POSTED UNDER Fraxel Laser Reviews
Fraxel Left Tiny Holes All over my Face and Texture Change - Sydney, AU
UPDATED FROM Faceruinedforlife
Nearly six years post laser
$6,600
No healing. At this point Ive tried it all and it's just now what it is, laser train still keeps chugging along and my face is just not coping well at all.
It would be one thing if damage was one off thing and it wouldn't change but this is unnerving as it is constantly happening, still. Laser triggered chain of events and it seems unstoppable.
Texture is pretty much the same, leathery skin with crepiness and holes. Laser tracks visible now on both cheeks.
I also now deal with very sore and increasingly sensitive skin. Im very red with white raccoon eyes and demarcation lines are still clear as a day specially when my face flares up.
I feel I have zero skin barrier left, I instantly burn and sting outside regardless of how sunny it is. I wear mad amounts of white zinc andx titanium sunblock and walk around with this white zinc face, but I burn every day regardless.
I used to be okay as long as I had sunblock. Now it's nightmare to go out and my work requires it daily.
I come home and my body is pale but my face is dark and red and burning and stinging. Apart from raccoon eyes where laser didnt touch me. And tip of my nose, where she didn't laser me. On my neck near earlope I had scarring so she went there too- redness goes to there but rest of neck is normal.
I have developed brown spots and one needs to be checked for skin cancer.
I am angry and tired and chronically depressed about watching this unfold every day. Six years is looong time and this is "rest of your life" kinda thing. I don't want to do this much longer to be honest but it's how it's going to be.
Although it's a nice thought that this is only a bit of damaged barrier that can heal itself if I do x y and z, it's clear now that this is deep burn that destroyed my majority of my skin. And whats left is scartissue that unfortunately doesnt have the resilience of normal skin.
If anyone is after a doctor who helps laser damage patients, dr Jeremy Rawlins in Perth. He has seen this so many times and will genuinely help you if he can, by the way.
Doctors really need to precribe laser and ipl users burn ointments to minimise damage done to the skin. I wonder if that would have lessened the damage for me. I was told to put paw paw ointment which traps heat inside the dermis even longer.
I wish one day world will catch up and ban these devices for cosmetic use on healthy skin.
This post is now a diary for long term damage lasers have, I shall post in a year again if things have calmed down at all or gotten worse.
Best of luck to anyone suffering from the aftermath from these devices. The rest of you- do not destroy your life and health like I did. Xoxo
It would be one thing if damage was one off thing and it wouldn't change but this is unnerving as it is constantly happening, still. Laser triggered chain of events and it seems unstoppable.
Texture is pretty much the same, leathery skin with crepiness and holes. Laser tracks visible now on both cheeks.
I also now deal with very sore and increasingly sensitive skin. Im very red with white raccoon eyes and demarcation lines are still clear as a day specially when my face flares up.
I feel I have zero skin barrier left, I instantly burn and sting outside regardless of how sunny it is. I wear mad amounts of white zinc andx titanium sunblock and walk around with this white zinc face, but I burn every day regardless.
I used to be okay as long as I had sunblock. Now it's nightmare to go out and my work requires it daily.
I come home and my body is pale but my face is dark and red and burning and stinging. Apart from raccoon eyes where laser didnt touch me. And tip of my nose, where she didn't laser me. On my neck near earlope I had scarring so she went there too- redness goes to there but rest of neck is normal.
I have developed brown spots and one needs to be checked for skin cancer.
I am angry and tired and chronically depressed about watching this unfold every day. Six years is looong time and this is "rest of your life" kinda thing. I don't want to do this much longer to be honest but it's how it's going to be.
Although it's a nice thought that this is only a bit of damaged barrier that can heal itself if I do x y and z, it's clear now that this is deep burn that destroyed my majority of my skin. And whats left is scartissue that unfortunately doesnt have the resilience of normal skin.
If anyone is after a doctor who helps laser damage patients, dr Jeremy Rawlins in Perth. He has seen this so many times and will genuinely help you if he can, by the way.
Doctors really need to precribe laser and ipl users burn ointments to minimise damage done to the skin. I wonder if that would have lessened the damage for me. I was told to put paw paw ointment which traps heat inside the dermis even longer.
I wish one day world will catch up and ban these devices for cosmetic use on healthy skin.
This post is now a diary for long term damage lasers have, I shall post in a year again if things have calmed down at all or gotten worse.
Best of luck to anyone suffering from the aftermath from these devices. The rest of you- do not destroy your life and health like I did. Xoxo
Replies (5)
January 3, 2017
I know two people with Rosacea, a chronic inflammation of the skin, and your pics look like that, with redness and uneven texture. There are many effective treatments, a good dermatologist can work with you to find what works best in your case. Friend got great results with Pyratine XR. Please don't give up!
January 3, 2017
Hi
I'm just so sorry because I know the hell that you live...I live it too. I also have fat loss and my eyes are damaged and burn red constantly my own tears burn my eyes and now have to look at punctal plugs in my tear ducts just to try and keep some moisture on my eyeball. All my oil glands have been destroyed even on my eyes! You still have your beautiful eyes! I know that doesn't seem like much but it is!!! My skin is scare tissue as well with 10,000 holes burned into it besides damaged eyes that burn red constantly! I too hate that my heart still beats because I am dead inside. You have a chance for some recovery with Rawlins...you have got to go see him!!! I have no hope for recovery at all. Please do this for yourself. I wish I could give you a hug! You are still young and yes beautiful! I know you don't feel it but you are!
I'm just so sorry because I know the hell that you live...I live it too. I also have fat loss and my eyes are damaged and burn red constantly my own tears burn my eyes and now have to look at punctal plugs in my tear ducts just to try and keep some moisture on my eyeball. All my oil glands have been destroyed even on my eyes! You still have your beautiful eyes! I know that doesn't seem like much but it is!!! My skin is scare tissue as well with 10,000 holes burned into it besides damaged eyes that burn red constantly! I too hate that my heart still beats because I am dead inside. You have a chance for some recovery with Rawlins...you have got to go see him!!! I have no hope for recovery at all. Please do this for yourself. I wish I could give you a hug! You are still young and yes beautiful! I know you don't feel it but you are!
January 3, 2017
So very sorry to hear your trials with this procedure. I had the PEARL fractional laser in Nov....its the one that hurts like hell, & has one inside till the redness & peeling r done. My comment is that these lasers are disappointing, to say the least. They can only go so deep, & if acne or wrinkles r deep, then it's useless. My cheeks look lovely but my old acne pitted chin is still pretty much the same! Have u heard of the newer chemical peels ..croton phenol... that can go much deeper. Might something like this help you? All the best in this new year...
January 6, 2017
January 6, 2017
Jesus Christ, I'm so sorry.
You should be compensated for that level of damage.
Not that it would make you feel any better, I'm sure all you want is your skin back to normal.
It's sickening what all these doctors do..taking advantage and not making the risks clear.
I don't even know what to say.
I have a similar situation because of using a retinoid recently.
Not the the level you have it but I'm still ready to welcome death over it.
I'm not even on this site originally for skin issues but it was an unexpected occurrence and RealSelf just happens to have a lot of people complaining about similar issues with retin a type products.
And I see that laser, retin a, peels, dermabrasion, etc all seem to have similar effects when beings go wrong, all to varying degrees.
It's ridiculous that it happens to so many yet their are no answers.
You should be compensated for that level of damage.
Not that it would make you feel any better, I'm sure all you want is your skin back to normal.
It's sickening what all these doctors do..taking advantage and not making the risks clear.
I don't even know what to say.
I have a similar situation because of using a retinoid recently.
Not the the level you have it but I'm still ready to welcome death over it.
I'm not even on this site originally for skin issues but it was an unexpected occurrence and RealSelf just happens to have a lot of people complaining about similar issues with retin a type products.
And I see that laser, retin a, peels, dermabrasion, etc all seem to have similar effects when beings go wrong, all to varying degrees.
It's ridiculous that it happens to so many yet their are no answers.
UPDATED FROM Faceruinedforlife
Five years later
More pictures that show permanent state of my skin. I hate what they did to me everyday every minute I hate my face I hate my life, i can't stress how much I hate that my heart just keeps on beating.
I have no life left, my life is burning skin, Ugly scarred up skin, curious stares, blatant stares, people look at my side profile, surprised at seeing my skin, trying to work out what's so weird about it.
Red raw skin, burned, microwaved scarred destroyed face staring back at me. Nothing will help me!
Garry Cussell and his assistant Rosita destroyed my skin, my face , my life. I have nothing left in me of my old self. How could you lie about safety to me???!!! I said I could never cope mentally if my skin got any more scarred than it was. No no, it's 100% safe, this technology can't harm you, your skin will love it, it's like going on a holiday..impossible to scar.
I can't understand how this can happen this day and age! I have been in hell five years. Its never going to end for me is it? They took my money knowing the risks it would have and went ahead without warning me about this. Then when I complained doctor said they don't have to tell anything.
I have nowhere to turn to, I can't do a thing and my face burns and burns and burns. It looks hideous so hideous the scarring is visible two meters away.
Life is no longer exiting and magical journey. Its eternal burning hell very literally. I won't make it far, I refuse to suffer for something I didn't deserve. Was my money worth it? Was it worth destroying my life? Was it?
I have no life left, my life is burning skin, Ugly scarred up skin, curious stares, blatant stares, people look at my side profile, surprised at seeing my skin, trying to work out what's so weird about it.
Red raw skin, burned, microwaved scarred destroyed face staring back at me. Nothing will help me!
Garry Cussell and his assistant Rosita destroyed my skin, my face , my life. I have nothing left in me of my old self. How could you lie about safety to me???!!! I said I could never cope mentally if my skin got any more scarred than it was. No no, it's 100% safe, this technology can't harm you, your skin will love it, it's like going on a holiday..impossible to scar.
I can't understand how this can happen this day and age! I have been in hell five years. Its never going to end for me is it? They took my money knowing the risks it would have and went ahead without warning me about this. Then when I complained doctor said they don't have to tell anything.
I have nowhere to turn to, I can't do a thing and my face burns and burns and burns. It looks hideous so hideous the scarring is visible two meters away.
Life is no longer exiting and magical journey. Its eternal burning hell very literally. I won't make it far, I refuse to suffer for something I didn't deserve. Was my money worth it? Was it worth destroying my life? Was it?
Replies (5)
January 3, 2017
I was just looking at your pic and I really think it doesn't look bad at all. Please don't be so hard on yourself. I don't think people are actually looking that hard info your face. I have the sane issue as you..but I'm only two months out.
January 3, 2017
Trust me the photos doesn't show it in all glory. Its impossible for photo to capture as it is in 2D. Scarring is deep. Nothing helps, last doctor I saw said he didn't think it was rosacea.
Everywhere laser went in strong settings is permanently red and burning. Worse is scartexture. Something unhinging to see your face covered in deep holes.
Everywhere laser went in strong settings is permanently red and burning. Worse is scartexture. Something unhinging to see your face covered in deep holes.
February 15, 2017
Hello, I think of you everyday and was wondering how you are doing? Thank you for everything you have done to warn others about this damage and nightmare. I have the same damage so I relate to everything! I'm so sorry!!!
April 14, 2017
How did your face look after procedure? Were there burn marks? I had a non aggressive treatment but have holes all over
April 14, 2017
From my understanding those are your pores and they're more visible now because your skin is inflamed. Either go get somed DMK enzyme treatments done professionally or follow this girl's advice, give me a moment because I need to find her.
April 14, 2017
https://www.realself.com/review/world-fraxel-laser-orange-peel-texture-help-please-read
January 3, 2017
Have you gone to the dermo for the burning. Sounds like rosacea? Have you tried any topicals since this gas happened?
January 4, 2017
Hello, I know exactly how you feel and can completely relate!! I have suffered from severe depression due to a skin medication that I took called Duac gel. It was supposed to treat some minor acne and skin pigmentation, and instead it caused major damage, burning, scars, pitted marks, enlarged pores, and I developed Rosacea. Your symptoms sound exactly like mine and I was so infuriated by the dermatologist!! Unfortunately, there is nothing to fix my situation and this first started back in 2010. 7 years later, and I still get upset from time to time (just had a meltdown yesterday). It's hard looking in a mirror and it's annoying having to put tons of makeup on to help feel slightly better. I have lost hope in doctors and am very careful not to try anything before conducting thorough research. The enlarged pores and pits will most likely be permanent damage, but to at least tackle the redness, etc. I would HIGHLY recommend trying the Hydrafacial. It nurtures the skin and is a super gentle facial (water-based to hydrate your skin). I would also recommend using Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Creme. Really helps to calm the skin throughout the night into the morning for a more refreshed look. It may take weeks to see more desired results, but I would recommend it. These are the ONLY 2 things I am currently doing, as I am too afraid to try anything too drastic on my skin. I have heard that intradermal botox may help (but I am still doing my research). p.s. I know this is difficult but try to find hope... It's still hard for me, but at times I find myself turning to figures/role models like Turia Pitt, Lizzie Velasquez, or Katie Piper (their stories are so inspirational and I love following their journeys). Check them out :)
January 6, 2017
Wow, that really happened from dual gel?
Isn't that just benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin?
I'm surprised it could cause such permanent damage.
Then again, I am shocked that the retinoid I used caused such damage in my own face so I probably shouldn't be surprised anymore.
But I mostly hear of this stuff happening with topicals of the retinoid family, not things like duac.
How awful.
Ugh.
If any of this stuff ends up being permanent, I'm a goner,
Isn't that just benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin?
I'm surprised it could cause such permanent damage.
Then again, I am shocked that the retinoid I used caused such damage in my own face so I probably shouldn't be surprised anymore.
But I mostly hear of this stuff happening with topicals of the retinoid family, not things like duac.
How awful.
Ugh.
If any of this stuff ends up being permanent, I'm a goner,

December 7, 2017
i think these products make the skin sensitive to the sun and its actually the sun that damages the skin due to the chemicals in the creme, so when the sun hits your skin it frys it
February 27, 2017
I STRONGLY recommend a deep chemical peel to remove scar tissue (phenol/croton oil or baker gordon). With a chemical peel + platelet rich plasma injections, you might find you are able to get back your beautiful skin. Look up the Ocean Clinic in Marbella.

Replies (5)
Made an account just so I could tell you I think you are gorgeous! I know I can't see a lot in the pics but those blue eyes and blond hair in the Dec. 2016 pic. Wow!