do people who go for fraxel have severe or mild acne scarring? would this work on smoothing out the texture also? i know treating scars is hard, but what about treating rough texture?

do people who go for fraxel have severe or mild acne scarring? would this work on smoothing out the texture also? i know treating scars is hard, but what about treating rough texture?

I'm not sure what you mean by rough texture. If you mean pores, then it's kind of a crapshoot. some people have had very good improvement, some have had no improvement. If you mean uneven skin, then it should be perfect for that, though i'm sure you could find things that would help that are much cheaper.

do people who go for fraxel have severe or mild acne scarring? would this work on smoothing out the texture also? i know treating scars is hard, but what about treating rough texture?

I'm not sure what you mean by rough texture. If you mean pores, then it's kind of a crapshoot. some people have had very good improvement, some have had no improvement. If you mean uneven skin, then it should be perfect for that, though i'm sure you could find things that would help that are much cheaper.

 

Ok take my case for example. One time I was really emotionally distraught and upset about my hypertrophic scar on my face. So I started scrubbing at it with my aspirin mask paste (uncoated aspirin and water) and I kept scrubbing until it bled. It scabbed over, and the scab fell off. And now the skin is all uneven feeling and it looks rough .. like I was burned or something.

I wonder if Fraxel would improve that?

By rough spots I don't mean pores. Its the uneveness of the skin from scarring. My scars are mild (many scattered around cheeks area) but it is noticable because of the uneveness. I guess what I need now isn't Fraxel. I really want to take off top layers gradually until they feel smooth again. If that make sense. I really want to try Dermabrasion or CO2. But I won't do anything until I wait 6 months and see a physican for 2nd opinion. The worse about my skin are the surgical scars. As of now, I dont care for Fraxel.

MZ, I too am disappointed, but have not yet given up on fraxel for myn mild depth of scarring. Candidly, I don't think anyone has had great reults on these boards with fraxel, which makes me question how it received FDA approval for acne scarring.

That siad, I think you are Asian. Please be very careful of CO2 or dermabrasion becasue of the risk of pigment problems. Even though I am not satisfied, I won't go this route because of those risks. I really don't have a better answer. Troubled is an expert and he mentioned repeated, mild dermasanding (but I can't find anyone that does this). I also think that dermal fillers might help on a few bigger scars.

By rough spots I don't mean pores. Its the uneveness of the skin from scarring. My scars are mild (many scattered around cheeks area) but it is noticable because of the uneveness. I guess what I need now isn't Fraxel. I really want to take off top layers gradually until they feel smooth again. If that make sense. I really want to try Dermabrasion or CO2. But I won't do anything until I wait 6 months and see a physican for 2nd opinion. The worse about my skin are the surgical scars. As of now, I dont care for Fraxel.

Yes, what I said is similar to what you said. Yes, I have uneven cheeks due to scars, but also bc i kept picking at it when i was younger so my skin is not as healthy as it should be. I too want to gradually remove the bad layers of my skin until it's smooth again. i WISH i can go back in time and tell myself to keep my hands away from my face....i regret it so much right now..so i shouldn't go for fraxel and go for something else? a different laser treatment? i just dont know where that perfect treatment is for me..there has to be one right? there is a way to improve my cheeks?

Yes, the posts re: fraxel are all over the map, from no improvement to those who really liked it. I took the leap and had my 1st fraxel 5 days ago. Today my face looks totally normal with all swelling and redness gone. In fact, down time for me (which I know seems to be a highly individual thing) was only about 48 hours due to mild swelling and traces of blue dye. For my second treatment, the doc said he'd be more aggressive so we'll see. I asked him during the procedure what he would categorize my acne scarring as and he said a 2 on a scale of 1-4 with 4 being the most severe. I'm not sure if he was giving me a line of BS or what. Anyhow, during the initial swelling the scarring totally disappeared which was WEIRD but cool cause I can't remember the last time my face looked that smooth (I'm 36 and have had acne since I was about 12-13). At this point, what I can see is that fraxel is great at rejuvenating the skin and I see a very mild improvement on the scarring (now that the swelling is gone). I plan on having 2-3 more treatments even though they are 1,000 a pop. I'll keep ya'll posted.

I had my 2nd fraxel 2 procedure done a couple days ago. The pain was sooooooooo excrutiating.... ironically they gave me local anesthesia but it seemed that the numbing cream worked better the first time. Plus i feel slight bruising where they administered the shots (mouth and forehead). My settings were close to maximum though, 40mjs, level 9, 29%. I think I am going in for one more procedure in a month. They said next time they will use both numbing cream and local anesthesia.

nope, my settings were higher and i had no pain meds, just numbing cream......... :redface: :wacko:

I have had some nice improvment on a few of the saucer shaped scars on my cheecks but not much improvement of a lot of the other scars. My tone and texture is better.. Troubled saw my before and after pics and he even agreed it was a mild improvement. After all of my laser treatments over the past 3 to 4 years I HAVE gotten really nice results though. So as Troubled said to me, keep trying because all of the treatments do help a small amount.

Do I regret doing the Fraxel? No, but I do wish it wasn't as expensive. If it had been cheaper I would say it was worth it but the cost to benefit ratio does not really add up for me yet. I totally agree with what Nanty said, if I could afford it I would do another round of treaments in a few months but that isn't looking good right now. I'm going back to my doctor in a few weeks so I will see what he says. He seems to think I have gotten great results. Hooohummm.

I am 12 days past my third Fraxel treatment and 2nd subcision.

Last time I saw my doctor he thought I had a significant improvement.

I can see some improvement, but not as much as my doctor seemed to observe.

One thing I am concerned about is that the Fraxel treatments break me out terribly for about 2 to 3 weeks.

I am not putting creams on my face and I am taking antibiotics, but it only helps slightly.

I am concerned because some of the new cysts have caused additional scarring.

It's ironic- going in for these treatments to improve and having new problems as a result. I am wondering

if I should continue on with the last two treatments. I don't want to create more problems.

I went to my regular dermatologist's office to have a couple of new cysts injected with cortisone to clear

them up. The nurse was in the room with us and writing down the details of my visit per the doctor's

dictation. He had her record that I was being treated for new cysts and scarring on the cheek area. When he said that,

I felt my entire disposition take a downward spiral. I felt like all the hope I had was being

wisked away. I was hoping that my scars looked so much better that, while I realize they are still there,

I was hoping that they wouldn't be so appearant to everyone else by now.

I feel like I can't trust my own perception. I know I am so much harder on myself than most people and was hoping that

I was not perceiving my improvements as much as they were improving in reality and that I would eventually see things correctly. (The only way I can describe this feeling is it would be similiar to someone who has body image problems and doesn't see themselves as being as thin as they really are).

I can't explain why I felt so devastated. He was a bit insensitive, but I felt as that if the scars weren't that

bad, he wouldn't have mentioned this to the nurse for the records as it was already recorded that I am going through the

Fraxel treatments for scars.

I am still hoping that these treatments will make a big difference in my appearance. I don't want to give up hope, but I felt so self conscious ever since that dr.s appointment, that I am back to obsessing about how I look in certain lighting and non-stop thoughts about my skin.

Any advice is welcome.

Thank you,

Annde

I had my first Fraxel Treatment done just about 2 months ago, I wasn't too pleased with the results, but now I am considering having another treatment / series of treatments done (I feel the doctor could have used a stronger laser setting). Is 2 months too long to wait between treatments? or does it really make no difference?, I was considering have the Fraxel treatment done in conjunction with V-Beam, as I've heard they work well together.

I had my first Fraxel Treatment done just about 2 months ago, I wasn't too pleased with the results, but now I am considering having another treatment / series of treatments done (I feel the doctor could have used a stronger laser setting). Is 2 months too long to wait between treatments? or does it really make no difference?, I was considering have the Fraxel treatment done in conjunction with V-Beam, as I've heard they work well together.

You should give Fraxel more of a chance than 1 treatment. No one sees results after 1 treatment. Even non-resurfacing instances like melasma take 3-4 treatments (albeit at lower settings).

I've been wondering about the time span myself. Most say the optimal spacing is 2-4 weeks, but who knows if thats actually true.

I am 12 days past my third Fraxel treatment and 2nd subcision.

Last time I saw my doctor he thought I had a significant improvement.

I can see some improvement, but not as much as my doctor seemed to observe.

One thing I am concerned about is that the Fraxel treatments break me out terribly for about 2 to 3 weeks.

I am not putting creams on my face and I am taking antibiotics, but it only helps slightly.

I am concerned because some of the new cysts have caused additional scarring.

It's ironic- going in for these treatments to improve and having new problems as a result. I am wondering

if I should continue on with the last two treatments. I don't want to create more problems.

I went to my regular dermatologist's office to have a couple of new cysts injected with cortisone to clear

them up. The nurse was in the room with us and writing down the details of my visit per the doctor's

dictation. He had her record that I was being treated for new cysts and scarring on the cheek area. When he said that,

I felt my entire disposition take a downward spiral. I felt like all the hope I had was being

wisked away. I was hoping that my scars looked so much better that, while I realize they are still there,

I was hoping that they wouldn't be so appearant to everyone else by now.

I feel like I can't trust my own perception. I know I am so much harder on myself than most people and was hoping that

I was not perceiving my improvements as much as they were improving in reality and that I would eventually see things correctly. (The only way I can describe this feeling is it would be similiar to someone who has body image problems and doesn't see themselves as being as thin as they really are).

I can't explain why I felt so devastated. He was a bit insensitive, but I felt as that if the scars weren't that

bad, he wouldn't have mentioned this to the nurse for the records as it was already recorded that I am going through the

Fraxel treatments for scars.

I am still hoping that these treatments will make a big difference in my appearance. I don't want to give up hope, but I felt so self conscious ever since that dr.s appointment, that I am back to obsessing about how I look in certain lighting and non-stop thoughts about my skin.

Any advice is welcome.

Thank you,

Annde

Did your fraxel derm prescribe anything to put on your face? I remember you posted about this earlier, but I can't remember what you wrote. Maybe the excessive dryness/irritation is creating more problems and you need to moisturize? Did your regular derm give you any advice?

I am 12 days past my third Fraxel treatment and 2nd subcision.

Last time I saw my doctor he thought I had a significant improvement.

I can see some improvement, but not as much as my doctor seemed to observe.

One thing I am concerned about is that the Fraxel treatments break me out terribly for about 2 to 3 weeks.

I am not putting creams on my face and I am taking antibiotics, but it only helps slightly.

I am concerned because some of the new cysts have caused additional scarring.

It's ironic- going in for these treatments to improve and having new problems as a result. I am wondering

if I should continue on with the last two treatments. I don't want to create more problems.

I went to my regular dermatologist's office to have a couple of new cysts injected with cortisone to clear

them up. The nurse was in the room with us and writing down the details of my visit per the doctor's

dictation. He had her record that I was being treated for new cysts and scarring on the cheek area. When he said that,

I felt my entire disposition take a downward spiral. I felt like all the hope I had was being

wisked away. I was hoping that my scars looked so much better that, while I realize they are still there,

I was hoping that they wouldn't be so appearant to everyone else by now.

I feel like I can't trust my own perception. I know I am so much harder on myself than most people and was hoping that

I was not perceiving my improvements as much as they were improving in reality and that I would eventually see things correctly. (The only way I can describe this feeling is it would be similiar to someone who has body image problems and doesn't see themselves as being as thin as they really are).

I can't explain why I felt so devastated. He was a bit insensitive, but I felt as that if the scars weren't that

bad, he wouldn't have mentioned this to the nurse for the records as it was already recorded that I am going through the

Fraxel treatments for scars.

I am still hoping that these treatments will make a big difference in my appearance. I don't want to give up hope, but I felt so self conscious ever since that dr.s appointment, that I am back to obsessing about how I look in certain lighting and non-stop thoughts about my skin.

Any advice is welcome.

Thank you,

Annde

Hi Annde,

Forget about what he said, and keep going forward. He probably just glanced at your scars, and didn't bother to look close enough to see if they've improved or not. I think I'm finally realizing people don't look at our scars as much as we think they do. I used to get so upset over any little thing somebody said, and I'd be miserable for days. Do NOT let this get you down! You are doing everything possible to help yourself, and your skin will keep improving over the next few months. I can't believe how much time I've waisted worrying about this stuff. Keep telling yourself that you are looking better(and I'm sure you are), and you'll feel better! 😀

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Annde, at first I did not notice breaking out, but i have had a couple rashes that seem to have some surface pimples. Nothing serious. The ironic thing is that they seem to occur only in the area where I have my worst scarring on left side. For awhile, I thought maybe this was new collagen forming, as the irritated areas seem to be adjacent to scars. Now, I think it is more of a break out, which is odd at my old age. Anyway, it is not serious but the rash restarted yesterday. For me, Retin A works wonders in healing a cyst and these rashes as it brings infection to the surface. I just wish this medicine had been available in the sixties becasue i don't think I would have been left with scars had I used it then.

If you are not using it, give it a try as it really helps me.

It's been a month and a couple days since my sixth Fraxel treatment. I want to get temp fillers first and then perm should I react well to the temp fillers.

My question is, did people who've had Fraxel done really see any more noticeable improvement with the filling in of their scars more than one month after their last treatment? I want to give Fraxel a fair shot, but doubt I'm going to see any real significant filling in anymore.

It's been a month and a couple days since my sixth Fraxel treatment. I want to get temp fillers first and then perm should I react well to the temp fillers.

My question is, did people who've had Fraxel done really see any more noticeable improvement with the filling in of their scars more than one month after their last treatment? I want to give Fraxel a fair shot, but doubt I'm going to see any real significant filling in anymore.

Yes, I absolutely did see more results until between the 2nd and 3rd month after my last treatment. I would definetely wait if I were you!

CM, I agree with Cubs. Unless you have a compelling reason to move swiftly, I would wait a couple months before temp fillers. Keep us posted, as i think I may go that route also. I feel like I am chasing my tail, so I may just stop with fraxel, even though fillers seem promising. Who knows, maybe my significant improvement is still ahead.

I am 2.5 weeks past my first fraxel and also have some breakouts and rough skin. Little whiteheads..yuck. I can't even cover them with makeup since the skin is so rough and patchy. I've never had a breakout like this. I guess it's better than huge cysts. It looks like a rash. I guess this is normal. Is it because the skin underneath is healing and pushing out the bad stuff? I don't know if I should keep putting Biafine on it or just let it breathe. My next one is a week from tomorrow and my microswelling is down and all my scars are back in full view. yay.

I will be patient

I will be patient

becintex- it sounds like milia which I am having problems with as well. I am now using Differin and Finecea on my skin to help with the stubborn milia but if they don't go away on their own I will have to go see a derm and have them remove them for me.

Thank you Zonk, Cubsfan and Billyboy for your advice and words of encouragement.

I will keep moving forward with my treatments and give it the necessary time to produce the

results I am seeking before making any final judgements.

Hey guys. I have attached a pic of the bottom of my face 2 weeks post fraxel. I am worried about the smile lines on both sides of my mouth. Will Fraxel help these or is it more in need of a filler. When I put makeup on, it just seeps into these lines and makes them more obvious..especially when I smile. blah. My Derm won't give me a straight answer. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks!

I have also taken the plunge and will start my fraxel2 treatments in 2 weeks. looking to do 5-6 of them and my doc doesnt mind being aggresive.. oh well another treatment at this point i really have 0 expections

Hey guys. I have attached a pic of the bottom of my face 2 weeks post fraxel. I am worried about the smile lines on both sides of my mouth. Will Fraxel help these or is it more in need of a filler. When I put makeup on, it just seeps into these lines and makes them more obvious..especially when I smile. blah. My Derm won't give me a straight answer. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks!

You'll never get your derm to give you a straight answer because nothing works 100% of the time. Giving a straight answer would be like a guarantee that they'll need to be held to. Heaven forbid they take any responsibility for their work. You should ask him if fraxel is indicated for smile lines, instead. That should take the burden of responsibility off of him.

Anyways, fraxel is supposed to help with smile lines like those. If you go to the reliant tech website (not the fraxel website), they have pictures of patients who were treated for perioral wrinkes: http://www.reliant-tech.com/photo-gallery.cfm

BTW, your skin looks very clear. Where are you getting the breakouts you were talking about earlier?

You'll never get your derm to give you a straight answer because nothing works 100% of the time. Giving a straight answer would be like a guarantee that they'll need to be held to. Heaven forbid they take any responsibility for their work. You should ask him if fraxel is indicated for smile lines, instead. That should take the burden of responsibility off of him.

Anyways, fraxel is supposed to help with smile lines like those. If you go to the reliant tech website (not the fraxel website), they have pictures of patients who were treated for perioral wrinkes: http://www.reliant-tech.com/photo-gallery.cfm

BTW, your skin looks very clear. Where are you getting the breakouts you were talking about earlier?

Thanks Zonk. I almost hate those smile lines more than the acne scars. In that pic I have microswelling, so it looks much better than it is. I got the breakouts after the pic was taken. Same area. Some look like pinpoint bleeding, some are whiteheads. Maybe it's the moisturizers they told me to use. My skin has never been so oily. I feel like a teen again (I am 33)