15 replies to this topic

[notsoshyguy]

Hello everyone. I am new here, and I wanted to share this information with you all.

Before I begin, the dermatologist I went to see told me that we should only do one procedure a month, whatever it may be. He told me that he doesn't agree with doctors who tell their patients to do this or that every two weeks. He feels one time a month is enough.

Anyway, I told him I was interested in Microdermabrasion. I asked him if it's true that it helps scars. He told me that it smoothens the face and improves the appearance of the scars. It doesn't remove them. He told me that he charges $100.00 for Microdermabrasion which made me happy.

Then I asked him about Smoothbeam, and he told me that this laser procedure does have a 10-20% effect on removing scars but it's over a 6 month period to let the collagen kick in. He told me that some people think it's worth it and that some other people don't think it is. He said it's up to me. By the way, he charges $275.00 for this procedure. Also, I asked him about side effects and he said that it can create scars (how ironic) and blisters, but he said that with the frequency they use there it is almost impossible for that to occur. That kind of scared me.

Regarding V-Beam, he told me that it is used for the redness. He told me that I didn't really need it, but he said it's around $400 for the whole face.

Another thing that I wanted to know was if face lifts also helped. From what he said, I got the impression that they were the most effective because he told me to stretch my skin with my fingers, and I already knew that it did because I had tried it at home. I asked him if it removed the scars, and he said it doesn't but it stretches the scars and it makes them less visible. He told me that I was too young for a face lift though.

Well, I really feel comfortable with this doctor because he answered all my questions.

Earlier that day I had gone to a beauty salon where they offer Microdermabrasion, and I went to get a brochure. The girl gave it to me and the description said it was a peel. I wanted to know if it was a peel because I'm paranoid about peels, and they contacted the owner over the phone, and I asked her if Microdermabrasion was a peel, and she asked me, "Why?" I didn't like that. I just told her that I wanted to know because I was interested in getting it. I just felt she was trying to find out why I wanted to know so she could give me the answer that I wanted. Even though they offer a cheaper package, I don't feel comfortable getting it done there. I rather pay more and feel comfortable with the dermatologist doing it, rather than in a beauty salon where who knows if they are certified!

[trieditall]

notsoshyguy, Microdermabrasion is a waste of money for scars IMO. I've also read on this board that a face lift does not help in the long term. I am currently getting a series of smoothbeam treatments, (I've had 4) I think it is helping with small intents and rolling scars. They are spaced every three weeks.

The lady at the salon may have wondered if you feared a continuing peeling after the treatment.

I think your doc is right about the month between but the rest of it, I don't agree with. My doc charges $325 for a full face smoothbeam treatment but I got a special deal for $200 spot treatment. I've had no problem with new scars or blisters.

What kind of scars are you trying to improve???? Good Luck!

[AmoALaura]

Hi trieditall, did the Smoothbeam work for you ?

[notsoshyguy]

trieditall: The dermatologist actually made it clear to me that Microdermabrasion is not for scars. I was wondering....does it really smoothen the face though, if you've tried them?

Also, I do want to try the smoothbeam treatments. He charges $275 so that is not bad. I'm glad that smoothbeam has worked for you! I can't wait to start mine. By the way, what exactly didn't you agree w/ what my dermatologist said? Please tell me.

By the way, I have no idea what type of scars I have. To me they're all scars. I guess I'm a big ignorant still on this topic. I am new here, so I hope to learn more from you all!

[trieditall]

notsoshyguy, You have come to a really good place to learn how to get imporvement. I have spent many hours here and I learn (or get hope) just about everytime I come.


As for the microdermabrasion, I have had some experience there. I found it to be money and time consuming with no results--but, it feels good. I think there are different types of microdermabrasion. Maybe someone else can shed more light on that. Try to check out the "search" features for any topics you want to get more info on.

As for the scars types--you should read the Frequently Asked Questions at the top of the scar forum. It's full of useful information and will give you lots of topics to search. As you will see, the type of scar you are trying to improve will help you determine what treatment is best for you. Your dermatologist may just be interested in selling you what he has rather than what will be best for you. That is the advantage you have in coming here and learning all you can.

Please keep us posted on your progress. Best wishes!

[trieditall]

amigababy, As I posted earlier, I have had four smoothbeam treatments. I am very hopeful it will help with rolling scars. I may have seen some improvement in the rolling scars. In the meantime, I am doing TCA CROSS and using Obagi products. I'm sure some icepicks and large pores have improved, but that is not what smoothbeam is supposed to target. Since I have every type of scar, I can benefit from different treatments.

I searched smoothbeam here and found some posters to be very happy with the results after 6-8 treatments. I am determined to stick with it to see if I can get the desired results. I get treatments approx. every three weeks--so it takes time.

I am also taking my son to smoothbeam treatments for active acne. He has had some improvement but only three treatments so far. I'd do anything to help him.

Have you had any treatments--or are you just considering?

[AmoALaura]

Hi trieditall, thank you for your answer, i am considering either dermabrasion or Derma K laser, but i am reading very bad things about the downtime and that puts me off, no dermatologist has talked me about non ablative laser for acne scars but if these "less aggressive" treatments work i might try them before getting into ablative treatments. Maybe i will begin to treat my scars with a TCA peeling. I have every type of acne scar that exists so any tratment might help.

[Prettywords]

Your Dr. actually sounds competent. I agree with all he said from what I've heard and read on here. Who is he and where is he located?

[notsoshyguy]

Hi emmanuel. The dermatologist I went to see is Erick A. Mafong. He is located in South San Diego in Chula Vista. He works in the Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego, and their website is www.dermlasercenter.com I have an appointment next week to get Microdermabrasion, to better the appearance of my skin since I know it doesn't do much for scars. I will try Smoothbeam either the next visit or after I get another Microdermabrasion done. I'm still not sure. I will wait and see what Microdermabrasion does to my face.

[Pocktapuss]

Hi, I'm new here, too. Stumbled on the site a few weeks back when I was considering Smoothbeam and perhaps V-Beam. Just had my first SB treatment this AM, so I thought I'd chime in.

First off, I'm a caucasian male, 47 years old, and I've had virtually non-stop cystic acne since I was 13 or so. Plus I'm obsessive compulsive, so I did all the wrong things to my skin, like squeezing and picking. Not a good combo, OCD and bad acne. Now, despite all of that (and my user name, which I hope brings a smile), I don't have a lot of very deep scars. I'd say my scarring is moderate in severity, with the worst of it being on my upper cheeks to the sides of my face and my nose, where a few shave biopsies of mysterious bumps and a few ruptured cysts have left several pretty good icepicks. Generally my scars aren't deep, but they are legion.

I've had microdermabrasion done previously. Thought I'd "get my feet wet" by trying something that was no pain, no risk. I must say that I did notice improvement. I can't put percentages on it, but it definitely smoothed out the edges of many scars and after about the third or fourth in an initial package of six treatments, I saw noticeable, although subtle, improvement. I think I paid $100 per in a package of six. I'd try if you can afford it. While it is mechanical exfoliation, I think it can yield some positive results in some people.

I was happy with the results of that and the occasional follow up visit every couple of months or so until this past year, when I got a few very nasty cysts and resultant scars. So I visited this board, read a lot, and decided to give SB a try.

This AM wasn't really all that bad, to be honest. I was prepared for much worse. I can only say that I felt pain where I failed to put the cream on generously enough (they had me apply it and then took a look to see if I had put on an adequate amount) at points like the upper part of my chin near my mouth. Places like my forehead, which I was told causes many to wince, were pretty much a breeze. And I don't have a high pain threshold, either. I told my doctor before my first carpal tunnel surgery that he had the distinction of operating on the world's biggest coward. I didn't think it was bad at all.

I do have redness overall (my skin generally, not specifically from today) and am going to try V-Beam as well. I was told to wait a week between SB and V-Beam, too, despite the posts here from others who said that they had both done in the same visit.

I'm paying $1500 for five SB treatments which includes the numbing cream. I'm in western Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. I asked about the package number, and she felt that five, done correctly at the right settings, would do the job.

I was told that I would see the most significant results about two months after my last treatment, so this is the tortoise approach, not the hare.

I had it done at 11 or so this AM. It's almost five PM here now. And I have a lot of spots all over my face at this hour. Like red tire tracks. Or like I fell asleep on a heating grate. I hope that passes before tomorrow morning, as I have a meeting in the AM. Can't wait to try to explain this one.

I think she said I did close to 1,000 pulses, 500 per side.

I'd suspect that most things may be considered a waste of money if you're expecting something miraculous. However, if your expectations are reasonable and modest, and if you have the financial resources, I wouldn't rule microdermabrasion out completely to help with more shallow scarring.

Anyway, thanks for the information you have all shared and I hope that I'm able to provide some helpful insights as well as time goes on.

[Kitkat20]

Ugh, I totally agree with you on the OCD + acne = bad combo bit. I have a bad habit of picking at everything, which is likely how I ended up with my scars. I am EXTREMELY lucky that mine are only superficial and will likely be cleared up with a 25% TCA peel or two. Unfortunately, I also have a tendency to obsess over my scars, which only makes things worse. (I think that's also a sign that I need a new medication, but that's a whole other story.)

So glad to find someone else who understands how hard it is.

[Pocktapuss]

It is tough, and I favor the O in OCD as well. There are good things to be had as a result of that (getting good grades, being driven to excel, etc.). But there are bad ramifications, too. And we all know what those are.

Some other comments that I hope are appropriate here, the first going back to the original poster's question. I know that "peel" is associated with some of the brand names of microdermabrasion machines (Diamond Peel, Power Peel, etc.), but technically it is more an aggressive means of exfoliation than a peel as understood in relation to a chemical peel. I guess anything that removes the outer layer(s) of skin would technically be considered a peel, but the action or process of that removal sure seems different to me. My skin is very sensitive and a lot of chemicals make me beet red. My microdermabrasion redness was just like a mild windburn and if I had it done in the AM, it would largely be gone by bedtime. Hydrocortisone would take it down if needed, but that was rarely if ever the case. Certainly microderm goes deeper than any OTC exfoliating scrub or mask, so there are greater benefits to be had. Whether that warrants $100 or $125 per session is up to the individual.

Also, I've seen some say they were taking extra vitamins of various kinds before or during their Smoothbeam treatments. Before mine, I had to sign a "waiver" about possible issues like hyperpigmentation, bruising and so on, giving them permission to do the process. One of the items was to avoid vitamin E and things like Advil or even aspirin five to seven days before each session. I assume, and it makes sense now, that these have an effect on healing and/or thinning the blood which might cause or worsen the possibility of some of these unwanted results. Of course, I had no idea I was supposed to avoid them and had been taking E and had a headache just a couple of days before. Maybe that's why I still have a vague waffle-iron pattern especially on my lower left cheek. The red zap areas are still there, all in nice neat rows.

Sounds like a Tim Burton character: The Adventures of the Waffle Faced Boy. Yikes.

[notsoshyguy]

I went to get Microdermabrasion done on my face today! Boy was I red. The frequency the girl did it at was 4 1/2. She was really down to earth, and at times she was too honest. At one point I was telling her about the beauty salon lady that wasn't really cooperative with my questions, and she told me that it's better there because if she messes up the patients face, who will fix the problem? The doctor! And at beauty salons usually the owner is the one that does it and if they mess up your face, who will fix it? Um...that scared me! Doesn't she know she is about to perform on me? That didn't help at all hahaha! Anyway, I think everything turned out fine. She told me that she would start on frequency 4 1/2 and I was to tell her if I wanted it stronger or milder. I told her to stay there. Ouch! It wasn't too bad hehe. Anyway, she went over my entire face 3 times. After the procedure, she put on an after peel cream. Now that felt too strong for my face! It left my face really red, and I was just thinking, I hope nobody sees me after I leave! Anyway, I went outside to my car, and on my way two teenagers were passing by and I noticed their shock face but quickly turned away. I was about to start laughing haha! I got home and I rinsed my face and I put my own gentler repair cream. Now, hours later my face looks so much better. I know it won't really do anything for my scars, but I plan on doing another one in a month. I will use it to clean my pores and dead skin cells.

[Pocktapuss]

If you really want to improve the scars even a bit, you'll really need to do a series spaced one week apart. Because microdermabrasion doesn't take off much skin, you need to go back once a week so that it can get down a little deeper. As I said, I did six, once a week for six weeks and started to notice some improvement after the third or fourth visit. It was $600. And while it did soften the edges and appearance of my scars and smooth my skin generally, it evened out my skin tones, too. As far as each session goes, you will be red, but it will fade quickly. I just got my redness to fade from my first Smoothbeam done last Thursday, so it took me more than 4 days for that redness and those residual marks to calm down. Good luck with it. If you decide to go more often, don't worry. It won't be any redder than today, but it should soften the scars with more frequent and more closely spaced treatments. As far as discomfort goes, it depends on which attachment they're using. The person who did mine would start with a tip that was more gentle, then go to one that was much more aggressive. The gentler one was like a cat's tongue. The harsher one was much more abrasive. Make sure they cool your face down, too, with some compresses. That helps as well.

[Pocktapuss]

By the way, make sure you get and use a good suncreen every day. I use Skinceuticals SPF 30, with zinc oxide. I never did anything to my face until the evening of the treatment, and I usually had mine at 9:30 or 10 in the morning. Then I would just splash my face with cool water. I reread your original post and saw that the dermatologist only recommended one treatment a month, but I can't imagine something like this would make him that cautious. We're talking microns of skin removal each time, which is very little. But trust what he tells you if that's his position. I do think that's being overly conservative. Hope it helps.

[bluebluegirl]

I'm confused about microdermabrasion. I had a consultation with a very well-regarded facial specialist plastic surgeon yesterday who recommended it for ice pick scars. He told me I should see a 70% improvement with 6 treatments. A nurse would do the basic stuff and then he would come in and do "heavier" scraping over the more scarred areas on my cheeks.

It seems from all the threads here that microdermabrasion, while helping with skin tone and light hyperpigmentation, has no effect on depressed scars. I have always believed that my scars were about moderate, but the surgeon classified them as "very mild" and said that all the classic treatments like punch excision/grafts/elevation would be overkill and would produce worse scars that would need many months to heal. He also said that after about 3 of the micro treatments, he would possibly assess to see if some filler would help with the depressions.

Seemed like a very qualified guy, and the conservative recommendations seem like the sign of an ethical doctor, but should I be searching for someone who will be a little more aggressive? No easy answers, I suppose.