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There is a 2007 clinical study that was performed for stretch marks:
Fractional photothermolysis tackles striae distensae. By: Petrou, Ilya. Dermatology Times, Feb2007, Vol. 28 Issue 2, p94-106, 2p; (AN 24103597)
Shows great improvements with pics and histology slides to back it up.
Also, thanks to whoever posted that webinar!
Hello, everyone. This is an update and I apologize in advance for the length.
On April 2, I think that will be 4 months since my fifth and final fraxel 2 treatment. (I'm sorry that I don't have all the levels stuff in my sig line, I don't recall exactly what they were at this point, but I DID post the levels here as I had them done; we started in I think August or September of last year, we started lower and ramped up fairly quickly - as best I can recall, the final two treatments were 40mjs level 10, 8 passes on next to last, 10 passes on the last one. All treatments were with Fraxel 2. My doc is Ming Jih at Derm Surgery in Houston, Texas.)
I'm 46. Other than this series of Fraxels, the only other scar treatment I have ever had was two tiny spots needled by a local tattoo artist about a year before I started Fraxels. When I say I hadn't done other scar treatments, I mean I'd done NOTHING - not even any peels or microdermabrasions or even topicals. I am fair skinned.
My scars are rolling, mostly on my cheeks and chin. I have three fairly large saucer shaped scars - one on my nose (of course) and two on my cheek. I have the freaky marionette lines that don't run the right direction because they sort of "envelop" scars on my chin. I consider my scars severe.
I've taken photos before, during, and a few to document progress since treatment ended. I have not posted them.
One of the photos I took pre-fraxel, I tried to get a shot which showed the worst possible angle so that the scars would all be highlighted to the max. It hurts to look at that photo because it DOES show the scars to their worst! I took the shot with light coming from behind, falling on my worst side. I took the photo in the evening. I have not as of yet taken another one at that angle, but I always check that angle for improvement.
I have to tell you guys - I AM seeing improvements! Most especially when I check that angle with light falling on my face from behind. Don't get me wrong - I am STILL scarred. But the scars are not as deep, so that my skin looks overall BETTER.
A woman who saw me before and during the treatment series was here the other day after not having seen me for a few months. OUT OF THE BLUE said to me "shyone - that stuff you had done to your face - your skin looks SO MUCH BETTER NOW!" I about died!
Also, the lines at the corners of my eyes are improved (NICE!).
And, the marionette lines are still there and still crooked but they are NOT as deep as they were. A couple of the more shallow lines are almost imperceptible.
I believe that I have seen the most improvement between mid Feb and now.
I will be returning to my doc's office in the not too distant future so she can get followup photos. If finances allow, I will sign up for another series of treatments, and when I have additonal treatments, I will document them here.
I know that many of you want very much to see actual photographs of improvements. I must tell you that it has been nearly impossible for me capture my improvements in a photo. I don't know why this is true, but there it is. I especially wish it were possible to get a photo of the changes in my deepest marionette line for you all to see. The depth change shocks me. It is STILL THERE, I am NOT claiming that it has vanished. But it is much more shallow now. I am extremely pleased with this change.
If the physicians office photos are better at showing the improvement, I will ask for copies so I can share them here.
Overall, I am very well pleased with my progress so far, and because I DO see improvements, I am looking forward to having additional treatments in the future.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck to everyone!
shyone
Nice hearing from you Shyone. I'm glad you had such good improvment. Not so much for me 
If you ask the office to email you your pictures they will do it for you......they did it for me.
If I could afford it I might give it another go but I just can't justify the cost. I might even ask Dr. Jih to do my treatments since you seem to have better results then I have but that would probably make Dr. Friedman mad lol.
I haven't gone back for my post treatment pics yet. No one called to remind me like they usually do the day before and I totally forgot. No one has called since then either. They have my money and are so busy I don't think they really care. Yup, I'm feeling a bit jaded with them atm.
Hello, everyone. This is an update and I apologize in advance for the length.On April 2, I think that will be 4 months since my fifth and final fraxel 2 treatment. (I'm sorry that I don't have all the levels stuff in my sig line, I don't recall exactly what they were at this point, but I DID post the levels here as I had them done; we started in I think August or September of last year, we started lower and ramped up fairly quickly - as best I can recall, the final two treatments were 40mjs level 10, 8 passes on next to last, 10 passes on the last one. All treatments were with Fraxel 2. My doc is Ming Jih at Derm Surgery in Houston, Texas.)
I'm 46. Other than this series of Fraxels, the only other scar treatment I have ever had was two tiny spots needled by a local tattoo artist about a year before I started Fraxels. When I say I hadn't done other scar treatments, I mean I'd done NOTHING - not even any peels or microdermabrasions or even topicals. I am fair skinned.
My scars are rolling, mostly on my cheeks and chin. I have three fairly large saucer shaped scars - one on my nose (of course) and two on my cheek. I have the freaky marionette lines that don't run the right direction because they sort of "envelop" scars on my chin. I consider my scars severe.
I've taken photos before, during, and a few to document progress since treatment ended. I have not posted them.
One of the photos I took pre-fraxel, I tried to get a shot which showed the worst possible angle so that the scars would all be highlighted to the max. It hurts to look at that photo because it DOES show the scars to their worst! I took the shot with light coming from behind, falling on my worst side. I took the photo in the evening. I have not as of yet taken another one at that angle, but I always check that angle for improvement.
I have to tell you guys - I AM seeing improvements! Most especially when I check that angle with light falling on my face from behind. Don't get me wrong - I am STILL scarred. But the scars are not as deep, so that my skin looks overall BETTER.
A woman who saw me before and during the treatment series was here the other day after not having seen me for a few months. OUT OF THE BLUE said to me "shyone - that stuff you had done to your face - your skin looks SO MUCH BETTER NOW!" I about died!
Also, the lines at the corners of my eyes are improved (NICE!).
And, the marionette lines are still there and still crooked but they are NOT as deep as they were. A couple of the more shallow lines are almost imperceptible.
I believe that I have seen the most improvement between mid Feb and now.
I will be returning to my doc's office in the not too distant future so she can get followup photos. If finances allow, I will sign up for another series of treatments, and when I have additonal treatments, I will document them here.
I know that many of you want very much to see actual photographs of improvements. I must tell you that it has been nearly impossible for me capture my improvements in a photo. I don't know why this is true, but there it is. I especially wish it were possible to get a photo of the changes in my deepest marionette line for you all to see. The depth change shocks me. It is STILL THERE, I am NOT claiming that it has vanished. But it is much more shallow now. I am extremely pleased with this change.
If the physicians office photos are better at showing the improvement, I will ask for copies so I can share them here.
Overall, I am very well pleased with my progress so far, and because I DO see improvements, I am looking forward to having additional treatments in the future.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck to everyone!
shyone
Shyone,
That is fantastic news! I'm so happy for you! I felt the same way you do after my first round of Fraxel. Keep us posted, o.k.?
Illinoisgirl: I think the reason why you should stop using retinoids/AHA's is because it makes your skin more sensitive, however, if you are using Vitamin C orally that is more than alright in fact you should take a much as you possibly can, but topically might not be as good of idea because it also can make you skin more sensitive. However, if your skin can handle it, go for it, but I started experiencing breakouts after fraxel and i tried differen gel and other topicals which either didn't much or made it worse. The only thing that has helped has been antibiotics and skinpeels.
See, I thought sensitivity was the reason why as well; however, I think on the webinar, I heard that the reason was something about retin A protecting against the thermal inflammatory response, and that you wouldn't get as good of a response if you use it. Topical vitamin C protects against photodamage, so I'm wondering if it is the same thing (?). I just started using the vitamin C a couple of months ago, and am already seeing an overall improvement, and my skin is glowing, so I would hate to stop using it!! I wish there was more info on this.
Illinoisgirl: I think the reason why you should stop using retinoids/AHA's is because it makes your skin more sensitive, however, if you are using Vitamin C orally that is more than alright in fact you should take a much as you possibly can, but topically might not be as good of idea because it also can make you skin more sensitive. However, if your skin can handle it, go for it, but I started experiencing breakouts after fraxel and i tried differen gel and other topicals which either didn't much or made it worse. The only thing that has helped has been antibiotics and skinpeels.[/color] See, I thought sensitivity was the reason why as well; however, I think on the webinar, I heard that the reason was something about retin A protecting against the thermal inflammatory response, and that you wouldn't get as good of a response if you use it. Topical vitamin C protects against photodamage, so I'm wondering if it is the same thing (?). I just started using the vitamin C a couple of months ago, and am already seeing an overall improvement, and my skin is glowing, so I would hate to stop using it!! I wish there was more info on this.
I know you're not supposed to use any retinoids or topical vitamin C before your fraxel treatment but does anyone know how long you have to wait after your last treatment before you can start using them again?
Illinoisgirl: I think the reason why you should stop using retinoids/AHA's is because it makes your skin more sensitive, however, if you are using Vitamin C orally that is more than alright in fact you should take a much as you possibly can, but topically might not be as good of idea because it also can make you skin more sensitive. However, if your skin can handle it, go for it, but I started experiencing breakouts after fraxel and i tried differen gel and other topicals which either didn't much or made it worse. The only thing that has helped has been antibiotics and skinpeels.[/color] See, I thought sensitivity was the reason why as well; however, I think on the webinar, I heard that the reason was something about retin A protecting against the thermal inflammatory response, and that you wouldn't get as good of a response if you use it. Topical vitamin C protects against photodamage, so I'm wondering if it is the same thing (?). I just started using the vitamin C a couple of months ago, and am already seeing an overall improvement, and my skin is glowing, so I would hate to stop using it!! I wish there was more info on this.
I know you're not supposed to use any retinoids or topical vitamin C before your fraxel treatment but does anyone know how long you have to wait after your last treatment before you can start using them again?
Hello,
Why aren't you supposed to use topical vit C? My doctor gave me bleaching cream that has C in it and now I am worried that they might have made a mistake and I shouldn't be usuing it. My last laser was on Friday. I think I'll wait a couple of weeks before using it again.
Do you know how long you have to wait until you can use Retin A and Vitamin C Topical?
thanks!
Annde
Shyone,
Thanks for your post. I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well.
Congratulations......you give all of us hope and something to look forward to.
Best,
Anne
I use skinmedica tns recovery complex which has a lot of stuff that help promote collagen production that my dr gave me which is quite expensive, but worth it because it really does seem to have helped. But I start using it about a week after my treatment or about 3-4 days after I quit peeling. My guess would be that it might be okay to start using retinol and vitamin c products maybe 7-10 days after but then maybe quit a week before the next one?
I use skinmedica tns recovery complex which has a lot of stuff that help promote collagen production that my dr gave me which is quite expensive, but worth it because it really does seem to have helped. But I start using it about a week after my treatment or about 3-4 days after I quit peeling. My guess would be that it might be okay to start using retinol and vitamin c products maybe 7-10 days after but then maybe quit a week before the next one?
This is pretty much what I was told. To stop using any retinoid a week before treatment and to wait a week after treatments to start using it again. I was never told anything about avoiding Vitamin C........I think one of the products I use right after the treatment probably has some Vit C in it along with caffeine and green tea. I would double check with Reliant about the whole Vit C thing.
ok i had 4 fraxels by the best doctor and i see no improvement 🙁 what do i do now? it cost me over 6 grand!
It might help if give us some more information about your 4 Fraxel treatments like which machine did the doctor use and what were the settings? If you aren't sure you should call and ask your doctor....an example of the settings are in my signature below......so u know what to ask for.
ok i had 4 fraxels by the best doctor and i see no improvement 🙁 what do i do now? it cost me over 6 grand!It might help if give us some more information about your 4 Fraxel treatments like which machine did the doctor use and what were the settings? If you aren't sure you should call and ask your doctor....an example of the settings are in my signature below......so u know what to ask for.
JJP:
how much of an improvement have you seen with the fraxel 2 at those settings? Has it been worth it? I'm thinking about trying fraxel.
Anyone had spot treatments done? Been for a consultation and the Doctor reckons that since my skin is pale there won't be much chance of demarcation lines. Doing this would make my treatments far more affordable. He also said that as my scarring is very minor that I would only be red for a few days. This to me doesn't sound enough to get results but I'm still willing to have a go as the doctor knows best.
Started putting together my supplement collection for when I decide to book up.
i dont know what the settings were--i mean he knew what he was doing he's the best---
Well you should try to inform yourself about your procedure, settings ect. No one around here can help you if we don't know the settings and which machine was used. Sorry but saying your doctor is the best isn't saying a lot. Can't give you and advise if we don't have the information needed.
Anyone had spot treatments done? Been for a consultation and the Doctor reckons that since my skin is pale there won't be much chance of demarcation lines. Doing this would make my treatments far more affordable. He also said that as my scarring is very minor that I would only be red for a few days. This to me doesn't sound enough to get results but I'm still willing to have a go as the doctor knows best.Started putting together my supplement collection for when I decide to book up.
I would take a look at the setting of people around here to get an idea of what you will need for the best treatment. Being agressive is what is necessary for acne scarring. Inform yourself about settings and such so you can be informed of the best treatment possible 😀 You can't just rely on a doctor completely as you need to be an informed patient.
I don't see a problem doing a spot treatment since you are pale but if you can afford it I would say go for a full face treatment.
Good luck!!
ok i had 4 fraxels by the best doctor and i see no improvement 🙁 what do i do now? it cost me over 6 grand!It might help if give us some more information about your 4 Fraxel treatments like which machine did the doctor use and what were the settings? If you aren't sure you should call and ask your doctor....an example of the settings are in my signature below......so u know what to ask for.
JJP:
how much of an improvement have you seen with the fraxel 2 at those settings? Has it been worth it? I'm thinking about trying fraxel.
I'm still going back and forth about if it was worth it or not but my skin has been scarred for a long time, I think it works best for those who are younger and have more shallow scarring. It was very expensive and this is the main reason why I won't say it was totally worth it. I also don't think my KJ (total energy) was high enough for my scarring, which I am still not completely sure why this happened.
Yes, I have seen a small amount of improvement on 2 or 3 rolling scars on my cheeks but other scars haven't seen any improvment. Since I have so many random scars on my face I would proably need another round of treatments but I can't afford it right now.
illinoisgirl what type of scarring do you have? I would suggest trying to read the last 20 to 30 pages of this thread over a couple of days, I know it's long but it really helps to be informed about your treatment.
Money shouldnt be an issue when it comes to ones 'health' be it physical of mental.. in our case it is both!
fraxal for me = $695 - 30% rebate = $486.. If I have 5 session that $2400. Dam id rather pay $2400 then ask the 'what if' question.
Just dont go out on the town drinking.. dont buy that item you want... so in other words just conserve your zinnies(cash) and book in for the next session.
The thing I am dreading is the wait! ... 5 months until for 5 sessions.. but then again after 5 months hopefully ill be happier.. then i might go in for another few.. and be happier again.
This is just me thinking out loud.
- Heck id wash cars on weekends, or work at the fish market if i needed extra cash.
I think we should start some form of charity, .. hrmm.
Hey guys, i haven't beenon here for awhile but i realize alot of ppl. has been posting on this forum. I've had 5 treatments so far and i'm seeing very small changes. I'm not sure what options I have now. I'm looking for light treatments to improve my skin gradually. Any suggestions would be nice.
I went in on Friday to pick up some Topicaine that I am to apply an hour and a half before my first Fraxel (they apparently will apply something else to dull the pain that morning when I arrive at the derm's office). They also sold me on some (fairly expensive) Bio-Restorative Skin Cream that is supposed to help the healing process.
I currently have my treatments scheduled 2 weeks apart, but the receptionist said that I can go as long as 6 weeks apart, if I need to. I guess I'll see how I handle this one and then talk to the dermatologist about the most effective and aggressive course of action.
The receptionist said they had only had this Fraxel machine a few months... Would you think it is probably the Fraxel 2?
Any suggestions that you pros can offer about what I should ask the doctor would be very much appreciated. I have "shallow" rolling and boxcar scars (they don't feel shallow to me, of course) and I really want as much improvement as I can get. Also, are there any vitamins that would help encourage/speed along the healing process?
TIA.
I went in on Friday to pick up some Topicaine that I am to apply an hour and a half before my first Fraxel (they apparently will apply something else to dull the pain that morning when I arrive at the derm's office). They also sold me on some (fairly expensive) Bio-Restorative Skin Cream that is supposed to help the healing process.I currently have my treatments scheduled 2 weeks apart, but the receptionist said that I can go as long as 6 weeks apart, if I need to. I guess I'll see how I handle this one and then talk to the dermatologist about the most effective and aggressive course of action.
The receptionist said they had only had this Fraxel machine a few months... Would you think it is probably the Fraxel 2?
Any suggestions that you pros can offer about what I should ask the doctor would be very much appreciated. I have "shallow" rolling and boxcar scars (they don't feel shallow to me, of course) and I really want as much improvement as I can get. Also, are there any vitamins that would help encourage/speed along the healing process?
TIA.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about the healing process. It is fairly quick.
It's very important to know what settings the doc will use! I went to one doc who admitted she was not very aggressive with her patients and does Fraxel at 6-8 MJs. She says the percentage of improvement is 10% and "maybe even 20-40%" -- which is so low!! I don't think I have really bad scarring -- mild to moderate, and the 2nd doc I went to also thought my scars weren't that bad, but she said she would start me at 40 MJ at Level 6. I'm sure she would go higher than that if she could, and supposedly she will be able to this summer with the new machine. So I don't know, it really helps to research and find out the settings.
I recently had a Fraxel consultation with Dr. Rokshar about getting the proedure done. I asked him about whether or not it would make a difference if I got Fraxel I or Fraxel II done. I was actually surprised to hear from him that he said that there was not much difference at all between the two. He said that he has been working with both and that he really did not see a significant difference between the two with his patients. It was even suggested that I could save money if I got the Fraxel I done instead if I wanted.
I know that he is probably the most experienced Dr. out there right now for fraxel and trains the doctors that do this procedure. So just wanted to ask you guys if there is any truth to this or if anybody else has said this to them during their consultations?
Also wanted to ask what are the suggested settings/passes I should ask for to get the best improvement. My scarring is medium/minor.
I recently had a Fraxel consultation with Dr. Rokshar about getting the proedure done. I asked him about whether or not it would make a difference if I got Fraxel I or Fraxel II done. I was actually surprised to hear from him that he said that there was not much difference at all between the two. He said that he has been working with both and that he really did not see a significant difference between the two with his patients. It was even suggested that I could save money if I got the Fraxel I done instead if I wanted.I know that he is probably the most experienced Dr. out there right now for fraxel and trains the doctors that do this procedure. So just wanted to ask you guys if there is any truth to this or if anybody else has said this to them during their consultations?
Also wanted to ask what are the suggested settings/passes I should ask for to get the best improvement. My scarring is medium/minor.
Odd to hear a doctor say this.... So does your doctor have both machines? I am asking this as usually Fraxel 2 is just a software upgrade not a whole new machine so it would be odd if your doctor had two different machines. Just curious.
I am getting my first fraxel treatment in about two hours. I will post how it goes. I am not feeling very optimistic. I cant help thinking this is going to be alot of money and alot of pain for nothing. Not only that.. im nervous about something going wrong.. and seriously screwing up my face for good. I dont feel to well right now.
-Jaime
I am getting my first fraxel treatment in about two hours. I will post how it goes. I am not feeling very optimistic. I cant help thinking this is going to be alot of money and alot of pain for nothing. Not only that.. im nervous about something going wrong.. and seriously screwing up my face for good. I dont feel to well right now.-Jaime
Have you read this thread at all? Don't worry about doing harm. No one has gotten worse. Some have seen little improvement, but no one has gotten worse.