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I remember you starting out months and months ago with your first results not being what we expected after seeing DraGz.. Now however, your face is looking great! Congratz for your determination and thanks so much for contributing, it says a lot about the person below the scars 
Slee, would you say that some of the milder scars are almost completely diminished? Or would you say that all the scars are still there but are softened?
My thought is that after so many c02 laser sessions, I would think the really mild scars would almost be imperceptible to an observer.
Sorry guys, ive been kind of bad answering your questions. been kind of busy and lazy too... but here we go...
What kind of total improvement % would you estimate you got from starting laser -> now?
Overall, 65% improvement after 4 mixto laser sesstion. about 75% improvement on the left side (the one with the shallower scars), about 55 % improvement on the right side. Also, i do believe % improvement is really hard to gauge.....its more of a subjective response.
Thanks for keeping things updated Slee, really appreciate it. btw, did Doctor R. do any combo treatments are has it strictly been only the laser?
It has strictly only been laser, except the first session, where he performed some subscicion in some locations.
Slee, would you say that some of the milder scars are almost completely diminished? Or would you say that all the scars are still there but are softened?
My thought is that after so many c02 laser sessions, I would think the really mild scars would almost be imperceptible to an observer.
exactly, milder scars are mostly diminished, imperceptible to an observer, in essence, all the shallow scars are gone! unforutantely, the deeper scars are still there but less noticeable, not as sharp, but still noticeable.
Thank you for your answers. This is really helpful.
No need to apologize for anything. You've already done an exhaustive job of updating this thread. This is by far one of the most dedicated and complete documentations of any treatment on this board. Look forward to your future updates.
Slee, Thanks for all the information you have provided us on here. Quick question, How come only 1 Subcision was done on you? Was that your choice & only wanted to stick with only the Mixto Laser? Wouldn't it have benefited you even more to do some more Subcisions in combination with the Mixto laser for better results especially on the deeper scars on each visit? Or do you think it would not have made any difference? Did you question Dr.R on why he stop after one subcision on the deeper scars once you visited him for your next Mixto Treatments #2,3 & 4? Thanks for your time.
Hi All, May 17th, 5 months post mixto #4 Updated post,
enjoy!
Slee, Thanks for all the information you have provided us on here. Quick question, How come only 1 Subcision was done on you? Was that your choice & only wanted to stick with only the Mixto Laser? Wouldn't it have benefited you even more to do some more Subcisions in combination with the Mixto laser for better results especially on the deeper scars on each visit? Or do you think it would not have made any difference? Did you question Dr.R on why he stop after one subcision on the deeper scars once you visited him for your next Mixto Treatments #2,3 & 4? Thanks for your time.
Hi Celaya,
I'm not quite sure why Dr. R only did 1 subcision on me, only during the first session. I never asked, and it seems like my ice pick scars which are the most prominent do not work with subcision. He did mention i do have a couple of box scars, but I am not sure why he didnt continue doing the subcision, and I never asked him. I just trusted that he knew what was best for my skin.
Any updates?
Just updated today May 17th, i apologize for the lagging!
I understand what you mean when you say pictures never truly represent reality. That said, your results are very apparent. If you feel you have achieved 60-70% improvement, that would qualify as a resounding success. Most doctors caution patients to expect at most 50% improvement, and that is on the higher end of realistic expectations.
The thing about scar treatments, is that it's a lot like money. When you only make $10 bucks an hour, $20 bucks seems like it would make you completely satisfied, until you get there.
Also, if you do decide to do TCA Cross, I would really recommend a test patch in an inconspicuous area, because I feel it is unpredictable. Some people have gotten improvement, but I've seen a few examples of scars being made worse. Also, do it in sections and not all at once, because you will look TERRIBLE for a month. Every scar will look redder, deeper, and wider before it starts to rise (if it does at all). It is easier to conceal when you do smaller sections as opposed to every single ice pick scar.
I understand what you mean when you say pictures never truly represent reality. That said, your results are very apparent. If you feel you have achieved 60-70% improvement, that would qualify as a resounding success. Most doctors caution patients to expect at most 50% improvement, and that is on the higher end of realistic expectations.
The thing about scar treatments, is that it's a lot like money. When you only make $10 bucks an hour, $20 bucks seems like it would make you completely satisfied, until you get there.
Also, if you do decide to do TCA Cross, I would really recommend a test patch in an inconspicuous area, because I feel it is unpredictable. Some people have gotten improvement, but I've seen a few examples of scars being made worse. Also, do it in sections and not all at once, because you will look TERRIBLE for a month. Every scar will look redder, deeper, and wider before it starts to rise (if it does at all). It is easier to conceal when you do smaller sections as opposed to every single ice pick scar.
Blahblah,
I agree, all the treatments (needling sessions, 4 mixto laser sessions, seeing my esthetician once a week for the past year and half), all of this has definitely led to over 50% improvement and should be considered a success. With my most recent update, i guess I should recant my statement that the newest photos are not truly indicative of my facial appearance. After reviewing the photos and my face in person in front of the mirror, it is pretty close. I just think that the photos cannot capture all the imperfections, unless i had some HD type camera. Your analogy about getting a raise is definitely true, we as human beings are naturally selfish and greedy, and will never be satisfied, the only way to control it is through perspective and self-discipline. There is definitely needs to come to a point in my life where I will need to accept my scars for what they are and completely move on with my life, but I dont think i am at that stage yet, i still yearn for more improvement. And thanks for the TCA advice, all in all, would you recommend me trying it out? I am just too scared of the possible negative side effects, which is why I have not done it yet.
Hey SLee,
Congrats on your improvement. Your skin looks so much better. Where are you getting your needling done? I started dermastamping and seems to be softening my texture issues. However I have yet to experience downtime from it and I am thinking I am just not capable of being aggressive. I'd like to try a professional.
If you try TCA Cross, please follow blahblah's advice. Do a test spot and give your skin ample time to recover from the test. Don't Cross all your scars at once. Expect hyperpigmented spots on your face. Even if Cross didn't cause additional damage, I don't think I could have done it more than once.
Hey SLee,
Congrats on your improvement. Your skin looks so much better. Where are you getting your needling done? I started dermastamping and seems to be softening my texture issues. However I have yet to experience downtime from it and I am thinking I am just not capable of being aggressive. I'd like to try a professional.
If you try TCA Cross, please follow blahblah's advice. Do a test spot and give your skin ample time to recover from the test. Don't Cross all your scars at once. Expect hyperpigmented spots on your face. Even if Cross didn't cause additional damage, I don't think I could have done it more than once.
Hey *Inspired*,
Thanks for the advice. I am doing my needling sessions with an esthetician, she runs her own skin care office in La Mirada, CA (SoCal). She mainly uses a fine needle and essentially needles/punctures my skin and goes at various depths, the harder/deeper it goes, the longer the HP lasts. That is why there is usually a 2-3 day downtime, since the HP will last around 2-3 days, depending on the severity of the needling.
I think there does come a point, when you have to accept that there is diminishing marginal return to scar revision procedures. Initially the improvement is greater, but it usually tapers off as you do more and more procedures. The danger is not knowing when to stop and becoming so obsessed with perfection that you make a decision in haste. You have to know when to stop with aggressive treatments and then switch to less risky procedures. I think you've wisely decided to back off the lasers for now.
I don't want to call out any one particular person, but there was recently a case of someone who did a resurfacing procedure that was too aggressive and this person was clearly damaged by it.
OMG, thanks for the update. The improvement is definitely substantial and noticeable. I think both sides have shown tremendous improvement, but the left side in particular looks really good. Moreover, I'm happy to hear that you've come to a place of acceptance and have decided to move on. I think thats a healthy perspective to have regarding scar treatments.
Have any of your close friends and family pulled you aside and told you that they've seen a big change as well?
OMG, thanks for the update. The improvement is definitely substantial and noticeable. I think both sides have shown tremendous improvement, but the left side in particular looks really good. Moreover, I'm happy to hear that you've come to a place of acceptance and have decided to move on. I think thats a healthy perspective to have regarding scar treatments.
Have any of your close friends and family pulled you aside and told you that they've seen a big change as well?
hey blahblah, thanks for the encouragement! But yes, friends have told me they notice considerable improvement and have literally told me I look a lot better than before.
