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POSTED UNDER Fractional Laser Reviews

damaged my skin - Sydney, AU

UPDATED FROM sandy.s
7 months post

Current skin picture

sandy.sJanuary 28, 2014
$650
Clear damage to the skin as you can see . Thousands of tiny indentation scars from the tip of the laser . These are not pores , my pores are still fine and small the holes are micro scaring caused by the fractional laser ( non ablative Palomer) I am still trying to figure out what to do . Either peels or skin needling . Obviously I'm still distressed and suffering and want to fix the damage caused by this laser .

sandy.s's provider

sydney

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Replies (5)

lef0x
January 28, 2014
Hi Sandy stay strong, I understand your pain. I had laser at 23 too. I'll keep you updated on the peels. I have my 4th one booked mid March. After that one, I will judge to see if these series made a difference. Alas I did have to work up the strength of TCA though. Take care.
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Janey44
January 28, 2014
You're still beautiful! Try not to let the damage get you down. It's a horrible thing to go through, I know. Keep us posted if anything seems to be working for you.
bk718
January 28, 2014
Hey, ur very pretty. We have the same damage :(. I used juvederm and it helped that's been nine months ago
sandy.s
January 29, 2014
Thanks for all the comments :) I'm thinking of light skin needling or chemical peels but its a long slow process and the mental battle of having another procedure . I'm also looking into more serious diet and vitamins to help with healing emotionally and physically .
bk718
January 29, 2014
I take lots of vitamins and have been using retin a and juvederm :(. may subject you to applicable federal and state sanctions.
scrappygrace
July 9, 2016
Sandy How are you doing! I have similar issues
sandy.s
January 29, 2014
I'm also looking into skin boosters , a thin filler placed in the shallow layers of skin to superficially fill in minor surface irregularities . Of course the skill of the injector is of critical importance . I feel this may be my last option as I want to actually correct ( not mask ) the problem . So I first will try skin needling ( test patch ) ( in clinic) then if that's successful full face x4 treatments . Then if no results progress to chemical peels ( test patch ) then build up strength starting from a lower percent of possibly tca or jessners . If that's not helping , I may then consider doing what the laser company and what the doctor originally told me to do , which was test patch again with the laser on the lowest settings ( African skin) and see the response . I personally think that proves the settings were to high and my procedure was botched. Then as a last resort fill the skin all over with thin ( booster) filler . Fill individual scars with a full filler ( voluma or perlane or subq) all hyloric sugar gel . Stay away from silicon or anything permeant . Then sculpt cheeks and chin with filler to fill out face . THEN in nothing consult plastic surgeon lol ? Face lift at 25 ... Not funny .... Another reason not to laser . The correction cost .
Cjjr
January 29, 2014
I cannot believe that these people who perform these laser treatments on peoples faces do not tell you what could go wrong in person. The PA who did mine blew it off and said lasers cannot do any harm. This is serious stuff.
bk718
January 29, 2014
I'm waiting till my skin heals up to two yrs before I do derma rolling I'm scared it will leave needle holes because my skin is fragile.
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Janey44
January 30, 2014
Have you ever heard of dermarolling leaving needle holes? Just curious. Thinking of trying this myself.
bk718
January 30, 2014
It has to create a wound so it has to puncture the skin that is what I'm scared of. I'm from NY and I researched this doctor who does it in NY. She has a YouTube video where she does it on herself
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Janey44
January 30, 2014
I've heard of TCA cross leVing bigger holes but not dermarolling. Usually if it doesn't work it just doesn't look better and there is no worsening of texture. I would get a test patch however. Sandy is wise when she says she'll be asking for one!
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Faceruinedforlife
January 30, 2014
Said the same to me too, I asked multiple times and explained that I wasn't going to do anything that could damage my skin, and I wanted professional advice on any adverse effects. I was told about redness but nothing else. When I asked why I wasn't told ( after the damage was done ) they said they don't have to tell people it's rare. I don't care if it's rare their job is to inform about that!!!!
bk718
January 30, 2014
To be honest FDA or to many other doctors out there care about what happens to people. The FDA has enough complaints to actually have these lasers investigated but they don't. It's all about money and nothing else.
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Janey44
January 30, 2014
Sad but true bk!
bk718
January 30, 2014
I'm going to see my plastic surgeon today since I need move juvederm it's been about nine months. He has pictures of my skin from nine months ago I guess I will see if I improved. Wat a sad life
Cjjr
January 30, 2014
You are exactly right bk. I filed a complaint with the FDA about lasers and I also told them that their not doing enough to stop this stuff from happening.
bk718
January 30, 2014
I also filed with the medical board and guess what nothing happened. If I could report the idiots at the FDA I would.
Cjjr
January 30, 2014
If it was one one of their faces that got damaged I'm sure something would get done about it. I'm sure they know better than to go under a laser. Big gamble
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Janey44
January 30, 2014
I'm sure of they do get treatments their super light, unlike the rushed treatment I got. Burnt my skin off and then ran.
Cjjr
January 30, 2014
Oh yeah for sure Janey. It just pisses me off that they blow you off after the fact and treat you like your crazy. Every time I look in the mirror I get angry. I know what I see. I'm not done yet. I just seen the place (hospital!) I had mine done at changed their email setup where I can't get the direct address. I'm going back in there with pictures I've taken. She's gonna see what she's done to me. I just don't want this happening to others. I mean their doing this stuff on young kids faces too!! Their ruining lives with this stuff. It's criminal. Their needs to be heavy warnings about this stuff. They act like it's no big deal. I really thought laser was just a light. I had no idea it could scar. The person performing the procedure needs to be honest and tell you this!!
bk718
January 30, 2014
I deff view everything so differently now. I'm tempted to get a test patch with another laser n see what happens. I hate this feeling of dread
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Janey44
January 30, 2014
I can't wIt to hear what happens. Good luck!!!!
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Faceruinedforlife
January 30, 2014
I agree they would never have it as strong as they do ours. That's the catch to make skin a bit worse so that you keep going back for more treatments. Beauty with lasers are that it takes months for the damage to surface and then they say of it's ageing you have to keep up with yearly treatments.
bk718
January 30, 2014
I did the same and my doctor called me crazy and said I need help. I've spend to much money on going to diff doctors and getting their opinions.
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Faceruinedforlife
January 30, 2014
It's criminal and cannot believe people who continue to do these treatments on people. If they tell about possible adverse effects then fine , people can make informed decisions and take a calculated risk if they so choose to. But I like you James , thought this was safe as they swore to me it would not hurt my skin. It has cost me my soul and spirit , my will to live. My dreams have vanished they destroyed my life and my soul.
Cjjr
January 30, 2014
Someone told me once that there's a reason a doctor is called a practice. And they will never admit to doing or seeing damage. And other docs don't want to get involved. It's a losing battle. By I can and have spoken my mind. I was ejected from the place that did mine. And I'm a very laid back person. But I made my point and I hope it saves someone else from this fate.
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Faceruinedforlife
January 30, 2014
I can't believe how they can do that to another human being , I don't understand it, psychopaths! I wouldn't even work for people like that I could never look myself in the eye if I did! People have no morals no principles and no remorse. Bystanders that let it happen and protect their fellow men are no better, they should be ashamed of themselves. One day their daughters will be damaged and who will whinge then
sandy.s
February 1, 2014
I actually have dug really deep into skin needling and a lot of it is hype , it's a slow process and it is a mechanical injury so yes you could scar . I have found two accounts of people saying it has made Their skin worse ( home use ) and one account of a surgeon who aggressively rolled with a 1-2. And scarred them . Skin needling just has to prick the dermis and draw a pinpoint blood dot that does not bleed continually . On some parts of the skin I have felt that reaction with a 0.2 , so you need to be carful and take into account your skin type ( mine is thin ) dermal needling is relatively new to the cosmetic market and there aren't many reviews that have been well documented . I had derma needling before fractional and it caused no damage . That's why I'm looking into it more . But I will continue to post any of my procedures and try to document them properly . Also thought I would add derma needling depends on the skill of your technician and pressure should never be applied , it takes a light roll with sterile ultra fine needles to produce minimal injury . The puncture should close within one hour and some minor blood dots will appear . Some clinics think you should go up to 3.0 deep but I would be very very concerned . I think test patching religiously and every time you go up a level of depth would help as every one is different .
sandy.s
February 1, 2014
Also forgot to add that dr Ajaka of Cosmo clinic ( seen on sunrise ) double bay clinic, say 3 x needling = 1 light laser , so be realistic and think how many sessions you would need . Oh and needling should be spaced 2 months apart minimum 6 weeks and monitored carefully (scars mature at the 6-12 month mark . ) I have also heard its better to treat mild scars while the tissue is soft and try to break it up before the full maturation of the scar . But that is just another docs opinion . Also heard that some believe the skin can always heal endlessly . which is opposite to the haylick theory that skin can only regenerate so many times before DNA is damaged and shortened . Maybe worth researching ?
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Janey44
February 2, 2014
I'm glad you said that sandy because I hadn't come across any bad outcomes from needling and dermarolling. I'm sure your research has been more extensive than mine though. Not really a focus for me as I'm not yet ready to do any procedures yet. I rushed into lasers and I won't do that again!
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Faceruinedforlife
February 2, 2014
Also your skin can be even thinner now after lasers keep that in mind as well anyone doing peels of any other treatments to fix the damage, careful.
Sats
January 31, 2014
For 7 years I've been dealing with laser damage. Holes, scars, broken blood vessles, fat loss, pigment change, lines, you name it I got it. When i went in he made it sound so simple. Back then it was new, no boards about damage so I thought finally I can get a few scars removed. He said he could take care of any problems if anything went wrong. Well it did & when i went back he left the office teling me to see a shrink. I went to see a lawyer. He said I would never win with papers they make you sign. I kept writing the doctor every week telling him how many doctors I've seen & how it was costing me too much money besides being emotionally & physically scared, he never got back til I told them I was going to seek legal advice. Only then did he tell his asst to give me my money back. It's cost me thousands besides my self esteem down the drain. I can cry every time i see my reflection in the mirror. I'm a hermit. Lost friends, no social outings, no shopping. Sick feeling every morning, lost 30 lbs & had to go on meds for anxiety. I've been on every board trying to warn people. He distroyed my life & happiness. No other doctors want to touch you after damage. I've had more laser treatments to try to fix the damage, that's how bad it was but no results to write home about. Had peels, had Affirm. Perfecta. ipl, smoothbeam. Tried all kinds of natural things. My poor face has gone through so much. Now just doing needling once a month & some fillers. I haven't found one doctor who can fix the damage he did to me. My cheeks & chin are so bad I don't have a good side to turn, I look sick from the anxiety & weight loss. Sometimes I don't know how I make it through the day. I pray everyday for all of us. It amazes me how every doctor says Oh, you need laser. Like it's nothing. I wish they felt the pain & heartache they caused us all. I pray for us all.
Cjjr
January 31, 2014
I think about you often sats. I've read your posts and I've spoken with you through email. Chin up!! We focus on the negatives here. Life is short....Hold your heads up and live it. And I'm talking to myself here too. Let's try to find the solution. Sending good vibes out to everybody here.
bk718
January 31, 2014
Seven years is a ling time and my heart goes out to you. It's been two years for me and I'm 26 and screwed cz of this!
Sats
January 31, 2014
Hey James, Just so sick of this. I try but it's hard after so many years & life is getting shorter. I've been trying for so long, it's like one step forward then another back. Just tried putting juvederm in some scars & the dam doctor put a tad under my eyes & now they've been puffy for over a month. Now I have an eye infection & read not to ever put juve near your eye area. I've been reading so much about scars I never thought juve was bad for eyes. Just another thing the doctor should have warned me about. Hope your doing better than me. Seems we're all always on these boards looking for some kind of a miracle. Hope your doing well, I think of you too. & a lot of others who are going through this nightmare.
Sats
January 31, 2014
So sorry to hear this happen to you so young. I talk to another girl your age that had it done in Aug.. she stopped going to classes & has to have ice on her face everyday, I told her to try oatmeal soaks & it helps a bit but the pain is still there. she was burnt so bad it hurts and she doesn't go out at all. I'll have to tell her to jump on this board. She could use some company from others going through this her age. Seven years... to me it's an eternity. I am so sick of commercials about make up showing girls with perfect skin. xo right back at ya.
bk718
January 31, 2014
It's so sad being uncomftarble in ur own skin especially wen ur trying to date and find someone. I feel like that's all guys do is look at my shitty skin.
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Eva G
February 1, 2014
Hey bk718, I know it's hard when you'e not comfortable in your own skin, nobody is perfect, you would be surpised at how much people look past imperfections.I encourage you to put a wonderful smile on your face, and walk with confidence, that goes a long way. I saw a study once about how you can change your appearnce on your body language and how you carry yourself - a girl who walked very hunched over, head down, frown on the face was perceived unapproachale and unattractive, they kept her in her same outfit, and no other changed except for her walk, had her smile with head up and the perception totally changed. Don't be so hard on yourself -hang in here.
bk718
February 1, 2014
Hey, Thank you. It's hard after the laser damage I feel disfigured and lonely. I'm inly 26 not married and no boyfriend.
sandy.s
February 1, 2014
It's hard to go through , but at least we have a website were we can tell our story and warn others of the side effects . I would encourage people to post photos and tell their stories . It's the hardest thing to do , but together on real self we are gathering true accounts and valuable information for others who feel the same pain as us . Lets all stick together , tell our stories , name and shame the doctors and clinics and manufactures and all heal ourselves together . We have lots of people with laser damage trying new cosmetic options and others who have fixed there damage and shared there stories , posting it all to help us . Every year the medical industry advances and we hear about new technology's like bio stimulating fillers, advanced dermal needling discoveries , and spay on cell products . There is hope :) I know how much it hurts and how we all feel betrayed , but we must tell our stories and not let it defeat us :) our pain is not for nothing , lets make our accounts heard and people aware so they can choose appropriate options and not be swayed by endless marketing and hype . Love and healing to all the commenters on board :)
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Janey44
February 1, 2014
Well said!!!
UPDATED FROM sandy.s
6 months post

Before laser

sandy.sDecember 5, 2013
Photos of before laser . Wish I never set foot in that cosmetic clinics doors . Life is not the same . My confidence is nowhere near the same . I would never recommend this. I wish I knew there was a serious risk . I would have never done this .

Replies (5)

Sats
December 5, 2013
Hey San, I had a couple tca peels but I only used the 12% since you can layer it if you need a stronger amount but first see how the lower dose does for you. I've had all kinds of peels but nothing worked for me so now I just needle & use vit c after. Theres also an exfoliant called Aqua Cure on youtube that i order. It takes off balls of dead skin off your face & it's safe since it's mainly made of water. I actually found it when I was stuck home doing a chemical peel & wished I found this first. I'm tired of all the lasers & chemicals so now I'm sticking to needling & putting vit c on. After needling my skin peels after a few days since I use a 1.0 needle & draw pin point bleeding. I'm trying to go more natural now after spending so much time & money on different ways to treat what the laser did to me. At least I can control what I'm doing instead of wondering if I'll get burnt or ruin my skin more with chemicals & lasers. To me your skin looks good. If you would see me you would freak out.
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Janey44
December 5, 2013
I agree. It's hard to pick up the damage on a cell phone camera. Have you seen any changes with your skin since using retina A?
hammy1
December 6, 2013
i have the same problem... i hope there is something to get rid if the track marks and messed up skin... i take care of my body inside, im goin to user tretinoid 0.05 at night for the whole winter hopefully by spring i see some improvement. Please let us know if you did the chemical peel and how is your skin healing?
Cjjr
December 21, 2013
I really do wonder if these doctors, doctors assistants and spas have any idea what kind of damage these lasers are capable of doing. The gal who did the VBeam procedure on me told me she'd been doing laser for 10 years with great results. I said damn you sure did a number on me. Of course I was told it was all in my head. Their NEVER going to admit that there's damage even if it's obvious.
Sats
December 21, 2013
I've been trying AHA from Acne.org.. AHA helps take off top layers of skin & gives you thicker skin. My skin thinned out a from the laser & got a ton of scars from it. So now for all the damage I'm sticking to needling then putting Vit c on & AHA, I'm starting to see a bit of a difference now that I started to do those 3 things, I've been dealing with damage for going on 7 yrs. Retin a is too strong for my skin now that it's sensitive from the laser. Made me dry & red, didn't do anything for me except make me look older. I'll exfoiate with Aqua Cure a couple times a week too to get the dead skin off. Healing skin takes a lot of time so go slow with what ever you decide to do. MedicineNet.com on line has some good things to say about peels.
UPDATED FROM sandy.s
6 months post

Damage 6 months

sandy.sDecember 5, 2013
Here are the laser damage pictures . My under eyes are ruined . Skin texture ruined . Extreme broken capillaries . In general weird orange peel wave like texture . Very distressing . But hopefully I can find a way to fix this .

Replies (2)

inasintz
November 6, 2016
Did you ever find anything to help at all?
chic112
July 6, 2025
Same happens to me
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