Billy,

About application technique are you referring to dye application or do you mean pass technique? Regarding turning off the Zimmer, this is an interesting theory and I do recall hearing that there is a measurably greater thermal effect without one. I would suggest experimenting with it by gradual turning it down to see how your skin reacts. The last thing you want is blistering. This is rare but has happened with less aggressive treatments then yours. Don't forget to go easy on those molars ok.

I have benefited from fraxel, just less than expected, so I am not completely condemmed to be a non responder. Great skin rejuvenation. I have noticed nice improvement in shallow rolling scars. I have a dozen or so scarred pores that are both shallow and narrow in central face. They are so small, I have to get close to mirror to analyze. I notice no improvement on these nor on my excision scars. That is my biggest fraxel disappointment, which I use as a benchmark for measuring success (becasue they are are on central face and easy to assess), even though they are tiny scars. In fact, they may not even be visible to most peolpe unless they are right in my face. I really thought they would just fill in and go away with fraxel.

Should I consider not using the zimmer cooling device to accentuate thermal injury? I am sure I can handle the pain and perhaps this might increase the inflammatory response to stimulate collagen protein production. Any thoughts?

This is what I was trying to explain before. I see improvment of my deeper rolling scars, they seem to be spreading out (as the nurse put it) and less deep but my smaller linear type scars that are radomly all over my face dont' see to be responding at all. I too thought these smaller, more shallow scars would be the first to fill in.

I'm by far no expert but I don't think the zimmer can penetrate as deeply as the laser does so it shouldn't have any effect. NO WAY could I do the laser without the zimmer..........OUCH!!!

Oh and the flaking everyone is describing to completely normal. I flake off in fine little patches, it feels like sandpaper on my face when it's flaking. No big pieces falling off.

I have benefited from fraxel, just less than expected, so I am not completely condemned to be a non responder. Great skin rejuvenation. I have noticed nice improvement in shallow rolling scars. I have a dozen or so scarred pores that are both shallow and narrow in central face. They are so small, I have to get close to mirror to analyze. I notice no improvement on these nor on my excision scars. That is my biggest fraxel disappointment, which I use as a benchmark for measuring success (because they are are on central face and easy to assess), even though they are tiny scars. In fact, they may not even be visible to most people unless they are right in my face. I really thought they would just fill in and go away with fraxel.

Should I consider not using the zimmer cooling device to accentuate thermal injury? I am sure I can handle the pain and perhaps this might increase the inflammatory response to stimulate collagen protein production. Any thoughts?

This is what I was trying to explain before. I see improvement of my deeper rolling scars, they seem to be spreading out (as the nurse put it) and less deep but my smaller linear type scars that are randomly all over my face dont' see to be responding at all. I too thought these smaller, more shallow scars would be the first to fill in.

I'm by far no expert but I don't think the zimmer can penetrate as deeply as the laser does so it shouldn't have any effect. NO WAY could I do the laser without the zimmer..........OUCH!!!

Oh and the flaking everyone is describing to completely normal. I flake off in fine little patches, it feels like sandpaper on my face when it's flaking. No big pieces falling off.

 

JJ,

Intuitively what you are saying is correct, the Zimmer does not interfere with the laser energy reaching the deeper dermal layers however, the cooling effect on the surface of the skin can quite possibly change the way the skin tissue reacts and lessen the shock to the skin. This is one of the reasons why the Zimmer curbs the pain as the cooling effect changes the thermal reaction to the nerve endings in your skin. Other technologies such as IPl or SmoothBeam for example rely on the units built in cooling mechanism to keep the procedure non ablative so clearly cooling does have an effect. To what extent this affects Fraxel is completely speculative. However we do know enough about laser engineering/dynamics to postulate that there may be some type of effect to clinical response.

Another good example would be that when you may accidentally burn your skin, running your skin under cool water lessens the effect of the burn. Certainly the water is not penetrating to the level of the burn however the immediate reduction in temperature lessens the severity of the burn. All lasers to one extent or another rely on injuring the dermal layers in a controlled manor. More injury equals greater benefits as long as there is enough remaining uninjured cells to reepithelize.

I am not sure if you have had a chance to review all of Stonewall's posts however his doctor appears to be well aware of this and does NOT recommend the Zimmer in order to maximize response to Fraxel.

On the other end of the spectrum, I personally have no doubt that many physicians are completely clueless about the all of the complexities involved with laser dynamics. I have personally talked with many experienced doctors that treat with Fraxel and have found treatment preferences to be all over the map. This is a great example of why Fractional technology is far from an exact science. None of this of course is actually proven so we look at what we know so far and consider the Zimmer as simply one component in the process of elimination.

Troubled, I assume the dye is ok as I see where she puts it in mirror and this seems simple. I was wondering about pass techniques: overlap, proxity to face, angle (if any), etc.

Thanks

Billy,

 

About application technique are you referring to dye application or do you mean pass technique? Regarding turning off the Zimmer, this is an interesting theory and I do recall hearing that there is a measurably greater thermal effect without one. I would suggest experimenting with it by gradual turning it down to see how your skin reacts. The last thing you want is blistering. This is rare but has happened with less aggressive treatments then yours. Don't forget to go easy on those molars ok.

Troubled, I assume the dye is ok as I see where she puts it in mirror and this seems simple. I was wondering about pass techniques: overlap, proxity to face, angle (if any), etc.

Thanks

 

Billy,

About application technique are you referring to dye application or do you mean pass technique? Regarding turning off the Zimmer, this is an interesting theory and I do recall hearing that there is a measurably greater thermal effect without one. I would suggest experimenting with it by gradual turning it down to see how your skin reacts. The last thing you want is blistering. This is rare but has happened with less aggressive treatments then yours. Don't forget to go easy on those molars ok. 😆

 

Billy,

When poor technique is used it is reflected in lower kJ. That certainly is not a problem with your treatments. The exception to that would be if the nurse is spacing the overlaps to wide which would in effect treat some areas more aggressively then others. Although this would be evident as your skin healed as some areas would have white streaks of skin that would likely heal quicker then the areas that were treated more aggressively.

I don't usually ice my face after treatment. I did the first time when I freaked out at how swollen I was I did a few times but it really didn't do much for the swelling. I know by now that I will have 2 to 3 days of extreme swelling and them BAM! on day 4 I look almost normal again.

I like the MD Forte skin, it doesn't totally absorb but that's the point when you are on the first two days of healing. I don't care for the smell at all but Aquaphor is entirely to sticky and that stuff never absorbes unlike the MD which absorbs quite a bit but still leaves your face moist. I only use it on days 1 to 3 and then switch to the Cetaphil moisturizer with spf in it.

JJP is so right. I was real swollen for 3 days and yesterday (day4) I peeled and look normal. I know I have microswelling (skin looks good right now b/c of it). I agree that I heal alot faster this time.

I Don't like MD Forte as a moistuerizer. Aquaphor (ointment) is used during the healing process but I definately wouldn't use it as a moistuerizer. GL everyone

This is what I was trying to explain before. I see improvment of my deeper rolling scars, they seem to be spreading out (as the nurse put it) and less deep but my smaller linear type scars that are radomly all over my face dont' see to be responding at all. I too thought these smaller, more shallow scars would be the first to fill in.

JJP, Billy,

I think it's possible that some of your smaller scars that are unresponsive to Fraxel could possibly have some connective fibrous bands that are keeping them from elevating. This is often found on rolling scars but can sometimes be found on linear, boxscars, some chicken pox type scars and even ice picks. A simple but not always completely reliable test (depending on how much pressure you apply) would be to GENTLY apply pressure to nearby side of each scar to see if they respond to pressure. If not, or if they only partially elevate they will require subcision to elevate them.

I have a question about the what others have experienced during their peeling process after a Fraxel. I read that when you peel, it is similar to a sunburn peel. My skin is not flaking off in large pieces like it did when I had a sunburn (sorry if this sounds gross). At first I did not think it was peeling at all because it is subtle, but it seems to be peeling and almost has the consistency of dandruff. It is now day 4 counting Friday, the day I had my 2nd Fraxel. Any thoughts here are appreciated. Thanks!

hey this is how im peeling... Annde, i also got my fraxel done on jan 5th.. and this is what my skin looks like as of tonite.

 

Cool dude. looks like you have some new spots of baby soft skin.

question though. does fraxel affect the beard? looks like you lost some hair in those baby spots?.

I have a question about the what others have experienced during their peeling process after a Fraxel. I read that when you peel, it is similar to a sunburn peel. My skin is not flaking off in large pieces like it did when I had a sunburn (sorry if this sounds gross). At first I did not think it was peeling at all because it is subtle, but it seems to be peeling and almost has the consistency of dandruff. It is now day 4 counting Friday, the day I had my 2nd Fraxel. Any thoughts here are appreciated. Thanks!

hey this is how im peeling... Annde, i also got my fraxel done on jan 5th.. and this is what my skin looks like as of tonite.

 

Cool dude. looks like you have some new spots of baby soft skin.

question though. does fraxel affect the beard? looks like you lost some hair in those baby spots?.

 

no, fraxel doesnt affect the beard. I shave in the morning. As of tonite I have pretty much peeled off 95% of the skin. a little more shedding to do. i have been keeping a photo gallery of my progress and will post once i feel the micro swelling is gone. Like i said previously, the results are not dramatic... very subtle and that maybe because i dont have severe scaring. I would consider my scarring light to moderate.

Just finished Fraxel treatment # two and am quite a bit more swollen than the last treatment. The doctor used about 40% more energy this time and really went over my face, forehead and neck using various settings. One thing is for certain and that is I will get the best results possible as this doctor is taking an aggressive aproach.

If anyone in the Vancouver Canada area is interested in the fraxel treatments they can PM me and I can give them the details. This place gives me the impression of providing healthcare rather than just beeing a cosmetic business. The doctor wants results almost as much as I do.

I'll wait a few weeks and post any improvement that I hope to see.

Thanks,

Hi there, I too am from Vancouver. I never really suffered much from acne, but years after they were gone Im still battling with red marks. For the past 12 months everyday my self esteem tumbles lower and lower as I can no longer see myself becoming the person I am inside with these redmarks on my cheeks that never want to disappear (I have VERY minimal scarring to speak off).

After being treated by various derms (IPL, obagi nuderm (bullshit sold by Dr Jang), aha peels, etc etc,), Im slowly see that there is no hope for me. I dont have another 3-4 years on my hands to "wait" to see whats going to happen to my skin, every extra weekend Im staying home because I dont feel comfortable facing people with my marks means another part of my life being wasted at home looking up shit being depressed. Lately Ive read that red marks are not pigment problems but rather broken blood vessels that can appear as dots, underneath the skin. And the only way to get rid of them is using lasers.

I really hope you can describe your scars in detail to me and tell me who you've been to and how they treated you, if you've experienced any success. Its hard to find a good derm in vancouver, asides from a couple, the rest of them just plain dont care about you other than the money can you give them to put towards their next BMW.

CP, if you have no indents but just inflamed coloration, I think your problem is more easily solved. Was it diagnosed as tangentsia (can't remember how to spell) with red capilary lines and a flushed facial color. If so, I had a bit of this and the fraxel treamtments wiped it out. I also understnad there is a less expensive laser, IPL that works well on this. For me, we went with Fraxel becasue I was most concerned about indents. Ironically, my best benefit has been an even out skin color (this problem mostly), with minor improvment in some scars.

My wife asked me what I was doing on computer and I told her I was tryign to help others with skin problems like I have tried to treat. My fraxel treatments have been a bit sensitive because of self centered spending and I can be a bit of a firt. She does not think my scaring is bad and does not need work. So my wife has not been that supportive of my fraxel spending. Anyway, I told her that I was responding about the great improvement fraxel has provided with red face and blotchiness to someone asking a question on this board. And, told, her that I have been disappointed by scarring improvment. In any event, she responded that she think my face, including scarring looks much better. So, thsi is the first independetn feed back. Maybe my scrs are progressing better than I think. I feel that I have a ways to go, but I thought I would share apoint of view that is even more posiive than my own.

My wife asked me what I was doing on computer and I told her I was tryign to help others with skin problems like I have tried to treat. My fraxel treatments have been a bit sensitive because of self centered spending and I can be a bit of a firt. She does not think my scaring is bad and does not need work. So my wife has not been that supportive of my fraxel spending. Anyway, I told her that I was responding about the great improvement fraxel has provided with red face and blotchiness to someone asking a question on this board. And, told, her that I have been disappointed by scarring improvment. In any event, she responded that she think my face, including scarring looks much better. So, thsi is the first independetn feed back. Maybe my scrs are progressing better than I think. I feel that I have a ways to go, but I thought I would share apoint of view that is even more posiive than my own.

That's great news! Sometimes an objective opinion can put self perception more in line with reality. I have met many great people who had scars and wouldn't notice unless I looked for them. Often we see ourselves in a more negative light then others do. It really is all about perception.

I just had my first Fraxel 2 done on Friday at the Henry Ford center in Michigan (from Dr. Ozog - anyone try him?) and I don't think, after the first day, that the downtime has been too bad. I haven't experienced much swelling at all (although the scars look more filled in), but everything is considerably redder.

I'm slightly confused about this business about different levels. What are the advantages/disadvantages of higher levels? I understand they go deeper, but what's the downside? More down time, or is there more risk as well if the doctor doesn't think its necessary?

Furthermore, how do you know what your level is? I guess just ask?

I have heard of him. I am from Michigan as well and have been going to Dr. Mok in Shelby Twp, I just had my second of five Fraxels last Friday. They use a Fraxel 1 laser and I am happy thus far. However, If I need more treatments after this series, I am going to look into the newer laser. I really like them and hope they end up upgrading if I continue on with another 3 to 5 treatments. I tried to get in touch with Dr. Ozog's office when I first looked into this procedure, but no one from Dr. Ozog's office got back to me. I am glad to hear that your experience went well. If you don't mind telling me, how much do they charge for the Fraxel/s? Thanks~! Annde

 

Hey, sorry it took me a few days to check the board again.

They've charged me 625 per treatment for full face, so about 2500 for my four treatments. My second one will be in February. By now its been 5 days since my first treatment and I'd say I'm pretty much back to normal. Still a bit rosy in the cheeks and nose, but nothing noticeable.

I'm also glad to hear that you've had good experiences with Mok, he was someone I considered initially. One thing I really like about Ozog, aside from what I consider to be a pretty reasonable price (I was worried, having read the board, that this whole thing would cost upward of 5000) for Fraxel 2, is his bedside manner. It seems like Mok is just as good in this regard, but having had awkward encounters with dismissive and uncaring derms in the past, it was refreshing to have a sensitive and caring staff at the Henry Ford.

CP, if you have no indents but just inflamed coloration, I think your problem is more easily solved. Was it diagnosed as tangentsia (can't remember how to spell) with red capilary lines and a flushed facial color. If so, I had a bit of this and the fraxel treamtments wiped it out. I also understnad there is a less expensive laser, IPL that works well on this. For me, we went with Fraxel becasue I was most concerned about indents. Ironically, my best benefit has been an even out skin color (this problem mostly), with minor improvment in some scars.

Telangiectasia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telangiectasia

Fraxel's best results are for this and other discolorations such as melasma (for which it was intially used).

It also works very well for sun damage.

Works good for wrinkles.

Works OK for acne scars.

The thing, I really dont know what these red spots are. Theyre like red dots on my face, some of them look like theyve been there for ages. I was browsing through some old photos of myself from more than 2 years ago and I can see that they were in some shape and form, only back then it blended into my skin because I was much more tanned and my skin looked thicker. Now years later, after maybe months of exfoliating layers of skins, these red marks (or shall I say, dots), are really coming towards the surface of the skin. Some of them are only indented to the very slightest degree. Its mainly the redness that bugs the hell out of it. Itwasnt until the beginning of 2006 that I really notice how bad these spots can be. Now I know for sure that theyve always been there, for probably at least 2 years, maybe even more.

The funny thing is, these derms never gave me a clear technical name for what these problems are. Every consultation always had me telling the doctor about how it was acne that gave me these dots, never was there one time where a doc would try and give me another opinion about how they would have been formed. Its becoming more and more appearant to me that it is broken capillaries, not simply damaged collegen underneath the skin. Im going to see a new set of derms this year, hopingly try and weed out the goods from the bads, and see what sort of results I can expect with different treatments. For me, IPL was 350 canadian per treatment, and Ive done a total of 4 in 2006, last of which burned the hell out of my skin, made it oozey and painful for 2 weeks, and left a pink mark on my right cheek thats taking a very long time to fade. Perhaps fraxel is the answer? It seems much more precise as the head of the instrutment isnt like IPL (a square blockhead), and the technology feels more refined (correct me if im wrong, its just my impression). Im really hoping to solve these red dots in the next coming 6 months, Ive already missed out so much in life ever since Ive taken notice that the rest of my face can be in top form but these spots on my cheeks will always make me less than perfect.

Do the red dots wax and wane? Or, are they pretty much the same all the time? Pre fraxel I would get periodic flares of seb derm, especailly during winter that would affect the area around my eyes and ears. One associated symptom was that in addition to some gernally, red, dry, flaky skin, I would see red dtos at the bottom of some tiny ice picks. This condtion has really cleaned up (i had the nurse do the areas that were susceptible. I recently had an out brek, but it was really mild compared to the past.

I think the only reason I got a recent outbreak is that I have been couped up at home from surgery and have not been swimming laps for aboput 6 weeks. I fimrly bleiev that sun exposure and being in the water a lot ehlped to control my seb derm. By the way, my doc does not beleive fraxel will help seb derm, but that has certainly been my experience.

PS: I apologize for my horrible typing when I don't read what I type. I need a spellcheck.

The thing, I really dont know what these red spots are. Theyre like red dots on my face, some of them look like theyve been there for ages. I was browsing through some old photos of myself from more than 2 years ago and I can see that they were in some shape and form, only back then it blended into my skin because I was much more tanned and my skin looked thicker. Now years later, after maybe months of exfoliating layers of skins, these red marks (or shall I say, dots), are really coming towards the surface of the skin. Some of them are only indented to the very slightest degree. Its mainly the redness that bugs the hell out of it. Itwasnt until the beginning of 2006 that I really notice how bad these spots can be. Now I know for sure that theyve always been there, for probably at least 2 years, maybe even more.

The funny thing is, these derms never gave me a clear technical name for what these problems are. Every consultation always had me telling the doctor about how it was acne that gave me these dots, never was there one time where a doc would try and give me another opinion about how they would have been formed. Its becoming more and more appearant to me that it is broken capillaries, not simply damaged collegen underneath the skin. Im going to see a new set of derms this year, hopingly try and weed out the goods from the bads, and see what sort of results I can expect with different treatments. For me, IPL was 350 canadian per treatment, and Ive done a total of 4 in 2006, last of which burned the hell out of my skin, made it oozey and painful for 2 weeks, and left a pink mark on my right cheek thats taking a very long time to fade. Perhaps fraxel is the answer? It seems much more precise as the head of the instrutment isnt like IPL (a square blockhead), and the technology feels more refined (correct me if im wrong, its just my impression). Im really hoping to solve these red dots in the next coming 6 months, Ive already missed out so much in life ever since Ive taken notice that the rest of my face can be in top form but these spots on my cheeks will always make me less than perfect.

Christpunchers,

Can you take a picture and post it? If this is not a standard case of post acne erythema and looks like little red pinpoint dots caused by broken capillaries it's quite possible you may have a condition called campbell de morgan spots. These are completely harmless red overgrowth's of blood vessels in the skin. If a biopsy were to be taken technically they would appear as a micro angioma. Cosmetically they may be improved or diminished completely with IPL or PDL treatments depending on the severity. I am shooting in the dark without seeing a picture but this sounds like the most likely possibility from what you are describing.

Best regards,

T_S

Hi - I just finished my 6th fraxel treatment tonight. One with the SR750, Two with the SR750 machine but with the software upgrade, and three with the SR1500 machine. They took pictures of me at the Dr.'s office when I first came in and we just took follow up pictures today. It's a really nice camera actually provided to them from Reliant for this purpose. I can only say I have a slight improvement in my scars themselves. I have lots of scars in a cluster on both my temples and slight scaring on my forehead. I was really hoping my forehead would be totally filled in, but it's not. I can say probably a 30% improvement on my temple scars. I've been getting treatments between two weeks and a month apart just because of scheduling. Majority have been three weeks apart. I can't really say that allows too much time to let improvement show through though. I have a very, very, very, slight tint of pink where I had the laser done on my temples when I would go in for my next treatment. I can only assume I'm still healing and a little bit of micro-swelling is present.

My next appointment will be in late March (about 2 months) for a follow up photo session. This will be my true test to see what kind of filling in I got to my scars. I will be sure to post back after that session. I'm really glad to be done. Since last May 2006, I have done monthly needling sessions (done by myself and professionally) and then on to Fraxel. It's time to let my face heal now.

I'm not sure of my exact settings, but this is pretty close. She would switch it up most of the time when she did her passes. When we were done I would look at the machine and most of the time it said 40mj.

Treatment 1: SR750 - 15mj & 18mj (Different Dr. Office)

Treatment 2: SR1500 - 20mj, 30mj

Treatment 3: SR750 (software upgrade) - Varied from 20mj to 40mj

Treatment 4: SR750 (software upgrade) - Varied from 20mj to 40mj

Treatment 5: SR1500 - Varied from 20mj to 40mj

Treatment 6: SR1500 - Mostly just 40mj (temples). I'm pretty sure she went lower on my forehead.

Just to note, they just started an acne scar study with a new fraxel laser called the Fraxel +. I think that's what it's called. The nurse told me that it goes a little deeper, however there is a lot more down time. They told me it would require about a week downtime. That's all I know about it. I'm going to check back with them to see what kind of results they are seeing when I go in for my follow up photo session. The study will most likely go through the summer.

Hi - I just finished my 6th fraxel treatment tonight. One with the SR750, Two with the SR750 machine but with the software upgrade, and three with the SR1500 machine. They took pictures of me at the Dr.'s office when I first came in and we just took follow up pictures today. It's a really nice camera actually provided to them from Reliant for this purpose. I can only say I have a slight improvement in my scars themselves. I have lots of scars in a cluster on both my temples and slight scaring on my forehead. I was really hoping my forehead would be totally filled in, but it's not. I can say probably a 30% improvement on my temple scars. I've been getting treatments between two weeks and a month apart just because of scheduling. Majority have been three weeks apart. I can't really say that allows too much time to let improvement show through though. I have a very, very, very, slight tint of pink where I had the laser done on my temples when I would go in for my next treatment. I can only assume I'm still healing and a little bit of micro-swelling is present.

My next appointment will be in late March (about 2 months) for a follow up photo session. This will be my true test to see what kind of filling in I got to my scars. I will be sure to post back after that session. I'm really glad to be done. Since last May 2006, I have done monthly needling sessions (done by myself and professionally) and then on to Fraxel. It's time to let my face heal now.

I'm not sure of my exact settings, but this is pretty close. She would switch it up most of the time when she did her passes. When we were done I would look at the machine and most of the time it said 40mj.

Treatment 1: SR750 - 15mj & 18mj (Different Dr. Office)

Treatment 2: SR1500 - 20mj, 30mj

Treatment 3: SR750 (software upgrade) - Varied from 20mj to 40mj

Treatment 4: SR750 (software upgrade) - Varied from 20mj to 40mj

Treatment 5: SR1500 - Varied from 20mj to 40mj

Treatment 6: SR1500 - Mostly just 40mj (temples). I'm pretty sure she went lower on my forehead.

Just to note, they just started an acne scar study with a new fraxel laser called the Fraxel +. I think that's what it's called. The nurse told me that it goes a little deeper, however there is a lot more down time. They told me it would require about a week downtime. That's all I know about it. I'm going to check back with them to see what kind of results they are seeing when I go in for my follow up photo session. The study will most likely go through the summer.

CM,

Interesting news about the Fraxel + . Can you confirm if that is the name for sure and if Reliant is the manufacturer? I wasn't aware of any field testing for another Fraxel? It may possibly be from another manufacturer but I doubt it as Fraxel is a trademarked name.

I just had my first Fraxel 2 done on Friday at the Henry Ford center in Michigan (from Dr. Ozog - anyone try him?) and I don't think, after the first day, that the downtime has been too bad. I haven't experienced much swelling at all (although the scars look more filled in), but everything is considerably redder.

I'm slightly confused about this business about different levels. What are the advantages/disadvantages of higher levels? I understand they go deeper, but what's the downside? More down time, or is there more risk as well if the doctor doesn't think its necessary?

Furthermore, how do you know what your level is? I guess just ask?

I have heard of him. I am from Michigan as well and have been going to Dr. Mok in Shelby Twp, I just had my second of five Fraxels last Friday. They use a Fraxel 1 laser and I am happy thus far. However, If I need more treatments after this series, I am going to look into the newer laser. I really like them and hope they end up upgrading if I continue on with another 3 to 5 treatments. I tried to get in touch with Dr. Ozog's office when I first looked into this procedure, but no one from Dr. Ozog's office got back to me. I am glad to hear that your experience went well. If you don't mind telling me, how much do they charge for the Fraxel/s? Thanks~! Annde

 

Hey, sorry it took me a few days to check the board again.

They've charged me 625 per treatment for full face, so about 2500 for my four treatments. My second one will be in February. By now its been 5 days since my first treatment and I'd say I'm pretty much back to normal. Still a bit rosy in the cheeks and nose, but nothing noticeable.

I'm also glad to hear that you've had good experiences with Mok, he was someone I considered initially. One thing I really like about Ozog, aside from what I consider to be a pretty reasonable price (I was worried, having read the board, that this whole thing would cost upward of 5000) for Fraxel 2, is his bedside manner. It seems like Mok is just as good in this regard, but having had awkward encounters with dismissive and uncaring derms in the past, it was refreshing to have a sensitive and caring staff at the Henry Ford.

 

Hi Billrasky,

Thanks for getting back to me. I am happy to hear that you found a doctor that treats you well. Good luck to you and keep me posted!

CM77, Thanks for your post. It sounded very objective. Are you confident about 30%? Would you get a different answer form mirror or would it be the same? I too have had 6, but I would say I am 0% on worst scars to 50% on shallow rolling scars. Overall, I would say maybe 20%, but as you know it is hard to give a #. I think you will see more improvment. Good luck.

Yeah Ill snap some close up photos of me now and give some closeup of myself from 2004. Today Im in a better mood so Im not too worried about the red dots. Tomorrow I have an appointment with Dr phoebus wong here in Vancouver, though he runs a very business oriented clinic, I heard from others that he does do really good work plus he has much experience with asian skin. Im hoping this guy will give me insight on my conditions that others werent able to. Ill do my best to make sure I get the most honest opinion from this guy, since Im not in the mood to waste more money only find very marginal short term results like I had with the IPL.

If only our tax dollars can help me now, I wouldnt be so worried about trying treatments.

Thanks for the feedback guys, Im glad there are those who take time out and try to help others. Very much appreciated.

Less than 24 hours after my 2nd Fraxel spot treatment for depressed scars. (Energy = 20, Density = 125, Passes = 8)

My skin is very pink and already starting to bronze. There is no peeling yet, but I can see that it is starting to roughen and dry out.

Once again, my depressed scars are near invisible! Yey! But, I know that will only last about 10 days.

I will probably look like a freak when it is time to go back to work on Monday... Last time (my 1st treatment), I got treated on a Wednesday - which gave me 2 additional days to recover...

-Ralphie

I found this thread 3-4 months ago and have read all 165 pages, but have not offered comments until now. Perhaps some background might be helpful. I am 42 and suffered from cystic acne from the time I was 13. AT 17 I was one of the first people in my area to be treated with accutane. It brought significant improvement, but I was left with moderate scarring- both atrophic and hypertrophic. I tried collagen injctions at the time, with little success. For the next 20 years I tried to accept the scarring and live life. Like many of you, I experienced self esteem issues and suffered socially because of the scarring, but I was able to make due and actually excel in other areas of life. I have had occasional breakouts over the years, and the scarring has gotten worse. Recently I decided it was time to take action again.

Fortunatley, money is not longer an issue, so I read numerous threads and did lots of research to determine the most rational approach regardless of cost. Fraxel seemed to offer a chance for meaningful improvement with little downside, so I searched for a Dr. that seemed to actually care about helping her patients find success rather than just cashing the check. I found one. She is very bright, does not suffer from the Doctor/God complex, and has some very good before and after pictures of how fraxel has worked with her patients. She is also willing to answer questions and listen to ideas that I have regarding treatment.

I started treatments several months ago and had my 4th last night. The first 3 were with the Fraxel 750 at mjs between 20 and 25 (7-9 KJs total energy) and spaced 2-4 weeks apart depending on my schedule. My last was with the Fraxel 1500 at 40mjs and an 8 setting. Unfortunately, my results to date have not been good. When I read Billyboy's posts I can certainly relate. My atrophic (mostly rolling and boxcar) may have improved on an overall basis by 10%, but my hypertrophic scars on my cheeks look worse. I didn't notice this until after the 2nd treatment but I seem to have 1 new hypertrophic scar and the old ones have increased in size. After last night's treatment the hypertrophic scars are much more pronounced and definitely larger. VERY DISCOURAGING!

Of course my hope is that the difference in the raised scars is due to some temporary swelling that will dissipate in a few months, but my fear is that I am indeed developing new collagen and it is increasing the size of my hypertrophic scars. I am at the point now where I am unsure that I will even have my remaining two procedures even though I have already paid for them. The good news (small consolation) is that, like Billyboy, Fraxel has significantly improved sun damage and skin tone.

I will try to keep you updated on my progress, but if you are attempting to treat raised scars with Fraxel ---- BEWARE