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POSTED UNDER Fraxel Laser REVIEWS

Loving the Results!! - Tampa, FL

ORIGINAL POST

I am 29 years old and felt like I looked about 5...

Marie1175
WORTH IT$379

I am 29 years old and felt like I looked about 5 years older, thanks to years worshiping the Florida sunshine without sunscreen!

I have been going to this office for over a year for Botox injections and absolutely trust Dr. Cross and the staff. They never force any procedures or recommend something unless you say you would like to see improvements in an area. So I pointed out that my smile lines were getting deeper and also some melasma on my jawline. Dr. Cross told me that Fraxel laser would probably take care of it. I was considering it at $600 per treatment when I discovered a Groupon for $379 for two treatments! Bought without thinking twice!

I was given a numbing cream to put on an hour before treatment. Don't be afraid to slather this on thick because you will need it! The treatment took only about 5-6 minutes but felt like needles being dragged across my face. My eyes were watering but the treatment was bearable. After the treatment it felt like a moderate sunburn, even after the numbing cream wore off. I was able to run errands right after without looking swollen.

The next morning, my face was very swollen, but strangely didn't hurt. The worst swelling was 24-30 hours after the treatment. The swelling and redness continued to improve after the 30 hour mark. I was able to cover the redness with foundation and even though I was still pretty swollen, made my way into public about 36 hours after treatment. I was able to go back to work on the third day but I would recommend an extra day if possible.

Only negative other than the swelling, my chin and forehead broke out pretty bad but the office said this is normal. Cleared up after a few days.

Now, 10 days later, I am thrilled with the results! I feel like it has taken a few years off my face and I am already more confident without makeup. My dark freckles and spots are almost gone and smile lines have improved greatly.. The texture is still a little bumpy but you only see that when looking very close. My second treatment is in three weeks and I'm excited to see the results!

Marie1175's provider

Lecada Medical Artistry

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Dana sat in the procedure with me and told me to email her with any questions afterward, which I did. I would love to get a phone call after the procedure just for followup to answer any questions I would have. Dana did get back to me by email though!

Replies (19)

June 12, 2012
Thank you for posting!! yo are so funny...made me laugh with your comment on the photo about warning the person sleeping next to you regarding the massive swelling. This is my first day after fraxel treatment and my cheeks are so swollen that I am shy to go outside.
Its been 22 hours post treatment already and its not improving...
June 13, 2012
Hey Cinu! How are you doing today? Hopefully you haven't gotten any breakouts.
June 13, 2012
I just went to Dr Cross today for Fraxel Restore, I also bought the groupon. They are extreamly nice & Dr Cross is the best esp at fillers. I have scars from Erbium Laser Resurfacing that another Tampa dr did so I'm hoping this will help. I've already had Restore Dual 4x's, Affirm, Perfecta & Smoothbeam. Restore seemed to help the most. I didn't have any skin problems that a lot mention. At least not so far. I'll be going back in July for my second treatment. I'm glad you liked the outcome, I hope I can say the same. Keep us posted & I will also.
June 14, 2012
Hi Marie1175, I am doing much better with the swelling today but my face feels really rough and there is a lot of scabbing. So hope fully it will peel off by this weekend.Did you put any special moistureizer or anything?
Thanks
June 15, 2012
Cinu,

Yes, the roughness and scabbing was also something I experienced. I also had small blisters that if broken would bleed. From what I hear, it is best to just wash your face a few times a day and moisturize with a gentle moisturizer like aveeno. Nothing with Retin A or exfoliation beads. Sunscreen is mandatory though! And no Aquaphor because it clogs your pores.

Hang in there. The first few days are a little scary but after that, it continues to get better! I'm 2 weeks post today and I still have some roughness that is healing.
June 15, 2012
is there a reason why you didn't try laser genesis-I'm considering that for this fall
June 15, 2012
I was a sun worshipper and frequented the stupid tanning beds- now I feel so old and am only 30 years old. I need to do something.
June 18, 2012
Tali,

I actually haven't heard of Genesis. Dr. Cross recommended fraxel for me for my fine lines and discoloration so I didn't research any other options. She is in her mid 40's and her face looks like she is in her mid 20's so I trust her recommendation. Yes, the tanning beds are great for a short term tan but no favors in the long run. I feel like I have gotten a second chance with my skin!
June 15, 2012
Hello, I am 30 years old and have a lot of sun damage from working outside, tanning and using tanning beds..stupid me. I'm considering getting laser genesis- is there a reason why you didn't try this first as there is no down time?