Before I started my treatments, I asked my doctor about the possibility of fat loss and if Fraxel could pose a problem. He said that it would have to go much deeper and penetrate at a much hotter/higher level to cause fat loss.

Of course he has a vested interest in selling his services, but he has had the laser for over 3 years and there's never been a problem with fat loss.

It is scary; we are all in a way, guinea pigs.... We have to be our own best advocates, so I think it's great that you're researching the topic. It is a matter of risks versus benefits.

Please keep us posted in what you find out.

Thanks!

Hi,

It has been two weeks since I received my first Fraxel treatment. I am not sure what settings my doctor used but my face is still red. Has anyone had this long period of redness? I've noticed that the texture of my skin improved significantly and that my scars are slightly more shallow. I have read on here that many people don't see much improvement after the first treatment and am wondering if what I'm seeing is due to swelling or any temporary side effect (although I'm two weeks out).

For those who have had 3 or more treatments, can you please tell me what kind of improvements you have seen. I would like to know what to expect. I am pretty bad scarring from severe acne back in HS. I'm 28 years old now and finally decided to do something about it. I am very optimistic about Fraxel but I don't want to get my hopes up also. Thank you for reading. I hope to hear from many of you.

Thank you.

10 days post-fraxel, and nothing has really changed as far as my scars from my last update. I would say there is still noticeable improvement, maybe 5-10%.

Only significant development over the last few days has been another minor breakout that I'm pretty sure is fraxel-related, since I've never had this kind of breakout before. Someone else had this problem as well, but I can't remember who it was -- I am breaking out at the edges of my scars. Luckily, I don't have a ton of scars and only 2-3 can be qualified as deeper than superficial. I got 1 pimple per scar that lasted 2-3 days. Overall, very minor.

Redness lasted a little longer for me, I think because I am type 1 fair-skinned. I can still notice it a little 19 days out but no one else would unless I worked out and flushed. I used an spf tinted moisturizer for almost 2 week then felt comfortable without it. My skin is still dry with some flakiness around the chin where they went extra deep, but if I keep it well moisturized no one would notice.

Redness lasted a little longer for me, I think because I am type 1 fair-skinned. I can still notice it a little 19 days out but no one else would unless I worked out and flushed. I used an spf tinted moisturizer for almost 2 week then felt comfortable without it. My skin is still dry with some flakiness around the chin where they went extra deep, but if I keep it well moisturized no one would notice.

fraxelface, can you put your treatment information in your sig?

I didn't do homework enough before first one as far as lingo for strength/levels goes, but I'll try to get specifics on next treatment.

Hi im doing my first fraxel on tuesday this week (fraxel 1500) and im wondering

if it helps with active acne as the clinic claims? im considiring doing it on my back aswell.

Anyone has any experience in doing it on the back? Anything i should think on before treatment/

ask the doctor about? I have seriously thought on taking my life and feel really bad becouse of

this, could have been a model before accourding to others and now i cant look in the mirror...

Sorry for my poor english, any answers will be apreciated.

I just noticed your post and must say I am worried that you're feeling so depressed.

It is great that you're doing something about your skin, but I am hoping you're getting some

help with your depression. Believe me, I know how you feel. I have felt what you're feeling now.

Please don't give up hope. Nothing is going to be a 100 percent cure. But it can help and there are advancements in treatments every day. I am thinking that you

may want to be on an antibiotic prior to starting the treatments. In fact, I am surprised that your doctor's office is promoting Fraxel as having an anti-acne component. People that don't have active acne are saying that it is causing some flare-ups. Many have found that the treatments break you out more, myself included. You don't want to create more problems, especially if you are feeling vulnerable emotionally.

I am thinking that perhaps you should get your depression under control prior to going for the treatments.

Yet at the same time, I completely understand that feeling like you're taking control of your situation can help fight depression. At the very least, I hope that you're getting some help while going through this. I just want you to know that you're not alone in how you feel and that there is hope. Please take care of yourself!

Annde 😎

Ok, I have twice seen a treatment protocol sheet (table) for SR 1500 that illustrates mj settings and treatment levels for various conditions and also shows % coverage level, which is the best way to measure density. I believe (but don't know) that the coverage % presumes 8 passes. I also recall that 40mjs, level 10 produces about 29% coverage, with reducing coverage % for lower treatment levels.

Breakouts: I had superficial breakouts after 3 of my SR 750 treatments, which may be correlated to use of aquafor. This last time, I have gotten a few deeper nodules but nothing superficial, which is frustrating. It seems like at any given time I have 1 that is 95% healed, one that is 50%, and a new one starting. Fortunately, I have learned that heavy dabbing or Tretinoin on the lesion brings it to surface very quickly, even though deep, so they are healing ok with no scar. I do wonder whther the deeper penetration of the Sr 1500 raises the risk of deeper problesm. I'm curious is anyone else has noticed this.

Hey Billyboy,

I know it hasn't been that long since your last Fraxel treatment, using the Sr 1500, but I am wondering if you can tell if there's an difference between the two models and immediate efficacy/outcome. It may be way too early to measure, but perhaps you can tell by your immediate results with the newer version and how they measure to your immediate results with the older laser model.

Hope this makes sense!

Thanks in advance for your help.

🙂

Annde

Not sure if i can tell a difference in efficacy, with even 90% confidence. That said, I do think my scarring has softened - maybe a 25% improvement overall since I started, but far less than 50% in any event. Intuitively, SR 1500 should give better results, but it probably takes more treatments to see the difference.

I am going to have an extra long wait this time to help me better distinguish efficacy between the 2 models. Hope this helps. Soory I can not be more certain.

Not sure if i can tell a difference in efficacy, with even 90% confidence. That said, I do think my scarring has softened - maybe a 25% improvement overall since I started, but far less than 50% in any event. Intuitively, SR 1500 should give better results, but it probably takes more treatments to see the difference.

I am going to have an extra long wait this time to help me better distinguish efficacy between the 2 models. Hope this helps. Soory I can not be more certain.

Thanks, keep me posted!

is anyone getting fraxel done in the uk or know where it is available in uk other than aberdeen? and do you pay per session or for a course, either way how much? (i can convert dollars to pounds its okay!) i thought this was hype at first but it appears people are getting some genuine good results which is inspiring. (and more preferable to bloody crusty face and doing mode a la tomato for 6-12 months!)

also to exequtioner - my heart really goes to you, im in the exact same place, i wanted to model etc now it's a miracle if i can even look in a mirror and feel good, make up or no make up, and i want to go to bed and not wake up in the mornings so many nights...i would not wish this on anyone. it's hard but we must not give up (i wish someone would say this to me every day!! lol) good luck with your fraxel and would love to hear about your results

Hey Billy,

Do you still feel that your shallow rolling scars were improved by 50% or do the results seem to have subsided with time?

I've had 5 of the 6 treatments done with the SR1500 and I see improvement. However, I would say somewhere around 30 to 40% improvement. I'm frustrated and am going with fillers. My last treatment was done on Jan. 11th.

I've had 5 of the 6 treatments done with the SR1500 and I see improvement. However, I would say somewhere around 30 to 40% improvement. I'm frustrated and am going with fillers. My last treatment was done on Jan. 11th.

CM,

Congratulations 40% improvement is substantial. Your results should be even better given ample time for collagen remodeling.

CM,

Congratulations 40% improvement is substantial. Your results should be even better given ample time for collagen remodeling.

Thanks, but I think it's closer to 30% for the vast majority of my scars. I have probably 20 scars tightly clustered on each of my temples and they are fairly deep. I have shallow scaring on my forehead that is still there. I don't consider 30 or 40% much of a success really. I consider it failing. If I were to get this much success with each treatment and doing several sets of treatments we would be looking at close to $20,000. I would consider 80% successful. With 80% you still have scars but a lot more shallow.

I guess I wonder after 2 months how much more filling in can I really see. Why can silicone micro create results having collagen form around the balls of silicone in a month or two giving results, but collage remodeling from the laser takes six and with less results.

CM,

Congratulations 40% improvement is substantial. Your results should be even better given ample time for collagen remodeling.

Thanks, but I think it's closer to 30% for the vast majority of my scars. I have probably 20 scars tightly clustered on each of my temples and they are fairly deep. I have shallow scaring on my forehead that is still there. I don't consider 30 or 40% much of a success really. I consider it failing. If I were to get this much success with each treatment and doing several sets of treatments we would be looking at close to $20,000. I would consider 80% successful. With 80% you still have scars but a lot more shallow.

I guess I wonder after 2 months how much more filling in can I really see. Why can silicone micro create results having collagen form around the balls of silicone in a month or two giving results, but collage remodeling from the laser takes six and with less results.

 

Did you do fraxel 1 or fraxel 2? The doctors who presented on the fraxel webinar said they saw ~10% extra improvement on various follow-ups, so you may get to the 40% yet. I know that's still nowhere near your 80%, but every little bit counts.

CM,

Congratulations 40% improvement is substantial. Your results should be even better given ample time for collagen remodeling.

Thanks, but I think it's closer to 30% for the vast majority of my scars. I have probably 20 scars tightly clustered on each of my temples and they are fairly deep. I have shallow scaring on my forehead that is still there. I don't consider 30 or 40% much of a success really. I consider it failing. If I were to get this much success with each treatment and doing several sets of treatments we would be looking at close to $20,000. I would consider 80% successful. With 80% you still have scars but a lot more shallow.

I guess I wonder after 2 months how much more filling in can I really see. Why can silicone micro create results having collagen form around the balls of silicone in a month or two giving results, but collage remodeling from the laser takes six and with less results.

 

CM,

I understand your frustration and think it would be safe to say all of us would like to achieve 80% response to our scars with one series of Fraxel treatments. Fractional Photothermolysis is making many rapid advancements and perhaps in the next decade such results will be possible but until then the only option without taking on further risk would be to approach treating your scars with a series of successive treatments to reach your goal. Since you have already responded to Fraxel with measurable improvement it is likely you will benefit more from further treatments. I agree that Fraxel is vastly overpriced. The good news is that Reliant is facing an ever increasing number of competitors that want a piece of the action so if the laws of economics hold true I think the pricing differential will equalize.

Also, keep in mind unless the scarring is very superficial the average quantitative improvement with Co2 for treating atrophic acne scaring is 30%. Erbium is even less at 15-25%. Putting that into perspective it is really quite remarkable you have achieved those kind of results with a minimal risk/downtime non ablative procedure.

In reference to your question about silicone, usually several injections are needed at 1 month intervals so it is by no means a quick fix. Silicone also carries the risk of idiosyncratic inflammatory reactions which can be quite severe in some individuals in addition to a host of many other possible side effects, some of which are permanent in susceptible individuals so it is by no means an end all to scars.

CM77 do you think your scars have actually filled in or have they blended in with the rest of the skin as your texture imrpoved. In my case i would say i got around 25% improvement, but when i see them upclose i pretty much see all the scars its just they are less visible and more "in tune" with the rest of the skin. I would be satisfied with my outcome if this tends to be permanent, but i doubt my results will be the same one year from now.

CM77 do you think your scars have actually filled in or have they blended in with the rest of the skin as your texture imrpoved. In my case i would say i got around 25% improvement, but when i see them upclose i pretty much see all the scars its just they are less visible and more "in tune" with the rest of the skin. I would be satisfied with my outcome if this tends to be permanent, but i doubt my results will be the same one year from now.

HellzAngel,

I wouldn't worry about that too much. It was a year ago January that I started my first round of Fraxel. It has not reverted back at all. I think you gave a very good description of your improvement. I agree with you, except I've seen a couple of small scars disappear completely with my last 2 treatments.

CM77 do you think your scars have actually filled in or have they blended in with the rest of the skin as your texture imrpoved. In my case i would say i got around 25% improvement, but when i see them upclose i pretty much see all the scars its just they are less visible and more "in tune" with the rest of the skin. I would be satisfied with my outcome if this tends to be permanent, but i doubt my results will be the same one year from now.

HellzAngel,

I wouldn't worry about that too much. It was a year ago January that I started my first round of Fraxel. It has not reverted back at all. I think you gave a very good description of your improvement. I agree with you, except I've seen a couple of small scars disappear completely with my last 2 treatments.

 

Hi Cubsfan,

I was wondering how many more treatments you plan on having. Also, are you finding that the newer

fraxel is more effective?

This feedback would be very helpful.

Thanks!

Annde

I still believe Fraxel is the best treatment option for acne scars. If you are in Australia the partially covered by medicare which means for 5 treatments you only need to pay $1500.

Blaster.

I'm from the US. I don't think I could travel to Australia.

Is fraxel covered by medicare in Canada? I'm 7 hours from Montreal. It'd be worth it to save $4000-$5000.

 

Hi everyone,

I would just like to know if anyone knows for certain that there is a medicare rebate on Fraxel in Australia please. And the name of any doctors who use it.

Thanks

Julia

CM77 do you think your scars have actually filled in or have they blended in with the rest of the skin as your texture imrpoved. In my case i would say i got around 25% improvement, but when i see them upclose i pretty much see all the scars its just they are less visible and more "in tune" with the rest of the skin. I would be satisfied with my outcome if this tends to be permanent, but i doubt my results will be the same one year from now.

HellzAngel,

I wouldn't worry about that too much. It was a year ago January that I started my first round of Fraxel. It has not reverted back at all. I think you gave a very good description of your improvement. I agree with you, except I've seen a couple of small scars disappear completely with my last 2 treatments.

 

Hi Cubsfan,

I was wondering how many more treatments you plan on having. Also, are you finding that the newer

fraxel is more effective?

This feedback would be very helpful.

Thanks!

Annde

 

Hi Annde,

I have 3 more treatments left. My doctor hasn't had the newer tip in yet. I'm hoping he has it in time for my next treatment the 2nd week of April.

I am now 12+ days post-my first fraxel, and it may be time to start drawing some conclusions.

Left side:

Skin texture -- I also don't really know what this actually means, but I'll use my own definition. I am comparing between my left side (which has been beat up) and my right side (which has remained acne and scar free). When I looked at my skin from extreme angles and lightings, my skin looked wavy -- like ultra-superficial rolling scars -- and lumpy -- like i had a lot of clogged pores (which I didn't). When I looked straight on at my cheek, the skin had a crepe paper/orange peel look to it. In addition, my face was always itching and feeling like I was about to breakout (even though I didn't). When I touched my skin, it felt light -- not plump and filled out (I don't know if this makes sense). I have seen significant improvements in all of these things. The waviness and lumpiness have improved greater than 50%, but is still there. The crepe paper look is 30-40% improved. The itching has eased up but is not completely gone. The plumpness is back.

Scars -- To refresh. I have 1 shallow rolling scar, 2 superficial rolling scars, and several scarred pores/ice picks (that look like freckles). 1 shallow/medium depth boxcar underneath my temple and several superficial/shallow boxcars on my upper cheek right along my cheekbone.

The shallow rolling scar is tough to evaluate but I would estimate 0-10% improvement (i.e. maybe some improvement, but nothing that I can be sure was caused by fraxel). The superficial rolling scars are still there but definitely not as prominent. Since they were barely noticeable (even by me -- I didn't notice them until recently, even after I started obsessing over every inch of my face) to begin with, it is difficult for me to put a % improvement. Suffice it to say that I expect those scars to be gone after my course of treatments.

I would say that some of my shallower pitted scars have improved a little (10%-ish), however, my deepest pit has not seen any improvement.

The shallow/medium boxcar has not improved, but the superficial boxcars have definitely improved. Again, since they were superficial, it is hard to put a % on it, but I will say that when I look for them, I find myself not being able to find them for a second or two.

-----------------------------

Right side:

Scars -- I have only one significant scar -- a boxcar that was 3 days fresh (meaning my skin purged 2 comedones 3 days before my fraxel, leaving a large cervice). That has closed up significantly since the fraxel. Maybe 50% improvement.

Otherwise, I have superficial, and well-defined oval-shaped saucer-like scars. Some have improved a little. There is one scar, however, that I would say is almost gone.

I find my right side results on my superficial scars to be very interesting, since the setting was 20 MJ and not 40 MJ. I've always had this unfounded hypothesis that for superficial scars, lower settings and higher densities would be a better treatment choice. I will discuss with my PA and derm on my next visit to see what they think.

------------------------------

What's up next for me:

I'm scheduled for excisions on my pitted freckle-like scars April 3, and my next fraxel will be the first Friday in May. Both my derm and I agree that it isn't worth hoping that fraxel will help these scars. My doctor wants to give my skin time to heal up before doing another fraxel.

As far as my next fraxel, I'm going to ask them to start ramping up the settings. My left side was done at 40 MJ/TL 6 w/ 4 passes last time. Given my recovery time (0-1 day(s) of swelling, 4-5 days of barely noticeable bronzing followed by 4-5 days of barely noticeable peeling; no hyperpigmentation to speak of), I will request 40/8/6 next time. In my mind, 1-2 days of downtime is ideal -- it means I had a reasonable level of treatment, but I can recover over the weekend and go back to work on Monday.

Thank you for the awesomely detailed progress report Zonk. I had a question about your "freckles" - are these tiny concentrated divots, or are they larger and individually spread out across a wide area? I ask because when I think of freckles, I find it hard to imagine a wide area being excised. How large are the area(s) you plan on having excised? thanks.

Thank you for the awesomely detailed progress report Zonk. I had a question about your "freckles" - are these tiny concentrated divots, or are they larger and individually spread out across a wide area? I ask because when I think of freckles, I find it hard to imagine a wide area being excised. How large are the area(s) you plan on having excised? thanks.

they're tiny divots in a concentrated area on my cheek. the derm said he'd use a 1 mm punch to remove the scars and probably will not use sutures to close the wound, because the scars are shallow enough that they won't need to be sutured.