Hi Troubled, I recall just a scapel. The odd thing is that the Dr did not have a nurse or assistant - he did it all himself.

Two were fairly small incisons, but in the other one, he excised a larger area near my left eye that had a couple scars. I think he was thinking by making a long incison it would look like wrinkle, but it separated and left and indented scar, with some stitch marks. Anyway, my hair is pretty and it kind of curls out near side burn toward eye and covers it too some extent. I think I will have filler in the two bad scars once I am done with fraxel, as they responded well to Restylane awhile back, but this was temp and expensive.

Thanks #1cubsfan,

Good luck to you on Monday!

Hope it goes well for you.

Take care,

Annde

Hi Troubled, I recall just a scapel. The odd thing is that the Dr did not have a nurse or assistant - he did it all himself.

Two were fairly small incisions, but in the other one, he excised a larger area near my left eye that had a couple scars. I think he was thinking by making a long incison it would look like wrinkle, but it separated and left and indented scar, with some stitch marks. Anyway, my hair is pretty and it kind of curls out near side burn toward eye and covers it too some extent. I think I will have filler in the two bad scars once I am done with fraxel, as they responded well to Restylane awhile back, but this was temp and expensive.

Billy,

I agree, Restylane is safe and usually yields good results. If you are looking for a more permanent option, it wouldn't hurt to do a consult with a qualified P/S to get an expert opinion on whether or not re-excision would get you the results you were original seeking. Since the scars have spread there is probably good skin laxity for re-excision. I have seen some scar revisions that were no thicker then a human hair. Spot resurfacing 4-6 weeks post excision would make a scar of that thickness virtually undetectable. Finding the right P/S of course would be the biggest challenge.

I recently came across a nicely layed out directory: "Americas Top Doctors" 6th edition by Castle Connolly http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Top-Doctors...TF8&s=books which has a national listing of the best of the best based on reputation, medical expertise and referrals by others physicians in their chosen field. At first glance there are a lot of names that I recognize as indeed top experts in dermatology and plastic surgery. This might be a good place to start in locating a P/S whatever route you chose to go.

Hopefully Fraxel will bring down a couple of hypertrophic scars I have but if not I may go ahead with excision via intradermal sutures followed by more aggressive resurfacing.

Through your own experience maybe you can offer me some advice. A while ago, early in your Fraxel treatments you mentioned that Fraxel helped with raised scars on your leg. Do you think these were true hypertrophic scars or residual infection that Fraxel brought down? There is such little data available for Fraxel for the treatment of hypertrophic scars I will need to base my decision for my own treatment solely on first hand experience. Any thoughts you might have on this would be appreciated.

Troubled, you have a good memory about hypertrohic scars on legs. They turned out great. I'm not 100% certain as to whether they were true scars or a resdiual raised infection. All I can say is that they were there for awhile and had not shown any evidence of infection for sometime, so I would classify them as scars. My guess is that they would have settled down in time, but I think fraxel sped up this process and I don't think they would have settled into the 100% normal looking skin without fraxel. So, I was very happy with this result.

I was a bit down because I was seeing my scars coming back. Even though on an intellectual level I knew it was

unlikely that my skin would improve so fast, it was hard not to fall into the seduction of it all.

Annde

Annde

This describes what I went through 2 weeks ago exactly. Well put!

I still go back and forth wondering if I have gotten much improvment or not. I have my before and after pictures, they emailed them to but and looking back as far a 2003 really depressed me seeing my face look so horrible. Now i can see a difference between the first pic in 2003 and my last one before my 5th Fraxel treatment, a big difference but the lighting was different and a different camera but it's obvious that the many many laser treatments I have had since 2003 have done some good but I'm still not satisfied yet. I still have some red marks that are very visible in my bathroom mirror, the lighting in there is very bright and the vanity type bulbs hung over the mirror but you can't see them as much in my doctors office or in the photographs. I was hopeing for at least my redmarks from old pimples would be gone from my 5 Fraxels but they are still there, don't get me wrong I have gotten improvment in texture and tone but not what I was expecting.

#1cubsfan i was just wondering if your next Fraxel treatment will be number 8 in total for you? I was wondering how often someone could actually do Fraxel. I'm pretty sure my doctor will recommend a few more for me when I see him in 2 and a half weeks but I really can't affored it right now.

From reading others descriptions of their scars lately I think that my skin is a LOT worse then most of yours. So that might also be a reason I'm not seeing the best results.

After seeing how people around here act (not this thread) but in general I don't feel comfortable posting before and after pics. It's just to personal for me.

how much is fraxel laser? i dont wanna skim through all the pages

I was a bit down because I was seeing my scars coming back. Even though on an intellectual level I knew it was

unlikely that my skin would improve so fast, it was hard not to fall into the seduction of it all.

Annde

Annde

This describes what I went through 2 weeks ago exactly. Well put!

I still go back and forth wondering if I have gotten much improvment or not. I have my before and after pictures, they emailed them to but and looking back as far a 2003 really depressed me seeing my face look so horrible. Now i can see a difference between the first pic in 2003 and my last one before my 5th Fraxel treatment, a big difference but the lighting was different and a different camera but it's obvious that the many many laser treatments I have had since 2003 have done some good but I'm still not satisfied yet. I still have some red marks that are very visible in my bathroom mirror, the lighting in there is very bright and the vanity type bulbs hung over the mirror but you can't see them as much in my doctors office or in the photographs. I was hopeing for at least my redmarks from old pimples would be gone from my 5 Fraxels but they are still there, don't get me wrong I have gotten improvment in texture and tone but not what I was expecting.

#1cubsfan i was just wondering if your next Fraxel treatment will be number 8 in total for you? I was wondering how often someone could actually do Fraxel. I'm pretty sure my doctor will recommend a few more for me when I see him in 2 and a half weeks but I really can't affored it right now.

From reading others descriptions of their scars lately I think that my skin is a LOT worse then most of yours. So that might also be a reason I'm not seeing the best results.

After seeing how people around here act (not this thread) but in general I don't feel comfortable posting before and after pics. It's just to personal for me.

 

Hi jjp,

I must have had a brain freeze the other day when I posted that this was going to be my 3rd treatment. (wishful thinking?) This is actually going to be my 2nd. I had 6 treatments starting in January 06. I had 2 Palomar treatments in October 06. I'm having 5 or 6 treatments done starting in January 07. I think this is a new world record for everyone on here!! My old doctor had recommended waiting 6 months to a year before doing this again.

Believe me, I'm sure your skin is no worse than mine. I will post pictures on here when I am comfortable with the way I look now. I figure it won't hurt as much looking at the before pictures.

#1cubsfan,

Did you find that your first series of Fraxels gave you a significant improvement? What would you say your percentage of improvement was after the first series?

Thanks so much!

Annde

jjp,

Thanks for the kind words.......... I think we can all relate.

sfgiantsyee,

It appears that the cost of each treatment varies from location to location, ranging from $400 - $1,500.

Drusilla,

I have found that most of my obvious swelling is gone after the third day. The redness to bronzing and flaking lasts about five to seven days. Sometimes the redness lingers a bit longer. I just had my 3rd Fraxel on Friday and went out yesterday with make up to run errands. No one seemed to notice that I had anything done.

Annde

#1cubsfan,

Did you find that your first series of Fraxels gave you a significant improvement? What would you say your percentage of improvement was after the first series?

Thanks so much!

Annde

jjp,

Thanks for the kind words.......... I think we can all relate.

sfgiantsyee,

It appears that the cost of each treatment varies from location to location, ranging from $400 - $1,500.

Drusilla,

I have found that most of my obvious swelling is gone after the third day. The redness to bronzing and flaking lasts about five to seven days. Sometimes the redness lingers a bit longer. I just had my 3rd Fraxel on Friday and went out yesterday with make up to run errands. No one seemed to notice that I had anything done.

Annde

Annde,

I believe that I have had 30% improvement from the first round. That is why I'm willing to go through this again.

It's been one month since my fraxel and i can honestly say my scarred pores look much worse in fact you can see almost every pore on the left side of my face (cheek). Before the procedure they were hardly visible. I highly advise against this procedure for scarred pores. I think it works on only rolling scars. I have read accounts that peoples pores are getting smaller but its hard to believe what u read until you try for yourself. I think I will just have more TCA Cross treatments as I've had quite a few already with decent results. I just cant find a doctor in New York that is reasonably priced or that I like. I cant belive in a city this big only two doctors perform this procedure. I might try a couple on myself. Just my two cents. Good Luck.

FYI:

February 02, 2007 04:33 PM Eastern Time

Reliant Technologies, Inc. Announces Major Advancements to the FraxelA SR1500 Laser at American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting

FDA Clearance for 70 mJ for Deepest Penetration of Any Fractional Skin Resurfacing Device

New Roller Tip and Second Generation Software Eliminates the Need for Blue Dye

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reliant Technologies, Inc. today announced major advancements to its second generation Fraxel SR1500 laser system. Reliant, the inventor and market leader of fractional resurfacing, has made yet another leap forward with three significant product announcements to its Fraxel system.

Fraxel SR1500 laser announcements at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting (Fraxel booth #2045):

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance issued for treatment energies up to 70 mJ, making the Fraxel laser the deepest penetrating fractional device on the market. The device is capable of creating superheated lesions in the tissue from 300 microns up to 1,400 microns deep into the dermis.

Introduction of breakthrough ergonomic roller tips (first of their kind in the aesthetic market) for the Fraxel SR1500 laser.

Second generation of the Fraxel Intelligent Optical TrackingTM (IOTS) system allows users to provide effective, safe and predictable pattern delivery without the requirement of OptiGuide Blue contrast agent.

The FDA-cleared higher energy settings and increase in penetration depth, combined with the new roller tips and software enhancements, continues Reliantas tradition of pioneering safety and maximum clinical efficacy in the aesthetic industry. Fraxel SR1500 laser users have maximum control over energy depth and coverage, and the new product enhancements provide effective treatments in less time.

Len DeBenedictis, CTO of Reliant Technologies, said the continued advancements in the Fraxel SR1500 laser are a direct response to a rapidly growing physician demand for safe, effective and predictable skin treatment options.

aoeAs the market leader, Fraxel technology delivers unparalleled safety, precision and efficacy. Reliant is dedicated to addressing and fulfilling the needs of physicians and consumers alike by continuously investing in and creating leading edge technologies,a said DeBenedictis.

Details for the FDA clearance and product enhancements to the Fraxel SR1500 laser:

-- FDA Clearance for Treatment Energies up to 70 mJ

-- Equal to the highest energy cleared by the FDA for any

fractional skin resurfacing device

-- Allows for deepest penetration of any fractional skin

resurfacing device

-- Only fractional device FDA-cleared for skin resurfacing,

periorbital wrinkles, pigmented lesions, melasma, acne scars,

& surgical scars.

-- 2nd Generation IOTS Enhancements

-- Superior Tracking Performance

-- 3 times faster data processing rate

-- 4 times greater light sensitivity

-- 60 times greater dynamic range of detectable acceleration

-- 4 times greater optical spatial resolution

-- Ergonomic Roller Tip

-- Fits existing Fraxel SR1500 laser handpiece

-- Textured roller provides greater control and eliminates

slipping on skin surface.

-- Treatment Benefits

-- Faster procedure times with no blue clean up

-- No need to irritate patient's skin post-Fraxel treatment

Launched in Fall 2004, the Fraxel SR laser allowed Reliant to create a new category in anti-aging, collagen remodeling and skin resurfacing. The product provides a highly effective, predictable and safe non-ablative treatment for patients with acne scarring, surgical scars, melasma or hormonal skin discoloration, periorbital wrinkles and sun and age spots. The launch of the Fraxel laser represented an industry breakthrough for its ability to penetrate fractions of skin, spot by spot, without breaking the skinas protective outer barrier. The result is natural stimulation of new collagen without the fear of downtime and risks associated with traditional ablative treatments.

About the Fraxel Lasers and Reliant Technologies

Reliant Technologies develops clinical solutions to repair and rejuvenate aging and environmentally damaged skin. Reliant is dedicated to providing the most advanced research, engineering and products to the global aesthetic marketplace. The Companyas laser devices are used primarily by aesthetic physicians to treat periorbital wrinkles, pigmented lesions of the face and body, acne scars and surgical scars. Reliant pioneered the development of fractional laser resurfacing which relies on novel high speed scanning systems and the Intelligent Optical Trackinga system to produce safe and effective results with minimal recovery time. Reliant is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For more information visit www.fraxel.com.

The Fraxel laser family has quickly become the industry standard for aesthetic laser skin treatment. Because of its gentle, non-invasive approach to skin resurfacing, Fraxel lasers are safe and effective in treating all skin types and all areas of the face and body. The Fraxel laser has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of pigmented lesions, melasma, periorbital wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, skin resurfacing and soft tissue coagulation.

Troubled, you have a good memory about hypertrohic scars on legs. They turned out great. I'm not 100% certain as to whether they were true scars or a resdiual raised infection. All I can say is that they were there for awhile and had not shown any evidence of infection for sometime, so I would classify them as scars. My guess is that they would have settled down in time, but I think fraxel sped up this process and I don't think they would have settled into the 100% normal looking skin without fraxel. So, I was very happy with this result.

Thanks Billyboy! Have a great weekend.

Hmmm,

So this is the Fraxel+ I guess. Glad someone at Reliant realized scrubbing off blue dye is an irritant post fraxel!

Interesting they kept mentioning "the deepest penetration of any fractional system" seems a direct response to Palomar's same claim . . .

Are we finally seeing market competition at work? Now for the PRICE WARS!!!

Hmmm,

So this is the Fraxel+ I guess. Glad someone at Reliant realized scrubbing off blue dye is an irritant post fraxel!

Interesting they kept mentioning "the deepest penetration of any fractional system" seems a direct response to Palomar's same claim . . .

Are we finally seeing market competition at work? Now for the PRICE WARS!!!

No this is not the Fraxel+, this is an new tip add on to the Fraxel 1500........ this is what I was talking about after my last FRaxel treatment. My doctor told me about the new tip so they won't have to use the blue dye. He hopes to have it soon.

The Fraxel+ from my understanding is going to be a part ablative/ part fractional laser with more down time. I think it's going to be more like a combo of C02 laser and part fractional laser. My doctor wasn't very excited about the down time with this laser though. I will be very interested to hear about this one though. It might just be what I need.

Reading about the 70 KJ setting, my face started to hurt 😉 I just know my docor will want to use these settings on me.........but man, the pain just might be to much for me.

I seriously doubt there will be a price war. I would love to see the price come down but I don't think that will be happening. If it did I would do more treatments soon!

Glad nonetheless about blue dye.

1.4 mm depth is pretty deep. Isn't the facial skin only 1-2 mm thick altogether? At what depth of penetration does subcutaneous fat get thermolysed?

I think it is about time Reliant updates the pictures on www.fraxel.com. I mean this is the third generation fraxel (with a fourth on the way). But they are still showing pictures from 2003? If the new fraxels are so much better why not prove it with pictures, right? Unless it's just a gimmick . . .

I know a Reliant employee is reading this: Reliant Tech put your money where your mouth is and update your pics!

Troubled, you have a good memory about hypertrohic scars on legs. They turned out great. I'm not 100% certain as to whether they were true scars or a resdiual raised infection. All I can say is that they were there for awhile and had not shown any evidence of infection for sometime, so I would classify them as scars. My guess is that they would have settled down in time, but I think fraxel sped up this process and I don't think they would have settled into the 100% normal looking skin without fraxel. So, I was very happy with this result.

billy- what settings and how many treatments did you have on these scars?

Glad nonetheless about blue dye.

1.4 mm depth is pretty deep. Isn't the facial skin only 1-2 mm thick altogether? At what depth of penetration does subcutaneous fat get thermolysed?

I think it is about time Reliant updates the pictures on www.fraxel.com. I mean this is the third generation fraxel (with a fourth on the way). But they are still showing pictures from 2003? If the new fraxels are so much better why not prove it with pictures, right? Unless it's just a gimmick . . .

I know a Reliant employee is reading this: Reliant Tech put your money where your mouth is and update your pics!

I think there is really only one Fraxel machine and they are working on the 3rd upgrade.......... the second upgrade 1500 came out in August (if I remember correctly). So if people are having them done once a month then people would just be taking their final pictures in Jan. It's still a new procedure and new technolody.

My doctor asked me if they could send my pictures to Reliant to use so I think any time now they will be putting up some new photos.

I had 3 hypertrohic scars on legs form recent pimples/infections; Raised and hard and red. As experiment, I had fraxel at 25mjs, 4 passes with nose adaptor over 1 and it healed perfectly. The others were still there by next visit, so I had her zap them also. They turned out great. Maybe they would have turned out well with time, but it was remarkable at the difference between the zapped and unzapped lessions by the next visit 1 month later.

I had 3 hypertrohic scars on legs form recent pimples/infections; Raised and hard and red. As experiment, I had fraxel at 25mjs, 4 passes with nose adaptor over 1 and it healed perfectly. The others were still there by next visit, so I had her zap them also. They turned out great. Maybe they would have turned out well with time, but it was remarkable at the difference between the zapped and unzapped lessions by the next visit 1 month later.

Hi all,

After endless diliberation, I scheduled my first 3 fraxels today after talking to my dermatologist. If anyone has any questions they want me to ask, my derm is affiliated with Harvard and did Fraxel clinical trials, so he should be knowledgeable (and the PA who actually does the Fraxels will be even more knowledgeable).

To answer some of the questions people pose about different risks/efficacy:

I'm Chinese with a history of hyperpigmentation from some of my deeper acne lesions. He prescribed me Lustra for use 1 week before, 1 week during/after, 2 weeks off, 1 week on, 1 week during, etc...Either way, they said they'd be very surprised with hyperpigmentation.

For efficacy, I have superficial indents (so superficial, I can't see them without the proper light) on my cheeks, light boxcars right below my temples, scarred pores, and hyperpigmentation. My derm was very clear that they do not claim pore improvement whatsoever (and said neither does Reliant) and would recommend IPL for pores. He said, however, that some people do think they have better pores post-Fraxel. First treatment of Fraxel 2 will be at 40/6. May not need to go any higher. Cost is $1500 full face and $750 partial.

Finally, depending on the person, results may not become apparent until 6 months after the first fraxel.

Hope this helps answer some people's questions.

Thanks to those who responded. I am now 1 week after my 1st fraxel and am finally starting to look back to normal. Still red and flakey in some places. How long does microswelling last? My scars look great right now and so do my pores, but I assume it's swelling. I know, I shouldn't get my hopes up so early.

Also, I was prescribed Biafine and use it a lot. Do you think using it too much could hinder healing? It just feels so darn good.

My next treatment is 2 weeks from Friday. The one week down time is a pain, but worth it if I get some results. I am taking a bunch of photos and can clearly see a difference, but who knows. Thanks for any advice.

I had 3 hypertrohic scars on legs form recent pimples/infections; Raised and hard and red. As experiment, I had fraxel at 25mjs, 4 passes with nose adaptor over 1 and it healed perfectly. The others were still there by next visit, so I had her zap them also. They turned out great. Maybe they would have turned out well with time, but it was remarkable at the difference between the zapped and unzapped lessions by the next visit 1 month later.

Hi all,

After endless diliberation, I scheduled my first 3 fraxels today after talking to my dermatologist. If anyone has any questions they want me to ask, my derm is affiliated with Harvard and did Fraxel clinical trials, so he should be knowledgeable (and the PA who actually does the Fraxels will be even more knowledgeable).

To answer some of the questions people pose about different risks/efficacy:

I'm Chinese with a history of hyperpigmentation from some of my deeper acne lesions. He prescribed me Lustra for use 1 week before, 1 week during/after, 2 weeks off, 1 week on, 1 week during, etc...Either way, they said they'd be very surprised with hyperpigmentation.

For efficacy, I have superficial indents (so superficial, I can't see them without the proper light) on my cheeks, light boxcars right below my temples, scarred pores, and hyperpigmentation. My derm was very clear that they do not claim pore improvement whatsoever (and said neither does Reliant) and would recommend IPL for pores. He said, however, that some people do think they have better pores post-Fraxel. First treatment of Fraxel 2 will be at 40/6. May not need to go any higher. Cost is $1500 full face and $750 partial.

Finally, depending on the person, results may not become apparent until 6 months after the first fraxel.

Hope this helps answer some people's questions.

 

1500 full face? jeezus, thing must shoot gold particles at your face.

I had 3 hypertrohic scars on legs form recent pimples/infections; Raised and hard and red. As experiment, I had fraxel at 25mjs, 4 passes with nose adaptor over 1 and it healed perfectly. The others were still there by next visit, so I had her zap them also. They turned out great. Maybe they would have turned out well with time, but it was remarkable at the difference between the zapped and unzapped lessions by the next visit 1 month later.

Hi all,

After endless diliberation, I scheduled my first 3 fraxels today after talking to my dermatologist. If anyone has any questions they want me to ask, my derm is affiliated with Harvard and did Fraxel clinical trials, so he should be knowledgeable (and the PA who actually does the Fraxels will be even more knowledgeable).

To answer some of the questions people pose about different risks/efficacy:

I'm Chinese with a history of hyperpigmentation from some of my deeper acne lesions. He prescribed me Lustra for use 1 week before, 1 week during/after, 2 weeks off, 1 week on, 1 week during, etc...Either way, they said they'd be very surprised with hyperpigmentation.

For efficacy, I have superficial indents (so superficial, I can't see them without the proper light) on my cheeks, light boxcars right below my temples, scarred pores, and hyperpigmentation. My derm was very clear that they do not claim pore improvement whatsoever (and said neither does Reliant) and would recommend IPL for pores. He said, however, that some people do think they have better pores post-Fraxel. First treatment of Fraxel 2 will be at 40/6. May not need to go any higher. Cost is $1500 full face and $750 partial.

Finally, depending on the person, results may not become apparent until 6 months after the first fraxel.

Hope this helps answer some people's questions.

 

1500 full face? jeezus, thing must shoot gold particles at your face.

 

It's Boston, everything's overpriced.

That's what they're charging in podunk COnnecticut too. Crazyl.. And it's the first machine. You'd think they'd come down in price by now! Guess they don't do enough of them and are still trying to pay for the machine!

That's what they're charging in podunk COnnecticut too. Crazyl.. And it's the first machine. You'd think they'd come down in price by now! Guess they don't do enough of them and are still trying to pay for the machine!

Here in Los Angeles, so far I have asked two offices, one which is charging $950 for the first Fraxel SR1500 treatment and $900 for following. The other office is asking for $1500. Both offices are medical spas with the dr on site, the cheaper office has an Ivy League trained dr, but for both offices the nurses administer the laser treatments.

The nurse at the first office recommends getting a microdermabrasion right before the Fraxel treatment, which sounds a little much. Is microdermabrasion before Fraxel a good idea?

I had my 2nd Fraxel today. They sure turned up the power. Last time they said i was at a 18 and did 6 passes. And this time i had 12 passes at a 25. I am MUCH more swallowan this time around and very red. I also bled in a few spots just at the top of my cheek bone and around my nose a little bit. I had the choice to take some valium and demerol this time around but i refused and just took the usual dose of the 2 tylenol threes and the hour numbing cream. It was much faster this time also. She said she was going to go much deeper and trust me i think she did. Now i apply my pro-derma regenerating cream and the aloe they gave me about 5 times in a day. I really hope this swalloness goes down soon. I took less time off work this time because last time i didnt get swallowan at all. SO does anybody have any suggestions to bring my swelling down even quicker! I heard im not suppose to be icing for some reason...