Palomar Starlux 500 for Acne Scarring and Large Pores - St. Petersburg, FL

UPDATE: I actually experience a freaky, weird "pattern" from where the laser was placed around my eyes. It really scared me because I didn't know if it was permenant (although surely it was so tiny that it was only visible to me with eye makeup on).

The "pattern" from the laser did eventually go away in about a month or so. I really only had it around my eyes where the skin is most delicate so on my 2nd visit I asked the doctor not to do my upper eyelids where I really don't feel I need it. I didn't hardly get any pattern this time. He said it was normalfor the laser to leave a small imprint and not to worry because it always goes away. It didn't hurt as bad either because he provided me with a prescription for a pain killer and Xanax but it still feels like small bee stings and is VERY uncomfortable.

I still haven't seen too much of an improvement in my acne scars and no improvement in my pore size, which is why I did it. However, I was told this laser takes from 3-5 times to get full results. Their website doesn't show any before/afters of pore refining so I knew it was a risk for this. However, they do show impressive results on acne scarring. I don't know if I'll pay for anymore beyond the 3rd session, however, because it is very expensive (normally runs closer to $1000/session) and I'm not sure it's worth risking all that money for something that doesn't seem to be making hardly any improvement.

I just got my first non-ablative Palomar Stalux laser procedure done today. It came recommended to me by my physician when I told him I was unhappy with minor acne scars on my cheeks and very large pores. After being very skepticle on whether the laser would really help these issues since these are difficult things to treat, I visited the Palomar website to review before and afters. I decided to trust my doctors recommendation that I will see real changes in my skin after a few treatments. It could take anywhere from 3-5 treatments to get the full benefits of a more invasive, ablative laser. The cost is about the same (several single sessions vs 1 ablative laser), however the downtown is the biggest difference. I was told I'd experience 2-3 days of a sunburned redness appearance, minus any peeling. Currently, the redness has diminished greatly in just a few hours and isn't very noticeable to my suprise. You are not supposed to get into the sun or use any makeup for at least 24 hours after the laser treatment. The price I paid was with a spring discount the office was offering at the time. However, the price per treatment normally runs closer to $900 per treatment with a discount offering for packages.

My experience is as follows. My face was covered with a numbing cream and left to sit for about 20 minutes. Once the lasering begun, it felt like tiny hot painful (some spots more than others) needle stings. The forehead, eye area and nose were the worst. I believe I have a higher pain threshold but have to admit, this was pretty painful for me. However, nothing you can't get through knowing the end results will be worth it. The pain is quick and pin pointed. Afterwards, my skin was immediately burning, red, splotchy and slightly swollen. However, the doctor made my experience as comfortable as possible through icing and breaks as needed.

I still have a few more sessions to go before I begin seeing any true results but I'm confident I will see real changes in my skin. Hope this provides you some insight on this laser! I hope to update in a few months as I must space out the treatments 4 weeks apart.