POSTED UNDER Laser Resurfacing REVIEWS
CO2 Disasterous Results - Richmond, VA
ORIGINAL POST
I had only mildly noticeable lines around my mouth...
$4,500
I had only mildly noticeable lines around my mouth and mild acne scars. CO2 took out all my pigment, (think ghost), destroyed skin laxity, pitted and left lesion like marks all over my skin. Four years out and I've aged 20 years. Its only getting worse. Skin is waxy, dimpled and mottled. This procedure destroyed my skin and its progressively getting worse. This is reason why the late review. At first it wasn't that bad but over time its a hundred times worse than I ever thought imaginable. The below image is what I look like now.
Skin repair needed's provider
UPDATED FROM Skin repair needed
4 years post
Is there any stopping the destruction?
My skin continues to deteriorate over 4 years after co2 ablative. Its extremely dry. I'm so depressed I can hardly keep going at times. I used to have lovely skin and every time someone tries to help, they make it worse. The most recent was a moisturizing mask which took even more pigment out, I'm a splotchy mess. Further scarring. Looks like I've had acne all my life. Jennifer at Dr, Sundin's office did it. And Travis Shaw did a very mild peel 1.5 years ago to help with the damage but only made it worse. Its a living hell and i"m embarrassed by how disfigured the doctors have made me. I don't understand how they can live with themselves knowing they damaged me and changed my life for the worse. I would never in a million years wish this on my worse enemy.
Replies (16)
August 3, 2016
Same situation like you. Very depressed
August 17, 2016
I had CO2/Yag laser and it also took out my pigment and deflated my face. I have found some improvement with facial exercise and retin-A use, among other things. Reviva Labs (and other "natural" brands) has a nice line of serums that can help smooth the surface a bit. There are a few facial exercise mavens out there but I've always followed Carole Maggio's methods. She has a nice line of helpful products also, not cheap but occasionally she has sale offers. I also use something called a Facial Flex which was originally used by stroke patients to help muscles heal in the face. I use it as suggested but I also flip it vertically for a vigorous lip exercise. I also use the Neckline Slimmer and a lip plumping device, but I'm kind of obsessed. I do the facial exercises 4 or 5 days a week and take off on weekends. I'll never get back the volume that was lost but I definitely see improvement in my face. Please try improving the surface from the inside out, it's working for me.
August 17, 2016
I had fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing on my face a few years ago. It was very painful, but very effective. I believe the outcome is dependent upon the administrator. My dermatologist and her staff were top notch. I am sorry you had such a bad experience. Wishing you well. :)
April 21, 2017
Also important is that your board certified surgeon owns his/her machines. Does not share them between 2 or 3 offices. Transport of these machines can mess up their very delicate calibrations. I have had fractional CO2 laser done with excellent results. Good luck to everyone who is suffering. I hope you can find a remedy!
September 18, 2016
Alitura makes some great products. Follow them on fb for great skin tips. Other then that I've personally found diet and sleep has had the biggest impact on my skin quality.organic, cut out inflammatory foods, collagen etc
October 16, 2016
I feel so sorry for you and empathize I had laser five years ago and I too was left me worse than before the procedure. At first I felt positive about the outcome but after a couple months I had more lines and a pitted scarred area to my chin. My consultant was unsympathetic. He offered me another session of laser but I couldn't see how that would make it better only worse. It left me having to look at treating the problem myself. I realized my skin was seriously dehydrated. I started using creams with hydraulic acid, and at night Retin A to exfoliate. I now include glycolic acid creams and have increased the strength from 3% to 12% as my skin tolerance has built up,There is a definite improvement in the appearance and laxity but I still have the issue of the scarring on my chin. I considered a strong TCA peel but was advised it wouldn't penetrate to the deeper level of my where it was needed. I then looked into having a phenol peel which goes deeper but is very aggressive and has quite a long downtime. Luckily the doctor who I saw suggested the vampire face lift with the PRP therapy. Because its your own blood its safe there isn't any risk and the reviews are excellent. Your own skin repairs and increases the collagen to your face.When he did my procedure he commented how my skin was hydrated and how smooth my cheek and mouth area was. This confirmed to me that my skin regime was working! After a couole of weeks my skin is glowing and the scarring isn't deep and noticeable .I will need three more treatments and Im actually looking forward to them. I feel that laser in the wrong hands can destroy your skin and wished I had never had it done.If someone is considering laser please look at safer alternative.
April 3, 2017
Hi Jennifer. Why don't you post the name of the doc who did the vampire lift with PRP which helped you? It could help some of the laser sufferers here.
May 10, 2017
I have now finished my treatments and had in total five sessions vampire facials with PRP . The scarring on my chin resulting from laser resurfacing has improved dramatically and the treatment gave me added benefits of increasing collagen resulting in a glowing plumper smoother skin. I’m thrilled with the results. I’m now getting compliments on my skin!
The doctor who treated me was Dr. Adel Kishawi, Third Clinic in Manchester UK. So many doctors make promises they can’t deliver or worse leave you botched. I had little faith in doctors but that was restored when I was treated by Dr Kishawi. He puts patients first not money and has a wealth of knowledge and experience and my satisfaction was his goal.
The doctor who treated me was Dr. Adel Kishawi, Third Clinic in Manchester UK. So many doctors make promises they can’t deliver or worse leave you botched. I had little faith in doctors but that was restored when I was treated by Dr Kishawi. He puts patients first not money and has a wealth of knowledge and experience and my satisfaction was his goal.
March 12, 2017
Same. Look worse after. Felt like I had had my face in hells furnace for over a week. Have filed a complaint with care credit. Never pay for things like this with cash
Replies (72)
What would you consider red flags?
My surgeon is incredibly qualified board certified working for a high end clinic but honestly really pissed me off on my free consultation, asked me what I didn't like with a handheld mirror had a tough alpha male demeanor, wasn't encouraging like we are going to make your skin look amazing ect. Was actually quite negative, telling me my pores wont be perfected and the hyperpigmentation risks. No Balance to follow that negativity with how great the results are with C02. But I know he's a great surgeon and I did my own personal research to know CO2 is gold standard w the best results. So just gonna 'use' him for his skills and equipment and never go back.
I think you really need to be blessed to find an excellent board certified professional who has the equipment needed AND the soft personality and positivity plastic surgery customers desire. Just in this case that 3rd one I'll have to get a rain-check on for my resurface.