178 replies to this topic

[OursFan]

Thanks!

I am actually going to have N-Lite done tomorrow. The Dr. has told me that it can take anywhere from 30 days to 90 days to see improvement. This will be my first of two treatments. I am going to get it done again two weeks from tomorrow as well. I am not sure if it will work or not but I am going to give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes and I'll post another photo in a month to see if I've had any further improvement. I'm trying not to get my hopes up as I have heard that about 1/3 of the people who get N-Lite see NO results whatsoever. I'll be happy if I can get 25% improvement and I would be thrilled with 50% improvement. If this doesn't work then I will give needling a try.

[scartissue]

hey i was wondering.. did it hurt when you get subscision? the improvements are amazing!

[frances]

Great results Tamara!!!! I have checked your photos at various intervals and your skin is continually improving - congratulations.

[OursFan]

Thanks again!

The subcision didn't hurt but the pain-numbing injections the Dr. gave me definitely did hurt.

[Miss_Prolixity]

Tamara,
You look FABULOUS! I just took a look at your last updated picture and I am continually amazed. It seems with time, the more improvement you're recieving. I am definitely interested in subcision.

I have a question for you. You mentioned that you consulted with a few Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists, did they offer other treatments such as dermabrasion or laser? The only reason why I am asking is, subcision seems to offer remarkable results at a fraction of the cost that lasers or dermabrasion would offer. I have had a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon and a Dermatoligist, who both recommended dermabrasion. At $3,500 I would expect more than a 20-30% percent improvement and that's what I was told my improvement would be, but I could have 2 more treatments and get around 70%. So I would be paying over $10,000 for 70% improvement. And to me, the results you've shown (especially your last picture) surpasses 70%.

Also, are you using any topical creams/gel on your skin (for collagen growth) or taking any supplements? I am just amazed, you truly look wonderful!

[hello50]

I know, i still cant believe it!

[Anna]

Tamara,
I am so impressed. You must be extremely pleased. You look wonderful!

My cousin's wife just had this done in Germany and they will be coming over in December I can't wait to see how she looks. My cousin described a difference in the procedure they do over there, which I thought I would share. Her doctor told her after the subcision to kind of squeeze the scar to keep the intradermal incision open longer and prevent the scar from re-attaching. I think some doctors over here are doing the same thing but with collagen injections right after subcision. You might ask your doctor what he thinks about this.

All my best to you! Again, WOW!

Anna

[OursFan]

All your words are very encouraging.

Miss_Proxlixity: None of the Drs I consulted with did dermabrasion. One Dr. said that it would be a good option but that I would have to get it done by someone very skilled in doing it and since it's a rather antiquated mode of treatment that it would be difficult to find someone that skilled nowadays.
The Dr. that performed my subcision offers laser surgery and said that would be an option for me, but I have had it done once and did not opt for that again.
I don't think that my improvement is actually 70% as lighting/angle of my face may vary.
Here is my daily routine:
Morning: Purpose cleanser, Paula's Choice sunscreen, Jane Iredale makeup.
Evening: Purpose cleanser, if I have any pimples then BP if I don't then I use Paula's Choice toner, and Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Moisture Gel.
I take an occassional antioxidant pill, but that's it.

Anna: That sounds intriguing. Not sure how they would squeeze the scar to keep it open though. Did you find out for how long? I'll try to remember to ask my Dr. about this next time I see him.

I had the N-Lite done today. Only took about 15 minutes to do my face (primarily my cheeks). It feels a little warm and an ever-so-slight prick but not uncomfortable at all. You can't even tell I had it done! I plan on taking a photo in about 30 days, maybe longer, we'll see.

[Bulldog]

Oursfan, does NLITE cause any redness or swelling?

[OursFan]

Bulldog: I just got home and looked in the mirror. It's been approximately 4-5 hours since I had it done and I haven't noticed any redness or swelling. It didn't hurt so I wouldn't expect there to be much in the way of evidence that any such procedure has taken place.

I just hope that I will see some sort of result from it. I have read somewhere online that about 1/3 of the people who have it done see no obvious results. Only time will tell. It's going to be anywhere from 30-90 days until I see anything but I will come back and post around that time.

[LAET]

Tamara,

Wow! I hadn't seen the photos since my last post. I'm amazed at how your skin keeps improving. Your collagen is really building up! Is there some way to bump this thread so it doesn't keep getting buried? I'm so happy it's working out so successfully for you!

[Maya]

I've just taken a look at your photos too - yes!!!!!! There really is a good improvement. I expect your skin will continue to improve for another 2 months.

Will you be getting another subcision done Tamara? Many derms recommend a series of 3.

[OursFan]

I don't know if I will or not. I still have one N-Lite which I will be getting this week. It may take up to 6 mos. to see an improvement from the N-Lite so I am going to wait about that time and think about options if I am not satisfied w/the result at that time.

[daltgilb]

hey tamara,
I haven't posted in a while because I have been in a bit of a funk about my own scars--not knowing what to do as they are hyperpigmentecd and depressed, just like me. but I have to say that your photos give me some hope. they look great. subcision sems to have worked well for you. can't wait to see what happens with the n-lite.
deborah

[daltgilb]

tamara,
just had one question. how do you know if your scar is tethered down. my scars are atrophic, but it looks like someone just scooped some pieces out of my skin. they aren't really taut looking which i guess describes the kind of scars that are subcised. the scars feel tight and burn sometimes but i think that is because of dry skin--thanks
deborah

[OursFan]

Hi Deborah, I don't know how to tell if the scar is tethered down. I would guess that it would be considered a "rolling" scar. The rolling scars are the ones that are depressed, but are smooth with no sharp edges. I think the ones that are depressed with the sharp edges are "boxcar" scars and those are similar to chicken pox marks. The last type of scar is ice pick and those are the small, round and often times deep scars. That's just my understanding of the types of scars. It's also my understanding that subcision works best for rolling scars.

[Sid]

I have been visiting this forum since December last year, I have found this thread on subcision very interesting. I have mainly Ice pick scars and was going to see a plastic surgeon in london, at a consultation fee of £100, to see if I was suitable for treatment. I have heard from many that subscision does not really work for my type of scars. Could someone advice me before I go and spend this money.

[OursFan]

Sid: It's my understanding that subcision is not the best mode of treatment for ice pick scars. I would suggest seeing several Plastic Surgeons and/or Dermatologists who do not charge a consultation fee and ask for their opinions. At that point you'll have a better understanding of some of your better options.

[LAET]

I believe excision or punch graft is supposed to be good for ice pick scars.
If someone already wrote that, don't mind me, I didn't read the whole thread!

[Sid]

Oursfan and Laet, thanks for your replies.

Two years ago I was advised by the national health service that I should give subscision a try, but it might not be very successful, this was after my acne stoppped through the use of accutane.

I don't think anyone in the U.K. does excision or punch grafts, can anyone enlighten me.