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Ok guys...

 
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(@ericb)

Posted : 01/04/2010 4:58 am

for men anything over 5000iu is considered to be high, and for woman anything over 4000iu. The upper limit is 10,000iu.

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(@sixfeetunder)

Posted : 01/04/2010 1:05 pm

Has anyone from the UK purchased LED lights? I'm not sure where to get them from, the shipping is likely to be very expensive ordering from the US.

Hi goodlife, I live in the UK and recently purchased some LEDs from the LED man (theledman.com), which is where most people from here seem to have gotten theirs. Postage only actually cost me about 9 (I purchased the dual 660/880 array plus the 120 LED yellow package). I was worried about how much the customs charges might have amounted to, especially considering I paid quite a hefty amount for the LEDs themselves, but luckily that wasn't a problem seeing as the value of the package was only worth 20 dollars, and so was under the threshold for incurring customs charges... (;))

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2
(@goodlife)

Posted : 01/04/2010 1:38 pm

Has anyone from the UK purchased LED lights? I'm not sure where to get them from, the shipping is likely to be very expensive ordering from the US.

Hi goodlife, I live in the UK and recently purchased some LEDs from the LED man (theledman.com), which is where most people from here seem to have gotten theirs. Postage only actually cost me about 9 (I purchased the dual 660/880 array plus the 120 LED yellow package). I was worried about how much the customs charges might have amounted to, especially considering I paid quite a hefty amount for the LEDs themselves, but luckily that wasn't a problem seeing as the value of the package was only worth 20 dollars, and so was under the threshold for incurring customs charges... (;))

 

Thanks a lot.

I may have misread your post, but if the LED's were expensive, how did you avoid the customs charges?

Do you mind if I ask what part of the UK are you from?

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(@sixfeetunder)

Posted : 01/04/2010 1:46 pm

Thanks a lot.

I may have misread your post, but if the LED's were expensive, how did you avoid the customs charges?

Do you mind if I ask what part of the UK are you from?

No worries. And I'm from Kent. And sorry, my post probably wasn't very clear, but I meant to say that I think the customs charge avoidance was due to a kind 'mistake' on the sender's part when filling out the customs declaration form. Obviously that's not to guarantee that the same would happen for you, but he seems to be clued up on the excessive customs charges that we're subjected to for anything over 18 in value from overseas.

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(@goodlife)

Posted : 01/04/2010 2:00 pm

Thanks. I see you get a 15% discount if you order the two at the same time. How do you like using them so far?

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3
(@minty-peas)

Posted : 01/05/2010 5:19 pm

I finally did it. I am pretty excited!

 

It was my first roll ever, and as seems quite common, I don't think I rolled aggressively enough. I got a couple of blood dots here and there, but overall not much bleeding.

 

I had a moment of hesitation as I put the roller up to my face. Afraid of pain...afraid of just how long a 1.5mm needle can look at that moment. But I sucked it up and did it. And it really wasn't scary at all. After an hour of emla, it was almost painless (no doubt due to my lack of aggression). The sound was a little bit unexpected, like dozens of tiny pop-pop-pops as I rolled.

 

Overall, I think it went very well.

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(@lillya)

Posted : 01/05/2010 10:48 pm

So, after looking around for a cheaper red LED light, I think I found one! From what I can tell it uses the right wavelength and will output enough joules to get the desired effect. I found the seller on Amazon - their name is LED Wholesalers - and they make LED lights for horticulture purposes. They have a number of different red LED lights available - some of which are not the right wavelength. But they have one 660nm called "PAR38 168 LED Grow Light BUDDING FLOWERING FRUITING" that is only $30. If anyone has input on whether or not this will work, please pass along the info. From what I can tell it looks good and it is a MUCH cheaper option than most others out there :)

 

Also, to MintyPeas: congrats! The popping sound is a good thing - it means the scar tissue is breaking up!

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MemberMember
1
(@ericb)

Posted : 01/06/2010 6:48 am

minty peas: congrats! it is scary the first time not knowing what to expect.

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(@sixfeetunder)

Posted : 01/06/2010 12:52 pm

Thanks. I see you get a 15% discount if you order the two at the same time. How do you like using them so far?

Well, I've only had them for just under a week now and had my second dermarolling session yesterday, so I'm not sure what to expect yet (if anything). One thing I have noticed though, is that I seem to be slightly less red than the first time I was rolled, the time I didn't have my vitamin creams and LEDs. I'm not sure if this is just a coincidence, perhaps because it was done slightly less aggressively (?) this time around, or whether it's because I used the lights and applied my topicals each day for a couple of days in advance of this second dermarolling. It's quite hard to compare this dermarolling session with the last though, as the last was way back in early July, so I can't remember too well to compare. Maybe I do look just as strawberry-like as the last time and it's just a case of bad memory... who knows.

And yes, the 15% discount on the LEDs helps, although for a poor student like me it still left quite a dent in the pocket! I figured this LED lark was worth trying though, on the chance that I might see better results. But I still prefer not to hold high expectations just so that I don't end up too disappointed.

Good luck with your own results if this is something you're thinking of/going ahead with, and to all the rest of us trying this out.

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MemberMember
2
(@goodlife)

Posted : 01/09/2010 10:13 am

Just came across this

 

The reason this torture device works is the dermis layer of skin rushes all kinds of "repairs" to heal the damage done by the puncture holes inflicted upon the skin. That repair mechanism also temporarily improves the skin's appearance. The problem is the long term effect.

 

The "repairs" greatly accelerates the decay of the dermis layer that only has a limited number of repairs in it before it starts to permanently collapse. When the collapse happens wrinkles and harder skin are the result. So, in effect, users are prematurely aging their appearance for a very temporary improvement.

 

A more sustainable alternative is Botox or Dysport (full disclosure: I have no financial interest in the companies selling these medicines) at a much lower treatment cost. Results last 3-5 months,, even longer with periodic treatments, not painful and best of all, they don't damage the dermis layer of skin.

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MemberMember
1
(@ericb)

Posted : 01/09/2010 3:07 pm

Just came across this

 

The reason this torture device works is the dermis layer of skin rushes all kinds of "repairs" to heal the damage done by the puncture holes inflicted upon the skin. That repair mechanism also temporarily improves the skin's appearance. The problem is the long term effect.

The "repairs" greatly accelerates the decay of the dermis layer that only has a limited number of repairs in it before it starts to permanently collapse. When the collapse happens wrinkles and harder skin are the result. So, in effect, users are prematurely aging their appearance for a very temporary improvement.

A more sustainable alternative is Botox or Dysport (full disclosure: I have no financial interest in the companies selling these medicines) at a much lower treatment cost. Results last 3-5 months,, even longer with periodic treatments, not painful and best of all, they don't damage the dermis layer of skin.

 

ive read a similar article as well, but it did not mention wrinkles or aging of the skin, only that the skin hardens over time. i dont really see hard skin as a problem. id rather have hard skin and improved acne scars. the effects of dermarolling are not temporary, your skin is actually healing and reforming collagen. if anything, effects appear better with time. would be interesting to hear other people views...

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(@ericb)

Posted : 01/09/2010 3:34 pm

heres a pretty informative video...

 

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(@goodlife)

Posted : 01/09/2010 3:56 pm

Interesting watch there Eric, he seems very pro the dermaroller. One things I was unsure of though, is that he said it should take about 15-20 mins to roll each cheek, should it really take that long?

 

 

 

 

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0
(@brokeninside)

Posted : 01/10/2010 12:19 pm

Im getting a bit disheartened about my dermaroller treatments. I had my 3rd one in late Dec and I still havent seen a huge improvement.

 

I have a good diet, take vitamins, use LEDs and use terproline but one side of my face just looks scarred and horrible still.

 

Im having my 4th in March and I can't wait. If i dont see improvements after that one then i dont think this will work for me at all.

 

Sorry for being so negative, of course I am really hoping that my scarring fades. But im not sure it will.

However, my scarring is not mild at all lots of ice picks and pock marks, id say mine is severe.

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MemberMember
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(@axxith)

Posted : 01/10/2010 12:37 pm

Thanks for the information! I just purchased a 1.5mm Dermaroller (frm Dr. Roller; a 3-line roller), EMLA cream (5%), and Jason's Hyper-C Serum to apply after. I'm currently taking at least 500mg of Vitamin C each day (supplement) so I'll continue to take them post-rolling.

 

I definitely cannot wait to try this out :)

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MemberMember
2
(@goodlife)

Posted : 01/10/2010 1:05 pm

Im getting a bit disheartened about my dermaroller treatments. I had my 3rd one in late Dec and I still havent seen a huge improvement.

I have a good diet, take vitamins, use LEDs and use terproline but one side of my face just looks scarred and horrible still.

Im having my 4th in March and I can't wait. If i dont see improvements after that one then i dont think this will work for me at all.

Sorry for being so negative, of course I am really hoping that my scarring fades. But im not sure it will.

However, my scarring is not mild at all lots of ice picks and pock marks, id say mine is severe.

It can take up to 10 months to see improvement. Do you have any pictures of your scarring, or something to compare it to?

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MemberMember
1147
(@lamarr1986)

Posted : 01/10/2010 3:21 pm

Im getting a bit disheartened about my dermaroller treatments. I had my 3rd one in late Dec and I still havent seen a huge improvement.

I have a good diet, take vitamins, use LEDs and use terproline but one side of my face just looks scarred and horrible still.

Im having my 4th in March and I can't wait. If i dont see improvements after that one then i dont think this will work for me at all.

Sorry for being so negative, of course I am really hoping that my scarring fades. But im not sure it will.

However, my scarring is not mild at all lots of ice picks and pock marks, id say mine is severe.

Sorry to hear that!! Where are you having you treatments done? If your scarring is severe you need to start using the inidividual needling aswell. Dermaroller is for 'finishing' off results really, essentially tightens the skin across the entire face.

Dermaroller is great for mild-moderate scarring by itself but for stubborn scarring you need the longer needles which you can more effectively target the deeper scars.

Look into doing the needling aswell.

Hope you see results soon!!

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MemberMember
1147
(@lamarr1986)

Posted : 01/10/2010 3:28 pm

Just came across this

 

The reason this torture device works is the dermis layer of skin rushes all kinds of "repairs" to heal the damage done by the puncture holes inflicted upon the skin. That repair mechanism also temporarily improves the skin's appearance. The problem is the long term effect.

The "repairs" greatly accelerates the decay of the dermis layer that only has a limited number of repairs in it before it starts to permanently collapse. When the collapse happens wrinkles and harder skin are the result. So, in effect, users are prematurely aging their appearance for a very temporary improvement.

A more sustainable alternative is Botox or Dysport (full disclosure: I have no financial interest in the companies selling these medicines) at a much lower treatment cost. Results last 3-5 months,, even longer with periodic treatments, not painful and best of all, they don't damage the dermis layer of skin.

 

That's a load of BS imo. The bodys response to the micro wounds essentially causes HEALING of the scar tissue. If anything, 3 years after starting rolling (and about a year since my last roll) my skin is softer than when i began. Don't get me wrong i'm not old or anything but i believe in this technique and see it as a much better long term solution than botox etc. With botox you will be a slave for life. Who knows maybe in the extreme long term you will end up with slightly 'harder' skin, so long as it's smooth and has the same colouration and the rest of my skin i don't give a f**k. Botox isn't going to fix anyones scars lol.

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MemberMember
1147
(@lamarr1986)

Posted : 01/10/2010 3:32 pm

Wow, thats scarry about the vitamin A!!

So it's been about a week since my first roll. My smaller scars seem to be less noticeable. No big changes yet though.

Lamarr: How long or after how many sessions did you really start seeing big improvement? THX!

Things like this are becoming very vague in my mind now, i would say about 3 sessions, but it wasn't until i started using individual needling that i got the best of my results...

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MemberMember
1147
(@lamarr1986)

Posted : 01/10/2010 3:33 pm

and how did you stop your spontaneous scaring ?

If it is caused by accutane then avoiding topical or high dose oral vitamin A and omega 3 acids will help stop the scarring. If you are getting spontaneous scarring even when not using these things then i recommend an anti histamine.

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MemberMember
1147
(@lamarr1986)

Posted : 01/10/2010 3:36 pm

Just to let people know i think the Vitamin A and C should be taken as TOPICALS, not as oral supplements, to achieve the desired effects.

Think about it. If you take oral supplements, the vitamin A + C are dispersed throughout the body. But if you place those vitamins on your skin, in the area that needs it, you will get more concentrated amounts of those vitamins where they are needed most.

In every article i've read not one has mentions that these vitamins are taken orally, they have all used topicals to help the healing and promote collagen growth.

I think oral vitamin C is also important....fresh fruit and veggies can't be underestimated. People need to remember your skin is a reflection of your overall health, so you need to try and put effort into diet and exercise when undergoing scar revision....just to give your skin a better chance to heal.

 

Here is an interesting link... Has anyone tried Pineapple Bromelain before?

http://www.newsfinder.org/site/more/wound_healing/

Haven't tried this by itself but i take curcumin twice per day every day and believe strongly in its health benefits and its ability to speed healing.

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MemberMember
0
(@brokeninside)

Posted : 01/10/2010 3:58 pm

Im getting a bit disheartened about my dermaroller treatments. I had my 3rd one in late Dec and I still havent seen a huge improvement.

I have a good diet, take vitamins, use LEDs and use terproline but one side of my face just looks scarred and horrible still.

Im having my 4th in March and I can't wait. If i dont see improvements after that one then i dont think this will work for me at all.

Sorry for being so negative, of course I am really hoping that my scarring fades. But im not sure it will.

However, my scarring is not mild at all lots of ice picks and pock marks, id say mine is severe.

It can take up to 10 months to see improvement. Do you have any pictures of your scarring, or something to compare it to?

 

I dont have any pictures myself but Dr Chu (having my DR at hammersmith) has taken photos. I started my treatment in May, 2nd treatment in September and third 2 weeks ago. So I am 9 months through. And I kinda hoped there would be more filling in.

Lamarr- Is there any derms that perform needling? I just dont have the confidence in myself to do it.

Dr Chu said that when dermaroller is up, he might treat some of the other scars with TCA Cross?

Whats peoples thoughts on that?

I might take some photos 2mrw and just keep them and take some more come early March, before my fourth Dermaroller.

How many treatments have people usually received when their derm or themselves have stopped rolling. ( I know the obvious answer is when the scarring is gone but just anything to make me feel a little better)

Thanks all

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MemberMember
2
(@goodlife)

Posted : 01/10/2010 4:03 pm

Im getting a bit disheartened about my dermaroller treatments. I had my 3rd one in late Dec and I still havent seen a huge improvement.

I have a good diet, take vitamins, use LEDs and use terproline but one side of my face just looks scarred and horrible still.

Im having my 4th in March and I can't wait. If i dont see improvements after that one then i dont think this will work for me at all.

Sorry for being so negative, of course I am really hoping that my scarring fades. But im not sure it will.

However, my scarring is not mild at all lots of ice picks and pock marks, id say mine is severe.

It can take up to 10 months to see improvement. Do you have any pictures of your scarring, or something to compare it to?

 

I dont have any pictures myself but Dr Chu (having my DR at hammersmith) has taken photos. I started my treatment in May, 2nd treatment in September and third 2 weeks ago. So I am 9 months through. And I kinda hoped there would be more filling in.

Lamarr- Is there any derms that perform needling? I just dont have the confidence in myself to do it.

Dr Chu said that when dermaroller is up, he might treat some of the other scars with TCA Cross?

Whats peoples thoughts on that?

I might take some photos 2mrw and just keep them and take some more come early March, before my fourth Dermaroller.

How many treatments have people usually received when their derm or themselves have stopped rolling. ( I know the obvious answer is when the scarring is gone but just anything to make me feel a little better)

Thanks all

 

Sorry to hear you are not getting the results you want. If you don't mind me asking how much do you pay for your dermarolling sessions? Is there a reason why you don't do it yourself?

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0
(@brokeninside)

Posted : 01/10/2010 4:12 pm

Im getting it on the NHS. All i am paying is A30 for each roller and I dont have to pay that until I am completely done. So this is the reason I dont do Dermaroller myself. I trust Dr Chu and on my last visit the nurse told me about one patient who has had four treatments and there has been 90% improvement. So im praying i'll be like her.

 

Goodlife, have you attempted self needling?

Im afraid of doing it wrong and just making things worse. Ill research on it and try and read through this entire thread as im sure Lamarr has explained it to death.

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2
(@goodlife)

Posted : 01/10/2010 4:20 pm

I haven't attempted needling or dermarolling myself, but I was thinking about it.

 

I did not know dermarolling was available on the NHS, that is brilliant. Did you specifically ask for Dr Chu, I imagine there is quite a waiting list to see him.

 

Did you just go to your GP and ask for it?

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