Fixing Orange peel texture from Derma Pen and Retin a Damage

November 18, 2017

Thank you for sharing your story with us LonnieMae32. I had the same treatment and unfortunately the same horrible results. I know it is so hard, but it would be very helpful if you could post "before/after" the treatment pics, so that other women can see how severe the damages can be. to protect your identity, you can edit them just showing the damaged areas ( As I did). Thanks!
I really wish you the best with the FFT. I did it and I am happy with the results so far.

November 18, 2017

Hey caro34, yes I will eventually put my pics up. Right now I'm still pretty traumatized and absolutely can't take any negative comments like some have posted on your thread. I'm severely depressed yet overly anxious at the same time! I'm looking into recosma treatments in Europe. It is a laser that does NOT use heat and removes skin damage. That along with FFT. Thanks so much for sharing your story as it gives me hope.

November 19, 2017

I totally understand how you feel. I have been feeling very depressed for the last months. Before I had my FFT , I had isolated myself because I did not want my friends to see my ruined skin all saggy and with horrible wrinkles . I even felt embarrassed of talking since my saggy skin moved more making my wrinkles even bigger . So I totally relate to your fears and desperation. If you have lost fat then FFT seems to be a good option . At least it is working for me.
I wish you the best and really hope you can find a solution for your skin soon.

November 19, 2017

Yup, same here. I'm absolutely isolating myself and haven't seen anyone but close family in months. I'm very raw/inflamed still (guessing its from the Retin a) and any type of movement or anxiety makes me burn up. So I'm trying my best to stay calm and focused on my goal. I truly hope I will be a success or should I say a "great recovery" story to give others going through this hope. I'm very happy that the FFT worked for you...I know all too well the pain this causes. I'll follow your story and pray you keep improving from here on out. I might even travel to get the recosma along with FFT. I feel compelled to act on this. I cannot just sit here for another 6+ months and do nothing like some say to do. I might try Finacea for textural issues soon but my mind is set on the FFT. Just looking for a good doctor to do it! I inboxed you so if you ever want to talk just know I'm here.

November 19, 2017

Thank you my dear :) I will continue posting updates on my FFT journey; especially because it may give some hopes to those who are dealing with the same damages. After desperately trying EVERYTHING suggested by doctors, estheticians, etc..., I have decided do not do anything else for the next months and wait to see how my skin looks like. On the other hand, I have spent a lot of money trying to fix the damages with any success.
I will follow your story too :)

November 19, 2017

Oh I know! I've spent thousands on topicals with no success at all. I could have gotten an expensive procedure done already with the money I've spent. And you know what's sad? How "experts" take advantage of you when you're desperate giving false hope and empty promises. I tried 4 different skin care experts from estheticians to derms and I ended up in the ER on fire. I'm thinking topicals aren't going to fix this. I was told as long as the outer layer is damaged that the skin will just keep coming up damaged. I was also told that a lot of my stratum corneum was taken off and that my skin is in emergency mode creating these holes, pockmarks, cracks, wrinkles and dents. Even though it's 6 months later it's still in emergency mode so I'm guessing I can't do any treatments until it has healed. Fingers crossed that it heals properly. Some of the pockmarks look like scars though so not sure what to do about them. I think you're right and that it's best you give your skin a rest for now since you got the FFT. Some people have had their texture issues resolved after FFT. I'm praying that's the case for you too!

November 20, 2017

Thank you very much! I am praying for you LonnieMae! Good luck in your appt tomorrow. Please keep us posted :)

December 12, 2017

Dear, did the 'experts' tell you until which skin layer is affected by the damage? our case might be different since i got burnt by fraxel laser but your Dermapen is without any heat. but i just wonder even with just touching the stratum corneum would do to such extent such as fat loss? i think the needle might even touch the subcutaneous part.

December 12, 2017

ohh the retin-a, i really don't know why all docs make a big fuss about it. my doc also recommended me to use it 1 week after my fraxel treatment. it definitely does not work on everyone! mostly would get more damaged especially ones skin after treatment. i just got 2 bumps that turned into active acnes so know i have 2 more acne spots and mine are PIE which i don;t know in which century they'd fade sighhh.

Chrislynn

December 22, 2017

Red light therapy could help ALOT! I had damage from Retin A and microdermabrasion and began red light therapy 5 days a week, and used Tarte Marijuca oil with bandaids over the enlarged pores and small scars for 5 weeks since this nightmare began and my skin is almost completely healed.

December 23, 2017

Hi Chrislynn!
I still have large pores and scars caused by 2 skinpen treatments and am VERY interested in your Red Light results. Can you please post some “ before /after” pics?
Thanks !
I

JassicaBee

January 30, 2018

How are things going for you now? I’m sorry to hear - I’ve also been left with scars and orange peel texture from differin and dermapen. My doctor even gave me the all clear to do the dermapen.

How was your appointment with the dr and what did he say?

UPDATED FROM LonnieMae32

First consult tomorrow with Dr. Undavia

LonnieMae32November 19, 2017

Tomorrow will be my first plastic surgery consult with Dr. Samir Undavia. He said if he cannot help that he will send me to someone who can. Luckily, it is less than a 2 hour drive from my house so it's much closer than the other consults I have planned in other areas of the country. I'm very anxious to hear his response, but trying to stay positive. I'm not sure what is going on with my skin because unlike many others mine has the holes and dents yet is very raw and red looking. I was told that my barrier is in "emergency mode" which creates the barrier hole texture and that the constant inflammation from stress puts you in a cycle of not being able to heal. It's the perfect storm. Lack of sleep, poor diet, daily stressors keeps your skin from healing. Almost all topicals burn me and leave me looking flushed. Prior to this experience I could use anything or do any treatment I wanted with no adverse reaction. I had beautiful skin and was complimented all the time on it. But I failed to see how great my skin was...all I focused on were the couple fine lines and I wanted to eliminate them. In retrospect, my skin was pretty amazing for early 30's. I keep beating myself up over this everyday. I just want to go back so badly because my life has changed drastically from this. I'm no longer the fun loving, outgoing, kind person I once was. It's eaten away at my soul and even when I try to be happy I find myself "forcing it." I'm always thinking of ways to fix it. I pray that the doctor will be able to help me get my confidence back even if I have to wait 6-12 months to do any type of treatment. Patience is key...but it's something I'm lacking. Please don't do derma pen unless you are aware of the risks and willing to a chance.

Replies (20)

marenne

November 19, 2017

I encourage you to look into the Silva Method and a book called Mental Magic by William Atkinson. Positivity requires mental training. I am learning it too. I have been messed up by one dermaneedling treatment and three peels that left my skin texture worsened. Also look at internal nutrition and herbs to get the health of the skin up. Nothing will work until your skin can heal itself, and if it cannot, then I would say just use microdermabrasion and hydrate and nourish constantly until your skin can properly heal from more intensive treatments to get the results you desire.

marenne

November 19, 2017

I might add that dermaneedling destroyed the skin texture of my forehead as well. It does not work unless you have generally healthy skin. If you have major problems or imbalances there, it won't. But of course you don't know it till you do it, so ALWAYS TEST FIRST if you can.

November 21, 2017

I'm sorry to hear that :( I do wish mine was just my forehead though...not that that's a good thing. But then I could wear a hat until it healed. My skin was very healthy before this. So this was a shock to me. I worked with a naturopathic doctor before I needled to fix any imbalances and all was good, but yet I still had a bad outcome. I was working with him for other reasons but my health was great after a couple months. I'm pretty sure I did too much to my skin as it's always been super resilient. It doesn't matter if you do everything right sometimes things just happen. In response to your last comment, I couldn't agree more! My skin needs to heal before any other treatments can be performed and internal nutrition/stress management are key. So I'm back to juicing/green smoothies/supplements. No dairy, sugar, gluten or processed foods. You know I once cured an incurable disease that I had for a year in just 2 months of juicing...but then I got lazy and stopped. So I'm the perfect example of how nutrition heals the body. If I could only get out of this anxious/shaky cycle that I'm constantly in my skin could recoup. You know how the "what ifs" run through your head. The fear of the unknown lingering...Thanks for your support and comments :) I hope that we all get the results we want in the end. How long have you been dealing with the damage?
Idk why this review is under dermabrasion or how I can change it to "not worth it" and move it to dermapen. We need to bring the percentage down and stop these lasers and dermapen treatments from ruining lives. Sure some get great results but at the cost of a few ruined lives? It's just not worth them being on the market when there's other options out there.

November 21, 2017

i wonder when would be the right time for us to go back for corrective treatment. i feel if i just leave it, it would definitely not improve too much especially in terms of indentations. 6months is the golden rule of a scar permanent look. i browse upon burnt skin and wonder which degree do we suffer (i think for microneedling with device, the tip of the device is the cause of the scars whilst laser, the tip and the heat). what would be the best time for this already wounded and sensitive skin to go back and rectify the problem. i believe if it's too soon, the regenerative ability of the sensitive and already damaged skin is compromised thus, doing more harm than good.

November 20, 2017

What kind of treatment will you be discussing?

November 21, 2017

Hey caro34, how are you doing? We discussed peels and fat transfer later down the road in a year or so. Unfortunately I'd need a deep peel to rid myself of the damage or lighter ones spaced monthly. But I'm only 6 months post damage so I need to wait awhile beforehand. Now FFT I can do soon!

November 23, 2017

Ok, well at least there are some hopes now. I would definetely ask for another options and would wait at least 2 more months. Please try to keep positive; I know it is SUPER hard, but it is the only way to survive during this painful process. Believe me, I was there and I know how you feel...I just "discovered" my "In Box" and saw your message ( among with many others). I will reply it soon giving you some of my coping skills to survive seeing my of my face and life melting down. Hugs!

November 23, 2017

so you ladies would expect at least 8 months before deciding next treatment? i'm thinking of seeing a burnt specialist asking for diagnose until what burnt degree do i suffer and what's the better treatment for my case. i feel that going to a dermatologist, they might not give an objective valuation. do you ladies think it's a good idea? i'm not sure if burnt specialist ever handle laser patient though but u guess the problem is similar.

November 23, 2017

I personally think it is a good idea since he can give you an opinion from another perspective of your skin.

November 23, 2017

LonnieMae, please do more research about doing deep peels on your damage skin. It can cause more damage.
I just posted my review about the doctor who rebuild my face. He provides "free consultation" and maybe you can do it over the phone ( texting your pics) or over Skype. He is very accommodating and am pretty sure will be able to provide good advice.

marenne

November 20, 2017

Also stay positive. Picture the results you desire. Picture yourself as perfect as you were and will be again. While you picture, feel how you will feel when it is perfect (happy). See your result, feel your result, create your result. It is so hard to not focus on the problem, but the more we do it, the more problem we get. Focus on the solutions always, not the problem. I wish you the best of luck. I know exactly how you feel. But feel better, better and better always.

November 21, 2017

Thanks :) I'm really trying to stay positive but I've had generalized anxiety most of my life so this has made me crazy! I'm reading into law of attraction.

November 21, 2017

i also got those dents aside from the rough texture and criss cross pattern from the tip of the laser. at first around 1.5mths , i was also using retin-a since it was prescribed by my doc and actually she suggested me using it 1 weeks after the antibiotic cream. lucky i didn't listen but i started on 1.5mths. Thanks GOD for this forum! everyone shares their experience and i only got the advice to moist, moist and moist (of course it's still not the resort for everyone with damaged skin from treatment but most seem do). i stopped and started using only lamer concentrate and creme de lamer and it's 1 month after using it, my skin is getting better. the inflammation was down pretty quick but i'm not sure is it because of the moisturizer or it's time for it to calm down. but i'm sure if i still use the wrong skincare, it would prolong the inflammation. what skincare are you still using? perhaps there are irritants on that skincare. just use a simple basic moisturizer, i read some use Aquaphor or coconut oil. don't use vitamin C as the skin is still sensitive, it could only do adverse effect. HTH

November 21, 2017

btw, what does the doc says with the dents? would it automatically filling up by itself? it's the most concerning issue in my case. prior to this damage, i just suffered from adult chicken pox and got a huge dent on my temple. surprisingly it filled up by itself so i'm still hoping that since my scar is in its remodelling phase (2.5mths post laser), it could fill up by itself too. so far it might just fill up by very tiny bit and perhaps it's due to my skin being moist.

November 21, 2017

Hey poorbunny. I'm sorry about your laser damage. My good friend has laser damage and we are both looking for answers. Idk about the dents filling up on their own but I agree that you need to be gentle with your skin for awhile. Use honey and emu oil or natural products without all the chemical laden ingredients in them. The problem with the natural products is that it's impossible to live your day to day life wearing emu oil on your face! Even if you blot it it's still a shiny mess which draws attention to the damage. To be completely honest with you, I think nutrition is the only way to heal. I know of ppl that have healed from all types of damage from lasers to needling to retinoids and they ALL have three things in common. 1. They stopped obsessing. No more staring in different mirrors in different lighting! 2. They were using all gentle/natural products (one was using psoria gold too) 3. They took skin nourishing supplements and ate incredibly healthy overhauling their diets and filling them with veggies, nuts, seeds and organic protein a few times a week. Those seem to be the 3 most important things other than stress reduction. Stress is by far the biggest thing and is why atopics and other chronic skin ailments don't heal.

November 21, 2017

I mix oils usually emu, jojoba, and hemp with niacinamide powder. Also try to sleep at a 45 degree angle to reduce any swelling and elevate your legs for circulation reasons. Also, if you're dealing with inflammation still like I am do cold compresses multiple times a day until the inflammation goes down. Only wash with water or a gentle milky cleanser. I'm just passing on info that some of the corneotherapy experts have given me. I do not believe this is a hypersensitivity issue I think it's much more than that. However I do believe that the skin has an amazing ability to heal itself if given the right things. HTH
Do you have any plans for treatment down the road? I know you're only 2.5 months out so it's still very early. Did you have fat loss too or only textural issues?

November 21, 2017

my problem is mainly textural but i think it improves significantly by weeks since i only started to moisturize. the criss cross i feel might disappear by its own as some of the victims here do especially ones who are being gentle with their skin routine. it's just the indentation formed by the thicker scabs post treatment that i'm concerned about. how could i want to get rid indentation scar just to get another indentation on my skin?? my planned treatments are either dermarolling (looking for Derminator option too) or micro peels. but i seem to have small red veins running within my scar area and concern if any peel would aggravate that. plus i flush easily. what about you? any treatment you consider?

November 21, 2017

I flush easily too. I heard that's a calcium thing. I'm not so sure about the 6 month rule because I personally know ppl who have healed at the year and even 18 month mark. It truly depends on the person. I'm looking into peels/dermabrasion/fat transfer.