POSTED UNDER Pulsed Dye Laser REVIEWS
Pulsed Dye Laser for Self harm scars
ORIGINAL POST
2 years ago I searched and searched online to find...
triss5438December 8, 2015
WORTH IT$1,000
2 years ago I searched and searched online to find someone who may have posted about a similar experience, I was desperate for help and peace of mind over how to deal with self-harm wounds. I am in my mid 20s, with fair-skin that tans well in the summer, and I work in the medical field myself. I submitted a question on this site about the pulsed dye laser after my first laser treatment to treat self-harm scars to my arm. 2 years and 8-10 pulsed dye laser (v-beam) treatments later (anywhere from 4-8 weeks apart)... I writing this review to help someone else who may benefit from this. This has been a long process that has required patience, support, and long sleeved shirts in the summertime. Anyone with scars understands how frustrating they can be. TIME and the pulsed dye laser helped my arm go from terribly bad to 90% improved. Time is your best friend when it comes to healing skin, so be patient. I did not want to hear this 2 years ago, but just like that, it's 2 years later and it has improved drastically. Time will pass and time will heal. Also, the laser really started making improvements after about 4 treatments. I visited my dermatologist very recently to ask about the Fraxel Laser to resurface my scars, and at this point it may risk more harm than good. So please feel free to ask any questions if you find this and it applies to you.
Replies (23)
January 4, 2016
I suffer from dermatillamania. I had embarrassing red scars on my face. The vbeam helped reduce them a lot. It also helped reduce flushing from my rosacea. Only problem is that I have picked again and have new red scars. I need to do vbeam again and it is not cheap!
January 15, 2016
Definitely not cheap, but worth it. Try not to pick! Good luck to you thank you for commenting. Best regards, Triss
May 1, 2016
How bad did it hurt? I'm 15 if i go to a doctor about my scars at 20 will my parents be able to not find out
April 14, 2017
Your parents cannot find out from the age of 18 on as long as you have a payment method to not have it go through insurance. This goes for ALL medical treatment. It's called HIPAA
April 15, 2017
It doesn't hurt much it feels like a rubber band is hitting the area. I never used numbing cream.
May 4, 2016
How long after the scars healed you took the laser? I have self harm scars on my wrist all over and really want to get rid of them ... I'm in New York and have been looking for a good dermatologist. Maybe I ask you the price? I just want to have a general ideas. Thank you so much for sharing!
April 15, 2017
I did it 3 months after the cuts were made. Price will depend on your insurance
Replies (13)
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
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
UPDATED FROM triss5438
2 years post
"Final result"
triss5438April 16, 2017
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 (14)
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
Why didn't you have the sessions in one year? Once a month ?
August 10, 2017
How old were your scars?
"Time will pass and time will heal. " I just love that!
Thank you so much for taking to share your personal story, I'm most certain you will reach countless others who are searching for a solution.
Would you consider sharing some photos with the community?