196 replies to this topic

[Sam Witwicky]

Thank you! And of course, I will. Goodluck with dermarolling.

By the way, are you in Montreal (or its surroundings), also?

[Sam Witwicky]

Had my free consultation, today; it couldn't have went any better.

The wait wasn't long and Rene (Dr. Billick's assistant) is just as sweet and caring in person, as she is on the phone. I was thoroughly impressed with her professionalism, bed side manner and overall great attitude. She's a straight shooter, who listens to what you have to say and isn't out to profit on your scars - only improve them. Physical evidence of this, is how she treated one of my scars, no charge, just to give me an idea of how it will look, after a CROSS. She also was willing to get started on all my scars, right away, but respected the fact that I wanted to only test one, today. She wants to do the pores on my nose, also.

Although summer is a bad season to get scar treatments, she wants to get started as soon as possible and deeply cares about my convenience, goals and work schedule. She was in no rush, polite and a great listener. She, too, had a lot of scarring, but now her skin is practically FLAWLESS. Like I mentioned earlier in this thread: she performs CROSS on her own face - that's all the "before and after" material, I need lol.

She agreed that I am a perfect candidate for the TCA CROSS method and went on to add that my scarring isn't that bad; which, can only make things easier. As for my CROSSED scar, it wasn't painful, it only took a few seconds and then turned white. The white went away, about an hour, or so, later. It's barely noticeable. It's like having a white head for a while and then redness due to it popping. That's the best way I can explain it.

Can't wait for next Tuesday!

[Reeja]

Good luck! Update us on your progress.

Maybe I will go visit Dr. Billick's office: we have no decent dermatologists in Ottawa.

[Sam Witwicky]

Good luck! Update us on your progress.

Maybe I will go visit Dr. Billick's office: we have no decent dermatologists in Ottawa.

Thank you! And I will, that's a promise. I won't just disappear, like some people. This site has given me so much, it's the least I could do.

The CROSSED scar began, for lack of better word, tightening, yesterday, shortly after the "white" had disappeared. Today, it is tighter, has raised and improved! It's one that has always bothered me, due to its location. I must mention, however, that the scar's dimensions were smaller than the one's of an eraser on a pencil (hence why I chose it as the test bunny), but after one CROSS and one day - pretty impressive. It hasn't scabbed (yet); it's just a tad red (which was expected).

As I predicted, it looks like my scars will be responding well, to the CROSS method. Looking forward to have my whole face done, next Tuesday. I'd say I have about 15 icepicks scars, which are mostly on my cheeks (and some enlarged pores on my nose). They're all mild and not deep. Hopefully, they all respond as well as this one. Should be interesting.

[Sam Witwicky]

*pic removed due to dumb upload limit on this board*

I'm usually against taking pictures for this sort of stuff, because they rarely do the the significance of the scar(s) justice, but I wanted to take a photo of the treated scar, to give you guys an idea of what a newly CROSSED one looks like and in order to for me to do so decently, I have to show the side of my face that it is on (left side).

That being said, the red circle surrounds the CROSSED scar and the black circles surround my other icepick scars. Please forgive the quality (pic was taken with my iPhone 4) and the slight redness (I had just woken up).

Edited by SamWitwicky, 05 October 2011 - 09:56 PM.

[Timehealsall]

good luck mate.

I'm usually against taking pictures for this sort of stuff, because they rarely do the the significance of the scar(s) justice, but I wanted to take a photo of the treated scar, to give you guys an idea of what a newly CROSSED one looks like and in order to for me to do so decently, I have to show the side of my face that it is on (left side).

That being said, the red circle surrounds the CROSSED scar and the black circles surround my other icepick scars. Please forgive the quality (pic was taken with my iPhone 4) and the slight redness (I had just woken up).

BTW, did your scars mainly come from cystic acne, or even regular pimples

thanks

[Sam Witwicky]

good luck mate.

Thank you.

BTW, did your scars mainly come from cystic acne, or even regular pimples

thanks

It's always been cystic/inflammatory acne; I wish I had regular pimples lol.

[brolia]

SamWitwicky Hey!!!! So goooood that it works for you! I was on a small vacation and was so exited to come and check out how was you consultation! That's so great you keep posting here, but to be hones i don't see scarring on your picture at all))) It's improved so fast?? Did you take the picture before the procedure to compare? How much cost the treatment? And as you said she told you that summer is not the best time, but you decide to go through anyway?
But if the nurse rally cares about you, that is the most important i guess) What is her name btw, just to make a note)))? And how many sessions you will need to improve scars as much as possible?

[Sam Witwicky]

SamWitwicky Hey!!!! So goooood that it works for you! I was on a small vacation and was so exited to come and check out how was you consultation!

Welcome back.

That's so great you keep posting here, but to be hones i don't see scarring on your picture at all)))

Really? I know it's mild and that the picture was taken with my iPhone, but you can clearly see the icepick scars I circled in black lol.

It's improved so fast?? Did you take the picture before the procedure to compare?

Like I mentioned earlier, I only had one scar CROSSED (the one that is circled in red) as a test. The rest are the original scars.

How much cost the treatment?

Depends on how much scarring one has. She gave me a ballpark figure: Anywhere between 100 and 200 dollars a session (where all the scars are CROSSED). Since I don't have many scars, she figured it would be closer to 100 dollars. I'll let you know on Tuesday, after my first session.

And as you said she told you that summer is not the best time, but you decide to go through anyway?

As-long as you stay out of the sun, it's not a problem. I had a fun summer, thus far - time to get to business. I figure I can get 2 sessions done, before it comes to an end. I've waited long enough.

But if the nurse rally cares about you, that is the most important i guess) What is her name btw, just to make a note)))?

Hehe, I mentioned this, also. You should really read my posts better. Her name is Rene.

And how many sessions you will need to improve scars as much as possible?

The Korean study states that it takes up to 6 sessions for one's scars to fully benefit from the TCA CROSS method. I believe it can also be administered more than that, up until the scars cease to respond. Don't forget, the scars continue to heal, for months after they have been CROSSED. For now, 6 times is my goal - I'll see where I'm at, afterward. My test scar is 3 days into its first treatment and I already see improvement.

Edited by SamWitwicky, 28 July 2011 - 09:36 PM.

[Sam Witwicky]

I had my first TCA CROSS, today; happened about 6 hours ago.

Rene (who was very impressed with the results of the test-scar) CROSSED scars even I didn't know I had - like the tiny ones I have behind my ears! Another reason why I highly recommend going to see a professional, instead of treating yourself - they have a better vantage point and therefore spot everything. She also CROSSED my enlarged pores! She was extremely thorough.

The entire thing took about 20 minutes. First, Rene scrubbed my entire face; it was painless. So was the CROSSING. It only felt a little itchy, while she was applying the TCA. Other than that, cakewalk. When she was done, I was very irritated around the areas she treated and the scars had all frosted. It does look a little bad, but it lasts less than an hour. By the time I gathered my things, paid the bill and got in my car, the redness and frost were practically all gone. Within the hour, my face had gone back to normal; the CROSSED scars were a little red, but already looked tighter and improved. A little after that, you couldn't even tell I had any kind of scar reparation done.

Rene even brought in Dr. Billick to meet me and take a look, even though he's booked until January! I thought that was pretty cool.

But, I did not forget about you guys! Snapped a pic while I was stuck in traffic, about an hour after the procedure, just to give y'all an idea of how one would look an hour after a CROSS and to reassure the ones who worry, that it's no big deal.

*picture removed due to dumb upload limit on this board*

Whatever redness you see, is a CROSSED scar. I have about 7, on my left side. Once again, excuse the quality, since it was taken with my iPhone 4.

Edit: Almost forgot (I know some of you will want to know), the procedure only cost me a hundred dollars. Feel free to ask me anything.

Edited by SamWitwicky, 05 October 2011 - 09:57 PM.

[Timehealsall]

good luck mate.

Thank you.

BTW, did your scars mainly come from cystic acne, or even regular pimples

thanks

It's always been cystic/inflammatory acne; I wish I had regular pimples lol.

huh? regular pimples are inflammatory acne...

[Sam Witwicky]

huh? regular pimples are inflammatory acne...

Uh... that makes no sense - those two contradict one another. Regular pimples, are REGULAR pimples; basic acne, caused by clogged/inflamed PORES. Inflammatory acne, is inflammatory acne.

Pimples: red circles with a white or yellow head. They might leave a scar if you pop them.

Severe acne is inflammatory: red, tender bumps, with no head. They might leave a scar, period.

Cystic acne would fall in the latter category.

Like I said: I never had regular pimples - only inflammatory acne, such as cysts and nodules.

Edited by SamWitwicky, 03 August 2011 - 10:59 AM.

[brolia]

Hey SamWitwicky! Thank you for all your updates! I was looking at the last picture (from the traffic) for quite a while, and mmm i still do not see any scarring on our face) But you better know for sure) I'm glad you finally made you first session) So now i wish you to have a good healing!) You are right, there was a name) I was reading your posts! But i'm not very attentive and english also is not the strongest point of mine. Anyway i wish you luck and keep update the forum! Pretty cool sunglasses btw)))

huh? regular pimples are inflammatory acne...

Uh... that makes no sense - those two contradict one another. Regular pimples, are REGULAR pimples; basic acne, caused by clogged/inflamed PORES. Inflammatory acne, is inflammatory acne.

Pimples: red circles with a white or yellow head. They might leave a scar if you pop them.

Severe acne is inflammatory: red, tender bumps, with no head. They might leave a scar, period.

Cystic acne would fall in the latter category.

Like I said: I never had regular pimples - only inflammatory acne, such as cysts and nodules.

[Sam Witwicky]

Hey SamWitwicky! Thank you for all your updates! I was looking at the last picture (from the traffic) for quite a while, and mmm i still do not see any scarring on our face) But you better know for sure)

Maybe because it was taken with my cellphone - but they're there.

I don't have many, and the scarring is mild, however, wherever you see redness, it's one of my icepick scars that was CROSSED.

Anyway i wish you luck and keep update the forum! Pretty cool sunglasses btw)))

Will do! Thank you for the positive vibes!

And LOVE my ray-bans.

Edit: A lot of scabbing going on.

Edited by SamWitwicky, 04 August 2011 - 07:01 PM.

[Sam Witwicky]

First CROSS treatment on Tuesday. Picture of left side of my face taken on Friday.

Any red and pink you see are icepicks and enlarged pores that were CROSSED.

Edit: Sorry about the flash, but it was night-time.

Attached Thumbnails

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Edited by SamWitwicky, 05 August 2011 - 10:15 PM.

[sygge]

Hi Sam. I am from Toronto and have the same type of icepick scarring as you on my left cheek, so I really appreciate you updating your progress with pictures. I am considering the TCA CROSS method with someone who is trained (because I don't trust myself) and the office you go to sounds trustworthy and professional. Do you know if I will need a referral to get a consultation since I am an out-of-province patient? Good luck with your treatments and please keep updating if you can.

[Sam Witwicky]

Hi Sam. I am from Toronto and have the same type of icepick scarring as you on my left cheek, so I really appreciate you updating your progress with pictures.

Hey, sygge! Nice to see another fellow Canadian, on here.

I am considering the TCA CROSS method with someone who is trained (because I don't trust myself) and the office you go to sounds trustworthy and professional.

I, seriously, can't sing their good graces, enough.

Do you know if I will need a referral to get a consultation since I am an out-of-province patient?

I, myself, did not need a referral; you will be seeing one of Dr. Billick's assistants, who performs the CROSS method, and not Dr. Billick/the dermatologist, himself. Therefore, no referral, required. I applaud you for not trying it on yourself and seeking out a professional, instead - it just makes sense. Like I've said before: I'd never try it on myself, either.

That being said, my consultation with her was free, thanks to Medicare, but since you are an out-of-province patient, you will, most likely, be charged for it.

Good luck with your treatments and please keep updating if you can.

Thank you! I most definitely will! Good luck with your journey and feel free to drop in here and fire some questions, whenever you want.

Edited by SamWitwicky, 07 August 2011 - 09:32 PM.

[Timehealsall]

huh? regular pimples are inflammatory acne...

Uh... that makes no sense - those two contradict one another. Regular pimples, are REGULAR pimples; basic acne, caused by clogged/inflamed PORES. Inflammatory acne, is inflammatory acne.

Pimples: red circles with a white or yellow head. They might leave a scar if you pop them.

Severe acne is inflammatory: red, tender bumps, with no head. They might leave a scar, period.

Cystic acne would fall in the latter category.

Like I said: I never had regular pimples - only inflammatory acne, such as cysts and nodules.

ic what you mean.

but than inflammatory acne can be papules as well?

i mean a lot of my acne start as red bumps, and than turn into whiteheads?

what do you mean by tender?

[Timehealsall]

how much have your pores improved

[Sam Witwicky]

ic what you mean.

but than inflammatory acne can be papules as well?

Papules (and pustules) are inflammatory acne, yes.

i mean a lot of my acne start as red bumps, and than turn into whiteheads?

Acne is acne. Whiteheads are whiteheads (a form of acne). The red bumps before the whiteheads, are caused by inflamed pores (they're not inflamed acne) and are filled with plugs of sebum - whereas inflammatory acne, is filled with pus.

what do you mean by tender?

I mean the definition of tender lol.

how much have your pores improved

It's kind of early to really tell/give a specific percentage, and I never count my chickens before they've hatched, but I can tell you that there definitely is significant improvement. After the first treatment and the first week post-CROSS, I can see that the pores on my nose have gotten much smaller and tighter.