It stimulates the collagen yes, but with an ablative C02 laser (like fraxel Re:Pair), the doctor can litterally sculpt the skin (burning the scar tissue). With Fraxel Re:store, the top layer isn't burned off at all, it targets specific areas deep down to stimulate collagen production over time. The way I understand it, re:pair gives the same collagen stimulating effect as a side bonus, but initially it is used to sculpt the scars (aka ablative, aka burns your fucking face off litterally lol).

 

I've had both ablative and non-ablative lasers done, I had fraxel re:store done 8 times, and erbium YAG laser (fully ablative partial C02 like the fraxel re:pair) done 4 times. I looked just like the guy that started this thread from his post-op pics every time I got the YAG laser done, my face was bleeding and oozing and shit for like 2 days, swollen for weeks, and black scabs all over my face etc. I had little to no results on any of my scars (though they are bad) with the fraxel re:Stores, but with the YAG lasers I had dramatic results (unfortunately they were bad results, not good, they made the scars much worse). My subcisions and punch floats also sucked ass and they made everything worse, I still have stitch marks 2-3 years later on several of the scars where the sutures broke open before they healed up.

 

But anyway... Yeah, the ablative lasers can cause immediate results because they have the power to level off the scars by burning them away/sculpting them, and the non ablative lasers don't do that. The non ablative lasers (such as fraxel re:store and others) are basically just deep ass microdermabrasions... even at the highest settings (which is what I had my fraxels done at), and they also "supposedly" stimulate collagen growth. Waste of money in my opinion.

 

 

But this guy that started this thread has got results like I've never seen... I didn't think it was possible for that much improvement by ANY procedure. Yeah, he may still have some microswelling, but you can just tell that his scars have improved GREATLY. After three weeks the major swelling would have gone away and revealed his scars again. Guess we won't know for sure though until he posts some more pics.

 

After I had my dermabrasion, my scars looked better for like 2 to 3 months out, but they came back soon after that. It really is tricky to know when the actual swelling subsides because if you're skin is really sensitive like mine and you're still raw, when you rub your face it swells slightly every time until you heal completely.

 

Ylem do you have photos of your scarring is it similar to Ernest? worse? I have been on the site for awhile and you are the biggest downer here. You make it seem as if there is no solution for any type of scarring.

I hate it when peope say something does not work without posting pictures, if your scarring is on another level of severity than of course a couple of treatments is not going to give the results you want. This does not mean that someone with lighter/milder scarring can not have amazing results. Your negativity makes those with lighter scarring believe that nothing out there works. When the truth is that your skin may be to damaged to fix.

If you read most of my posts you will notice I only refer to significant and deep scarring. I in no way compare myself to those with mild to moderate scarring. In fact, most people who post pictures up here and complain about scars really get me down because they obviously dont have anything to worry about and they just want that extra pat on the back. I'm just here to provide objective evaluations on the efficacy of these treatments. Alot of these doctors I've been to promise more than they can deliver. And I have posted my pictures on here before, but even since then my scarring has gotten deeper and more severe.

My scars are similar to Ernestoria's; however, still worse in some areas. I also have a ruddy, death white, redhead, freckled complexion, so my challenges are still more steep than his.

I have had dermabrasion, Fraxel, fillers, punch excisions, so yes I have had invasive invasive procedures and spent lots of money. I have spoken with several doctors recently, including a dermatlogist I shared a flight with who remarked about how severe my scarring was, and I felt like ending my life it was so depressing to hear that. It's one thing to look at yourself in the mirror and to judge yourself harshly, but to hear it confirmed by others confirms just how severe it really is. This all happened recently, and the negative comments about my scars coming from objective professionals hurts far more than having it come from my younger sister trying to be cruel or my grandmother trying to pity me. I don't want to post photos of myself, or even look at my face anymore. Imean just look at how long ive been posting on this board. I'm about to be 30 and have realized I lost all of my 20s to depression over severe acne scarring. Im not married. I have no children. My shrink who's been trying for years and bounced me around from clinic to clinic can't help me. I just want to wear a mask.

I have had dermabrasion, Fraxel, fillers, punch excisions, ...

ylem, why didn't fillers work for you?

What kind of scarring do you have (icepick, rolling)?

Btw: Fraxel and dermarolling can help a lot in improving your skin complexion.

I have had dermabrasion, Fraxel, fillers, punch excisions, ...

 

ylem, why didn't fillers work for you?

 

What kind of scarring do you have (icepick, rolling)?

 

Btw: Fraxel and dermarolling can help a lot in improving your skin complexion.

 

My shadowing never improves from fillers. I want to try silicone again. Im telling you I have spent THOUSANDS!!

My shadowing never improves from fillers. I want to try silicone again. Im telling you I have spent THOUSANDS!!

I have spent thousands too, mostly on Fraxel Restore without significant improvements.

I am more pleased with subcision and will additionally use the dermaroller.

When you say fillers did not improve the shadowing what do you mean by it? How much did your deepest scars improve in depth?

Hey ylem,

I would suggest that you go to dr. khan and have the same combination (subcision, fraxel repair and the Recell).

Another thing to try is the stem cells with him. Thu it is expensive.

Last thing, you might wana try the eMatrix which goes deeper than the fraxel repair, with very little down time. Very new technology using radio waves i guess. (but ofcourse, multiple sessions)

I don't think dermarolling or needling will be good for you. They might be good for a bit milder cases.. But really think about the suggestion I gave you. I think they can make a difference when done on multiple sessions.

Hey ylem,

I would suggest that you go to dr. khan and have the same combination (subcision, fraxel repair and the Recell).

 

Another thing to try is the stem cells with him. Thu it is expensive.

 

Last thing, you might wana try the eMatrix which goes deeper than the fraxel repair, with very little down time. Very new technology using radio waves i guess. (but ofcourse, multiple sessions)

 

I don't think dermarolling or needling will be good for you. They might be good for a bit milder cases.. But really think about the suggestion I gave you. I think they can make a difference when done on multiple sessions.

I would absolutely LOVE to try these new technologies, but I also just started a new job. I have never been more depressed over my scars than now. It's also this whole thing about turning thirty, but my aging is really started to make them even worse looking. They are so deep and so noticeable. I don't feel like I look normal and when people talk to me they drift their eyes to my forehead because I have such deep scarring on my forehead too and my left cheek is so hideously badly scarred. I really need a face transplant.

I feel like I am up against a mountain trying to get these new procedures which are not available.

I feel a lot like you do Ylem. I've had over EIGHTEEN THOUSAND dollars worth of procedures done on me in the past 5 years to try to help my scars. Everything that has been done to me has been done absolutely free however, because the two doctors who did all of it felt sorry for how bad my scars were, one actually cried because he felt so bad for me when I went in for an initial consultation. The other wanted to fix my scars and then put me on the news to promote himself, but yeah he eventually realized he couldn't help me. Anyway, all of it actually made my scars worse in the end, especially the Erbium yag lasers that I had, which really fucked me up (it made ireggular scarring, deep wide pits that look a lot worse than before, and god damn it was really bad before)...

I've been thinking about giving fraxel re:pair and/or skin grafts a go with a reputable PS, but I'm just not sure if I want to go through all that shit again. This stem cell / recell or whatever sounds kind of promising too. I have hypertrophic scars, icepicks, indented, rolling and also other kinds of scars. They're all over my face, but the worse parts are my cheeks, jawlines, and forehead. I want to improve them so badly, but I've already had so much shit done already I feel like nothing will work. I've had subsicions, excisions, punch floats, fraxel re:stores, erbium yag lasers, microdermabrasions, and some other shit. I'm calling around on monday to make some more consultations at PS's to get their opinions.

Hey ylem,

I would suggest that you go to dr. khan and have the same combination (subcision, fraxel repair and the Recell).

 

Another thing to try is the stem cells with him. Thu it is expensive.

 

Last thing, you might wana try the eMatrix which goes deeper than the fraxel repair, with very little down time. Very new technology using radio waves i guess. (but ofcourse, multiple sessions)

 

I don't think dermarolling or needling will be good for you. They might be good for a bit milder cases.. But really think about the suggestion I gave you. I think they can make a difference when done on multiple sessions.

 

I would absolutely LOVE to try these new technologies, but I also just started a new job. I have never been more depressed over my scars than now. It's also this whole thing about turning thirty, but my aging is really started to make them even worse looking. They are so deep and so noticeable. I don't feel like I look normal and when people talk to me they drift their eyes to my forehead because I have such deep scarring on my forehead too and my left cheek is so hideously badly scarred. I really need a face transplant.

 

I feel like I am up against a mountain trying to get these new procedures which are not available.

 

I also feel like having a face transplant. Anything to improve my perception of myself. But ernst treatment looks really promising, though i wonder if the improvement will be as drastic for shallower scars.

My PS mentioned that the visible effects of treatment also depends on the depth of the scar. Even though there may be 50% improvement, 50% on a shallower scar will be less noticeable than 50% on a deeper scar. Just my $0.02 worth.

Any updates? how are the scars looking?

I feel a lot like you do Ylem. I've had over EIGHTEEN THOUSAND dollars worth of procedures done on me in the past 5 years to try to help my scars. Everything that has been done to me has been done absolutely free however, because the two doctors who did all of it felt sorry for how bad my scars were, one actually cried because he felt so bad for me when I went in for an initial consultation. The other wanted to fix my scars and then put me on the news to promote himself, but yeah he eventually realized he couldn't help me. Anyway, all of it actually made my scars worse in the end, especially the Erbium yag lasers that I had, which really fucked me up (it made ireggular scarring, deep wide pits that look a lot worse than before, and god damn it was really bad before)...

 

I've been thinking about giving fraxel re:pair and/or skin grafts a go with a reputable PS, but I'm just not sure if I want to go through all that shit again. This stem cell / recell or whatever sounds kind of promising too. I have hypertrophic scars, icepicks, indented, rolling and also other kinds of scars. They're all over my face, but the worse parts are my cheeks, jawlines, and forehead. I want to improve them so badly, but I've already had so much shit done already I feel like nothing will work. I've had subsicions, excisions, punch floats, fraxel re:stores, erbium yag lasers, microdermabrasions, and some other shit. I'm calling around on monday to make some more consultations at PS's to get their opinions.

How many subcisions have you had? Have you considered getting more done?

It kills me how people jump to conclusions to quick. Everybody at the beginning was congratulating the op on great results when clearly there was the issue of swelling.I think one of the reasons why he haven't got an update recently is because the swelling subsided, the scars came back and the op doesn't want to dissapoint everybody that got riled up at the beginning.

I hope i'm wrong though.

He is probably feeling so confident and not worrying about his scars anymore.

I used to post quite often and havn't in ages. I don't know why.

Please the "soon to be 30 year old", don't be so depressed. It was difficult for me as well. I can relate. 40 was not nearly as bad. You will most likely age gracefully since you probably are by most standards, very informed with skin care and take great care of yourself. Surely you can find positive things about yourself to focus on. Our skin is not everything but I understand how comsuming it can be.

I suppose I have only mild scarring and havn't really been noticing it as much lately. I'm not sure if it was all the blueberry jessner peels, smoothbeam or dermapower.

I had a dermabrasion on both cheeks at age 27? I think it was for basicly a cluster of scars on one cheek and some enlarged pores. Wow. Similar experience as this. It took off alot of age to boot.

This thread really moved me to post since I only occasionally pop into read a bit. I am so happy for the OP and his improvements. Notice though, he has a new light about him. Not just the skin. Really fabulous results.

This thread really moved me to post since I only occasionally pop into read a bit. I am so happy for the OP and his improvements. Notice though, he has a new light about him. Not just the skin. Really fabulous results.

I agree, I think we'd all have a new glow to ourselves if we took off the years of burden from acne scars. It took a lot of guts for the OP to post his face for all to see, and to show just how bad his scars were. Congrats man, but I hope you post an update soon...whether good or bad, let us know how you're doing so far.

And also, YLEM, I've probably been going through the same exact heartache you've been going through all these years. It is a pain I wish upon no one (not that I know of at least), since no man, woman, or child should ever have to deal with the severity of pain acne scars have caused me, you, and others here. With that being said, I realized that no matter how many times things look bleak, there are no other options left but to start again and keep hope alive. It's hard at times for sure, but I realized that the more I detach myself from everybody else and the more I try to hide, the more I attract unwanted attention. It's as if a black cloud hangs over my head everywhere I go, stirring attention I never wanted to begin with. It's a strange phenomena, really. I'll be 30 in a few short years, so don't feel like you're alone out there man...I can feel your angst by reading your emotional posts, so my heart goes out to you.

With growing enthusiasm towards stem cell research, its technology will unfold like never before to help those afflicted by these dehumanizing monstrosities. Until then, it's best to keep our minds and bodies healthy and alive. I hope I don't sound preachy or nothing, but I just wanted to throw in a few words of encouragement.

He is probably feeling so confident and not worrying about his scars anymore.

Everyone ALWAYS assumes that when people don't post results. However, his scarring was so severe I doubt one treatment would do the trick for him. I too fear the results subsided but I hope he can prove me wrong!

I don't think his results diminished. Even if it did, it would only have diminished slightly. I'm assuming he stopped caring about his skin since he got so much improvement and is living a happy life wherever he is. Congratulations to him.

Scarring is a disease that plagues the mind.

Update: I find it strange that he has not posted here on 2/1, which was the last time he logged in.

I find Ernestos results baffling. Part of me feels that Ernesto does not even exist, and his pictures have been doctored to get his doctor, Dr Aamer Khan more appointments.

He urges everyone to go and see Dr Khan and tells us how amazing Dr Khan is. I feel that he is advertising the doctor rather than showing us real genuine results.

I think it is all a lie personally.

I think it is all a lie personally.

It's not. Rest assured.

I'll be 30 in a few short years, so don't feel like you're alone out there man...I can feel your angst by reading your emotional posts, so my heart goes out to you.

I'll be 30 too soon and I can definately relate. Scarring has certainly given me a ton of grief. It's tough.

I find Ernestos results baffling. Part of me feels that Ernesto does not even exist, and his pictures have been doctored to get his doctor, Dr Aamer Khan more appointments.

 

He urges everyone to go and see Dr Khan and tells us how amazing Dr Khan is. I feel that he is advertising the doctor rather than showing us real genuine results.

 

I think it is all a lie personally.

While i don't feel this thread is fake in any way shape or form. I have heard some bad reviews on Dr Khan.

I feel a lot like you do Ylem. I've had over EIGHTEEN THOUSAND dollars worth of procedures done on me in the past 5 years to try to help my scars. Everything that has been done to me has been done absolutely free however, because the two doctors who did all of it felt sorry for how bad my scars were, one actually cried because he felt so bad for me when I went in for an initial consultation. The other wanted to fix my scars and then put me on the news to promote himself, but yeah he eventually realized he couldn't help me. Anyway, all of it actually made my scars worse in the end, especially the Erbium yag lasers that I had, which really fucked me up (it made ireggular scarring, deep wide pits that look a lot worse than before, and god damn it was really bad before)...

 

I've been thinking about giving fraxel re:pair and/or skin grafts a go with a reputable PS, but I'm just not sure if I want to go through all that shit again. This stem cell / recell or whatever sounds kind of promising too. I have hypertrophic scars, icepicks, indented, rolling and also other kinds of scars. They're all over my face, but the worse parts are my cheeks, jawlines, and forehead. I want to improve them so badly, but I've already had so much shit done already I feel like nothing will work. I've had subsicions, excisions, punch floats, fraxel re:stores, erbium yag lasers, microdermabrasions, and some other shit. I'm calling around on monday to make some more consultations at PS's to get their opinions.

How many subcisions have you had? Have you considered getting more done?

 

10-15 subsicions, I've also had excisions and punch floats too though, and yes I actually have a consultation with a plastic surgeon next week, not sure if she will consider subsicions, but if she thinks it will help I will probably have it done again.

I predict the micro swelling has gone down and a lot of his scarring still remains; I hope I am wrong but I can't see why else he wouldn't update the topic? It appears he is still logging onto the board, maybe he could shed some light on this?

H Mickey99,

I couldnt agree more about Dr. Khan. An intelligent and very experienced man who really cares about his patients.

Answering your questions, YES. the area on my neck which you can see in my pics is the place where he took the skin sample for the ReCell. The bandage didnt come off easily, in fact I was a bit worried about taking it off so I left it for days. I think it was in the 7th or 8th day when it finally came off by itself. It was very pinky and still is a bit, but that is expected as it was effectively a deeper cut, but it is healing quite quickly and no pigmentation.

Take it easy... you will get good results in the long term. I went to see Dr Khan last week and I am going to do Stem Cells. I want to take my skin as close to perfection as possible. This is a journey and we are just right at the beginning of it!

Let's keep in touch!

Ernestoria

Hi

 

I've also recently had both Fraxel Repair and Recell done by Dr Khan though I had them done 17 days apart.

 

I originally had some patches of my face treated with a CO2 ablative laser 5 years ago but that only partially helped with the scarring and also left the treated areas hypopigmented. My scarring was originally quite minor (though it bothered me) so I was quite upset that I got new scars (hypopigmentation) by trying to treat old ones. I saw the doctor who carried out the treatment a few times over the next few years and he said he thought the pale areas would darken naturally but they didn't.

 

Last year I found out about Dr Khan through reading this website and decided to see him. He recommended trying either Fraxel or stem cell treatments to eliminate the scarring and also using Recell to get the pigmentation back into my face. I chose the Fraxel as it's cheaper than the stem cells. He said the Fraxel may help with the hypopigmentation but using the Recell as well will hopefully fully restore the colour.

 

I had the Fraxel done on January 2nd. I was surprised at how painful it was but it seems to have helped alot with the scarring but I'll not know the full results for a few months yet.

 

I was due to have the Recell done 11 days later in Birmingham (Dr Khan also treats people there as well as in London) but there was alot of snow on the roads so Dr Khan had to cancel. Instead I had it done last Tuesday in London.

 

First of all he took a sample of my skin from just under my ear. We then had to wait about 15 minutes or so while the trypsin broke it down. When he started to treat my face he first needled the hypopigmented areas of my face and then injected the cells into those areas. Afterwards he also sprayed the cells onto the surface of the areas before bandaging me up.

 

I've now taken the bandages off after the Recell. My face looks a little tanned all over so this must be due to the Fraxel (it can't be due to the Recell as there's a clear tan line under my chin where he stopped the Fraxel). The hypopigmented areas are still pale but I was expecting this. Maybe they're starting to get some pigment but I can't be sure yet. Over the next few months I hope to see the areas slowly get pigmentation and end up the same colour as the surrounding skin.

 

My one concern is the area where Dr Khan did the skin graft for the Recell. He explained that he would cut an area of skin about the size of a stamp, peel it open, scrape away some of the skin from the underside and then place the top layer of skin back down. When I took the bandage off it today it didn't come away very easily and bled. The bandage is a bit messy but it looks to me like the skin stuck to the bandage and has come away with it. I now have a stamp sized area of red raw skin underneath my ear. I'm worried that this is going to leave a new scar.

 

Ernestoria - in one of your photos I can see a pink area on the side of your neck where I assume your skin sample was taken from. Did your bandage come away easily? Did it bleed? How red was the area when you took the bandage off? BTW your photos look very good and you're very kind and helpful to have put them up. Unfortunately I don't have any photos.

 

In summary I'm very happy so far but it's far too early to tell the full results. Dr Khan is a very nice and intelligent guy and I'd recommend him to anyone considering treatment.

Fraxel Repair is a very effective procedure. Depending on the type of skin for some people work with just one go some others require to have it done twice or three times, but all in all it is one of the best things out there. I wouldnt doubt having Fraxel Repair done, specially with Dr Khan. Go for it!.. message if you want to know more... happy to tell you more about my experience.

Wonderfull results you've got there mate, I am so happy for you!

 

just have one question , do you think Fraxel Repair alone would work for milder scars than yours were? I am really considering now on visiting doctor Khan...

I challenge you to meet me in person. I have been complimentary about Dr Khan because he is the man who has helped me to get my confidence back and that is something which has an unmeasurable value for me.

I find your post quite offensive, but I will not ask for it to be removed as I think is good for people to read all opinions.

I find Ernestos results baffling. Part of me feels that Ernesto does not even exist, and his pictures have been doctored to get his doctor, Dr Aamer Khan more appointments.

 

He urges everyone to go and see Dr Khan and tells us how amazing Dr Khan is. I feel that he is advertising the doctor rather than showing us real genuine results.

 

I think it is all a lie personally.