I have now had 2 fraxel and 1 affirm laser procedures. I wasn't really all that happy with either one of them. I now have a profractional resurfacing procedure November.19th at 9:00 am...I have heard they this procedure if 3 times better then either one of them... I will let you all know how it goes! I am only getting my partial face done (cheeks, nose and chin are)... They are charging me only 400$... I have take off Thursday, Friday and the following Monday just in case... they say by the 3rd day I can go out without makeup... lets hope and pray that I don't have to wear as much makeup/concealer anymore after this!!

I just got my Spatabulous acne light and I have been using it for 3 days. So far I haven't noticed much, but I will keep using it and come on every now and then to say what's happening. I'm supposed to use it for a couple months before I see a real difference.

My friend has one and says it works, so I'll trust that.

Hi all,

I was watching the news yesterday and saw a report on this new treatment given by a surgeon. It's called ALA Photodynamic Light Therapy. This guy had severe acne had already been on the antibiotics and accutane and it still came back.

Now, i'm on accutane right now, so don't think i'm just putting stuff out there, but the results were nothing close to a miracle. I'm sooo serious.

His face was covered with lesions (I didn't see cystic though) but it was still very severe. After 3 treatments and 1 and a half months, he was completely clear. THat is astonishing. The redness was gone, everything. I've never seen anything like it in my life. Now, i'm on 1 1/2 months of accutane right now and I still have a couple of lesions and redness but what I saw is amazing.

The procedure costs 1000 bucks and has a 90% success rate!!! That's higher than the tane. The acne goes away for 1-2 years sometimes permanently. Sound familiar? But, nevertheless, it's not as invasive as accutane in that it doesn't affect your whole body and I would have to say the results are even better, from seeing this guy. Unbelievable.

We have some more hope people!!!

The Dr. that is performing this therapy resides in Toronto. (I saw the news over Satellite as i'm in the States. But, nevertheless, there should be docs performing this all over right?

Let me know what you think.

Oh, i'll be posting on my 2 month progress soon

Does anyone know the strength of the bulbs on the Acnestar device? Are they the optimal 415nm?

Ive emailed the company on two separate occasions however as yet they havent had the common decency to bother their backside to respond.

Okay here it goes.

I have been to this site since I believe 2006. but never posted due to registration problems. I want to explain what I went through to see if anyone had similar experiences because I have not met anyone in person who has gone through this. If this is the wrong forum please move it to the appropriate one.

My acne began when I was 12 and it occured within a few days. I first had blackheads, which took a week to cover my nose and face. Soon after, I began to have pimples and severe cystic acne. This is when my mother decided to perform an extraction, but she severely scarred my face on my temples and forehead. I was scarred when I was 12. At first, I thought it would go away. It never did. Freshman year of high schhol, I went to the dermatologist where he prescribed antibotics. They worked for a little while, but the bacteria became resistant starting the whole cycle again. With the tropical creams, My acne became under control sophomore year.

By junior year, it returned in full force. Senior year, I went to another dermatologist where she refused to give me Accutane because of license issues. I became scarred severely on my cheeks and chin due to ingrown hairs. I shaved, but I could never again shave like everyone else. It takes me a whole hour to shave properly sue to scarring. Yes, I do admit the scarring on my cheeks is my fault because I plucked some hairs out to try to minimize shaving, but with the acne it became worse and inflamed. I learned my lesson.

By freshman and sophomore year of college, My dermatologist was replaced and I started to take Accutane. At first it was horrible, because I had severe side effects. I became depressed, bones hurt, felt weak, lost concentration on exams, and my hair thinned out similar to what cancer patients go through. I was taking high doses prescribed my dermatologist about 120 mg or more a day. After the six months, it was over, My cycstic acne went down, but the scarring was awful. I was prescribed Tazarac and Retina A micro. I took them for over a year and a half. Nothing improved. They never seemed to prevent some acne from coming back nor did it improve scarring.

After discussing with my dermatologist, she said she could do nothing any longer. We tried everything. I could just take the creams, but the logical step was to laser or chemical peels. Since I was a college student, she knew I could not afford expensive laser treatment. I tried two chemical peels and they do not really do anything.

Finally in 2009, After a year of not seeing any dermatologist, I have payed for three treatments of Pixel laser. I am very skeptical because I am not sure if this will heal my skin completely or do anything. I know I will have to do three more or try another kind of laser. I hope for the best come this November. I am going to do three more chemical peels to try to control my acne before laser treatment. I also use some over the counter lotions, but they seem useless as usual.


I payed for this with my own money because my parents insurance dumped us. I got another insurance plan, but you would not believe the nonsense I had to go through with these people. In order to lower my rate, I had to answer personal questions about how badly my acne was. I lied to them telling them it was healed fully and I never had any acne again. I knew if I didnt they would make me pay 100s of dollars a month for my premium. They wanted to know if I had scars and if I seeked laser treatment. They wanted to know how many too! I never felt so humilated in my life. Also, I know now my severe acne came from my mom's side because she is scarred in the same places I was. She also was scarred by an esthetician.

As of now, my acne hurts since they emerge from my right cheek and they cannot be touched without pain. My hair has thinned out considerably and I look older than most of peers. Most people I know have no scars. My skin is defintely not like everyone,but oily now becoming dry with peeling.
$2216.49-total cost for everything since college
$1000.00 past high school?
1645.00 pixel, bluelight,

Anyone ever had pixel fraxal laser?

I figured I would do a poll to help me and others what has worked the best for people.

I tried to find as many options as possible
I realize there are more so just post if another was truly successful for you.

I am looking for a larger version instead of just a handheld device if anybody wants to throw out some advice I would appreciate it.

Has anyone heard of this laser? Being dark skinned, I would like to know if anyone here used this type of laser to treat hyperpigmentation or anything else? I called a laser clinic, which said that I am not a candidate because I have my hyperpigmentation for many years, as it makes the skin darker. I don't know what to believe anymore. Just with fraxel laser, some people say it can be used on all skin colours, but some people say it cannot be used on dark skin (brown skin).

Hey
i was just wondering if anyone using light therapy acne lamps has also seen any effects on SAD. Ive been looking online and i see light boxes that treat acne, and light boxes that treat SAD but none that seem to treat both (which is what i hope to find).
has anyone noticed a difference in their mood when using the acne light boxes?
any info would be great!
thanks

Its a little device that uses red and blue light to improve acne. Below is the link. It looks interesting.

http://www.ansr.com/

I have been using the caribbean sunbox for acne for almost 9 months now and haven't really noticed any improvement other than my chin and forehead. my cheeks and nose still break out pretty bad. it ddn't come with detailed instructions so maybe i'm not doing this right. i'm just wondering if anyone knows how long a session should be and how close my face should be from the light? can overuse aggravate the acne? please let me know

Recently I've purchased BlueMD. I used it for about a week and started to see great improvement! I was excited and thought I found the answer, until I started breaking out again. I think the breakout could perhaps be due to using the light too much, I started with two sessions a day but due to satisfaction of results I started using it more frequently. My question is, will using the light too much cause breakouts? Now I am seeing a great amount of small pimples leaving my face a bit discolored. It also seems that the light doesn't treat all my acne, the acne on my forehead remains the same after the blue light, while the acne on my cheeks react the same way as a course of BP.

Does the light only target certain types of acne and once again, is there any possibility that using it too much can cause worsening of the skin condition I'm trying to rid?
The light also results in dryness, could dryness be a factor? I have non-comedogenic moisturizers but am still scrupulous of breaking out. It seems all moisturizers trigger a break out for me, including cetaphil, cereva, and hylira. Anyone else use BlueMD and is it really dermatologist grade? I also use Retin-A and that as well causes dryness. Should I moisturize when using a blue light?

do LED blue and red lights release UV rays? how much per each 15 minute session

Does anyone know what is the difference between the two? If I get something done I want to make sure IM getting the right thing that is the most likely to work, is it just the brand name?

anyone have any advice?

Hi,

I live in London. I am Latino and have Skin type IV. I have an extensive area of rolling scars mainly in my cheeks and forehead. I am looking into having laser treatment done but I am a bit confused as to which laser should I go for: Pixel or Fraxel?

Can you shed some light in what the difference between the two are?

Can someone tell me about improvement rates, recovery time, pain during treatment, costs, results, etc?

Your help is highly appreciatted. I dont know where to start!

Thanks a lot to you all!

Hey guys, iv decided i wna do laser treatment as the chafing gel didnt really work on my scars! Jus need a bit of guidance which one to go for: Pixel or Fraxel (repair/restore)

i read a thread (which i cant find now) in which some ppl from uk (london area) had treatments done or having them done, could you all PLZ tell me which clinic u went to, which Doctor u saw, how much it all cost and post sum pics plz. and alos how much time uv taken of wrk. thnks

im asian skin tone and a small acne scars on my cheeks:
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/Matte-Put...el-t228711.html

are all of ur scars deep? does the cost depend on the area treated or the amount of area treated?

money is no issue, as iv saved enough money! jus hope my mamager will let me take 6months off! lol coz i aint goin to wrk with patchy red/pink skin!

Hey guys, i'm thinking about trying one of these at home light treatment things. I've read all the reviews and though they appear to both use the same technology, the Verilux seems to have gotten alot more negative reviews. has anyone tried either of these products? their fairly expensive and some feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Hi

I have a few slightly raised scars from where the skin hasn't healed normally and produced to much collagen i presume and was wondering if IPL would help this?

Thanks

I'm seriously considering asking my dermatologist (on first appointment) about having light therapy as I'm sick of tablets and the risk of side effects. I'm on Minocycline, and I have about a dozen pustules (a lot are tiny and not visible) but I do get about one cyst per month, so is it worth me having light therapy? I think I'm moderate acne at the minute. Thanks.

Has anybody else had the Omnilux professional strength treatments?I had some last year and I was pleased with the result but had to stop for a while because I went on Roaccutane (big mistake)
Now I'd like to give them a go again

Just had it done like three days ago and all the peeling had stopped and dead skin(ewww i know) is gone for the most part. But skin looks the same more or less as it did going into the treatment, is this norm??

I got severe acne in my teens and battled it with 3 accutane courses and 2 tetracyclene cycles. I was left nonetheless with horrible facial and back scars. Ive had subsicion 2 times. Then fraxel appeared on the market and Ive had 2 fraxel. So im an authority on this issue.

My overall opinion on fraxel is not good. Let me make some points:

Firstly those people who give results on Fraxel directly after a session need to hold their tongues in terms of result reporting. It takes months after the fraxel session for your facial skin to completely settle and be as good and done and finished result as it can be.

Many people get uber-excited and report all the scars are gone, but what they are seeing is a ballooned swolen face that has no scar impressions in all light conditions because it is swollen. Hence the need to wait until the swelling is gone, before proclaiming your delight.

Secondly im alarmed at the result. Its a change, but not necessarily a good one. My appearance which was of acne scars is now an older looking face. The fraxel seems to have aged my. People tend to overestimate my age now by about a decade. This hurts my feelings. Ive gone from looking acne scared to looking old. No more ID requests at the entrance to nite clubs for me.

So my face skin has now a kind of rough bumpy quality and it seems to be really wrinkled and especially when I smile the wrinkles form right down the cheek and I believe they are a result of the fraxel.

Thirdly, Im alarmed that no medical authority seems to be present in the ZZeitgeist saying yes fraxel is worth the money and its gonna make you look better not just apply a matrix of tiny scar points to your already scared face.

My suspicion now is that what fraxel does in reality is it burns tiny diameter deep holes in your skin that then fill with scar tissue (NOT Collagen) and these tiny patterns of deep scar punctures after many treatments do provide a certain uniform look to a face skin, but its only by painting the entire surface good and bad areas, with one uniform matt greay scaring if I can call it that. What im saying is that acne scars are like isolated ink blotches on a white A4 paper. The effect of fraxel is to take a fine mist spray of black ink and spray it onto the stained paper making the overall appearance uniform yet more damaged more stained than before.

I believe the tiny injections of scar tissue that constitute the fraxel pattern on the skin form kind of hard points in the skin so that when you smile for example, the skin creases on those hard points and that makes the appearance of the many peculiar wrinkles on my skin surface that I attribute to fraxel.

Fourth thing, is that the recovery takes ages, and for months after the fraxel I had saggy joweles and my jaw line had this one point on each side that particularly sagged down and made my face look older. That was probably fluid or something but luckily its gone now, but it wasnt pleasant and contrary to the manufacturers propaganda that goes "Fraxel is a revolutionary new technology that targets damage in your skin to repair and rejuvinate." Bla bla bla. It would be more accurate to describe fraxel as I have thus.

Having said all that I plan on doing a 3rd ad a fourth fraxel at high power if I can, because We scar sufferers live on hope and I rationalise the expense, the disruption to my social life, the turmoip to my work roster by reminding myself that others have said on this and other boards that it takes 3 or 4 fraxel treatments to see the full result. Well Ive had 2 so far and Im totally unsure if any improvement has occured. All I know is that people say I look old. My blog is anticharisma dot com if you wanna read more of my experiences. Thanks.

I had my first IPL session on July 14th. The doc used a Lumenis Quantum, and when I asked about how many joules he used, he said he couldn't say exactly because he was not following "the book"... since he has been operating the machine for many years (true, apparently he's a pioneer here in Argentina) and has come up with his own way of manipulating the settings.

Whether that's true or not, the procedure went well (or at least that's my feeling). The IPL felt as many have described before: short tiny stings, maybe it even feels like a stinging vibration... It doesn't hurt much, but it may be a little rough on guys cause the doc said it'd hurt more on the beard line (and it did) because of the hair growing there that gets zapped by the IPL.

First his assistant smeared some numbing cream all over my face and left it on for about 30'. Then I went into the docs' office and they showed me how the IPL worked and how it resembled a camera's "flash" when triggered. Having removed the numbing cream, the assistant sealed my eye sockets and then applyed a really cold gel on my face. Then while applying more gel as required by my skin, the doc began the procedure with my right cheek and cheekbone, along with my right temple. Then he did the left side, and after that he went on with my nose. Now I remember that the area around my nose (not ON the nose) also hurt a little. Finally he did my forehead (the gel here seemed a lot colder, cause there's almost no meat between the skull and the skin).

Then the assistant cleared the gel, put some cream instead and gave me two soft ice patches covered in cloth to hold against my cheeks and cheekbones. I was like that for about 20', and she came in a few times to change the containers... my arms were getting tired heheh.

When that was over, she cleaned my face again and then smeared some colored sunscreen. I didn't look bad at all... and there were only two noticeable "purpuras" (purple/blue marks), one on each cheek. I hailed a cab and went home. I took some pictures with the sunscreen on. Left it on for a few hours and then decided to wash my face with warm water and a cotton pad. While the makeup was clearing, I could see the purple marks were becoming more noticeable, and a small edema under my right eye running towards the cheekbone also came to my attention (I hadn't noticed this with makeup on). Then two small blisters also became more apparent.

They gave me 6 pills (Meticorten Prednisona 5mg) to calm any inflamations (to be taking during the next three days, one after each meal), so I guess the edema will subcede in a couple of days. Also, they gave me a cream by Avène, called "Crème pour peaux intolérantes - Apaisante - Peaux sensibles et irritables / Skin Recovery Cream - Calming formula". I have to wear that one AM/PM, along with sunscreen, and I really don't feel any burning or itching (in fact, I only felt a little burning sensation right after the session, but it quickly went away with the ice patches and cold gel)... my skin seems normal (aside from the slight edema and blisters), and it's smooth (of course, the IPL has tightened it).

One thing I forgot to mention is that while the doc was finishing the IPL on my cheeks, he told me to inflate my cheek, so he could zap some more.

Ok, so now it's been exactly 32hs after the treatment, and I'll be uploading the pics tomorrow.

Creams I'm using:
- Avène, called "Crème pour peaux intolérantes - Apaisante - Peaux sensibles et irritables / Skin Recovery Cream - Calming formula (AM/PM, no limits... whenever I feel my skin is dry or needs to be soothed);
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL 50+ Very High Protection Tinted Cream (they told me to use it even inside my house 0_0);
- Avène Cleanance soapless Gel.

Hi, I'm a new member and wondering if anyone has experienced what I have. I recently underwent the Pixel CO2 laser resurfacing for some depressed acne scars, enlarged pores, discoloration, and some unevenness. There were not many scars and the skin that was unscarred was healthy. I had done a great deal of research on fractional lasers and when talking to the dermatologist who performed this she had said Pixel Co2 was great for acne scars/evening everything out. My gut had told me to go with the lumenis active fx/deep fx but I felt safe because I knew her and that at the least I wouldn't look worse maybe there just wouldnt be improvements. Although I knew this person even on a personal level and she is a very experienced dermatologist she is not aiding me in the problems that I am having after the procedure and I am desperate for an honest opinion.

I had the procedure 2 weeks ago, the healing phase was fine. Now I still can see all the marks where the laser went in (not scabs like little indentations, extra "pores") and in the grid pattern from the laser. My main concern is the fact that my left cheek now has an uneven rolling texture as if I had many acne scars in this area but i did not. I did have some shallow small scars that I wanted addressed and can honestly say I see no improvement they are even deeper. I now have new depressions, pretty slight but put all together with my old problem areas and the new I can not even look at myself and spend every second realizing my old skin was not that bad. Truly I cannot say one positive that I see.
Has anyone experienced this? Do you know how long can I expect the marks from the laser to last? And if my texture is not good now kind of loose and rolling over the next couple months is there a chance it can tighten up as collagen is stimulated or is the texture most likely permanent. I'm so scared because it's so hard to get ride of scars in teh first place that now i feel pretty much screwed for life.
Up until a few months ago i liked my skin but then I had some anxiety over new marks and that led me to be impulsive and take obviously way too extreme of measures.
If all of the negatives turn out to be permanent is there a way it can be all evened out by something, whether it is another procedure by a better doctor, etc? Has anyone ever had a bad procedure that was if nothing else able to be corrected to bring you back to where you were before?

I can honestly say my skin looks worse than I could ahve ever imagined. I now look like I have suffered from cystic acne all over my face, some ice pick looking and others larger depressions, compared to a few shallow depressions that I had before. I feel like the whole shape of my cheeks have changed as well.

I keep emailing the derm who did this keeping her updated on the progress so when I go in for the 3wk check I don't just freak out. SHe just keeps responding it will be fine it will heal beautifully. Again if I was just talking about the laser marks or about how old scars looked deeper or something I could see how these could "heal" and plump with new collagen. But completely new rolling texture that doesnt even smoothen out when i pull my skin tight and new depressions that are more obvious than others i had before are not ok. I know this woman so I feel awkard but I definitely want my money back so I can go somewhere else eventually to try to correct this. At this point I literally cannot go out of the house, cry all the time, cant look in the mirror and feel uncomfortable with my family even seeing me.

Please someone tell me you've experienced this and that you were able to fix it and at the very least get your skin back to where it was. Thanks, i know this is long i'm very distraught.

Hey to everyone out there. I've spent endless hours on the internet researching the Mixto laser and the results it yields and it is oh-so-difficult to find personal stories and anything that isn't biased from the manufacturer!! I have already met with a PS and am hoping to have the procedure done next month or in December. I still get occasional breakouts and my skin is VERY oily. My skin is very scarred--both hyper- and hypotrophic acne scars. Anyone with similar skin who has had this procedure done or something similar with good results? Any bad results with these types of lasers? Any info would be great and helpful and very appreciated!!

hey you guys I wish i could add a pic to explain my scars but my question is i no longer have acne i only breakout once in a while but has anyone tried Fraxel laser or any type of laser treatment Im so close to affording it i think how much does it cost for a treatment and do u see improvement with it the first time?also Ive seen alot of stories that it does work and cure horrible scars i have a few scars but the couple that make my skin bad and hide from the world even quit my costruction job are one bump on my nose and one that looks like post inflame hiperpigmentation that been there for 3 years they both were caused by popping cyst zits does laser or fraxel cure any type of scar.please heeeeelp im begging you

This is a fairly new treatment and I am seeing good results so far. After four treatments my very large pores are looking smaller, pitted acne scars are plumping out and getting smaller,texture of the skin is softer and smoother and cheeks are less oily.

I can compare this to my Forehead which I am not having done at the moment but will do later and the change in texture and oilliness is very apparent.

It doesn't hurt either

OK, Fraxel (Restore) and Smoothbeam experts...I have some tech specification for us to compare and see if anybody have any thoughts as how much more effective Fraxel (Restore) is compare to Smoothbeam. I don't know if anybody has even done smoothbeam within this past year since it's a seven year old technology...but it'd be cool to have those people with both experience to exchange thoughts on this:

Fraxel Restore
Laser type: Erbium
Wavelength: 1550nm
Pulse Energy (Fluence): 4-70mj (Per MTZ)
Pulse Repetition Rate: Up to 3000 MTZ/second
Laser wand treatment: 7mm to 15 mm (Large tip attachment)
Operating current: <6A @100 Volt <3A@200 Volt

Smoothbeam
Laser type: Diode
Wavelength: 1450nm
Pulse Energy (Fluence): 8-25 mj (per Cm2)
Pulse Repetition Rate: 210ms
Laser wand treatment: 4mm (for closer/spot treatment), 6mm (Larger tip attachement for wider coverage)

I'm trying to somewhat change the wording a little bit (without hopefully altering their meaning) since both obviously use different terminology.

Maybe some of the physicians in this forum can do a little math....or explain what MTZ means and/or whether 3000MTZ is better than 210ms?

I was a little suprised to see that Smoothbeam's wavelength is actually that high as I thought it was no more than 500 nm (maybe I read it wrong as somebody said that the penetration didn't go below .450 mm).

Anyhow...thoughts? Comments?

I'm on around week 2 or 3 and my acne has got somewhat worse. Not horrifically, but definitely a bit worse.

Is this normal? When should I expect to see improvement?

Hello,

I just wanted to post about my experience with Isolaz laser.

As a brief background, I am a 29 year old female. I have battled with acne since age 15. Birth Control Pills worked for some time, I was also on tetracycline for 3 years, used proactiv for 10 years, and other assorted prescriptions. Anyway, in early July I stopped the pill, and all hell broke loose on my face (or should I say, chin. That is where all my acne is). I had severe, painful red cysts that would last for weeks at a time, burst, scab, it was horrible. I'd have like 10 at a time, I was in pain and crying every day. I stopped going to the gym, couldn't even look my husband in the eyes. I was doing research on acne treatments, and came across Isolaz. I found a doctor about 20 mins away from me that performed this laser, so I booked an appt right away (mid-August).

My first appt, he prescribed me 50mg of doxy per day, and retin a micro .1%. I also had my first Isolaz treatment that day. It was incredibly painful (the Isolaz website says "100% of people said there was no pain") that is a load of crap. Laser is painful, period. It didn't make it any better with my open, huge cysts.

So basically Isolaz is a vaccum and a laser in one. So the tech went over my chin with the vaccum, sucking out nasty crap from my pores. It's basically a high tech pimple popper! Then, goes over with a "double pulse" laser beam, that's the most painful part. Quick though, lasted about 5 minutes.

The doctor said I should have at least 4 treatments, and I must say the first month, I saw no change at all. I went weekly for 4 weeks straight, and also used RAM every night. The peeling was substantial, and after my first 2 lasers I had big purple bruises on my chin, awful. After the 2nd one though, that stopped (and I also wore makeup so it wasn't too bad).

Anyway, last week was my 6th treatment. I decided to do more, as I had yet to see results after week 4 and wanted to keep trying. After the 5th, I really noticed a difference. Stopped getting cysts completely, and only a few little zits here and there. Those were welcomed after the huge ones! Last week, I went in for #6 and the tech said "WOW!" She couldn't believe what a difference. She actually said she wished she took before photos, so she could take after ones and show clients how well it works.

So I'm on week 7 now, and my skin is finally clear. Right now I have NO zits at all, small or large. All that is left is some residual red marks, which should fade. It's even PMS week, and no breakouts. My acne was hormonal, so this is huge. I cannot believe when I wake up in the morning, and see no huge disgusting cysts staring back at me. It's a miracle! I am so happy, and can go out again and not be so self-concious.

I am going back a few more times for maintence, but I'm hoping with my continuing usage of RAM it will stay clear. The doctor told me though, this isn't a CURE for acne. Of course it can always come back, but it is a treatment.

It worked so well for me, I wanted to share my success. If any of you are considering Isolaz, I really recommend it. Over 85% of people that try Isolaz, it works on them. I am so happy I tried it, as it could have taken 6 months plus to see true success with retin a only. I have my life back again!

As for the cost: Since the acne was only on my chin area, it was $100 per session. If you have.
acne all over, the price goes up. So $600 in total, which is a small price to pay for clear skin.

If anyone would like more info, feel free to ask!