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*Treatment results may vary
The end result is very good. I had the procedure...
The end result is very good. I had the procedure because I wanted to remove sun damage. It did that, and even removed a small bump that I had intended to have cut off if necessary later this year.
It's been almost two months now and I can see a reduction in fine lines...especially those pesky upper lip lines. Didn't expect this, so it's a nice bonus. I think that I will get more skin plumping over time, which is fantastic.
Was advised to wear sunscreen as my skin healed, but at just about a week I went out for a short (20 min) walk...with a hat...in the rain. I now have two spots with a bit more pigment. I had a check-up with the doctor immediately after the walk and she was alarmed to see some pinkness. I would have never thought that so little exposure would make a difference, but it has. I hadn't wanted to wear sunblock while my skin was so very tender, as my skin is somewhat reactive to sunscreens. Turns out that I should have done it anyway or should have skipped the walk.
The doctor would re-do these spots for me, but I think that I am the only one who will notice. I'm having a problem using sunscreen. I have several brands and my pores get clogged unless I use a very light one.
What is worse...some sun spots or breakouts?
one other thing...the texture of my skin is now different. Not as silky smooth as it used to be...but in exchange, fewer lines. Again, I am the only one to notice the texture change. Outward appearance is improved.
It's been almost two months now and I can see a reduction in fine lines...especially those pesky upper lip lines. Didn't expect this, so it's a nice bonus. I think that I will get more skin plumping over time, which is fantastic.
Was advised to wear sunscreen as my skin healed, but at just about a week I went out for a short (20 min) walk...with a hat...in the rain. I now have two spots with a bit more pigment. I had a check-up with the doctor immediately after the walk and she was alarmed to see some pinkness. I would have never thought that so little exposure would make a difference, but it has. I hadn't wanted to wear sunblock while my skin was so very tender, as my skin is somewhat reactive to sunscreens. Turns out that I should have done it anyway or should have skipped the walk.
The doctor would re-do these spots for me, but I think that I am the only one who will notice. I'm having a problem using sunscreen. I have several brands and my pores get clogged unless I use a very light one.
What is worse...some sun spots or breakouts?
one other thing...the texture of my skin is now different. Not as silky smooth as it used to be...but in exchange, fewer lines. Again, I am the only one to notice the texture change. Outward appearance is improved.
On day 5 my skin had mostly flaked off the face...
On day 5 my skin had mostly flaked off the face but still felt raw and itchy. I took benadryl for the swelling itchyness and didn't like Eucerin. The Aquaphor felt too thick and unbreathable.
Switched to a topical ointment "Wound BE Gone," which I had from earlier this year when my son scraped his face. This stuff is like magic - it forms a non-absorbant seal on the skin. Nothing like it. Used it for 2-3 days, but it is sticky. Stopped when my skin no longer felt raw. I had tried MD Forte, which seemed to irritate my new skin ever so slightly. On day 6 I felt that I needed something moist on my skin, but non of the "products" felt right - so I tried extra virgin olive oil, which felt great. My stray hairs didn't stick to it as with Acquaphor or Wound Be Gone. Works very well. On Day 8 I began using my Pevonia Rose Moisturizer. Back to normal on my face, neck and chest are still itchy.
Switched to a topical ointment "Wound BE Gone," which I had from earlier this year when my son scraped his face. This stuff is like magic - it forms a non-absorbant seal on the skin. Nothing like it. Used it for 2-3 days, but it is sticky. Stopped when my skin no longer felt raw. I had tried MD Forte, which seemed to irritate my new skin ever so slightly. On day 6 I felt that I needed something moist on my skin, but non of the "products" felt right - so I tried extra virgin olive oil, which felt great. My stray hairs didn't stick to it as with Acquaphor or Wound Be Gone. Works very well. On Day 8 I began using my Pevonia Rose Moisturizer. Back to normal on my face, neck and chest are still itchy.
I had the more intensive version of this...
I had the more intensive version of this treatment, to both face and neck/chest areas. The treatment coordinator told me that it was essentially no big deal to do this with some numbing cream and oral meds. THEN I asked the doctor her opinion...
The doctor, who I have seen over the past six years and trust, said that probably 80% of patients opt to use the topical/oral pain relief approach.
I'm now a veteran of various treatments. I have had IPL laser treatments twice using numbing cream, and I have undergone Thermage face and abdomen twice with general anesthesia and once without. I would never again do that procedure without a general anesthetic!
Since I've had the various treatments and know about the pain levels involved, I asked where Fractional Laser falls in the spectrum. Her opinion was that is is more painful than IPL and maybe less painful than Thermage. That sealed the deal, I switched to general anesthesia (with associated cost.)
The afternoon that I was released, my face was oozing and weeping lymphatic liquids. My eyes were swollen and I was a mess. I propped my head up on pillows to elevate the areas, took hydocodone and went to bed. When I woke up during the night (twice) I took more hydrocodone.
By morning, I felt much better. Less swelling, but still very puffy. I stayed home all day, but did not need any more pain medication. Took antiviral and antibiotics to prevent a herpes flare-up and infection. Also took Sinecch (oral arnica for swelling) and took vitamin C and other supplements for healing. Was also advised to eat extra protein for healing.
Today I was able to head out to the bank and the grogery store. No pain, though the skin is darking up as if I had a sunburn turning to tan. The texture of my skin right now is odd. I can feel the small spots there the grid of lasers penetrated my skin. The skin is tight and I'm keeping it moise with MD Forte Replenish Hydrating Cream and aquaphor.
So far, so good!
The doctor, who I have seen over the past six years and trust, said that probably 80% of patients opt to use the topical/oral pain relief approach.
I'm now a veteran of various treatments. I have had IPL laser treatments twice using numbing cream, and I have undergone Thermage face and abdomen twice with general anesthesia and once without. I would never again do that procedure without a general anesthetic!
Since I've had the various treatments and know about the pain levels involved, I asked where Fractional Laser falls in the spectrum. Her opinion was that is is more painful than IPL and maybe less painful than Thermage. That sealed the deal, I switched to general anesthesia (with associated cost.)
The afternoon that I was released, my face was oozing and weeping lymphatic liquids. My eyes were swollen and I was a mess. I propped my head up on pillows to elevate the areas, took hydocodone and went to bed. When I woke up during the night (twice) I took more hydrocodone.
By morning, I felt much better. Less swelling, but still very puffy. I stayed home all day, but did not need any more pain medication. Took antiviral and antibiotics to prevent a herpes flare-up and infection. Also took Sinecch (oral arnica for swelling) and took vitamin C and other supplements for healing. Was also advised to eat extra protein for healing.
Today I was able to head out to the bank and the grogery store. No pain, though the skin is darking up as if I had a sunburn turning to tan. The texture of my skin right now is odd. I can feel the small spots there the grid of lasers penetrated my skin. The skin is tight and I'm keeping it moise with MD Forte Replenish Hydrating Cream and aquaphor.
So far, so good!
Provider Review
Dr. S looks great. She was generous with her time explain what she would recommend that I do and why. Dermatology procedures are expensive, but she has the expertise that I want. I had seen 3 other dermatologists before finding Dr. S. Not all procedures are the same - who you choose as a doctor can make an important difference in your outcome.