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mz
2.64 for cheeks seems fairly high, depending on how you define cheek. With a small definiton, cheeks might be 20% of face, or 50% with bigger definition. So, you might me multiplying your KJs by a factor of between 2 and 5 to estimate total KJs that would have been applied to full face. 10KJs is considered very aggressive for full face.
Hey guys my face is so swollen still. I'm not sure if it was the same way on the 1st treatment (Can't remember). I look like I gained alot of weight just on my face LOL. I do like the way my scars look right now.
Billyboy: Could you explain what you wrote to me alittle better or PM me? I'm not understanding KJs. By small definition do you mean the size of my face? I have a small face.
Can I get help by Billyboy, troubled skin or anyone who knows how to calculate KJs.
I think I understand it now but correct me if i'm wrong. Couldn't u calculate the KJ by multiplying the # of passes with the energy level? Then you move the decimal in two passes for conversion btw MJ and KJ?
Here is my example using stats from my first treatment.
ie. 15*8= 120 --> 1.2KJ??
18*4= 72 --->.72 KJ??
then add everything together: 1.2+.72= 1.92 Total KJs
Please newbies read this, especially asians. It is required or highly advised that you prep your skin for 2 weeks first with a strong hydroquinone cream aka hyperpigmentation cream. wow, 3 treatments alrdy huh Mz.43029, i been busy lately with work, so haven't checked the progress so best of luck dear.
so i was late to my appointment today cause i had to work all day, and i haven't slept in the last 2 days due to over thinking about life at night time. i will get my body clock back in order tonight once i sleep before 11pm and will sleep like there's no tomorow as a baby. anyways, ROCKOMON if you're reading this, guess what buddy, i am schedule on the same day as you now, december 4th or 6th i forgot (lack of rest), but i will make sure that i will be aggressive with the treatment, i kno full face at least 20mjs but i want to convince doc to do spot treatment at 22mjs minimum. so its going to be almost 6 weeks from my 1st treatment til i get my second treatment, plenty of time to heal now so plenty of chances for me to get aggressive with it. so yea, that's it to report, fraxel 1 out.
also on fraxel 1, does anybody know if 25 mjs on scarred areas (meaning atrophic, hypertrophic, depressed, ice picks, boxcars, regular skin areas) can or will cost additional scarring or is it pretty safe with fraxel 1 and 25mjs is the highest with out causing new scars????
Please newbies read this, especially asians. It is required or highly advised that you prep your skin for 2 weeks first with a strong hydroquinone cream aka hyperpigmentation cream. wow, 3 treatments alrdy huh Mz.43029, i been busy lately with work, so haven't checked the progress so best of luck dear.
so i was late to my appointment today cause i had to work all day, and i haven't slept in the last 2 days due to over thinking about life at night time. i will get my body clock back in order tonight once i sleep before 11pm and will sleep like there's no tomorow as a baby. anyways, ROCKOMON if you're reading this, guess what buddy, i am schedule on the same day as you now, december 4th or 6th i forgot (lack of rest), but i will make sure that i will be aggressive with the treatment, i kno full face at least 20mjs but i want to convince doc to do spot treatment at 22mjs minimum. so its going to be almost 6 weeks from my 1st treatment til i get my second treatment, plenty of time to heal now so plenty of chances for me to get aggressive with it. so yea, that's it to report, fraxel 1 out.
also on fraxel 1, does anybody know if 25 mjs on scarred areas (meaning atrophic, hypertrophic, depressed, ice picks, boxcars, regular skin areas) can or will cost additional scarring or is it pretty safe with fraxel 1 and 25mjs is the highest with out causing new scars????
Simply me do you still think it's neccessary to use that hydroquinone cream if i'm planning to start and stay at 8-10mj also does 8-10mj still stimulate collagen
Fraxel2 2nd Treatment
Hey guys, just got back from my 2nd treatment. My doc. had upgraded the SR1500 to the newest model SR1500 (New Tip and More Info. show up on the screen). I asked her about how many treatments I need, she wasn't specific but she said as many as I want and that I should at least have 5 treatments to get 100% coverage. It was painful today expecially on my way home (~1/2 hrs. drive). She treated me with energy level 25 mj, treatment level: 10, and 10 passes. I think 159 or 169 was what the nurse measured in the beginning when she checked the areas of my face getting treated. And I saw 2.45 KJ and next to it 2.64 KJ. I'm not exact sure but those are my estimates (Can't remember it exactly). Does anyone know what they mean? I can't imagine going up to level 40. Doesn't it hurt alot? Do you guys think 25 mj is high enough to treat for acne scars on this model?
edited: I'm getting pinpoint bleeding others talked about. Its only few spots. I'm also getting this liquid stuff coming out of my skin. Does anyone know what it is?? Is it blisters forming??? But skin is red and swollen as usual.
I would call the doctor as ask about the liquid coming out of your skin. Not sure what that is. I had a few blister like places on my skin but it just turned into flaky skin.
I am doing level 40 and yes it is pretty uncomfortable. The doctor really presses the tip down on my face pretty hard to get a good flat surface.
My face swells up really badly. I showed a friend who lives out of my state a picture of my swollen face online and she didn't recongize me. 😆
2.64 KJ is the total energy. Mine was a little higher then yours I guess because of the 40 setting
Good luck. Try setting the AC in your car directly on your face on your drive home. That helps me a lot.
Do you have this mask? Natragel Enriched Gel Mask This mask is so cooling on your face for the first three days after treatment.. I LOVE it! I ordered one for each treatment and they are cheaper then my doc office sells them for.
Good luck and don't get discouraged.
jjp007: U are so brave. I wasn't all excited today unlike the first treatment.
It's better now. I think the liquid is from the Aloe the nurse apply on my skin. It made it bubblely might be my skin was hot. I just woke up from a nap but I'm really swollen now. I don't know if my doc. pressed real hard but there was pressing and I was more aware on the pain. The pinpoint spots were on my cheek bone area near the eye (Like 3 dots). I actually did turn on the AC, I remembered it helped cool my face the 1st time. No I don't have the mask but I'll check out the link. Do you leave the mask on for 3 days?
edited: I'm rereading this forum and I realized that I didn't get the density. Can we calculate that ourselves?
Here is what I had:
Fraxel 2
CHEEKS ONLY
Treatment Level 10
10 Passes
KJ ~2.64
Energy Fluency (MJ) 25
Density ???
edited2: The machine at the doc. office says SR1500, I guess I had the Fraxel2 on my first treatment also but w/o the new tip or upgrade. If i'm wrong someone correct me.
edited3: I finished rereading the last 6 pages. Base on the discussions here I guess my KJ is low for treating scars.
I apply the mask about 3 times the first and second day and about twice the 3rd day.
Yes, you most likely had the Fraxel 2 if the machine said 1500. I know my doctor got the smaller tips so he could go closer to my eyes (an added bonus).
Since you are only having your cheeks done (I think) then your KJ isn't low. I'm having my full face treated.
I was more nervous the second time then the first. First time I too was excited and I didn't know what to expect but the second time I was more nervous but not as scared, if that make sense.
After sleeping you will be swollen if you don't sleep totally elevated. That is normal. I too had a lot of pinpoint bleeding in the same area as you. Just make sure to keep it moisturized. And keep yourself hydrated.
Can I get help by Billyboy, troubled skin or anyone who knows how to calculate KJs.
I think I understand it now but correct me if i'm wrong. Couldn't u calculate the KJ by multiplying the # of passes with the energy level? Then you move the decimal in two passes for conversion btw MJ and KJ?
Here is my example using stats from my first treatment.
ie. 15*8= 120 --> 1.2KJ??
18*4= 72 --->.72 KJ??
then add everything together: 1.2+.72= 1.92 Total KJs
mz,
I believe the readng from the KJ counter takes into account the density setting on the machine (quantity of MTZ's per cm/2) at a given power level in addition to the number of passes. Since more density equates to additional energy distribution to the face this method would be a very rough estimate only. Nice attempt though.
Fraxel2 Day1 2nd treatment
Hey everyone. I can definately say that the 2nd treatment was more aggressive than 1st. My mom saw me last night and she thought I would be in pain because of how swollen my face looked. Today I am still swollen and it wasn't the case with my 1st treatment. I'm moistuerizing with Aloe Vera. I just apply a thin layer on. I can see the deeper scars more clearly today.
Yes you have to use hydroquinone before treatment. I was told to use Obagi kit (which contains hydroquinone) and stop 2 weeks before your treatment.
I also scheduled for 2 more treatments so I will be having 5 treatments now. My next appointment I believe is on December 7th.
I wasn't excited at all for the treatment because I wasn't looking forward to the pain and downtime. The pain didn't start bothering me until my doc. went over the spot the 2nd time. She was trying to have conversations w/ me and I couldn't answer her. I remembered her asking if I was in pain or not couple of times.
Billyboy: Could you explain what you wrote to me alittle better or PM me? I'm not understanding KJs. By small definition do you mean the size of my face? I have a small face.
I think what Billyboy meant was your P/S may have treated a larger area of your cheek or a smaller area of your cheek. If the surface area treated was smaller, the final KJ at the end of treatment would be considered higher then if a larger area was treated. I hope this helps.
Hey guys Leni821 and I are having PM discussions and we have a question on # of passes. I was hoping someone could clearify it for us.
For example: I had 10 passes on my 2nd treatment. What does it mean?? Does it mean 5 passes on one cheek and 5 on the other?? Or 10 passes on both cheeks??
How to count a pass: Does going horizontally counts 1 pass and vertically counts for another pass?
ps: Don't tell us to check the old posts. We have and couldn't find it.
Hey guys my face is so swollen still. I'm not sure if it was the same way on the 1st treatment (Can't remember). I look like I gained alot of weight just on my face LOL. I do like the way my scars look right now.
Billyboy: Could you explain what you wrote to me alittle better or PM me? I'm not understanding KJs. By small definition do you mean the size of my face? I have a small face.
I think what Billyboy meant was your P/S may have treated a larger area of your cheek or a smaller area of your cheek. If the surface area treated was smaller, the final KJ at the end of treatment would be considered higher then if a larger area was treated. I hope this helps.
Hey guys Leni821 and I are having PM discussions and we have a question on # of passes. I was hoping someone could clearify it for us.
For example: I had 10 passes on my 2nd treatment. What does it mean?? Does it mean 5 passes on one cheek and 5 on the other?? Or 10 passes on both cheeks??
How to count a pass: Does going horizontally counts 1 pass and vertically counts for another pass?
ps: Don't tell us to check the old posts. We have and couldn't find it.
When I had Fraxel, a pass was considered going in one direction, once. If you had 10 passes, it would mean going over each cheek 10 times.
Hey guys Leni821 and I are having PM discussions and we have a question on # of passes. I was hoping someone could clearify it for us.
For example: I had 10 passes on my 2nd treatment. What does it mean?? Does it mean 5 passes on one cheek and 5 on the other?? Or 10 passes on both cheeks??
How to count a pass: Does going horizontally counts 1 pass and vertically counts for another pass?
ps: Don't tell us to check the old posts. We have and couldn't find it.
When I had Fraxel, a pass was considered going in one direction, once. If you had 10 passes, it would mean going over each cheek 10 times.
Ok thanks. I questioned it because I was counting # of passes this time and I thought I only had 2 on each cheek but it said 10 passes on the screen. I guess I might of gotten distracted by the pain and lost count. Also the whole thing went by so fast.
Hey guys Leni821 and I are having PM discussions and we have a question on # of passes. I was hoping someone could clearify it for us.
For example: I had 10 passes on my 2nd treatment. What does it mean?? Does it mean 5 passes on one cheek and 5 on the other?? Or 10 passes on both cheeks??
How to count a pass: Does going horizontally counts 1 pass and vertically counts for another pass?
ps: Don't tell us to check the old posts. We have and couldn't find it.
When I had Fraxel, a pass was considered going in one direction, once. If you had 10 passes, it would mean going over each cheek 10 times.
Just keep telling yourself, the pain will be worth it in the long run. The pain won't be there for very long, the improvement on yours scars will be.
Ok thanks. I questioned it because I was counting # of passes this time and I thought I only had 2 on each cheek but it said 10 passes on the screen. I guess I might of gotten distracted by the pain and lost count. Also the whole thing went by so fast.
Has anyone else had a MASSIVE breakout from Fraxel? I had at least 15 deep acne lesions several days after Fraxel, around my mouth and nose only. Don't know if the Fraxel gets to bacteria under the skin and sends it upward and outward or if it could have come from the slather of products I was on. I am not looking forward to this happening again. I am just now getting it under control. Switched to Cetaphil wash and moisturizer...the product I was on from the doc was full of copper peptides. I thought copper was good for the skin. Any info on this? Thanks.
BTW, I am waiting to post pics until all of the acne is gone because the inflammation from so many makes the scars worse as you all know.
Breakouts from Fraxel are pretty common and are caused by follicular keratinization (dead skin cells) coupled with an increase in oil production. (Your body relies on oil glands for reepithelization which can tend to put your oil glands in hyperdrive).
The dead skin cells are due to the MTZ (ablation points) from Fraxel leaving dead skin cells trapped in the follicles which is the basic recipe for acne. These problems usually resolve post treatment with time. If it becomes a real problem, there are ways to prevent this from happening prior to receiving treatments with Fraxel.
Has anyone else had a MASSIVE breakout from Fraxel? I had at least 15 deep acne lesions several days after Fraxel, around my mouth and nose only. Don't know if the Fraxel gets to bacteria under the skin and sends it upward and outward or if it could have come from the slather of products I was on. I am not looking forward to this happening again. I am just now getting it under control. Switched to Cetaphil wash and moisturizer...the product I was on from the doc was full of copper peptides. I thought copper was good for the skin. Any info on this? Thanks.
BTW, I am waiting to post pics until all of the acne is gone because the inflammation from so many makes the scars worse as you all know.
Breakouts from Fraxel are pretty common and are caused by follicular keratinization (dead skin cells) coupled with an increase in oil production. (Your body relies on oil glands for reepithelization which can tend to put your oil glands in hyperdrive).
The dead skin cells are due to the MTZ (ablation points) from Fraxel leaving dead skin cells trapped in the follicles which is the basic recipe for acne. These problems usually resolve post treatment with time. If it becomes a real problem, there are ways to prevent this from happening prior to receiving treatments with Fraxel.
Thank you TROUBLED SKIN do you mind telling me about the ways to prevent it and do you think this Biafine cream will help? It seems to be a burn type dressing rather than the copper peptide "intense tissue repair cream" they gave me. Thanks!
Hi everyone. I'm new to the board I have had my 3rd fraxel yesterday and woke up with several little whiteheads around my cheek area. I can probably understand my skin's reaction but was wondering if anyone knew how i should treat this? I dont know if i should just leave it or try gently squeezing them. I'm just worried because my skin is still red and swollen and dont know if it's a smart thing to be touching anything. Thanks in advance for any help! Good luck to everyone healing!
Hey guys. I am seeing couple whitehead on my face too. I don't know what caused it. Didn't really wash my face yesterday after coming home from the doctors. Face is still swollen and everything. Guess this time is a more aggressive treatment. I won't squeeze it or anything. I'm applying antibotic cream right now.
😀 Hi everyone. I'm new to the board I have had my 3rd fraxel yesterday and woke up with several little whiteheads around my cheek area. I can probably understand my skin's reaction but was wondering if anyone knew how i should treat this? I dont know if i should just leave it or try gently squeezing them. I'm just worried because my skin is still red and swollen and dont know if it's a smart thing to be touching anything. Thanks in advance for any help! Good luck to everyone healing! 😀
Don't squeeze them! Leave them alone and when you take a warm shower and wash your face they should pop on their own. Mine did.
A couple posts ago I wrote what I use on my skin after treatment that didn't break me out and my skin is very sensitive.
Has anyone else had a MASSIVE breakout from Fraxel? I had at least 15 deep acne lesions several days after Fraxel, around my mouth and nose only. Don't know if the Fraxel gets to bacteria under the skin and sends it upward and outward or if it could have come from the slather of products I was on. I am not looking forward to this happening again. I am just now getting it under control. Switched to Cetaphil wash and moisturizer...the product I was on from the doc was full of copper peptides. I thought copper was good for the skin. Any info on this? Thanks.
BTW, I am waiting to post pics until all of the acne is gone because the inflammation from so many makes the scars worse as you all know.
Breakouts from Fraxel are pretty common and are caused by follicular keratinization (dead skin cells) coupled with an increase in oil production. (Your body relies on oil glands for reepithelization which can tend to put your oil glands in hyperdrive).
The dead skin cells are due to the MTZ (ablation points) from Fraxel leaving dead skin cells trapped in the follicles which is the basic recipe for acne. These problems usually resolve post treatment with time. If it becomes a real problem, there are ways to prevent this from happening prior to receiving treatments with Fraxel.
Thank you TROUBLED SKIN do you mind telling me about the ways to prevent it and do you think this Biafine cream will help? It seems to be a burn type dressing rather than the copper peptide "intense tissue repair cream" they gave me. Thanks!
Nantynannie,
In your particular situation with cystic acne, topical treatments are of very limited benefit as cystic acne tends to encapsulate deep within the follicle which is far beyond the reach of topical medications.
Once cystic acne has already developed, nothing can really be done about the actice cysts except gently applying ice directly on the cysts for 3 minutes 2x daily to reduce inflammation and prevent the follicular wall from rupturing which can lead to further scarring. When done properly, the inflammation will greatly reduce over the course of 1-2 days. To apply properly you must place the ice directly over the effected area until it is numb usually three minutes. This will also help reduce the inflammation from your Fraxel treatments.
You can also prevent future breakouts by asking your P/S to prescribe oral antibiotics preferably in the tetracycline family such as minocycline at least 1 month prior to Fraxel treatment. This works as a prophylactic by killing the P acnes before the cyst develops and can encapsulate.
If you elect to go this route, it is very important that you take the antibiotics for the entire prescribed course. DO NOT discontinue treatment prematurely or you run the risk of developing P acnes bacterial resistance. This is very bad thing and would render future treatments with the same class of drugs useless if it happens. Drugs like Minocycline are class D and should not be used if you are or are planning on becoming pregnant.
Please keep in mind this post does not constitute medical advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Talk to your P/S and weigh all the side effects/ risks carefully. I wish you all the best with your Fraxel treatments.
Has anyone else had a MASSIVE breakout from Fraxel? I had at least 15 deep acne lesions several days after Fraxel, around my mouth and nose only. Don't know if the Fraxel gets to bacteria under the skin and sends it upward and outward or if it could have come from the slather of products I was on. I am not looking forward to this happening again. I am just now getting it under control. Switched to Cetaphil wash and moisturizer...the product I was on from the doc was full of copper peptides. I thought copper was good for the skin. Any info on this? Thanks.
BTW, I am waiting to post pics until all of the acne is gone because the inflammation from so many makes the scars worse as you all know.
Breakouts from Fraxel are pretty common and are caused by follicular keratinization (dead skin cells) coupled with an increase in oil production. (Your body relies on oil glands for reepithelization which can tend to put your oil glands in hyperdrive).
The dead skin cells are due to the MTZ (ablation points) from Fraxel leaving dead skin cells trapped in the follicles which is the basic recipe for acne. These problems usually resolve post treatment with time. If it becomes a real problem, there are ways to prevent this from happening prior to receiving treatments with Fraxel.
Thank you TROUBLED SKIN do you mind telling me about the ways to prevent it and do you think this Biafine cream will help? It seems to be a burn type dressing rather than the copper peptide "intense tissue repair cream" they gave me. Thanks!
Nantynannie,
In your particular situation with cystic acne, topical treatments are of very limited benefit as cystic acne tends to encapsulate deep within the follicle which is far beyond the reach of topical medications.
Once cystic acne has already developed, nothing can really be done about the actice cysts except gently applying ice directly on the cysts for 3 minutes 2x daily to reduce inflammation and prevent the follicular wall from rupturing which can lead to further scarring. When done properly, the inflammation will greatly reduce over the course of 1-2 days. To apply properly you must place the ice directly over the effected area until it is numb usually three minutes. This will also help reduce the inflammation from your Fraxel treatments.
You can also prevent future breakouts by asking your P/S to prescribe oral antibiotics preferably in the tetracycline family such as minocycline at least 1 month prior to Fraxel treatment. This works as a prophylactic by killing the P acnes before the cyst develops and can encapsulate.
If you elect to go this route, it is very important that you take the antibiotics for the entire prescribed course. DO NOT discontinue treatment prematurely or you run the risk of developing P acnes bacterial resistance. This is very bad thing and would render future treatments with the same class of drugs useless if it happens. Drugs like Minocycline are class D and should not be used if you are or are planning on becoming pregnant.
Please keep in mind this post does not constitute medical advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Talk to your P/S and weigh all the side effects/ risks carefully. I wish you all the best with your Fraxel treatments.
Thank you very much for this advice. I was wondering how long is a normal prescribed course? Perhaps throughout the entrire process of Fraxel? I will definately talk to the doc about this. The breakout was terrible and reminded me of 15 years ago before I was on Accutane. I don't want it to happen again. Thank you.
TROUBLED SKIN,
I forgot to ask if you know what strength and how many doses per day of minocycline I should ask for? Thank you.