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Ive watched some news clips from relaint's website on using fraxel for active acne. But they said it can temporarily make it worse before it gets better.
Is something else going on with ur acne? I mean 5 accutane sessions is kind of unheard of . . . maybe try cutting out milk. I was still getting acne after accutane until i stopped dairy.
Hello everyone,Everything here's been so informative. Thank goodness for the internet. I have a question if anyone can help me.
I am considering Fraxel treatment, but I still have breakouts. Will the Fraxel treatment help with reducing breakouts? Or should I start with another treatment before Fraxel such as Smoothbeam for acne? BTW, Ive been on Accutane 5 different occasions....yes 5! Each for about 6+ months and still end up breaking out eventually. I feel like Im a helpless case so Im hoping I can get rid of breakouts through laser. Thanks
i would add that you might want to cut down on both dairy and iodine (salt). diet has a huge effect on acne -- i know studies will try to 'prove' otherwise, but really, monitor your diet and you'll see a difference.
even though fraxel can quickly take care of scars from new breakouts, the more you can do to reduce new breakouts during treatments, the better off your skin will be when you finish. and then you don't have to worry about breaking out after all of your sessions are over and then fixing scars from THOSE breakouts.
Thanks for the advice. I'm actually on somewhat of a strict diet now due to my high chelosterol and high blood pressure. I drink lots of water throughout the day and try to stay away from fatty foods. I not much of a dairy guy accept for when I eat cereal. BTW, Im 27. \
I noticed that I tend to break out after having sex. Do you think it still has something to do with hormones at age 27?
Also, do you know if certain lasers are supposed to destroy the bacteria in the skin to prevent future breakout or just work that gland that produces oil?
I had four Fraxel treatments during July and August of 2007 (about 4 1/2 months ago). My face is still red. Is this normal? When should it go away completely? Also, if my face is still red, does that mean it's still healing and that the collagen is still filling in? Thanks for any info.
Hi all, new to the board. I started reading this thread at the begining but gave up after about ten pages when I realized the posts were a couple of years old! 
Anyway, I had my first fraxel yesterday at Changes Plastic Surgery in Del Mar, CA, (near San Diego). The doctor isn't doing it himself, it's being done by a RNNP. I'm getting the Re:Store Fraxel, as far as I know it's the only Fraxel FDA approved for acne scars. Here's the link to the Re:Store Fraxel [Removed] Considering that Re:Store just came out in 2006, I'm curious as to what Fraxel you guys were using prior to that for acne scars.
I didn't ask for the specific settings used, but since I have moderate scarring the nurse told me she would use a high setting on my cheeks where most of the scarring is. I'm getting full facial treatment for $1200 a pop, and I'm getting four treatments.
I'm still swollen and red today, and I go back to work on Sunday. I hope the swelling is down by then, right now I look like a boxer who lost a fight. 
The biggest surprise was the shot in the mouth with a jumbo sized horse needle. I was told during my consultation that dental blocks would be put in, but I didn't realize that meant a shot! Anyway, no biggie. The nurse was great even though I wasn't a very good patient. I didn't tolerate the pain as well as I thought I would, I'll be more prepared next time.
Oh yeah, wanted to add one more thing. I notcied someone asking about blackheads in this thread way back at the begining. I noticed that the blackheads that were on my nose are gone, I assume the laser zapped them. The open pores were left behind, and since I've washed, the pores have closed back up. I can't wait to see what it looks like in a couple of days.
BTW, I'm male, 42 years old, very fair skin. I haven't had acne since probably 1991 or 92.
Oh yeah, wanted to add one more thing. I notcied someone asking about blackheads in this thread way back at the begining. I noticed that the blackheads that were on my nose are gone, I assume the laser zapped them. The open pores were left behind, and since I've washed, the pores have closed back up. I can't wait to see what it looks like in a couple of days.BTW, I'm male, 42 years old, very fair skin. I haven't had acne since probably 1991 or 92.
keep us posted!!! i have tons of blackheads. hope the fraxel zaps them!! tell us if the blackheads go away completely.
😀 supergirl
everyone on here was using the fraxel I aka the fraxel 750 aka fraxel re:fine. now most are using fraxel II aka re:store aka 1500.
there are a few people floating around who did other fractional lasers like the lux1540, affirm, and pixel.
still waiting to hear from someone doing the re:pair.
I had four Fraxel treatments during July and August of 2007 (about 4 1/2 months ago). My face is still red. Is this normal? When should it go away completely? Also, if my face is still red, does that mean it's still healing and that the collagen is still filling in? Thanks for any info.
everyone on here was using the fraxel I aka the fraxel 750 aka fraxel re:fine. now most are using fraxel II aka re:store aka 1500.there are a few people floating around who did other fractional lasers like the lux1540, affirm, and pixel.
still waiting to hear from someone doing the re:pair.
I had four Fraxel treatments during July and August of 2007 (about 4 1/2 months ago). My face is still red. Is this normal? When should it go away completely? Also, if my face is still red, does that mean it's still healing and that the collagen is still filling in? Thanks for any info.august was 6 months ago. sounds strange that u are still noticeably red. what skin type are u?
are u moisturizing daily? maybe its just winter dry skin . . .
Well I had my last fraxel the very last day of august. My skin is combination, dry but oily at the same time. I have been moisturizing with tons of aquaphor since starting Fraxel and still continue to do so daily. My face is only red in the places that the laser was used (so not on the very edges of my face or right underneath my eyes). My skin is not very red in the morning but then looks pretty flushed by the end of the day, even under my makeup (I just use a tinted moisturizer). If I touch anything to my face though it because all red (like if I wipe my face with a towel or pat it dry). However, it does seem to VERY SLOWLY be getting better, it's just painfully slow and I wasn't expecting redness after 5 months of the treatment.
I have been thinking about it and have decided that I might give fraxel a shot, it would be in may though when I am off for summer from college. I am worried however that it may cause damage.
I would much rather have it completely not work then have to deal with worse scars .
Has anyone mentioned fraxel resulting in worse scars or stretched out pores?
The stretched out pores/ orange peel texture is what REALLY worries me.
everyone on here was using the fraxel I aka the fraxel 750 aka fraxel re:fine. now most are using fraxel II aka re:store aka 1500.there are a few people floating around who did other fractional lasers like the lux1540, affirm, and pixel.
still waiting to hear from someone doing the re:pair.
I had four Fraxel treatments during July and August of 2007 (about 4 1/2 months ago). My face is still red. Is this normal? When should it go away completely? Also, if my face is still red, does that mean it's still healing and that the collagen is still filling in? Thanks for any info.august was 6 months ago. sounds strange that u are still noticeably red. what skin type are u?
are u moisturizing daily? maybe its just winter dry skin . . .
Well I had my last fraxel the very last day of august. My skin is combination, dry but oily at the same time. I have been moisturizing with tons of aquaphor since starting Fraxel and still continue to do so daily. My face is only red in the places that the laser was used (so not on the very edges of my face or right underneath my eyes). My skin is not very red in the morning but then looks pretty flushed by the end of the day, even under my makeup (I just use a tinted moisturizer). If I touch anything to my face though it because all red (like if I wipe my face with a towel or pat it dry). However, it does seem to VERY SLOWLY be getting better, it's just painfully slow and I wasn't expecting redness after 5 months of the treatment.
try cetaphil cream (not lotion) as a moisturizer. aquaphor is moistly white petroleum (aka vaseline). its a great skin protectant but does not really moisturize already dry skin.
also sounds like ur humidity is low. in winter the heated air in most homes is literally drier than the sahara (sahara is 15-20 percent humidity and homes are 0-5 percent in winter). try a humidifier in ur room. and moisturize before bed, just change the pillow case everyday.
I have been thinking about it and have decided that I might give fraxel a shot, it would be in may though when I am off for summer from college. I am worried however that it may cause damage.I would much rather have it completely not work then have to deal with worse scars .
Has anyone mentioned fraxel resulting in worse scars or stretched out pores?
The stretched out pores/ orange peel texture is what REALLY worries me.
a lot of people have said it improves the pore texture. it certainly wont make u have orange peel texture. fraxel is different than traditional CO2 laser, which is where im sure u read about orange peel skin being a side effect.
someone just posted a thread about deep fx and said it improved her pores a lot. its just another type of fractional laser. it uses CO2 in a fractional method like the fraxel re:pair.
Hi all, its been a while since I last posted. I guess I was hoping that if I gave it a while then I would be able to come on here and tell you all about my wonderful experience with Fraxel. Unfortunately it is the opposite 
I have had 4 Fraxel Treatments. The last 2 were at the highest settings possible. It has been about a month since my last one and there has been not one slight difference to my skins texture. For the people out there who have had this treatment done will agree that for the first week after each treatment your skin looks great... only because its all swollen and the skin is stretched to a smooth texture but then sure as hell the scars slowly creep back up again. I have spent a total of $4500 on this procedure and strongly advise anyone who is contemplating it to NOT get it done. Not only is it a complete waste of time and money but the pain involved is horrendous. I almost had a panic attack whilst having the first one due to the severe discomfort. My derm promised me that my skin would get great results and continuosly boasted about how happy I would be with the final outcome. I only sigh now at his comments as I know they were all lies. Anyway I dont mean to be negative or burst anyones bubbles but the truth of the matter is Fraxel doesnt work for acne scarring so dont waste your money.
I am going to see my derm again in a few weeks. He wants to see my skin and compare photos to see if there is any difference whatsoever. I will also be speaking with him about another alternative too. Hopefully there is something else out there that actually works. Money isnt a problem, i just want to see results. Its not like I am rich or anything but to me I believe you cant put a price on having normal skin, not perfect, just normal. Acne is not just about scarring and pigmentation... its a disease. An emotional and physical disease and for all you people out there like me who are suffering just as much, my heart goes out to you all because I know EXACTLY how you feel. Ive read many stories of people commiting suicide over acne and I used to think how can a human being take their own life over having scars on their skin. Not that I would EVER consider doing something like that but after suffering myself I can so understand how they would have been feeling.
In my job I am constantly in the public eye and I wish just for one day people would look me in the eye when talking to me, not look everywhere else on my face. I can almost read their minds when i see their eyes flickering around from my cheeks to my forehead, down to my chin then back to my cheeks again. I would love for the day when I could just wake up and go out shopping without having to cake a gallon of makeup on my skin jsut to try and make myself feel normal and most of all accepted.
My journey of acne and the scarring it leaves has left a permanent emotional scar on the inside of me and I believe it is something that will never be erased no matter how perfect my skin becomes.
I know there are a million people out there dying and suffering 1000 times worse than me and I know your probably thinking to just be grateful that I am alive. Well I tried that. I tried to tell myself that for 5 years. It just gets a bit much after a certain amount of time. As long as there are mirrors in this world people like us will always feel this way.
On a more positive note, I am so grateful however to have a very loving, caring and understanding partner who tries to make me feel like a beautiful princess every day of his life „¥ This i will never be able to repay him for.
Well just wanted to get all that off my chest. Thanks for listening everyone. I hope you all find your happy ending one day „¥xo„¥
Hi all, its been a while since I last posted. I guess I was hoping that if I gave it a while then I would be able to come on here and tell you all about my wonderful experience with Fraxel. Unfortunately it is the opposite 😥 I have had 4 Fraxel Treatments. The last 2 were at the highest settings possible. It has been about a month since my last one and there has been not one slight difference to my skins texture. For the people out there who have had this treatment done will agree that for the first week after each treatment your skin looks great... only because its all swollen and the skin is stretched to a smooth texture but then sure as hell the scars slowly creep back up again. I have spent a total of $4500 on this procedure and strongly advise anyone who is contemplating it to NOT get it done. Not only is it a complete waste of time and money but the pain involved is horrendous. I almost had a panic attack whilst having the first one due to the severe discomfort. My derm promised me that my skin would get great results and continuosly boasted about how happy I would be with the final outcome. I only sigh now at his comments as I know they were all lies. Anyway I dont mean to be negative or burst anyones bubbles but the truth of the matter is Fraxel doesnt work for acne scarring so dont waste your money.I am going to see my derm again in a few weeks. He wants to see my skin and compare photos to see if there is any difference whatsoever. I will also be speaking with him about another alternative too. Hopefully there is something else out there that actually works. Money isnt a problem, i just want to see results. Its not like I am rich or anything but to me I believe you cant put a price on having normal skin, not perfect, just normal. Acne is not just about scarring and pigmentation... its a disease. An emotional and physical disease and for all you people out there like me who are suffering just as much, my heart goes out to you all because I know EXACTLY how you feel. Ive read many stories of people commiting suicide over acne and I used to think how can a human being take their own life over having scars on their skin. Not that I would EVER consider doing something like that but after suffering myself I can so understand how they would have been feeling.
In my job I am constantly in the public eye and I wish just for one day people would look me in the eye when talking to me, not look everywhere else on my face. I can almost read their minds when i see their eyes flickering around from my cheeks to my forehead, down to my chin then back to my cheeks again. I would love for the day when I could just wake up and go out shopping without having to cake a gallon of makeup on my skin jsut to try and make myself feel normal and most of all accepted.
My journey of acne and the scarring it leaves has left a permanent emotional scar on the inside of me and I believe it is something that will never be erased no matter how perfect my skin becomes.
I know there are a million people out there dying and suffering 1000 times worse than me and I know your probably thinking to just be grateful that I am alive. Well I tried that. I tried to tell myself that for 5 years. It just gets a bit much after a certain amount of time. As long as there are mirrors in this world people like us will always feel this way.
On a more positive note, I am so grateful however to have a very loving, caring and understanding partner who tries to make me feel like a beautiful princess every day of his life This i will never be able to repay him for.
Well just wanted to get all that off my chest. Thanks for listening everyone. I hope you all find your happy ending one day xo
What type of scarring do you have?
im sooo frustrated.........5 days after my 3rd Fraxel.........and im not seeing any results....where are my dramatic improvements????I hate going through this hiding out from everyone all wk..............and i still have 2 more treatments......I need a miracle.......
Heh, my results were much the same. I got like 5% softening of some hypopigmentation and that was it. Apparently you need to have like 10+ fraxels to get decent results... I for one am not buying it. Going to look at Erbium and Aurora and Polaris, and wait for the CO2 version of fraxel before I spend any more.
Stay away from the Aurora and anything from Syneron Inc. I had a terrible, terrible experience.
You guys really need to wait 6 months while your skin produces new collagen to fill in the scars. Make sure you're getting extra protein and vitamin C.
That being said, I do think 6 fraxels is the minimum to start seeing results. Your not even getting 100 percent coverage of your scars until you get 6.
im sooo frustrated.........5 days after my 3rd Fraxel.........and im not seeing any results....where are my dramatic improvements????I hate going through this hiding out from everyone all wk..............and i still have 2 more treatments......I need a miracle.......
What kind of scars do you have?
It's been 8 days since my first Fraxel Re:Store. The swelling is gone. I think I can see some improvement already in the scars on my cheeks, but I don't know if maybe I have an over-optimistic imagination or not. But, I can definitely see improvement on the lines on my forehead, it's noticeable. I also have two very large, deep scars on my left temple and I can see definite improvement there as well. Another thing that is very noticeable is that the skin on my face feels different to the touch, like it's softer and smoother.
I wash my face twice per day, morning and night. In the morning I moisturize with Olay Complete Defense, it has SPF 30 UVA/B. At night I use Curel.
I also have a whey protein shake every morning for extra protein.
I'll ask if I can buy copies of the before and after photos from the clinic at my next appointment. Does anybody know if they allow that?
im sooo frustrated.........5 days after my 3rd Fraxel.........and im not seeing any results....where are my dramatic improvements????I hate going through this hiding out from everyone all wk..............and i still have 2 more treatments......I need a miracle.......
this has been said OVER and OVER again, you will not see 'dramatic improvements' after your 3rd fraxel. or even any improvements. wait until your 4th, 5th, and 6th to see improvements. i am seeing great improvements now a month after my 5th fraxel. i definitely saw MINIMUM improvements after my 3rd.
you must be prepared to go all the way with this treatment or not bother with it at all.
im sooo frustrated.........5 days after my 3rd Fraxel.........and im not seeing any results....where are my dramatic improvements????
I hate going through this hiding out from everyone all wk..............and i still have 2 more treatments......I need a miracle.......
first of all uve only done 3....and u need about 20 (my 10th is tomorrow)
second, u need higher settings.....i use 70 mj at level 12/8 passes
third, if ur skin alot of deep indentations, u will need some fillers injected every few months...
dont think about it....just accept it, and do it