4 replies to this topic

[dbcooper]

I have sebacious hyperplasia (blackheads, etc.) and thinking of getting the Smoothbeam treatments. I read all the pros and cons but have a question about recovery time. One the clinics I talked to said I could have redness and slight swelling for up to 10 days. Why would that be when everyone else seems recovered in about a day or so? Would it be because that a higher power is required for sebacious glands? Thanks!

[dcb]

I have sebacious hyperplasia (blackheads, etc.) and thinking of getting the Smoothbeam treatments. I read all the pros and cons but have a question about recovery time. One the clinics I talked to said I could have redness and slight swelling for up to 10 days. Why would that be when everyone else seems recovered in about a day or so? Would it be because that a higher power is required for sebacious glands? Thanks!

I have had approximately 30 Smoothbeam treatments over the past 36 months, and can give you some feedback on recovery time. I have been treated at 14 joules, 13 joules and 10 joules (2 passes) and can report the following results. 14 Joules is definitely the most effective setting, but obviously is also the most uncomfortable. The treatment usually lasts 30-45 minutes, and I am visibly red for about 90 minutes. After that I have occasionally experienced some hyper pigmentation the following few days, but nothing which is terribly noticeable. One suggestion from my experience, make sure to get only one pass at 14 joules except for trouble spots, and make sure any second pass is done at the end of the treatment and not 2x consecutively. When 2 pulses have been applied consecutively, I tend to experience some minor burning which takes up to one week to resolve. I am currently using the 13.5 joules setting and it seems to be controlling my sebacious hyperplasia for a period of 5-6 weeks. Also, note that since the FDA has approved the use of this laser for this condition, some insurances will pay for the treatment. Until my insurance recently changed, I did not have to pay for the first 24 treatments. I hope this information is of some use, and I wish you the very best in your treatment. It may be uncomfortable to undergo, but it has definitely been worth the effort and discomfort!

[chi-town37]

I have sebacious hyperplasia (blackheads, etc.) and thinking of getting the Smoothbeam treatments. I read all the pros and cons but have a question about recovery time. One the clinics I talked to said I could have redness and slight swelling for up to 10 days. Why would that be when everyone else seems recovered in about a day or so? Would it be because that a higher power is required for sebacious glands? Thanks!

I have had approximately 30 Smoothbeam treatments over the past 36 months, and can give you some feedback on recovery time. I have been treated at 14 joules, 13 joules and 10 joules (2 passes) and can report the following results. 14 Joules is definitely the most effective setting, but obviously is also the most uncomfortable. The treatment usually lasts 30-45 minutes, and I am visibly red for about 90 minutes. After that I have occasionally experienced some hyper pigmentation the following few days, but nothing which is terribly noticeable. One suggestion from my experience, make sure to get only one pass at 14 joules except for trouble spots, and make sure any second pass is done at the end of the treatment and not 2x consecutively. When 2 pulses have been applied consecutively, I tend to experience some minor burning which takes up to one week to resolve. I am currently using the 13.5 joules setting and it seems to be controlling my sebacious hyperplasia for a period of 5-6 weeks. Also, note that since the FDA has approved the use of this laser for this condition, some insurances will pay for the treatment. Until my insurance recently changed, I did not have to pay for the first 24 treatments. I hope this information is of some use, and I wish you the very best in your treatment. It may be uncomfortable to undergo, but it has definitely been worth the effort and discomfort!

damn 30? im only on my 2nd one lol.

dbcooper:
I just had my 2nd one done by my derm's nurse who ONLY does laser treatments for him, my derm did the 1st one for me. the first time he used a setting of 13.5, a couple days ago (my 2nd treatment) his nurse used the highest setting of 14.something and to be honest as of right now :::knock on wood::: my skin feels alot tighter (shrunk my pores) and I have no blisters or anything. the 1st treatment that my derm did I had little tiny scabs, nothing to worry about but this time around my face looks great. I had redspots on my face for about an hour but they went away after that. no down time once so ever....I think it just depends on the doctor doing it and the experience they have. make sure to do your research and find a good derm. where you from? I can recommend my derm's office if you're from chicago or want to travel. theres a couple of good derms here that offer smoothbeam who have good reviews from people on this actual site that i've read. perhaps ask the derm how long he or she has been doing smoothbeam. experience is key, trust me.

the discomfort may be hard for some but it didn't bother me too much...my pain tolerance is higher than some though. a good derm will tell you to apply the numbing creme every half hour (3 times) before you walk into their office. I really dont know how much this helps for the simple fact I know the pain after using the creme but I can imagine it would be alot more painful without it.

[Aneesa]

I saw this article on smoothbeam

http://www.body-philosophy.net/Smoothbeam_...cars?page=0%2C0

and it said that it costs somewhere from $150 to $500. Now I wanted to try it but finding out that you've done 30 sessions make me think twice. 30 $500 sessions is just too much for my budget. How do I know how much it will cost me?

[livluvlaf]

what results have you noticed after 30 treatments. How many more do you think you'll need. What results are you trying to achieve?