5599 replies to this topic

[acneisawful]

Hi Mickey99,
thanks for responding! that Recell treatment sounds very promising...I wonder if it is something that can help atrophic (indented) scarring as well? I'd be curious to know more about that. I assume it must be pretty expensive. That's great that there's something available to treat the hypopigmentation.
Also, how did you find your skin responded to the Repair? From my understanding, it is similar to an ablative CO2 laser, but supposed to be safer than those in the past. I considered doing the Repair instead of the Restore, but this is the first time i've done anything about my scarring, so I was too chicken to go straight to the Repair. I was also worried about potential hypopigmentation, similar to what you experienced from the CO2.
How has your recovery from the Repair been? I heard it's a little longer downtime than Restore. I find that my downtime from Restore is about 4 days of swelling and redness, then another 3-5 days of redness, which diminishes a little each day. They say Restore is supposed to be an easier recovery than a more ablative laser, but it still feels pretty difficult to me! Every time I get one I just try not to look at myself for like a week because it freaks me out too much.

[mickey99]

Hi acneisawful
If you want to know more about Recell then check out a thread started by a guy named Ernestoria recently (search for ernestoria and it comes up). He had Subcision, Fraxel Repair and Recell all on the same day and has posted lots of pictures showing his recovery.

The Recell was much cheaper than the Fraxel - hundreds of pounds instead of thousands.

I was quite concerned about having a laser again since it was a laser that gave me hypopigmentation in the first place but the doctor assured me there was no risk of it getting worse and he thought it would get much better.

I think all three types of Fraxel work in quite a different way to the older ablative lasers. Because they only treat tiny points of the skin and leave the surrounding skin intact the skin can heal much more effectively and safely than with an ablative laser which treats larger areas.

Straight after the Fraxel my face had many tiny areas where it was bleeding but it didn't hurt. One or two days after the Fraxel it swelled up and got red and scabby. I think it was a couple more days or so after that when my skin started to peel and itch. The whole thing wasn't too bad though.

It's 25 days now after the Fraxel and I think my face looks a little bit like it's suntanned. Someone at work asked me today if I was wearing fake suntan. I wasn't expecting to look suntanned. I don't know if some of the colour is due to the Recell but my face is coloured all over where I had the Fraxel but I only had the Recell in the patches on my face where I have hypopigmentation. It's quite a few months since I read through this whole thread so I can't remember if other people described looking a bit suntanned after treatment.

[FraxelLover]

I would say between 30% - 40%. Hard to tell because lighting is different!

www.laserdermatologynyc.com/fraxel-laser.aspx

Edited by FraxelLover, 02 April 2010 - 05:59 PM.

[nozleb]

Has anyone tried fraxel repair or luminus fractional co2 laser for large pores on the nose?

[aslani]

Yeah, I have to agree. If you've got the money, Fraxel definately looks like its the best option. Maybe not for terrible scars, but for medium/mild, and texture/hyperpigmentation issues like me I believe it's going to be a Godsend. I'm getting 5 Fraxels done within the next year.

Hi, I want to know what kind of sid effects did you suffer?I have don fraxel last day but my skin is badly red.I want to know how long does it take?

[Ziko]

Yeah, I have to agree. If you've got the money, Fraxel definately looks like its the best option. Maybe not for terrible scars, but for medium/mild, and texture/hyperpigmentation issues like me I believe it's going to be a Godsend. I'm getting 5 Fraxels done within the next year.

Hi, I want to know what kind of sid effects did you suffer?I have don fraxel last day but my skin is badly red.I want to know how long does it take?

It's funny how people follow a hype... this dude is talking about a "godsend" yet never have a treatment done, wow....

I guess now, 5 years later, he or she thinks completely different about this treatment. Fraxel (restore) gives no improvement to indented scarring.

[aslani]

Hi everyone.

I'm posting the pictures of my skin after my 6th Fraxel. All of the pictures were taken on 03/02/2009, approximately 5 weeks and plus after my 6th Fraxel. I do not believe that there was any micro-swelling left from the 6th Fraxel, as it normally lasts about 3 weeks on my skin.

If anybody is interested in before/after comparison pictures, please take a look at my post #5515 on page 276. I have my before pictures posted in there.

Currently, my main concern/focus is the large boxcar scars on the right side of my face, which hadn't improved much after 5 Fraxels. However, after my 6th Fraxel with 70MJ and Treatment Level 11, I feel I've noticed very good improvements.

Taken w/o makeup on 03/02/2009:


Taken w/ makeup on 03/02/2009:


I'm very happy with the left side of my face. With makeup, this side of my face looks very good compared to how it used to look. I'm happy.

Taken w/o makeup on 03/02/2009:


Taken w/ makeup on 03/02/2009:


Today, I had my 7th Fraxel done. Just like my previous Fraxel, I felt almost no pain during the treatment. My doctor, PA and I were even having a conversation about traveling during the procedure. I know I'm repeating myself, but it is amazing to be able to have a conversation during Fraxel instead of feeling nothing but pain, pain and more pain.

If anyone happens to have any questions for me, feel free to send me a message. Good luck to everyone that is going through this.

Hi,
I just want to know how long did it take to get your normal skin colour?

[Mr President]

Hi everyone.

I'm posting the pictures of my skin after my 6th Fraxel. All of the pictures were taken on 03/02/2009, approximately 5 weeks and plus after my 6th Fraxel. I do not believe that there was any micro-swelling left from the 6th Fraxel, as it normally lasts about 3 weeks on my skin.

If anybody is interested in before/after comparison pictures, please take a look at my post #5515 on page 276. I have my before pictures posted in there.

Currently, my main concern/focus is the large boxcar scars on the right side of my face, which hadn't improved much after 5 Fraxels. However, after my 6th Fraxel with 70MJ and Treatment Level 11, I feel I've noticed very good improvements.

Taken w/o makeup on 03/02/2009:


Taken w/ makeup on 03/02/2009:


I'm very happy with the left side of my face. With makeup, this side of my face looks very good compared to how it used to look. I'm happy.

Taken w/o makeup on 03/02/2009:


Taken w/ makeup on 03/02/2009:


Today, I had my 7th Fraxel done. Just like my previous Fraxel, I felt almost no pain during the treatment. My doctor, PA and I were even having a conversation about traveling during the procedure. I know I'm repeating myself, but it is amazing to be able to have a conversation during Fraxel instead of feeling nothing but pain, pain and more pain.

If anyone happens to have any questions for me, feel free to send me a message. Good luck to everyone that is going through this.

Hi,
I just want to know how long did it take to get your normal skin colour?

well again the laser isnt very strong. so id say a few weeks at most.

[theangelus001]

Hello everyone. I'm here to post a few pictures that show the results from Fraxel Restore.

In observing the pictures, please keep in mind that:

- All pictures are taken under the daylight, with no camera flash, because camera flash tends to erase the appearance of my scars.

-My intention is to help others in making whatever the decision that's best for them, just like caesar2's pictures had helped me. I am in no way trying to make Fraxel look good or bad, by posting these pictures.

-My pictures are taken with and without makeup. Whether or not I have makeup on in each picture is stated with pictures.

- I try to post pictures that make my scars look as bad as possible. I've found that pictures taken under the daylight with a little bit of shadow make the scars look bad, so I've used a lot of those pictures (you'll see what's I am talking about later).

Before Fraxel (FEBRUARY 2008)

1st pictures- Left cheek, no makeup
Both are the exact same pictures, the left one under the natural daylight without editing & the right one under the natural daylight with editing to add more shadow to highlight the scars. In addition to the icepick scars you see in these pictures, I had about 6-7 large box scars on my left side but they were hard to photograph. Also, as you can see, I had A LOT of melasma.



2nd picture - Left cheek, with makeup
Bad picture, I know. Sorry. Since my icepick scars pre-Fraxel were pretty deep, makeup actually made the scars look worse though it did help hiding my melasma and uneven complexion. I wish I had better pictures with makeup, but I don't.



3rd picutres - Right cheek, with makeup
I had a fewer scars on this side of my face, but I had some of the deepest icepick & boxed scars on this side. No pictures without makeup because the scars were actually easier to photograph with makeup.



After 5 treatments of Fraxel & 6 month after the 5th treatment (DECEMBER 2008)

4th picture - Left cheek, with makeup
You can see that most of the icepick scars have disappeared or become shallower. I still have boxed scars but with softer edges. My husband thinks that this side of my face was originally much worse than the other (right) side, but this side has shown more improvements than the right side. I was not expecting icepick scars to show much improvements, so I was surprised.



5th picture - Left cheek, without makeup
This was taken in Dec 08 right after visiting my dermatologist to remove the last few milias that developed during/after Fraxel. You see a few red spots because of that. I had about 20 milias all over my face in June 08, but Retin-A and a few visits to my dermatologist have helped greatly. As of Jan 09, I only have 2~3 small milias.



6th picture- Right cheek, with makeup
This side showed the minimum results. But some of the very deep scars you see in picture #3 have become shallower. That I am happy about.



7th picture - Right cheek, without makeup
Again, this side has shown the minimum results.



-------------------------
I just had my 6th Fraxel Restore treatment at 70MJ, and I'm SO very swollen like Mike Tyson after the match. Wow! I will keep you guys updated and post more pictures soon. Good luck to everyone!!!

hiiiii!!!im new to this forum n would llike 2 know wer r pic????i dunt c anything

[mrjarjarbinks77]

Thanks guys.

I am looking into non ablative laser - fraxel.I don't come from a wealthy family. Much of my scarring is a result of no medical care. I saw a specialist this year. I have no medical so, I pay for everything.

Had a cystic breakout and used a prescription topical and antibiotics to clear my acne. Sadly I was left with red pigment or so I thought. Turns out is a shallow scar. I am so sad about it. Worst of all, it was over a year waiting for my doctor to get me a dermatologist. My GP ducked and dodged my calls. When they finally have me my date with a specialist, I had already been through a cystic breakout. The specialist told me they had no record of any appointment for me except 3months prior.

I am so mad cause my dermatologist could have seen a helped me. Instead, I am sad, depressed, and anti social. This isn't living. I need help.

Lightgirl - thanks for your questions to sirgreg. I will use them to speak to my dermatoligist. Did you ever post pics?

Sirgreg - how did it turn out for you? Is. Your gf supportive? I envy you. I had dated a lot last year. No girls in my life atm. I feel like friends forgot me or most have.

BX - is an inspiration . Thanks for your support.

I see my derm 2mw. I look at my childhood pic and I am close to tears. I was full of lifé, positivity, dreams, happy, and energetic. My best f now is my xbox atm. Girls and dating aren't in my life. I use to box like BX in my teens competively. I feel like such a pussy but, I am just so sad guys.

I lost my faith in god, in life, and everything. I just want my life back, to be happy, and free. To meet girls again, date, live, and love without the consciousness of feeling like the elephant man.


You guys give me faith and hope. Something to believe in. If it wasn't for my family, especially younger brother, I don't know what I would do. I just lost a lot of family and this scarring on top of everything, I feel like I am spinning out of control.

I guess I just want something to believe in.

[mrjarjarbinks77]

Fraxel Small Area (2"x 2")
$550.00 - 1x

$440.00 - discount

$1072.50 - 3x

$2145.00 - 6x + 1 free


Fraxel Half Face
$850.00 - 1x

$680.00 - 1x discounted

$1657.50 - 3x

$3315.00 - 6x + 1 free


Fraxel Full Face
$1080.00 - 1x

$864.00 - 1x discounted

$2106.00 - 3x

$4212.00 - 6x + 1 free


I spoke to my dermatologist. I was feeling depressed last bit then better the other day after seeing my dermatologist. Healing but, I am quite conscious again today. I searched out some fraxel places online. Found the above prices. I emailed them with Lightgirl's questions. Curious if anyone of you guys find this legit or what? I know its expensive and my derm was pushing me away from it so it seemed. Not sure if he feels I don't need it as he feels in 6month to a year, he believes things will have improved. I am still thinking about this laser treatment. Even 30-50% better would be worth it.

I hope to hear from you guys and if not, maybe I will pm a few of you guys. Thanks.

[xciteurmom]

I'm so incredibly frustrated with Fraxel research, because there are such discrepancies between what different people say. The Fraxel website (as well as other people) say healing is about two days and downtime is a week; others say they were looking terrible for one to two months. Some people say it's $2k per treatment; others say it was $700-800. Some people say it was amazing and worked wonders; other people say it's a complete waste of time and does nothing.

I have no idea who to believe or what to think or what to do. I understand results vary sometimes between people, but there seems to be zero consensus about anything involving Fraxel.

[raiderdood]

I'm so incredibly frustrated with Fraxel research, because there are such discrepancies between what different people say. The Fraxel website (as well as other people) say healing is about two days and downtime is a week; others say they were looking terrible for one to two months. Some people say it's $2k per treatment; others say it was $700-800. Some people say it was amazing and worked wonders; other people say it's a complete waste of time and does nothing.

I have no idea who to believe or what to think or what to do. I understand results vary sometimes between people, but there seems to be zero consensus about anything involving Fraxel.

There's discrepancies because people are stupid.

The reviews are mixed because people don't know the difference between Fraxel re:fine, re:store and re:pair. All different lasers. HUGE difference in results. This is also why you see such discrepancies with prices. You'll get different prices from doctors because some have already made their money to pay back for the laser purchase. Some will charge more because they are more experienced. Some will charge less with bundle treatments. ETC. Don't go by online reviews of prices, go by your own consultations. If you are comparing prices, make sure you're at least comparing the right laser. I.e. fraxel repair vs fraxel repair, 1 full face treatment vs 1 full face treatment.

Healing downtime will be independent on your own healing capabilities. But again, read above. Mixed reviews on different lasers. Also, results, as you said, will heavily depend on the doctor + aggressiveness + severity of your scarring + your body healing capability.

Long story short-
Fraxel refine, weakest laser, need several treatments, very extremely shallow scarring. Almost no downtime.
Fraxel restore, medium laser, need several treatments, shallow scarring. Maybe two days downtime.
Fraxel repair, strongest laser, may or may not need several treatments. It's marketed as a one time deal thing and in some cases it is. But imo, all lasers need several treatments. Expect 1-2 week downtime with at least 1-2 month redness.

Those are just general outlines. Research thoroughly on the one your doctor is offering.

Edited by raiderdood, 03 April 2011 - 01:04 AM.

[xciteurmom]

Thank you for the very excellent post.

One quick question in regards to your summary of the different lasers (I realize these are just general outlines):

For the Repair, you mention 1-2 months of redness afterwards (in addition to the downtime). When you say Restore has ~two days downtime, is there generally redness afterward, and if so, how long is typical?

[xciteurmom]

oops, double post.

[mrjarjarbinks77]

Thank you for the very excellent post.

One quick question in regards to your summary of the different lasers (I realize these are just general outlines):

For the Repair, you mention 1-2 months of redness afterwards (in addition to the downtime). When you say Restore has ~two days downtime, is there generally redness afterward, and if so, how long is typical?

FML Differin .1 & .3% are helping. I was 99% sure set on fraxel till I saw fraxel laser damage

http://images.search...umb=gPXmQ/i0ubM

Now I am scared.

[raiderdood]

Thank you for the very excellent post.

One quick question in regards to your summary of the different lasers (I realize these are just general outlines):

For the Repair, you mention 1-2 months of redness afterwards (in addition to the downtime). When you say Restore has ~two days downtime, is there generally redness afterward, and if so, how long is typical?

I cannot answer your question perfectly about downtime as I've never had Fraxel restore. But it's safe to say that you will have redness for a week or two. Depending on your skin type and how deep your doctor goes. Keep in mind though, everyone is different. Some people will be out of the house in 3 days, others might not feel comfortable going out for two weeks.

[mrjarjarbinks77]

Thank you for the very excellent post.

One quick question in regards to your summary of the different lasers (I realize these are just general outlines):

For the Repair, you mention 1-2 months of redness afterwards (in addition to the downtime). When you say Restore has ~two days downtime, is there generally redness afterward, and if so, how long is typical?

I cannot answer your question perfectly about downtime as I've never had Fraxel restore. But it's safe to say that you will have redness for a week or two. Depending on your skin type and how deep your doctor goes. Keep in mind though, everyone is different. Some people will be out of the house in 3 days, others might not feel comfortable going out for two weeks.

Its kind of scary. I saw that link and well, I don't know what to say other then, make sure its a doctor doing the laser and that he has experience.

[regretpopping]

Hello everyone. I'm here to post a few pictures that show the results from Fraxel Restore.

In observing the pictures, please keep in mind that:

- All pictures are taken under the daylight, with no camera flash, because camera flash tends to erase the appearance of my scars.

-My intention is to help others in making whatever the decision that's best for them, just like caesar2's pictures had helped me. I am in no way trying to make Fraxel look good or bad, by posting these pictures.

-My pictures are taken with and without makeup. Whether or not I have makeup on in each picture is stated with pictures.

- I try to post pictures that make my scars look as bad as possible. I've found that pictures taken under the daylight with a little bit of shadow make the scars look bad, so I've used a lot of those pictures (you'll see what's I am talking about later).

Before Fraxel (FEBRUARY 2008)

1st pictures- Left cheek, no makeup
Both are the exact same pictures, the left one under the natural daylight without editing & the right one under the natural daylight with editing to add more shadow to highlight the scars. In addition to the icepick scars you see in these pictures, I had about 6-7 large box scars on my left side but they were hard to photograph. Also, as you can see, I had A LOT of melasma.



2nd picture - Left cheek, with makeup
Bad picture, I know. Sorry. Since my icepick scars pre-Fraxel were pretty deep, makeup actually made the scars look worse though it did help hiding my melasma and uneven complexion. I wish I had better pictures with makeup, but I don't.



3rd picutres - Right cheek, with makeup
I had a fewer scars on this side of my face, but I had some of the deepest icepick & boxed scars on this side. No pictures without makeup because the scars were actually easier to photograph with makeup.



After 5 treatments of Fraxel & 6 month after the 5th treatment (DECEMBER 2008)

4th picture - Left cheek, with makeup
You can see that most of the icepick scars have disappeared or become shallower. I still have boxed scars but with softer edges. My husband thinks that this side of my face was originally much worse than the other (right) side, but this side has shown more improvements than the right side. I was not expecting icepick scars to show much improvements, so I was surprised.



5th picture - Left cheek, without makeup
This was taken in Dec 08 right after visiting my dermatologist to remove the last few milias that developed during/after Fraxel. You see a few red spots because of that. I had about 20 milias all over my face in June 08, but Retin-A and a few visits to my dermatologist have helped greatly. As of Jan 09, I only have 2~3 small milias.



6th picture- Right cheek, with makeup
This side showed the minimum results. But some of the very deep scars you see in picture #3 have become shallower. That I am happy about.



7th picture - Right cheek, without makeup
Again, this side has shown the minimum results.



-------------------------
I just had my 6th Fraxel Restore treatment at 70MJ, and I'm SO very swollen like Mike Tyson after the match. Wow! I will keep you guys updated and post more pictures soon. Good luck to everyone!!!

Hey guys I'm new to the site and have been reading through this thread. Just wondering if anyone can tell me why I can't see bellydance's attachments?

[skinnygirl]

QUOTE (imjayhawk @ Feb 9 2009, 12:15 AM)
bellydance_me - Thanks for posting the pics and being clear about your results. I'm glad that you got visible improvements. If money allows, I think you should go for a set of six more Fraxels and you should be good to go. If I had results as yours, I really wouldn't mind the cost.


Thanks for the encouragement, imjayhawk. I'm actually thinking about getting two more Fraxels (total of 8) and be done with it. It's 3 weeks post my 6th Fraxel now, and I am thinking that with two more Fraxels, I'll probably be happy enough about my skin.

I will have my 7th on 3/7/09. I will post more of my progress pictures soon.
Good luck everyone!

Hi thank you for this valuable info. i 've got acne scars since iwas a teenager now i'm 39,I've done my first fractional dual laser and my face is still red and swollen.I couldn't see your pics could you post again.thank you