Fraxel: Restore - Painful

WHY I DID IT: fine lines, smile wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars around chin area WHERE I DID IT: i went to a {edited - provider info is shown above the review for registered users}, San Diego, CA because it had the best deal for one treatment. One treatment is all i can afford for now, so that is why i did not get a package, otherwise I would have. THE PROCESS: i didn't have a consultation, i just bought the treatment and scheduled the appointment. I got there a half hour before I was supposed to be there and filled out a couple pages of paperwork about my skin and health. Then she put numbing gel on my face, i accidentally licked it and it wasn't too bad tasting but it numbed my tongue for a few minutes then went away, probably because of the wetness. I also had a cold so i had to blow my nose a few times which may or may not have wiped off some of the gel. I took one vicodin an hour before the treatment because i had heard about how painful the procedure is. I am glad I took it, i felt a little out of it during the procedure, like in another world. The technician didn't really talk to me too much or ask me any questions so it was up to me to get the information. I asked her if i could pluck hair after treatment and she said that shouldn't be a problem, but didn't sound too confident about her answer. I told her that i wanted an aggressive treatment. She started on my right jaw area and the pain was very tolerable, i still felt comfortable and actually kind of felt good. Then after a few passes she said my skin was reacting very well and wasn't even red, then asked if it was okay if she turned it up. I said yes. she ended up doing 8 passes with 18 energy, 8 density.... she said 20 was the highest it would go. She also had a wand that blew out cold air which felt delightful on my skin. Now, it was hurting. At times i felt like I wouldn't be able to take it any more! But i kept telling myself how good i will look afterwards, afterall, "No pain, no gain."
The pain was uncomfortable at times and severe at times... but for me it is totally worth it, even if i end up not getting the results i am looking for out of one treatment.... because i am glad i tried it to see what it's like. AFTER TREATMENT: It took me a few moments to open my eyes, they were swollen and watery. My face was pink. She gave me two small, round ice packs to take home with me. She applied what i think was petroleum jelly on my face and I asked her if it was sunscreen and she said no then gave me a dab of sunscreen to apply myself. I brought a scarf and a wide-brimmed hat with me to where while i walked to the car. I could still feel the heat in my face when i got home and for maybe two hours after the treatment, but it wasn't too uncomfortable.... i just watched TV and forgot about it. I didn't use the ice packs the rest of the day. Before bed I washed my face with Cetaphil and luke warm water.... warm water was too hot to my face. I slept with my head raised on two pillows to help with the swelling on my face. THE DAY AFTER: My face is still very swollen and pink. My skin feels dry, especially around the mouth area. I feel really good about the procedure and the healing process. I will keep posting as i keep healing. Please ask any questions or post any comments.

It has now been 7 days since i had the procedure and overall my skin is look fantastic.  My only complaint now is around my nose area i have a rash... i took a picture of it but it didn't show well in the photograph.  I put some hydrocortisone on it this morning. I am not worried because i am confident that it will go away.  Thus far, i am very pleased with Fraxel Restore.  My husband even commented on my skin, he said it looks more even (not as hyperpigmented).  I have been staying completely out of the sun this entire week and plan to next week too to ensure the best healing for my skin.  I've also been drinking lots of water and taking fish oil and vitamin c (when i remember to).