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POSTED UNDER SmartXide REVIEWS

SmartXide DOT - Charlotte, NC

ORIGINAL POST

I got the SmartXide DOT laser resurfacing for acne...

laserhopeDecember 26, 2008
$2,500

I got the SmartXide DOT laser resurfacing for acne scars I've suffered with my entire adult life. My scars are not terribly deep but are dispersed over a large portion of my face. I'm also a fair-skinned freckle-face.

I had the procedure on Monday, December 22 and today is Thursday evening, December 25. The procedure itself was a breeze (and I'm a big wimp!). To me the laser felt like slightly prolonged electric shocks to the face. The only real discomfort I had was later that night when my face was burning. This is normal and not intolerable AT ALL. I had the expected swelling but it was very minor. I put ice packs on twice the first night.

Day 2 was marked by slight swelling, sandpaper-like skin and all the tiny white dots. No discomfort! I did go out in public as it just looked like a severe sunburn.

Day 3 was marked by mild itching, still sandpaper like and the dots turned brown/red. No more swelling.

Today is day 4 and I'm just starting to get flaky. I was told large pieces of skin would peel off but that isn't happening yet. Still feels like sandpaper.

It's hard to tell yet whether it has really helped my scars at all. I'm feeling a little discouraged as I tend to prefer instant gratification and I'm not seeing it yet. I was told it could take up to 6 months to get full results.

Also, specific to my case is that I will need 2 procedures. Once the doctor got working on me he realized just how extensive and disperse my acne scarring was. He therefore decided to do intense spot treatment of the scars and leave the overall less intense passover for the 2nd time. He said it would be too dangerous to do the full face on top of the spot treatment. So, I still have my freckles (which is ok since they are part of me and who I am)and I'm not sure if the scars are any better yet.


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Replies (8)

Allison37
December 28, 2008
Laserhope, I did a second Smartxide treatment about 2 1/2 weeks ago. All the redness and swelling is gone now. After two treatments I have about 80-90% improvement over my acne scars. It has been a God-send for me. My confidence level was high because of what I have accomplished but low when it came to my physical appearance - entirely surrounding my acne scars. The Smartxide dot laser treatments gave me a new world to explore. I did not realize how much I was letting my acne scars hold me back socially until they were not longer front and center anymore. I want to cry when I think of all the years I wasted. I really wish this had been available in my 20's. I am getting asked out by men and complimented left right and center beyond what I thought possible. I think its because my confidence is up as well as my skin looks terrific. I am just so happy I did this. All I can say is hang on. I got about 30% or more improvement the first time round which I thought was phenomenal given nothing else has had any effect. The second treatment pushed me to 80% and the doctor said to expect more improvement over the next three months. I believe with one more Smartxide treatment I will have 100% scar free skin. I am skiing this week-end and I am so not worried about my make-up being rubbed off by the falling snow and looking scary. I know I look great or the men would not be hitting on me on the ski lift. I am no longer the smart nice girl with bad skin. Hang in there. Allison
Stevenfed
March 20, 2009
Hallo there. Allison37 good to hear your such positives results. I just did my second session yesterday. However with the first one I didn't see much improvement on acne scars. This second time I had the laser on a higher intensity. I am wondering if you know or if you can find out please at which intensity was the laser set in your sessions as I think they might determine the outcome. I have reviewed my experience and under CO2 laser with the title "Smartxide Dot" Regards
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Hopefloats01
March 11, 2010
OMG, there's actually people out there that feel the same way as I have. I am now 29 but have suffered from acne since I was like 13 and with the scars it left behind I have been depressed and have had such low self esteem as well. It totally affected my life and I know It would have been a lot different if I had perfect skin. I don't date because of it or swim or do anything cool because I'm always so insecure. I also have had to wear lots of make-up to cover up. So when I found out about this procedure I nearly died...I got a loan and went for it...I honestly would have risked my life for it : (.... but just had my first SmartXide treatment 8 days ago and notice a slight change but nothing major and it makes me cry because my Doc said I would notice it right away....you give me hope and I will be getting a 2nd one in a month. My doc said I would need 3 and I will do whatever it takes.
laserhope
December 28, 2008
Thanks for the encouragement, Allison! I'm feeling pretty down right now since I don't really see the results in my acne scars. I, too, have lived with them far too long. I'm 37 now and have had acne since I was 12! I will try to stay positive until after the 2nd go-round and see what happens.
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Hopefloats01
March 12, 2010
I feel the same way right now that I cry every time I think about it. I got mine 8 days ago and don't notice much results. Some say it takes time but I wanna see results NOW!!! But hopefully everyone is right about results coming soon...I'm desperate, and would do anything to get clear smooth skin! I'll be getting a second one in early April so we'll see!
laserhope
December 31, 2008
I talked to my doc again last night when he assured me that is normal for the laser to bring a major acne breakout right after. It sucks but is hopefully temporary. I just started the Obagi Benzoyl Peroxide formula and have hopes for that. Will keep you posted, hopefully with results in a few months!
laserhope
January 1, 2009
Lets us know what happens after you second treatment!
laserhope
January 1, 2009
I've started using the Obagi Benzoyl Peroxide solution and it is already working! The pimples that arose after laser are disappearing in record time with the Obagi! Yahoooo!
UPDATED FROM laserhope

I'm still holding out hope for better results...

laserhopeJanuary 6, 2009

I'm still holding out hope for better results after my 2nd procedure. I'm not sure if I'm excited or freaked out about my freckles being removed. I'm a red-headed freckle face and can't quite imagine not having them after 37 years! But, I'm willing to do it to improve the acne scars that have scarred me emotionally for over 20 years.

Waiting for results in our culture of immediate gratification is still difficult...I"ll keep you posted!

Replies (35)

kendy
January 11, 2009
Hi i just got smartxide done like 3 weeks ago and unfortunaely for me i didnt see any kind of improvement, my scars are exactly the way they were before,, so im feeling kind of sad i wasted 500 dls. in this , the doc says that I need at least 2 sessions, which i definitely doubt. cuz the 1st. one didnt do anything for me.. anyway im not sure if i want to continue w the procedute cuz of my big dissapointment.. I was hoppong for at least a tiny change in my scars but nothing... anyway tks for reading
laserhope
April 12, 2009
Kendy - have you decided to try for the 2nd one? I didn't see results after the first one either but I paid for 2 so we'll see what happens in a few months now that I've done the 2nd one.
laserhope
January 12, 2009
That's exactly how I feel - but I paid alot more for the first one - now I'm feeling even worse! I'm still holding out hope though til after the 2nd one. They keep saying to give it a few months for the collagen to start plumping the skin - we'll see!
kendy
January 13, 2009
well,, i hope we canm keep in touch,, in case u decide to go for the 2nd. one.. im not sure yet..
laserhope
January 14, 2009
I'm supposed to have my 2nd one in about a month so I'll keep you posted...
Allison37
January 14, 2009
I am about a month out from my second treatment and the Smartxide laser treatment really did make a major improvement to my acne scars. They are not 100% gone but they are improved considerably. I am just so happy with my results to date. I will probably do it a third time this spring. I want to wait to see if there is any further improvement through collagen improvement but I doubt it be enough to convince me not to do a third treatment. I would say my scars are somewhere between 70-80% improved from where I started before doing the Smartxide dot laser treatment. I really believe the skill of the doctor makes a huge difference in results. Good-luck to Kendy and laserhope in getting the results you are looking for. Allison
laserhope
January 14, 2009
That's promising Alison...my fingers are crossed for my success!
kendy
January 14, 2009
same for me!!
UPDATED FROM laserhope

5 year update

laserhopeSeptember 25, 2014
I ended up having a 3rd "light" treatment and then a 4th "more aggressive" treatment. The 4th hurt way worse as that doctor went much deeper. The results were better but now 5 years later I'm back to being disappointed in my face. The scars have returned. I don't remember whether I was told or thought the results were permanent but it seems they're not. I suppose several years of better skin was worth the investment but it is disheartening to have my scars be all I see again when I look in the mirror. I'm now considering another type of laser and would welcome recommendations.

Replies (1)

Awesome1524
October 10, 2019
wow did all of them really come back ?
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