17 replies to this topic

[koolfool]

Hi all,

Im Vietnamese and have been suffering from acnes scars for about 3 years. Two days ago, I went to a beauty salon (which is absolutely famous for its scar, cosmetics treatments) and I was advised to have Pixel and Affirm lasers to improve my skin (Pixel for the first treatment and then after 2 weeks comes Affirm then back to Pixel. it's supposed to be 8 treatments (4 for Pixel and 4 for Affirm). The whole package costs under 1000 USD (based on the living standards in Vietnam - this amount is like a fortune here or at least for me.) These lasers will only be appied to areas that need to be treated. So I'm not sure if my face will have the same tone. Will it? Is it safe to undergo these treatments? I won't trade my skin for it being worse.

Please give me your advice. I really appreciate your help.

PS: I read about these lasers all through by the way. I just wanna have your opions, your sincere suggestion and I really am thankful for that

[koolfool]

Hi all,

Im Vietnamese and have been suffering from acnes scars for about 3 years. Two days ago, I went to a beauty salon (which is absolutely famous for its scar, cosmetics treatments) and I was advised to have Pixel and Affirm lasers to improve my skin (Pixel for the first treatment and then after 2 weeks comes Affirm then back to Pixel. it's supposed to be 8 treatments (4 for Pixel and 4 for Affirm). The whole package costs under 1000 USD (based on the living standards in Vietnam - this amount is like a fortune here or at least for me.) These lasers will only be appied to areas that need to be treated. So I'm not sure if my face will have the same tone. Will it? Is it safe to undergo these treatments? I won't trade my skin for it being worse.

Please give me your advice. I really appreciate your help.

PS: I read about these lasers all through by the way. I just wanna have your opions, your sincere suggestion and I really am thankful for that

Seems like no one cares

[Naitch]

Hi all,

Im Vietnamese and have been suffering from acnes scars for about 3 years. Two days ago, I went to a beauty salon (which is absolutely famous for its scar, cosmetics treatments) and I was advised to have Pixel and Affirm lasers to improve my skin (Pixel for the first treatment and then after 2 weeks comes Affirm then back to Pixel. it's supposed to be 8 treatments (4 for Pixel and 4 for Affirm). The whole package costs under 1000 USD (based on the living standards in Vietnam - this amount is like a fortune here or at least for me.) These lasers will only be appied to areas that need to be treated. So I'm not sure if my face will have the same tone. Will it? Is it safe to undergo these treatments? I won't trade my skin for it being worse.

Please give me your advice. I really appreciate your help.

PS: I read about these lasers all through by the way. I just wanna have your opions, your sincere suggestion and I really am thankful for that

Seems like no one cares

It's just that know one knows, including myself. You have to stop relying on this site of absolute amateurs and go see some derms arond where you live for their opinion and analysis.

[fraxelwaxel]

pixel and affirm aren't capable of going as deep as fraxel laser. so if u are planning to have the highest setting on affirm/pixel then you should look into fraxel. however if you are planning to get low energy treatments then there isn't as big a difference between them and fraxel.

the reason i tell u this is because acne scars require aggressive treatment at high energy levels. you aren't likely to see much improvement otherwise. there are people on the fraxel thread who had fraxel at 70 MJ and are complaining the improvement is only a little. so you can only imagine how little improvement you will get with a less powerful laser like pixel or affirm.

you said this is a lot of money for you, and that you did your homework reading up on the lasers. but obviously you have not done your homework!

[nillawaif]

I am just starting my course of 3 pixel treatments. It has been a little over a week since my first treatment. The nurse practitioner made two passes. Results are supposed to show slowly, at 6 weeks after each tx it's about as good as it gets. Although, I have heard other Dr.'s talk about continued collagen building up to 6-9 months later. Since I have only had one tx, and it wasn't long ago it is difficult for me to give you my feedback. My skin does look better overall. My pores in the Tzone are definitely smaller, a yucky red pore on my nose that has been around for over a year looks like the rest. There is a slight difference in the texture of my deeper scars. I don't know anything about the Affirm laser. I wish I could tell you more. You may want to ask to see before and after pics of other patients that have had txs there.

[koolfool]

I am just starting my course of 3 pixel treatments. It has been a little over a week since my first treatment. The nurse practitioner made two passes. Results are supposed to show slowly, at 6 weeks after each tx it's about as good as it gets. Although, I have heard other Dr.'s talk about continued collagen building up to 6-9 months later. Since I have only had one tx, and it wasn't long ago it is difficult for me to give you my feedback. My skin does look better overall. My pores in the Tzone are definitely smaller, a yucky red pore on my nose that has been around for over a year looks like the rest. There is a slight difference in the texture of my deeper scars. I don't know anything about the Affirm laser. I wish I could tell you more. You may want to ask to see before and after pics of other patients that have had txs there.

Thanks so much for you kind reply. Keep posting, please. (and send me some of your skin improvement - Can you show me the BEFORE pics and AFTER ones please?)

I'm telling you bit about me. I'm 22,male, student still and are working some part time jobs to save money for the treatments. Acnes on the two cheeks left lots of scars though my friends told me they do notice but scars do not make me look ugly since they've been quite familiar with. But scars really me my life down deep. I'm not confident, not natural whenever talking "face to face" wih others. I'm scared of their staring at my skin(usually is it rough, flaking). So I decided to take some treatments and lasers may be better choice... Im reading on them until it's all clear.

[nillawaif]

Hi koolfool,

Don't be so down on yourself. There are a lot of us out there with less than flawless skin, but that doesn't make us any less deserving of respect. I do know how you feel, but I think others are much more forgiving. I am planning on posting before and afters. At this point there isn't much to see. It has only been 2 weeks since my tx and the scars are still going strong. I do think that I see a slight difference in texture in one of my larger quarter sized scars on my left cheek. I commented to a very good friend of mine on my thoughts, but her being the dreadfully honest about looks person she is, didn't think she could see a difference. I am thankful for such an honest friend, because while she will compare me to favorable looking people she won't lie to me. I need that as I go through this process. Oh, and there is a pinhead sized scar on my right cheek that I swear seems to be a millimeter shallower. So, I have had one tx and I think that I see a very very slight difference and no one else does (only one person I know knows about me paying so much for vanity).

You really should make sure that all of your acne is clear before starting scar txs. It would be such a waste of cash to end up with more scars after getting rid of the ones you have now.

[whyme133]

hi koolfool.i'm vietnamese too.your english is good so i guess you're a good student.scars did let us painful,especially when we have so much to do.i undergo the treatment for scars 7 months ago at the beauty salon that you have mentioned(i guess tu ......,right???).i can share you some experiences:i do notice some improvement,but just subtle,and you must wait for 3 months for start seeing it.and as i have skipped this forum a little bit,i heard that you must do a lot of laser treatments,however i believe that if you do it,you will see result.i still have so much scars and i guess that i will continue the treatment.you have a part time job,so try to avoid the sun.as i 'm not at hcm,my treatment will suffer more expense(train/flight ticket).laser is safe,at least with me.
i believe that you should wait more than weeks(3 or 4)for returning(don't return so soon-my personal opinion).i'm about to study abroad,so i pray i will see some more results(i really hate this,as in the past,i never care about acnes-with the thought that it will go some day,and im kind of handsome in the past ,but now........ ,i have so much to care about learning,not just with this craps .i still have so much scars now).
and,one important thing you should know is that i have dug into some documents,and i heard that'european skin is different to asian skin',affirm is told that suit for asian skin(not sure,heard on ads).and i read one instruction say'affirm go right the treated area'.that mean doctor saw it as an advantage of affirm.so the state 'affirm didn't go as deep as fraxel' may not be shortcoming of affirm with asian skin.i just guess,if wrong,please correct.and some abroad doctor say affirm did excel fraxel(and mrs tu did say that pixel and fraxel is the same,just from two different company).in about 1 month in this beauty salon will have double-wave cynergy....,which is an innovate of affirm???
just my first post.others,please explain me why 'go deep(what is the data,is this 1540mm,1440mm.....)'high energy' is important,as i think affirm was born after fraxel,so the company must learn st from fraxel experience,if not good as fraxel,how do they compete with fraxel???,for not-vietnamese people,why don't you come to vietnam,as the expense is not much as in your own country,and as the laser is new,i think there is no so much differences.
how much per treatment(with affirm and pixel????by 'dong' and for 2 cheeks????)now???
i will keep posting when i remember st that you would care
hehe, too much words,as this is a good chance to practice english.

[koolfool]

hi koolfool.i'm vietnamese too.your english is good so i guess you're a good student.scars did let us painful,especially when we have so much to do.i undergo the treatment for scars 7 months ago at the beauty salon that you have mentioned(i guess tu ......,right???).i can share you some experiences:i do notice some improvement,but just subtle,and you must wait for 3 months for start seeing it.and as i have skipped this forum a little bit,i heard that you must do a lot of laser treatments,however i believe that if you do it,you will see result.i still have so much scars and i guess that i will continue the treatment.you have a part time job,so try to avoid the sun.as i 'm not at hcm,my treatment will suffer more expense(train/flight ticket).laser is safe,at least with me.
i believe that you should wait more than weeks(3 or 4)for returning(don't return so soon-my personal opinion).i'm about to study abroad,so i pray i will see some more results(i really hate this,as in the past,i never care about acnes-with the thought that it will go some day,and im kind of handsome in the past ,but now........ ,i have so much to care about learning,not just with this craps .i still have so much scars now).
and,one important thing you should know is that i have dug into some documents,and i heard that'european skin is different to asian skin',affirm is told that suit for asian skin(not sure,heard on ads).and i read one instruction say'affirm go right the treated area'.that mean doctor saw it as an advantage of affirm.so the state 'affirm didn't go as deep as fraxel' may not be shortcoming of affirm with asian skin.i just guess,if wrong,please correct.and some abroad doctor say affirm did excel fraxel(and mrs tu did say that pixel and fraxel is the same,just from two different company).in about 1 month in this beauty salon will have double-wave cynergy....,which is an innovate of affirm???
just my first post.others,please explain me why 'go deep(what is the data,is this 1540mm,1440mm.....)'high energy' is important,as i think affirm was born after fraxel,so the company must learn st from fraxel experience,if not good as fraxel,how do they compete with fraxel???,for not-vietnamese people,why don't you come to vietnam,as the expense is not much as in your own country,and as the laser is new,i think there is no so much differences.
how much per treatment(with affirm and pixel????by 'dong' and for 2 cheeks????)now???
i will keep posting when i remember st that you would care
hehe, too much words,as this is a good chance to practice english.

Hey man, what a surprise!!!! Nice... Nice. I'd love to chat on YIM with you. Gimme your nick, please. As Vietnamese, it'll be easier to gossip about acnes and scars. Or by the way, my Yahoo nick is mr.koolfool@yahoo.com.vn

[koolfool]

I uploaded my skin pic and would like to receive your comments on how serious my acne scars are. Are they rolling scars?

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

[koolfool]

up!

[koolfool]

Please comment on my skin health and give your suggestions please

[tampagirl]

I had the Lumenis DeepFX fractionalized CO2 laser (you replied to my post). In my opinion, your acne scars are not nearly as bad as you think they are. Second, I think the laser treatments are not recommended for people with VERY dark skin (African-America...)
You might be okay with lasers. Third, I am not very familar with the processes you are considering, but I have learned that you can easily waste plenty of money on scar treatment. I have found that doctors, nurses, practioners, etc. will sell you on whatever it is they specialize in. They show you the absolute best of the best before and after pictures. I've been to doctor after doctor and they all recommended different solutions so be skeptical...

I think you would be better served by saving your money and investing in more agressive treatment such as the laser I had (about $2500 iin Tampa which is an expensive place to live)

[tampagirl]

Naitch- You said "It's just that know one knows, including myself. You have to stop relying on this site of absolute amateurs and go see some derms arond where you live for their opinion and analysis."

I understand your point and respect your opinion. However, I believe this forum is a wonderful source of unbiased, honest, firsthand information unlike any salesy recommendations given by dermatologists, cosmetic and plastic surgeons, clinics, etc. Nearly every professional I went to (hundreds spend on consults alone) tried to sell me on whatever they specialized in - not objective at all.

- Tampagirl

[endofacne]

Hi. I'm Asian too and I think for a guy those scars aren't bad at all. If you have some money saved up, just do some fraxel. If not, I would treat it with Retin A or Tazorax for a couple of years and your scars should become softer. Seriously, it's not bad enough to do something drastic. MINE on the other hand are all on my forehead and it's like mottled, rolly, uneven...just a mess from having tons of cystic scars up there. AND I'm a female. I just think it's worse for females (not to lessen your pain...but it's true)

I just looked at your pics again. I think getting a light spray on tan would help. I feel like Asian skin is kinda of pasty looking which makes scars look worse...so get a tan. seriously, it'll look healthier

[koolfool]

I'm not sure... But everytime I look at my whole face, things are totally different. My skin is not pale (pasty), it's kinda fair, partly smooth and partly rough (esp where acne scars located). And I also notice that in air conditioned environment, my skin turns out to be dry, unhealthy and stressed. Does anybody know how to take care of skin in cooled areas? Like using moisturizer or watever?. I think I should use something. Actually, I'm using The Face Shop: face foam, toner and emulsion (I think it's just like moisturizer. Right?) for oily and combination skin ( as is my skin)

Anyway, I took affirm for the first time the day before. The best thing I like about IT is: before and after treatment, the face is inserted with Vitamin C and E by an ionizingng tool. When I was back home, I realized my skin looked so great. Closed pores, smooth tone and so much more. The laser sfuff was quite funny. I kept laughing during being treated. It was like being scratched by a knife. My tear voluntarily came out without my notice until I was told so. The redness stuff was not a big deal. I thought I would face some burned spots or something like that. But it, at first, was like bruise, then turned red, and now it's like pinky. I told lies to friends like: Oh, I ate some kinda beef and now I've got allergy. The doctor told me to keep stayed away from the sun.

The first treatment brought no improvement except the best thing mentioned above. And I have feeling like: Do not expect anything. What gotta come gotta come. But on the other hand, I don't want to waste money so at times I wish there would be something better. Please... [ I'm praying by myself ]

[nillawaif]

Hey koolfool,

I am Asian too. My scarring is pretty similar to yours, mine may be a little worse though. I wish you the best of luck with your laser tx's . Check out my personal regimen. I have found that treating my face with a lighter hand has helped with the tone. I'll send you a couple of before pics. I have noticed a very very slight improvement in a few of my scars. I'm not really expecting much for now. My next tx is this Thursday. How much did you pay for your Affirm? Did you purchase a package? I know that my skin is a little better since having my first Pixel, but it is strange, I seem to feel worse about it. It's like focusing on my face and putting so much hope in a tx makes me notice the scarring more.

[koolfool]

Hey koolfool,

I am Asian too. My scarring is pretty similar to yours, mine may be a little worse though. I wish you the best of luck with your laser tx's . Check out my personal regimen. I have found that treating my face with a lighter hand has helped with the tone. I'll send you a couple of before pics. I have noticed a very very slight improvement in a few of my scars. I'm not really expecting much for now. My next tx is this Thursday. How much did you pay for your Affirm? Did you purchase a package? I know that my skin is a little better since having my first Pixel, but it is strange, I seem to feel worse about it. It's like focusing on my face and putting so much hope in a tx makes me notice the scarring more.

Hey, thank you. I really appreciate it. I am waiting for them (the regime, the pix also).

This morning, I went to The hospital for skin health and asked the doctor for some medicine that can boost up forming collagen and I got a prescription like these:

Skigen4000 10 bags (one each night)
NeoSelen 10 pills (one each morinng)
I came for them as I thought that we could fasten the process. What do you guys think??? That's just my own opion.

Also in this morning, I met a woman. The funny part is she told me "You have no problem with your skin. It looks so great, son. Fair! Smooth! What do you ask for??? [I'm laughing]. She told me she saw no holes, no scars which makes me feel so so so high. More confidence gained, right?

I do notice some improvement on my skin. Scars are not better but overall looking is quite amazing. Just like you can figure out who's sick and who's so healthy. No complaint for other parts of the face...

@Nillawaif: I'm paying for about 120 dollars for each visitation (AFFIRM) and 100 dollars (PIXEL). I don't have enough money so I think I'm paying on the one by one scale.