clothes. Im pleased your happy with yours now, all the best wishes x
April 18, 2017
That is a fantastic result!! I have tons of small white scars all over both arms from picking, mostly but bites. They started out purple but turned white over time. They are quite noticeable when my arms tan (which they do even with sunscreen, so I try to wear long sleeves). I long for scarless arms but what can I do? Just have to live with them now and try not to pick and get new scars. The open sores are what look the worst! All the best and congrats!
April 18, 2017
Thank you for this comment. I made this page to help other people but comments like yours are helpful to ME! It is still hard to live with scars but I have also learned to live with them. All my best to you as well and thank you again
June 22, 2017
How many sessions did You do?
June 22, 2017
Why didn't you have the sessions in one year? Once a month ?
August 15, 2017
8-10 sessions every 4-6 weeks
August 15, 2017
every 4-8 weeks **** This was determined by the doctor and also my schedule
August 10, 2017
How old were your scars?
August 15, 2017
first treatment was 2-3 months after injury
August 15, 2017
The scars are now 3 and a half years old
UPDATED FROM triss5438
1 year post

Photos

triss5438

Replies (4)

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December 11, 2015

I'm so glad that you decided to share photos - great results and encouraging for others. I shared your review in the following forum post:  Getting rid of arm scars from self harm - here's a link to all the related forum posts if you want to join in the conversation. ☺

January 11, 2016
Thanks for this could you mention name of the clinic and doctor how many treatments , is it in London ? I will only ever be truly free when I'm free from these scars
July 17, 2016
How can remove .
September 13, 2016
Are any of these photos a before and after? I'm not sure what stages these photos are at. Would you be able to post a current photo of them now? Thanks so much. <3
April 16, 2017
The colorless scar photo is what it looks like now.