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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'm with Zonk, that doesn't sound right or even ethical. Why charge more for a procedure that isn't any better, and he admits it? If you hadn't have asked, would he just pushed the more expensive procedure? I did think the fraxel2 was a different machine (billyboy may know for sure), and the new smaller/upgraded fraxel2 tip had a software updgrade, the same as what they are suppose to do with the new tip and no blue dye, just a software upgrade. But either way, doesn't sound very ethical and I know he is one of the forerunners and proponents of fraxel so I wonder if there was some confusion.
CJ1986 - I had 6 spot Fraxel 1 treatments the 1st 4 were $900 and ea. 2 add'l were $300 each. Total $1500. Began 1/23 ended 3/13/07 125 density and approx 6 passes for all. Began at 20 mj ended and 35mj. I had no numbing cream-- wasn't painful-just a very warm sensation over the scar. No down time, went to work next day. Fraxel has improved my scar, going to have plasma on 4/9. My doc showed me a picture of a pt who had some rolling and ice pick scars who had Fraxel and Plasma she had terrific improvement! I'm praying for the same terrific improvement!
qmv79 - My PS also stated that there was no real significant difference between Fraxel 1 and 2. However, I felt my scar reacted best to the 35 setting... so for me if I have any more I'll want her to keep with the 35-40 setting.
I finished my first fraxel 3 hours ago. I have to say.. I cant believe how good I feel. I have no swelling AT ALL. I just look like I have a little bit of a suntan (my setting was 40 mj). Also, I can actually see a pretty good improvement! My texture is alot better and my skin just feels smoother.. it is definatly more even toned. Overall, I am VERY happy I decided to do this. From what I have read, however, the scar improvement cant really be decided until a few days later because of microswelling. Is that right? Does anyone know? My face doesnt look or feel at all swollen. I actually like the suntanned look 
Right now I feel very optimistic. The worst part (the really only painful part) was when the laser went right under my nose. (she did 8 passes). For my next treatment, I am going to be using the new machine.. the one that doesnt require the blue dye. Its supposedly alot better. I will update on how that goes.. I am not scheduled for this unitl May 28th.
-Jaime
Also.. yes I have been reading through the thread. And there seems to be alot of mixed feelings/results from fraxel. I have not heard of anyone getting permantly damaged from this treatment but (honestly) I was more than a little nervous sitting in the chair. Does anyone else experience the worry of something going terribly wrong and being messed up for life? just wondering if maybe I am being a little irrational..
I finished my first fraxel 3 hours ago. I have to say.. I cant believe how good I feel. I have no swelling AT ALL. I just look like I have a little bit of a suntan (my setting was 40 mj). Also, I can actually see a pretty good improvement! My texture is alot better and my skin just feels smoother.. it is definatly more even toned. Overall, I am VERY happy I decided to do this. From what I have read, however, the scar improvement cant really be decided until a few days later because of microswelling. Is that right? Does anyone know? My face doesnt look or feel at all swollen. I actually like the suntanned look 🙂 Right now I feel very optimistic. The worst part (the really only painful part) was when the laser went right under my nose. (she did 8 passes). For my next treatment, I am going to be using the new machine.. the one that doesnt require the blue dye. Its supposedly alot better. I will update on how that goes.. I am not scheduled for this unitl May 28th.-Jaime
Jaime,
I hate to be the harbinger of reality, but I don't want you to be disappointed and discouraged as the time passes. You cannot judge any results until at least 2 weeks after your first fraxel. Any improvement that you're seeing immediately after your first fraxel is due to swelling and/or microswelling (think about it -- the machine is creating microscopic injuries in your skin -- there is no way your skin will heal that fast). This will last for not just a few days but about 2 weeks. In fact, it is highly unlikely you will see any actual improvement for a few months.
Also, don't get too excited about your perceived lack of swelling. Many people don't start swelling badly until 12-24 hrs post-fraxel. Don't get too lax with the icing, aspirin, or sleeping on an extra pillow. I'm not saying you will definitely swell, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Also.. yes I have been reading through the thread. And there seems to be alot of mixed feelings/results from fraxel. I have not heard of anyone getting permantly damaged from this treatment but (honestly) I was more than a little nervous sitting in the chair. Does anyone else experience the worry of something going terribly wrong and being messed up for life? just wondering if maybe I am being a little irrational..
You are being a little irrational, but there's nothing wrong with that. Personally, I would redirect my worry into helping yourself see the best results possible and setting your expectations properly so as to not be disappointed by unrealistic expectations.
Hey all,
This is slightly off-topic, but I got my excisions done today. Very smooth process. My derm told me he wouldn't charge me for the excisions. He said to consider it part of the fraxel package.
I have no comment on the outcome at this point. They put a clear clotting/antibiotic agent over the excisions (3 done in all) so i have a large blood clots covering the 1 mm excisions.
I finished my first fraxel 3 hours ago. I have to say.. I cant believe how good I feel. I have no swelling AT ALL. I just look like I have a little bit of a suntan (my setting was 40 mj). Also, I can actually see a pretty good improvement! My texture is alot better and my skin just feels smoother.. it is definatly more even toned. Overall, I am VERY happy I decided to do this. From what I have read, however, the scar improvement cant really be decided until a few days later because of microswelling. Is that right? Does anyone know? My face doesnt look or feel at all swollen. I actually like the suntanned look 🙂 Right now I feel very optimistic. The worst part (the really only painful part) was when the laser went right under my nose. (she did 8 passes). For my next treatment, I am going to be using the new machine.. the one that doesnt require the blue dye. Its supposedly alot better. I will update on how that goes.. I am not scheduled for this unitl May 28th.-Jaime
Jaime,
I hate to be the harbinger of reality, but I don't want you to be disappointed and discouraged as the time passes. You cannot judge any results until at least 2 weeks after your first fraxel. Any improvement that you're seeing immediately after your first fraxel is due to swelling and/or microswelling (think about it -- the machine is creating microscopic injuries in your skin -- there is no way your skin will heal that fast). This will last for not just a few days but about 2 weeks. In fact, it is highly unlikely you will see any actual improvement for a few months.
Also, don't get too excited about your perceived lack of swelling. Many people don't start swelling badly until 12-24 hrs post-fraxel. Don't get too lax with the icing, aspirin, or sleeping on an extra pillow. I'm not saying you will definitely swell, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Also.. yes I have been reading through the thread. And there seems to be alot of mixed feelings/results from fraxel. I have not heard of anyone getting permantly damaged from this treatment but (honestly) I was more than a little nervous sitting in the chair. Does anyone else experience the worry of something going terribly wrong and being messed up for life? just wondering if maybe I am being a little irrational..You are being a little irrational, but there's nothing wrong with that. Personally, I would redirect my worry into helping yourself see the best results possible and setting your expectations properly so as to not be disappointed by unrealistic expectations.
"healing" is supposed to take place in 24 hours. but the new collagen growth takes place over several weeks to months.? this never made sense to me and reliant doesn't elaborate.
Hellow fraxel people ... well im quite new here but just its really been long i've been reading post here .... Anyway i tried fraxel 1 last december with density of 125, 6 passes mj 14 on first and 15 on the second, two weeks interval ... But Im quite confused wether my scar has worsen or not .... Its ok if my skin hasn't improved but Im afraid if i worsen my case .... Can any guys here see my picture an comment please?
By the way I had very great response on dermabrasion before first was done last 10 years ago and the second was a year ago, it has dramatically improved my scar i think 65 to 70% but sorry i have no before photo ..... But since I havent been contented on my skin i wanted to try fraxel (from another doctor different from the person I had my dermabrasion) if it will further improved my skin condition with a litllte downtime compare to dermabrasion which make my skin quite red (around 3 months) then pink around 6 months .... However looking on my pictuire trail Im not sure but it seems my old scar has resurfaced again ... Im not sure if this is the case of fat loss where the collagen that has been produced during my dermabrasion has been melted by fraxel ... Appreciate all of your advise as I have another schedule of fraxel and well I need your advise on what you think on my skin ... Thanks! Below is my picture link ....
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php...i&img=21755
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php...i&img=21754
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php...i&img=21753
How long after the 1 fraxel you did the picture
Hellow fraxel people ... well im quite new here but just its really been long i've been reading post here .... Anyway i tried fraxel 1 last december with density of 125, 6 passes mj 14 on first and 15 on the second, two weeks interval ... But Im quite confused wether my scar has worsen or not .... Its ok if my skin hasn't improved but Im afraid if i worsen my case .... Can any guys here see my picture an comment please?
By the way I had very great response on dermabrasion before first was done last 10 years ago and the second was a year ago, it has dramatically improved my scar i think 65 to 70% but sorry i have no before photo ..... But since I havent been contented on my skin i wanted to try fraxel (from another doctor different from the person I had my dermabrasion) if it will further improved my skin condition with a litllte downtime compare to dermabrasion which make my skin quite red (around 3 months) then pink around 6 months .... However looking on my pictuire trail Im not sure but it seems my old scar has resurfaced again ... Im not sure if this is the case of fat loss where the collagen that has been produced during my dermabrasion has been melted by fraxel ... Appreciate all of your advise as I have another schedule of fraxel and well I need your advise on what you think on my skin ... Thanks! Below is my picture link ....
How long after the fraxel you did the picture ?
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php...i&img=21755
The first picture was my pic before my first fraxel on the same day of Dec 22 .. Please note that it was 1 year after my second dermabrasion which i mentioned that I have around 70% improvement...
My second fraxel was done Jan 05 and so the after picture was taken around 2.5 months after my second fraxel which is Mar 22. Im quite in doubt wether I'll continue my treatment of fraxel .... What do you think of my pics? Do you think it has worsen from left or right angle?
How long after the 1 fraxel you did the picture
Hellow fraxel people ... well im quite new here but just its really been long i've been reading post here .... Anyway i tried fraxel 1 last december with density of 125, 6 passes mj 14 on first and 15 on the second, two weeks interval ... But Im quite confused wether my scar has worsen or not .... Its ok if my skin hasn't improved but Im afraid if i worsen my case .... Can any guys here see my picture an comment please?
By the way I had very great response on dermabrasion before first was done last 10 years ago and the second was a year ago, it has dramatically improved my scar i think 65 to 70% but sorry i have no before photo ..... But since I havent been contented on my skin i wanted to try fraxel (from another doctor different from the person I had my dermabrasion) if it will further improved my skin condition with a litllte downtime compare to dermabrasion which make my skin quite red (around 3 months) then pink around 6 months .... However looking on my pictuire trail Im not sure but it seems my old scar has resurfaced again ... Im not sure if this is the case of fat loss where the collagen that has been produced during my dermabrasion has been melted by fraxel ... Appreciate all of your advise as I have another schedule of fraxel and well I need your advise on what you think on my skin ... Thanks! Below is my picture link ....
How long after the fraxel you did the picture ?
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php...i&img=21755
Well for one thing the lighting and angle of the pictures are different, your skin seems more "red" in the post fraxel pics which makes any imperfection stand out more. do you notice your
face being more reddish or is your skin tone the same as pre fraxel?
The first picture was my pic before my first fraxel on the same day of Dec 22 .. Please note that it was 1 year after my second dermabrasion which i mentioned that I have around 70% improvement...
My second fraxel was done Jan 05 and so the after picture was taken around 2.5 months after my second fraxel which is Mar 22. Im quite in doubt wether I'll continue my treatment of fraxel .... What do you think of my pics? Do you think it has worsen from left or right angle?
How long after the 1 fraxel you did the picture
Hellow fraxel people ... well im quite new here but just its really been long i've been reading post here .... Anyway i tried fraxel 1 last december with density of 125, 6 passes mj 14 on first and 15 on the second, two weeks interval ... But Im quite confused wether my scar has worsen or not .... Its ok if my skin hasn't improved but Im afraid if i worsen my case .... Can any guys here see my picture an comment please?
By the way I had very great response on dermabrasion before first was done last 10 years ago and the second was a year ago, it has dramatically improved my scar i think 65 to 70% but sorry i have no before photo ..... But since I havent been contented on my skin i wanted to try fraxel (from another doctor different from the person I had my dermabrasion) if it will further improved my skin condition with a litllte downtime compare to dermabrasion which make my skin quite red (around 3 months) then pink around 6 months .... However looking on my pictuire trail Im not sure but it seems my old scar has resurfaced again ... Im not sure if this is the case of fat loss where the collagen that has been produced during my dermabrasion has been melted by fraxel ... Appreciate all of your advise as I have another schedule of fraxel and well I need your advise on what you think on my skin ... Thanks! Below is my picture link ....
How long after the fraxel you did the picture ?
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php...i&img=21755
bad pics. dont show close ups. and not from same angle. skin looks worse in after pics, but barely. probably because of pigment differences which is almost always a temporary (months to years) change.
two fraxels wont make any difference anyway. you have to get 5-6 to have actually treated 100 percent of the area treated.
do you understand how "fractional" lasers work? two treatments only covered about a third of the treated area. fraxel is not a one shot deal like dermabrasion. thats why its so great. it doesnt take off all the skin at once. it does it progressively at the microscopic level over the course of many treatments.
also the new fraxel SR out now goes much deeper
I had my first of 6 fraxels done this morning. I am wondering, a little bit, what I have gotten myself into it. I did not realize that my skin would STAY blue for quite some time. So, my Smurfette-like appearance was quite a shock!
I am swollen, as expected, and a little red. My boxcar scars seem to stand out more right now, which I also didn't expect. My dermatologist likes to start moderate, so she did this one at 16 and did 4 passes on my cheeks (where the majority of my scarring is), and did 3 passes everywhere else. She will probably go to 28 on my next treatment, but for my cheeks only, and keep it at 16 for the rest of my fast. On one hand, I am scared this is not aggressive enough, but on the other, I am afraid I would not be able to take it on the high levels most of you have tried. (I was pretty darn nervous, so maybe that made it worse). I am so glad I don't have scarring on my temples--that was the WORST.
Anyway, my next treatment is in 2 weeks. So, I have 2 weeks to work through my doubts of is this even going to work and can I take it 5 more times! 
ya it seems like i peel alot, the first time around was the same, and the downtime until things were all clear was between 5-7 days, im thinking by monday it will be good to go might just have some redness but thats ok..
my post procedure care is i dont put any products on my face, i usually take one shower a day with warm water and thats it and i take Vit C + MSM + Omega pills daily
I am 48 hours past 2nd Fraxel and my skin looks absolutely nothing like that. It is quite red/beginning to bronze, feels like sandpaper, but no scabs are visible. In contrast to you using no products I use Aveeno ultra-calming moisturizer and Neocutis restorative cream. I have lots of minor whitehead breakouts, for some reason mainly on my forehead where I have never had issues with acne. My redness is double that of last time (2 weeks ago). I think I will wait a month between #2 and #3.
I am scheduled to start a series of fraxel 1500 in less than 2 weeks, and am kindof freaked out about it. Has anyone heard of any complications as far as skin condition/color/texture/loss of facial fat, etc getting worse after fraxel?? That is my greatest concern. Losing money is one thing, but causing damage really scares me--especially now that this new machine can go to deeper levels. If I have a treatment on a Thursday night, would I be able to go to work on a Sunday at 3pm?? or will I look like a freak??
bad pics. dont show close ups. and not from same angle. skin looks worse in after pics, but barely. probably because of pigment differences which is almost always a temporary (months to years) change.two fraxels wont make any difference anyway. you have to get 5-6 to have actually treated 100 percent of the area treated.
do you understand how "fractional" lasers work? two treatments only covered about a third of the treated area. fraxel is not a one shot deal like dermabrasion. thats why its so great. it doesnt take off all the skin at once. it does it progressively at the microscopic level over the course of many treatments.
also the new fraxel SR out now goes much deeper
Theycan becured: Can you tell me more about the pigment changes that you are talking about?? I thought fraxel was suppose to improve overall pigmentation and even it out? you're saying that there are pigment changes and that they take months to years to return to normal??? I am fair skinned, but have a couple of areas of hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
I'm a mid-20s Asian female who's had one Fraxel treatment at 40mj. My skin flaked on days 4 and 5 after Fraxel, and I saw residual pixel-sized scabs on my forehead until day 7.
I've had no post-laser redness, but I am seeing blotchy discoloration on my chin from post-Fraxel milia, all of which went away by day 5. (My formerly nice-textured chin had been covered with Fraxel-related milia.) I might try to get a bluelight treatment a few days before my next Fraxel, to prevent more Fraxel-induced milia.
On day 10 post-Fraxel, I had a SilkPeel infused with salicylic acid and hydroquinone to help exfoliate and correct the discoloration on my chin. Immediately afterwards, I also got Smoothbeam to prevent more breakouts and to treat four deep, medium-sized pimples, 3 on the corner of my left jaw and one on the corner of my right jaw.